bushido_man96

That would be a good idea. Also, check to see if they seperate their kids and adults classes. If the school is big enough, they may do this, which woud be a benefit to you.

I like to segmented practice when first learning a form. First, I get it all memorized. Then, I start at the beginning, and break everything down, like Danielle says, and that way I only worry about putting 5 or 6 moves together and getting them right. Once I feel comfortable with that section, I move on to the next. Here is the key, though; once you start working the next section, on your last run for the day, do the first section like you have been, and then do the next section added on. It may not look as solid as the first section, but at least that way you keep up on all of it, and can begin to think about linking them together. Good luck with it Kez! Keep plugging away, and you will be fine!

I kind of like that. Much like Wrestling, you know where you are by what you are able to do when you practice.

I think the term "traditional" is a misnomer in itself.

Here is my interpretation of speaking of someone trying to hurt me: If you want to hurt me, I am going to try as hard as I can to make sure you get hurt. In fact, if you want to do harm to me, and resolve to do so, then I want to hurt you even more, so that you don't think that it is such a good idea to try next time. That is just the way I think, though. Sure, some will say "turn the other cheek." However, you only have two cheeks.

Yeah, it was the last two issues. They were decently informative, written by a couple of Martial Artists that are also lawyers. They talk about some of the generalities to expect, and also give some examples of the difference between some states.

As I get the books read, I will let you know how they are. I do a little blurb on most of them in the Martial Arts Research Library sticky after I get them read. Working nights helps out some. When it isn't busy, I have something to read.

I shop for books on several different websites, with Martial Arts books being a top pick of mine (go figure ). Anyways, one of these websites sent me a coupon for 25% off if I order by a certain date. So, I ordered 4 books that would have cost me $91, but instead, only ran me for around $68. A good deal, I thought, considering the last book I ordered was about 3 months back, and ran me $175 on its own. Anyways, my happy titles will be enroute very soon!! They are: HIGHLAND KNIFE FIGHTING KRABI-KRABONG RENAISSANCE SWORDSMANSHIP SIGMUND RINGECK’S KNIGHTLY ARTS OF COMBAT

Nope, not retired. Just done making "Martial Arts Epics." Whatever those are classified as.

It is hard for us to tell you if the school is reputable with really taking a first-hand look. If the instructor took the silver in Judo, though, I would say his Judo is probably pretty good. As for the other two arts, I suppose it is possible to hold rank in them, but holding that high of rank would seem to raise a question as to how much time he actually got to spend training. If you have been to some classes, what are they like? Have you asked the instructor what his ideals are for testing and promotions? These are some things you may want to ask him. I hope things go well for you. Welcome to the Forums, and to the Martial Arts!

Perhaps bouncing is a bit much, but I find keeping a variable flex in the knees going helps to initiate motion, especially for being a heavy guy.

Here, here! I love that one! That would be quite nice to see. One can imagine how much this would different from the sport that is seen today.

This is the worst, I think. Finding something you like, and then having to move, and find something else. When I moved for college, I had to get into a different style of TKD. It was ok, though. I worked my way in pretty good, and went from there.

Has anyone seen the ads for the new movie War? Jet Li, Jason Stathom; I can't wait!

I would say do it, but that is just me. I don't think it would affect your other training that much. The environments will help you keep things straight, I think.

Thanks, guys!

Well, you make a good point. I don't know how much higher I would hold my guard than I do now, though. A savvy street fighter would take advantage of the open abdomen. However, it is an interesting point.

I am sure that may be the case. For example, my friend in the Reserves is also a 2nd degree, and works out at the same school that I do. Naturally, the ones with prior experience will gravitate to it more.

It seems a bit high to me, but I am pretty tight as it is. It doesn't seem bad, though, and for what they offer, you could be getting your money's worth.

Calling first may be preferable, but I have never seen an instructor turn away a walk-in.

The guys above have some good advise. Do your homework on them as much as you can, and also go and sit in on a class or two at each school. Then, get with the instructors and ask questions. As for the schools with the 8th and 9th dans, go watch for sure. A lot of the time, these high dan grades will have lower dan grades, like 3rd, 4th, or 5th dans, that are teaching the majority of the classes. Good luck, welcome to the Martial Arts, and welcome to the Forums!

Not all are ATA schools, but there are quite a few. I know that the Mike Chat got in with the ATA a little while back, and started an XMA type of program that ATA schools can now offer, for those interested. Perhaps that is why.

I don't agree that training in both styles can really cause that big of a problem. One of the schools of our association in Minnesota trains the ITF forms. However, they also train to do Olympic style sparring, and the head instructor's oldest son has qualified for the Junior Olympic team. He does know some of the WTF forms as well, and does just fine with them. In fact, I don't think there is anything written anywhere that states that you can't hold ITF and WTF certification at the same time. As long as you test and do what they require, I think you can get WTF cerification through the Kukkiwon.

TKD does have its roots in Shotokan, yes. However, I am sure that many Shotokan stylists would be able to tell you that the two are different enough. Just like many off-branches of Karate, being similar but different.

Well, that is what I was told. He didn't say that all of them in it do that, just that some have had doors opened for other opportunities to do this.