bushido_man96

I don't know; I think it depends on how much you take, and what you do to use it. As long as you lift and workout, and take the right amount, it shouldn't hurt you like that. It should help to build muscle, but you have to exercise right.

Everyone has to start somewhere!

Yes, true. But you are going to have to have someone to set up the fights for you. I don't think that there are a lot of open-style MMA competitions out there that people can just show up at and compete in.

I think it is the result of the chest protectors as well. It is hard to punch through them, and make someone feel it.

I think that Tae Kyon is more of a revival Art than anything else. I do think that TSD and TKD were very Japanese in the beginning, but the founders of the Kwans wanted to distinguish themselves from the Japanese and their styles, and therefore, we have what is TKD today.

I don't usually see TKD Times - though my original instructor (and former family doctor) are two of the people that helped get it off the ground. I'll have to pick up a copy and give it a read. Thanks for the heads-up! Matt Who was your original instructor?

Well, that is the yeowman's task! Here is some information from Wikipedia: Karate Okinawan Martial Arts Japanese Martial Arts I hope these can get you started. This will be very general information for the most part, and I am sure some of the individual stylists on the Forums here will be able to offer you more specific information.

I just don't think it is possible to do physical damage without making physical contact.

It doesn't sound like it should be, but when the adrenaline is flowing, and the unexpected happens, the amount of time you spend visualizing is going to go down.

I have always thought that learning Mantis would be fun. I have read bits and pieces about it, and thought it was kind of interesting.

I would say that Choi was the founder of what we know as TKD. He was the driving force behind the unifying of the Kwans that came to be know as TKD; I think he came up with the name itself as well. I know that there were some that did not follow him, though. Aside from that, before TKD was established, the Kwans were pretty much teaching their versions of Karate that they learned from the Japanese.

I weigh about the same, but unfortunately I am about 10 inches shorter than you! I usually don't have a problem kicking the taller guys in the head, if I get the opportunity, though.

My Self-Defense partner and I worked on choke escapes a bit once, and he really locked on a choke, so I could see what it is like to fight it off. You don't have a lot of time, if it is locked on tight. You go out quick, so you have to react fast, and make sure it works.

That does clarify things a bit, thanks. You and I share some of the same sentiments. One thing that does concern me in your post about Kihon Gumite, being the bedrock of Wado, and the spot at which you really learn to fight, and the fact that it takes 3 years to get to that point. Pehaps I misunderstand, but I think that the Martial Artist should be able to defend himself before this amount of time is up. If I am misunderstanding, then please let me know.

To seriously compete, first, you need to get a manager.

Very cool! All the better. It proves that the Martial Arts can be a life-long experience.

Let us know what turns up.

I think that Judo and BJJ can compliment each other well. Judo will give you a great standing takedown arsenal, and BJJ will give you the base you need to be effective on the ground.

Look into what schools you have available to you, and what gyms, if any, are nearby. Then we could give you a better idea of how to get started. Welcome to the Forums!

TKD and TSD both have their roots in Karate. Most of the other "history" that is put forth about the origins of TKD and TSD are mainly propogations made by the Koreans in charge to disengage them from being associated with the Japanese, whom they don't like.

The physical requirements must just be part of your school. I have not received anything from ATA HQ mandating specific fitness requirements for black belts or colored belt students. ATA HQ has been distributing "Training Tips" with suggested work-outs. But again, at this point they are only "suggested." Matt White Thanks for the clarification, Matt. I was kind of curious.Did you guys see that Chief Master Clark made the cover of TKDTimes Magazine this month?

I have heard of it before as well. I think it is good for the student to be aware of where the attacks can come from, and fighting multiples when you don't have far to go is good for training, too. Like others have mentioned, better for higher ranks.

That’s pretty much my take on it as well, and I am not sure whether the majority of people that practice Traditional Karate actually want it to become an Olympic sport anyway. There is a feeling that it is not exactly representative of what Karate has to offer. How do TKD practitioners feel about the whole Olympic thing? No big deal to me. I could watch it, or not. Right now, I don't care for the clinches in the style, and I don't like how hand technqiues do not score. However, those guys are great atheletes, and they train a lot. It is tough to get into.

I imagine visualization would help the fact. However, in the heat of the moment, I think it would be tougher to accomplish.

I agree, it is fun to read and learn new things like that. I tend to go in stints myself.