bushido_man96

That is a good insurance policy there. You really can't go wrong with the Sensei's instruction. And in the end, no one gets offended.

That is an interesting piece of history that I was not aware of. Thanks for sharing, ps1.

Even after earning First Dan, I still learn new forms and material. You think that you learn most of it, but then things get presented a bit differently, and it makes you think more. So, you have all of the techniques, but you just apply them differently. A lot of it has to do with further refinement of technique. There are always very minute things to work on, However, more of it has to do with being able to transfer your knowledge to others as well. The higher your rank, then the more people expect you to be able to represent your style via discussion and demonstration. Another, and perhaps the most important aspect, of attaining higher Dan ranks is the propogation of the style. As one raises in rank, he can begin to help promote and advance his style, analyze things that can be made better, and things like this. Time-in-rank helps with gaining this experience, and the more things you do (teach, compete, etc.) then the more experience you get.

Thanks, Clash.

I would agree with you. Those with experience in arts like Karate and TKD prior to their MMA careers don't just lose that knowledge. They retain it, adapt it, and add in the new concepts that they learn as well.

I would imagine that the system of punching has been mostly the same. It shouldn't be a major coincedence that the two styles of punching are similar. After all, there are only so many ways to throw a punch. I do know that Thai Boxing doesn't use the bobing and weaving that Western Boxing does, though, because of the kicking and knee strikes.

Well, the Chiefs get a win this week, while the Broncos and Chargers lose. Good for them, but it was still an ugly win. Deuce McAllister is out for the season in New Orleans, so does this make Reggie Bush the man? Also, the Packers look to be for real. I did not expect Favre to perform as well as he has so far. It is good to see him having fun!

I was doing well on mine, but I got tired of rearranging the stickers!

This weekend I am going to be testing for my 3rd Dan Decided belt. After this test, I won't have a testing for another 4 and a half years, I think. I have 4 board breaks to do, and this is my list: spin side kick, jump front snap kick, back leg round kick, knife hand strike, and flying side kick over 3 people. I also have to demonstrate whatever forms they want me to, along with all of the one-steps, and then sparring.

Congratulations!

I understand what you are saying here, and this is a good thing. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that not every aspiring artist gets to end up doing it for a living. Some do make it, and some don't. The Martial Arts can be the same, too.

In fact, this could very well be a group tactic that they are using against you. While you focus on talking one down (perhaps the one you perceive to be the leader) another may be gearing up for the surprise attack.

These two books are breakdowns of a Medieval fightbook authored by Sigmund Ringeck, a 15th century master of the Liechtenauer system of swordsmanship. The first title focuses soley on the use of the longsword without wearing armour, while the second work includes several other systems of combat of the age. The first book is very informative on the subject of the Medieval longsword combat, discussing the various guards used, the strikes, parrying, and other tactical uses of the blade, such as winding, traveling after, and how tactics such as these work off the bind. The second text goes into more detail on fighting with the longsword when wearing armour, which is a very indepth section of the book. The spear section is very interesting. I found the most interesting section to be the Wrestling section. Each text is the result of years of research and practice by the authors in recreating this system of swordsmanship. Each book contains the original text of the author (Ringeck) along with translations, and then follow illustrations of what the authors have worked out and deciphered from the text and original illustrative plates of the original work. The illustrations are very easy to follow, with footwork, hand position, and weapon positions all easy to identify. These works are a must have for the Western Martial enthusiast. Also included are appendices that help to locate accurate replica swords and armour for those interested. These books are great. They are both ARMA member books, and are great examples of what the Western Sword tradition has to offer. Whatever (mis)conceptions that one may have about sword fighting in Medieval Europe, reading these books will quickly illustrate what an integrated and efficient style of swordsmanship it truly is.

