bushido_man96

I can understand an arguement of this point. I am not sure how much I would support it, but I can understand it. With that said, would the competitons have to be based on the MMA style of competition? Or the style of competition based on the system that the student studies?

Just a quick note to Martial_Artist; I think you want to look at aggravated battery cases, as opposed to aggravated assault. Assaut is merely verbal threat; batter is actual, physical contact. As far as killing goes, it is one thing to say this or that, and to say "I would do this or that" when the situation has never happened. It is quite another when the situation actually arises. I think that everyone can survive; I don't think that everyone is capable of killing. Hence, the sheep in your analogy. Overall, you make a lot of good points, though.

Anytime!

That should be really cool. The history of Savate has always been an interest of mine, but so have many Western martial styles.

If you can work a deal like that, it may be a good thing for you. However, it will depend on the demographics of the area you are marketing. There may be a reason there is no school there right now.

Thanks bushido_man. The embarrassment is the worst pain haha, and its impressive you never had to have them done! American actually, do you also play? No, I don't play. I am out of high school, and we don't have any clubs around here that adults play in. Both of my brothers played in high school, and one in college. I should have played, but I did not. 8-6-07 Chest/triceps Bench press: 185x8, 185x8, 205x6 Cable crossovers: 50x10, 50x10, 50x10 Dips: 2x5 Dip machine: 215x8, 215x8 Abs Roman chair crunches: 3x15 Side raises: 2x20x30 lbs; 10x30 lbs. Frogman crunches: 3x15 (Thanks, Dazed and Confused!) Forearms Grip machine: 3x10x25 lbs. Dumbbell wrist curls: 3x20x20 lbs. Combat Hapkido/Defensive Tactics from 4:30 - 5:30. During this hour, we worked on arresting techniques, from takedowns to controlling to cuffing. This was a great workout! We also reviewed some of the low rank Combat Hapkido curriculum, which, after doing, we realized tied in very well with the arresting techniques that we had worked on. We just had to change the introductory movements. Instead of being grabbed, we had to initiate the grabbing. Tradtional Class from 6:00 - 7:00. We did combination work at the end of class instead of sparring, and I need to work on being lighter on my feet to initiate moves better.

Any of those that I listed will help with most of the kicks that you will be doing.

I would do bag work after lifting, but that is just me. That way, your rest days are spent completely resting.

If you are really that set on learning Hapkido, moving might be your best option. Otherwise, train locally, and maybe something will come your way. You never know, you might meet someone training locally that has some Hapkido experience, and you could work out with them.

That is so true that it isn't even funny!

If I recall correctly, when the Koreans were trying to combine all of the Kwans into one nationally recoginized style, Hwang Kee declined to join them, and TSD remained seperate from TKD. What is confusing to me, though, is that there is a Moo Duk Kwon TKD and Moo Duk Kwon TSD. I still haven't quite got this figured out.

I have seen them in books before. I have never seen them done, though. I wasn't aware of what rank they were required at. They are actually two-man katas, aren't they?

I have been known to block with my elbows this way in sparring at my TKD classes. I get lots of comments on how I have bruised ankles, shins, insteps, etc. in this way. It can be effective.

You actually have these cards to issue to people? Could you describe them a little bit more? To be truthful, I don't think they will hold up like you demonstrate.

I really don't think it is this simple. Muay Thai doesn't use ranks. Neither does Boxing or Wrestling. When the Martial Arts were originally used to train warriors in the ways of hands and weapons, they weren't issued belts to wear. You learned, practiced, and trained. Your ability was tested, and everyone pretty well knew where you stood. The belt ranking system is a relatively new innovation, when compared to how long Martial Styles have been around. I believe that Kano introduced the belt system in his Judo curriculum, and Funakoshi adopted it as well.

