bushido_man96

I chose other. I originally started because as a chubby little kid that got picked on, I wanted something to help me get around this. Later on, it just became a part of me, and now I cannot imagine not doing it. Now, with my job, I take it even more seriously, and think about ways to improve myself every day.

I was wondering if anyone has ever gotten to see one of these events, either live or recorded? I was reading about the results of the most recent event, and I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced them? I think they would be great to watch. If anyone has anything to enlighten me, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

8-1-07 Today, I did an easy walk through of my forms and one-steps, to review for testing this weekend. It took me about 20 minutes, and I didn't go very hard. I got a sweat going, but kept everything low-key.

This weekend I will be doing the first half of my 3rd dan testing. If I pass, I will be awared the rank of 3rd dan recommended, and then have a 6 month probationary period during which I will have to test for 3rd dan decided.

A Game of Thrones; Tyrion Key events: After a night in the library of Winterfell, which holds many rare works, Tyrion goes down to have breakfast. It has been 4 days since Bran fell, and the parties to leave have not yet. Robert stays with Eddard. As Tyrion climbs down the stairs, he meets Clegane and Joffery. Joffery makes some crude remarks, and Tyrion tells him that he should give Ned and Cat his condolences. Joff refuses, and Tyrion responds by slapping him across the face. Joff demonstrates his cruelty with his words, and he tells Tyrion that he will "tell Mother." Surprisingly, the Hound, stands by, and says nothing about Tyrion's actions. Tyrion then goes to have breakfast with his brother and sister. When Tyrion told the chidren that Bran should live, he notices the glance between Cersei and Tyrion. He is observant, and suspects what happened. We learn that Cersei has no love for Tyrion, but that Jaime does. Tommen and Myrcella are very loving children, where as Joffery is pompous and arrogant, thinking only of himself. Tyrion also knows how to get under Cersie's skin, and kind of revels in it. Tyrion speaks of wanting to visit the Wall before they depart.

A Game of Thrones; Bran Eddard, Robert, and many of the party are out on a hunt. Bran was told to say his goodbyes today, because the next day, they are to leave for the South. Bran tries to say goodbye to a few people, but becomes teary-eyed, and runs off. Instead, he decides to go climbing. He notes that he has not named his wolf yet; Rickon's is Shaggydog, and Robb's is Grey Wind. Sansa named her's Lady (fitting), and Arya's is Niemeria. Key events/notes: During his climb around an abandonded part of the castle, he heres voices. They are talking about his father, and he tries to get closer to hear without being spotted. The voices are discussing how they don't like the idea of Eddard becoming the Hand of the King, and that his loyalty to Robert will be a problem. They also discuss Lysa Arryn, Cat's sister, and Jon Arryn's widow. There is talk of proof of something, but not what (the legitimacy of Cersie's children to Robert). Finally, Bran looks around to see who is talking, and he finds Cersei, the Queen, and Jaime, of the Kingsguard, together, kissing and talking. The Queen notices Bran, and he gets startled, slips, but is caught by Jaime. After pulling him up, Jaime casts him out the window. Before he went climbing, Bran's wolf would howl at him as he started. As Bran was falling, he could her his wolf howling still.

These two books are great. The original is already a classic, I think. With chapters on kicking, stiking, footwork, and sparring, he covers the gamut of striking styles. In Solo Training 2, he goes further and covers ways to train grappling solo. They are very unique ways, but inventive, and one could benefit from them. This volume also concentrates on training the core, in order to build up the strength needed to perform good Martial Arts techniques. Combined with his chapters on the mental aspect of being a Martial Artist, and his humoruous writing style, his books are always worth their price. If you are ever stuck in a rut in your MA training, you can grap one or both of these books, flip open to a page, and find training ideas to keep you interested for weeks at a time. I recommend just about anything by Christensen.

Nope! Just one of me!! If you have doubts as to the legitimacy of your school, then I would suggest you look around elsewhere. Otherwise, stick it out, and see how things progress.

I don't think anyone is going to yell at you for posting good stuff. If you think you post alot, looka at bushido_man96's post number (over 8400 posts in less than two years ). It's all good stuff though! Hehe, thanks, guys! It has been a great ride so far. I try not to blow off too much hot air!

Yeah, mostly TKD places. They are usually required equipment for sparring at tournaments. So most will train with them on in class, in order to be used to them.

Wait till you have kids...then, you will be so busy running them around, that you won't have time to be bored!!!

I think so. Doesn't Tony Jaa use a set in Ong Bak? Don't know...haven't seen it yet.

Eww, that sounds nasty, Zanshin. I would have to say that I have never had anything that bad happen to me. A girl that was in our TKD school, testing for her 2nd dan, I think, blew her knee out during the testing.

Wow! Amazing! I had never had the opportunity to see that before. Thanks for sharing.

I agree, true Pankration won't be seen, because of the nature of the sport. Very dangerous, and no rules, I believe. However, it was the predecessor.

I hear ya there. I don't like them either, and would prefer to go without them. That way, my punches would get respected a lot more, too.

There are some that are called "instructor hogus" or something to that effect, and they are quite a bit thicker, but less maneuverable, I think. However, instructors will wear them to allow full-speed counters and such to be worked on by students gearing up for sparring in tournaments or what-not. Maybe that would be better for your purposes.

By looking at just the website, it is hard to tell. You really have to see the quality of the students to get an idea. Is the school affiliated with any national/international organization? What forms systems do you use? What are the sparring/self-defense curricula like? There are a lot of questions that can be asked, and all of them may help to answer your question.

Way to go, Karate Ed!

The tourch is constantly being passed on. You just have to know where to look.

We wear chest protectors at my school. Previously, I had never worn one. We do Olympic sparring rules, so we wear them. However, we don't wear them for testing purposes.

Yes, well done!

Ofcourse, anything can be effective if you land it. Some tactics have a far better chance of working than others however, and a kick to the stomach is a fair way down the list of tactics in my opinion. Yes, at this point, it becomes a matter of percentages. High-percentage usually wins out.

I agree, set up is key for any technique. I also feel that the back leg round kick to the thigh is a great kick, and it can be quite debilitating. A back leg front kick into the knee can be, as well.

Make sure to get warmed up really good. If you aren't doing a MA class that night, get on a bike or a treadmill for 20 minutes. Then, work spits to the front and each side. Also work seated stretches, with one leg extended, and the other tucked to the inside of the stretched leg. Butterfly stretch is good, too. Standing with feet together, and bend at the waist, try to touch your toes. These are just a few examples. Hold each stretch for around 1 minute if you can, and do 3 reps of each.