Run with a watch on, and do intervals. Run for 5 minutes, or something like that, and then kick it up a notch or two, and hold that pace for 1 minute, and then go back to your 5 minute pace. You can adjust the times here; I don't know didley about running, so the times may not be right, but you get the idea. Also, make sure to run the entire mile. As you get to where you can hold the faster pace longer, increase the time you spend on the faster pace. Eventually, the faster pace will be your new normal pace, and you can set an even higher interval. Here is a thread that you may find helpful: http://www.karateforums.com/the-running-thread-vt29274.html

9-25-07 Back/shoulders/biceps Assisted pull-ups: plate 11x10, plate 11x10, plate 10x10 Back hyperextensions: 3x15 Seated cable row: 120x10, 130x8, 140x6 Dumbell shoulder press: 40x10, 45x8, 50x6 Barbell biceps curl: 70x10, 75x8, 80x6 Legs Hip abduction: 3x10x115 lbs. Hip adduction: 3x10x115 lbs. Hip flextion: 3x10x85 lbs. Hip extension: 3x10x130 lbs. Abs Physio ball crunches: 3x15 Physio ball roll-outs: 3x10, 5 second hold each. Taught Kids Class: 4:00 - 5:00. Class was ok. I tried to hammer the stances a bit today.

Its great that you found time to run. I never run, but mainly because I don't like it! 9-24-07 Chest/triceps Bench press: 195x8, 205x6, 215x4 1-arm dumbell press: 50x8, 50x8, 50x8 Triceps push-down: 90x10, 105x8, 105x6 Bench dips: 3x10 Legs Hip sled: 230x10, 3x10x345 lbs. Physio ball curl: 3x10 Calf raises: 3x10x177 lbs. Abs Roman chair crunches w/twist: 3x10x20 lbs. Side raises: 3x20x20 lbs. Forearms Gripper machine: 3x10x30 lbs. Wrist curls: 3x20x20 lbs. Traditional Class: 6:00 - 7:00. This was a decent class. I wore myself out in basics, but did OK with sparring at the end of class. I still need work on my footwork and combinations, though.

Keep your eyes forward, and try to get away, ignoring them. If you attempt to fight a group of people, even if it is only two, you still run a good chance of getting held down and beaten up badly. The best thing to do is avoid it at all costs. If you have to fight, then so be it; get rid of someone fast, and then get rid of the next someone fast. Then run.

Very nice, and very well written. I especially think that firearm usage/defense is too often overlooked today. Considering that it is a more common threat, it makes sense to be prepared for it. The use of First Aid is important, too. A nice point about using First Aid deters the ability to prove criminal intent.

Yeah, I see what you are saying there. If your older boy is really into the grappling, then you could look into a Kid's Wrestling program as well. The goals there will be different, but I think he would still benefit from it, and he would get the chance to compete as well. In the end, I think knowing Wrestling would compliment his BJJ as well.

Welcome to the Forums! It sounds like you have a couple of active ones! If you don't want to change from the Gracie school (and I can't say as I blame you), then perhaps you could have him do MT with your other son as well. If he wants to stay with grappling, though, then perhaps a Judo studio would suit your needs. Best of luck, and welcome!

I will. Hopefully, it will be soon.

Bearich makes some good points. Running an MA school, even part time, is tough. Check this schedule out: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Most people's normal working hours. (Bankers' hours, so to speak. Most people are at work and off by this time) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. One hour for a Martial Arts class. This is just one class. Let's say you run two classes a night... 7:00 - 8:00. Now, you have to lock up, and get home. Did I mention supper anywhere in there? Nope. Have to do that after class, if you are like me. I don't eat before working out, because then I get bad gas... Nor did I mention any time with the kids, especially those under the age of 4. Do they want to hang out at the MA school all that time? Not likely, so either your spouse does it, or you find a babysitter (more money out of the pocket). Now you just have to figure how many days a week that you want to do this, or can do this. It is very tough. I teach one day a week at the school that I attend, and then work out in two classes each week, and it is still tough on me. Would I open a school or club right now? No way. Too much time, right now.

Here is a new one that Turtle Press just put out: http://www.turtlepress.com/Complete_Taekwondo_Poomsae_p/tkd1.htm Most of Sang H. Kim's work is decent, so I expect this book should detail things pretty well. I am looking at getting it, eventually.

I think that some sport-fighting types of training have a better set up going for training for self-defense than some more "traditional" schools would have you believe. Take Judo and Wrestling, for example. They both go at full resistance, full speed. You learn what you can and cannot do when someone is trying to do the same things to you. Boxing and Kickboxing have advantages because you learn what it is like to be hit, and how to hit back. These sports all have the advantage of training at full speed, with resistance from an opponent. No one is pulling the other fist to the hip, or striking perfect stances, or doing forms. All of the application is right there.

This is a good point, as well. Turnabout is fair play.