bushido_man96

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.

Hundreds of years ago, there was no standardization, either. I think that people get caught up in techniques and technique names, and that is where this stems from. MMA, essentially, is Pankration re-incarnated from its original form of the ancient Hellenic games. Sure, there have been some modifications/improvements, but it is very much similar. Perahps there will come a day when we can just say: "I am a Martial Artist."

Cool. Thanks for checking.

This is a good point. Here is a scenario for you: you are walking down the street at night, and minding your own business. You scan the environment, and the people around, like you always do. You round a corner, and after passing a door, someone comes out, grabs you from behind, and puts a gun in your face. What do you do? Do you go for your gun? If so, it may get you killed. Once it reaches this point, the only way to deter the situation would be to be walking down the street with your gun in your hand, not concealed. Now, don't get me wrong. I think conceal and carry is a great thing. However, it isn't a cure-all. That said, if you want to quit the MA, then quit. If you want to buy a gun, then do so. But, you may still be able to find what you are looking for. Many of us have.

look at the list of event results - john shakelford is one of our guys. so is jesse ault. Mike Pyle trains with us when he is in town. Right now, he trains with couture and is the WEC champ. Very cool. How does a school get affiliated with them?

Hehe, interesting.

Awesome!!! Congrats!!!

Interesting. From what shogeri said, I would have thought it would be more like a gym set up. Did you ask about their classes?

Hey guys and gals. Thanks for all the support. Overall, I think the testing went very well. The only hiccups I really had were on board breaks. First of all, for my jump front snap kicks, I kept breaking the back board; I did this twice. I did a knife hand strike, which was pretty easy, and I was the most concerned about this break. Now, for the last break, I did a back leg round kick. The kicker is (no pun intended) that the boards I had to use for this kick were about half the size of the normal boards, making them a touch difficult to break. But, round kick is my best break, so I used that technique for them on purpose. I nailed them on the second attempt, when I lowered them a little, and really grit my teeth and popped them! Watching some of the other students that were my rank testing, I would have to say that I felt pretty good about my technique and forms presentations. I put all of my power into them that I could, and made sure that I had confidence in my voice when I spoke. When I go to test with the other schools, it makes me feel glad that my instructor works us so hard and pushes us to do what we can. It ends up showing, in the end. I felt good about my testing sparring, too. I sparred against two younger, faster, more athletic guys, and I did fairly well. I blocked well, and got in close to punch on them quite a bit. I actually got a round kick through on one of the guys' face, which I apologized to him about afterwards. I didn't kick him very hard, but it made a slapping sound that I think most everyone could hear. I should find out for sure sometime next week if I passed, but I don't have too many worries. My instructor said that I don't have anything to worry about, so that lightens the load a bit. Man, was I nervous, though! I can never shake those nerves!

G95champ is right on, there. Your friend may have adapted to what you do, and now it is time for you to figure out how to grow a little bit more. As for being strong, it should not be a problem. You will want to stay loose, and try to develop your speed as well. That should help things to come together for you.

So who is the technical authority on whether bouncing is correct?the style dictates it, so thus the founders I would imagine. You mention "the founders," and it takes me back to style. I wonder if bouncing would be similar to what the jenga is to Capoeira. Would this be unnecessary motion as well? It is good for the dance, and getting your body going to generate momentum, but would you want to break out in a jenga, a-la Only the Strong, when defending yourself?

Ah, nuts!!! I missed this episode! I am going to try to catch a replay sometime this week. I have enjoyed them all so far. So, is Judo next, or Savate?

8-4-07 Today, I had my testing. It went from 11 am to 1 pm. It consisted of doing all of our one-steps, 3 forms, 2 rounds of sparring against much younger, faster, and fitter guys than myself, and board breaking. I always get a good workout from testings, because I really but my behind to impress. It felt good, and I felt confident in all of my material.