Karate has been a topic of addition recenty, too. I don't know if it will get there or not, but there have been some organizations that are beginning to work for recognition by the IOC to represent Karate. One of the big sticking points is that there has to be an "international governing body" to oversee all of the little "national governing bodies" for the even in question. That is how the WTF helped TKD get into the Olympics. They already had the system set up to be used, and the transition was easy. TKD wasn't technically added to the Olympic Games in 1988 (you may know this, but I will throw it out there anyway). It was actually a "demonstration game," where it was given a trial, so to speak. I don't think that it became an official Olympic event until the Barcelona games in 1996 (someone let me know if I am wrong here; I am just going by memory). Phillip Rhee, who played Tommy Lee in Best of the Best, was an American representative, and I believe he took home a silver medal from the 1988 demonstration games.

I agree here. The clothing isn't what is important; the training is.

A Game of Thrones; Eddard This is a good chapter. We learn the name of Jon's mother, Wylla, Ned admits (not Ashara??). Ned and Robert bicker a while in this chapter. Ned's pride and honor glows here, as does Robert's stubborness and brashness. Ned's pride and honor can seem to get in the way of his judgement, at times. He speaks of his dishonor of Cat, along with his views on some other events as well. Key Events/Notes: Robert received a rider at night. He got a letter from Varys, the king's master of secrets. He stated that Jorah Mormont is working as a spy in the Free Cities, where he fled to 5 years ago, for getting into the slave business. Ned does not like Ser Jorah. Anyhow, Ser Jorah is working to earn a pardon by spying on Dany and Viserys. Robert talks of his outright hatred for the Targaryens, and his fear of this new wedding. We also learn some new things about House Lannister, and how they were treacherous in the dealings with the Mad King towards the end of the war. They took the castle by treachery, Ned stated, and he told Robert how he found Jaime sitting on the throne after he had slain the Mad King, thus betraying his honor as a Kingsguard. Robert also states that he has planned to name Jaime Warden of the East, in Jon Arryn's place. This was a major information chapter, and I may have missed something.

I think that most of the deviations came from being in different areas, and not having the same opportunity to share and learn like is available today. It was more a circumstantial thing than a forced thing, I think.

A Game of Thrones; Daenerys Key event: The wedding of Khal Drogo to Dany. We learn more about the culture of the Dothraki. They would appear barbaric to most. At the feast, Dany is seated in a place of honor above her vendictive brother, who doesn't cope with it well. All he wants is his promise; an army to attack the Seven Kingdoms with. Dany tells us that Ser Jorah Mormont has pledged his sword to Viserys, and has been with them since that night she was offered to Drogo. Dany is given gifts at the wedding, and she receives a silver filly from Drogo. Drogo and Dany seem to connect a little after she rides it. From Illyrio, she receives 3 dragon eggs, which he claims are petrified (but we know better ). After the feast, Dany begins to learn that Drogo can be gentle, and even kind; much different than the barbarism that appears to be all that shows. He seems to give off an air of royalty.

A Game of Thrones; Jon Key notes: Jon is preparing to leave for the Wall, to take his place as a member of the Night's Watch. He goes to say goodbye to Bran, who is in a comatose state after his fall. Cat has been standing vigil since Bran fell, and Jon was reluctant to go. When he gets there, Cat showers him with nothing but spite, and even goes as far as to say that "it should have been you." He then says goodbye to Robb, and Robb hugs him. Lastly, he says goodbye to Arya, and gives her a present. The gift is a sword that Jon made for her. It is smaller than the regular swords of the Seven Kingdoms, and Jon says it is like those used by the Braavos of the Free Citys (foreshadowing, here, I think). The name of the weapon is Needle. It seems that Jon and Arya have much in common, including their ability to judge people, and use their heads; aside from their looks.

Welcome back!

Competitions can be beneficial, but I wouldn't say that they are necessary at that age. At this age, kids are mainly going to be learning movement skills. Learning serious self-defense at this age isn't very likely.

If you are looking for fitness, then the effectiveness shouldn't matter quite so much. Boxing would keep you fit. Heck, cardiokickboxing could keep you fit. TKD sparring is good for fitness, to, though. I would just stick with what you got, then, maybe.

But if you have no prior experience, you could still be snowed over pretty easily.