bushido_man96

I agree with you, and this is part of the reason that MMA tends to get ripped up by more "traditional" stylists. Sure, these guys talk and yack, and look a bit rougher than the average joe, but just because they don't bow back and forth, etc., doesn't mean that respect is non-existent. In fact, they probably have more respect for each other, and it is more what they feel inside themselves, about how good of fighters each are. In this situation, the MMA guys kind of avoid this situation, because if something doesn't work for them, they have the opportunities to put their ideas to the test in the ring. If it doesn't work, then there is no scenario like the one that you have mentioned before.

"Respect" should not be commanded or used as a crutch for not being able to explain oneself. Open-mindedness is a great thing, and is preached by so many Martial Artists as a principle, yet it seems that they don't want to follow their own advise.

Well, I don't have any secrets, really. But I would be more than willing to swap information and ideas. I am always open to suggestions.

to be a teacher, as opposed to becoming a bill collector. well, I am a teacher, and my students pay and I don't chase money. And I don't have contracts. If you are worth it, paying isn't an issue. no card needed...... if you live in az and want lessons.... look me up!!! Well, I am a bit away from Arizona, (Kansas!!), but if I ever get that way, I will!!!

Well, if you are just a little sore, than yeah, go for it. I think that Daisho's information is good as well. I don't know much about protein shakes and recovery, etc., so I would go with his suggestions.

It could just be something that tourney wanted to do to be a bit different. That happens from time to time. It could be an experimentation as well, and they could be reporting the results of the test to the ITF as well.

Good response, Rick. What you say about politeness and respect is true. Great way to put it.

I truly think it depends more on what the master likes to focus on, as opposed to it being heavily laden in the art. I don't do any meditation or Ki focus, but still feel that I get the full benefits of TKD. The philosophy is a nice touch for those who are interested in that aspect, but I prefer not to really study it as much. I already have my own personal philosphies that serve me very well.

Another thing to consider is developing the leg strength needed to kick high. Being flexible is one thing, but having the strength to kick high is another. An exercise you can do is stand by a wall, and extend your leg to a full round or side kick position. Then, hold it there for about 5 seconds, and then pull it slowly back. Do this several times on each side; do the kick slowly. Next, while holding the leg out at extension, you begin pulsing the leg up and down several inches, working the muscle on the side of the leg that holds it in the air. Along with stretching, like sitting splits and side splits to both sides, your kicking should improve. Welcome aboard!

I disagree. I pay my dues via direct deposit, through a contract. Not a bid deal, really. If the Martial Arts are something that you are serious about, and will be devoting a significant amount of time to, then signing a contract is not a major concern. One of the main things that it does is allows the instructor to be a teacher, as opposed to becoming a bill collector.

Actually, I prefered Ken to Ryu. However, If I were to dress up as Ken, I would have to bleach my hair, and grow it out!

You have hit the nail on the head, Bearich. I share many of the sentiments that you have elaborated on here. Bingo. I agree. Being respectful has more to do with being a human being than a Martial Artist. I know some people in my school who really aren't great people, but are great Martial Artists. Now, I know that this statement will bring some friction, because many think that the two are the same, and this is just not the case. When you talk about fighting or making war, those are the things that count; not respect levels or morals. Again, I agree whole-heartedly. This is exactly what the Martial Arts were born out of. On a side note, not to get too off topic, when you look into the very root of the Martial Styles, you will find that they all had more in common than they had different, as far as techniques used and taught. It wasn't until after the advent of gunpowder to warfare, which changed how wars were fought, and the use of hand-to-hand combat became diminished, that the stylized differences began to emerge in the Martial Styles that we know and love today (in my opinion). Although I have taken liberties with the spots quoted above , I believe this is the heart of your arguement, and thus deserves addressing. I think that it may very well be the case. I touched on this idea a bit in my article titled Martial Arts Monogamy, and I think that it still holds true, to an extent. I think with the advent of styles like MMA and RBSD systems, however, that this kind of nievity is steadily on the decline, and the need to test things for what they really are is taking over. At least I hope so. Great post, bearich.

Well, that is good that it worked. How did you set it up?

This is exactly what I was thinking of.

If you think that you are too sore, then you may want to do one class a week for a few weeks, until your body gets more acclimated to the training, and then add in the second class. Otherwise, the info give by Daisho seems very sound to me. Welcome aboard!

I have those as well, and just picked up Advancing in TKD. It is not too bad. A little bit more spiritual than I like, but it is not bad.

That's great, Laurie! That TSD training can help as stress relief for you.

Sounds like you will have an excellent training routine, once you get it going, NightOwl.

I think the point that you are making about competition minded grappling in self-defense is right on target, Cross. I would want to use my grappling experience to work into superior position and get back to my feet as quickly as possible. It is the mindset that is important. If you get a "gift" given to you at the time, in the form of an arm that is locked, controlling or breaking it may be what you want to do with it.

Very true. When bare knuckle was in vogue, I would believe that the body was targeted more than the head is today, because of the chance of breaking the hands. This would definitely change the strategy of the fights.

i just died laughing, and now my fellow martial artist towards the sun we look... I do have to admit some colored gi's do look cool, but not for any spiritual martial arts sense, I probably wouldn't wear on during actual training except for like a blue during judo sparing/competitions and what have you... (no if i only did judo ). However, I would wear a red one if i was you know.. dressing as Ken Masters for Halloween.. Good stuff!

In my line of work, I get that kind of stuff all the time. I just don't even worry about it. In the past, I would retort with a like reaction, but anymore, I don't even let it concern me.

Thanks, everyone. Olympic style sparring with the WTF is notorious for that. However, at the lower levels of competition, you will still see some punchers. The reason they don't waste their time punching is because it never really scores a point. Our style isn't strictly held to WTF standards, although we do pretty much use their rule system for sparring.

I missed it again. My schedule sucks.

lol clash, if they all stand in tight formation, the sheer vastnessess of their prism can overload the sensory cortex of the brain. i heard it works on lions as well ?? Yeah, but not if you are colorblind.