bushido_man96

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.

Check out a class and see what it has to offer. I know that trapping is a part of most Kung-fu styles, and that is something that you probably won't see a lot of in TKD. It will just depend on what your preferences are. I have to hand it to you, it seems like you have a lot of time to practice!

A no-change from a testing is nothing to be that worried about. It will make him better in the end, as long as you push through it. This is how I view the Martial Arts; it is a life-long journey, so what does it matter if you get held up on the way? There shouldn't be an end, so you just keep going. Now, with that said, I don't think there is any room for nothing but negativity. The instructor may be stern and demanding of the students, and that can be ok. However, you shouldn't have to deal with a constant string of negativity. I don't think the instructor should share everyone's scores with everyone else, either. That is just me, though. If you want to look elsewhere, then do so. Just make sure you don't trade to a school where the kids pass every testing, no matter what happens, just to make them feel good all of the time. Successes and failure are all a part of the Martial Arts, and neither should be taken away. Welcome to the Forums!

I wondered about the differences between them, or if they were just maybe a regional thing, with some carryover for each. I may have to look into it. There is an Encylopedia of Phillipine Martial Arts, or something like that, around. I may have to purchase a copy of it. Maybe that will clear things up.

I will do that.

Congrats! Way to go!

I know that the jenga is not a bounce. I was comparing it to bouncing, wondering if it would fall into the unnecessary movement category. You answered the question well for me though, so thanks.

I agree here completely. Things like speed, strength, agility, always add to your various strengths, and help to overcome or hide your weaknesses.

There's your problem. You know, I hear that more and more. I also read TKD Times, and Classical Fighting Arts, when the new ones finally come out. At any rate, though, they are good for topic starters!

Sorry about the wisdom teeth deal, Menjo. What a bummer! I am glad that I have never had to have it done. You mentioned football practice. American football, or soccer?

Welcome to the Martial Arts! Enjoy the journey!

I don't mean to do it all the time, but just supplementally from time to time.

I like that. Me and a cop buddy of mine have actually worked with our collapsible batons on locking someone up on the ground.

Try going through your TKD forms with your fists held in a guarding position, like a Boxer. When you bring the reaction arm back for a block or strke, bring it to the on-guard position as opposed to the ribs. I think this is a good way to modify the training, to get your hands used to the position.