bushido_man96

Thats where EVERY martial art breaks down- the only difference is that BJJ acknowledges it... Extremely good point. There really is no Martial Art that is effective against multiple attackers.

Unfortunately, I don't think we ever really know until we have to use it.

I don't view the MMA gyms as a threat to the Martial Arts. If anything, they are a boon to the Martial Arts. MMA gyms aren't that much different than Boxing gyms, Thai boxing gyms, or high school and NCAA wrestling schools. Even though they aren't spending time in a "traditional" style, they will still learn things like discipline. That training will discipline anyone, I think. Aside from the respect thing, I think that most of the people in the world are respectful, for the most part. You can always find someone that isn't respectful, and they may feel this way because of their ability, or any other of numerous factors. You can even find people like this in "traditional" Martial Arts.

Hey there, storyteller. Man, that is a tough break. I am sorry to hear about all of that. I found this website: http://whizzie.tripod.com/Belts_and_Uniforms.htm Let me know if that is what you are looking for.

I agree. It is never too late. You will do fine. I first took up Hapkido at the age of 26, I think, or 27. Can you tell me what "freestyle" Hapkido is? I had not heard of it before.

Haha, yes. As often as possible.

That is true. Ego can become a factor. However, it also comes down to doing what you want to do with your journey as well. In the end, if one does become overwhelmed, I think that many times one will notice, and then choose to back off, or re-focus their attention.

This is a good example of what I am talking about. If it were me, I would always try to find some way to distract the attacker who is choking me, before proceeding with a defense (like the groin kick you mention, or a foot stomp, or even a hand to the throat). Instead of offering this advise, he just tells you to strengthen your arms? That doesn't seem like a rational explanation that will help you out. Now, don't take what I am going to say the wrong way, but it is just a fact (with a very few exceptions...maybe Laila Ali, and some women bodybuilders...): women are usually not going to be able to be as strong as the average man. That is just a fact. That is why women are prey so often. Therefore, it is important to be able to augment what you can do to accord for your ability. Now, I will give a word of warning. Since you are new to the arts, you may not know what can and cannot work for you yet. Your inexperience will play a role here. At this point, you should try to work through what your instructor is telling you. If it doesn't work for you, and he still points out technical problems you are having, then continue to work on it. However, there comes a point in your training where you will figure out that it isn't working, and it isn't becaue of technical inadequacies. That is where you need to try to make your adjustments. However, when he states that you should be strengthening your arms, it can be a time of question.

Good point, straightblast. I agree that power is important. When I said land, I should have used the terminology that Lee used. What he would call a "score." That is what I meant.

The draft is over, and I can't say that I am too happy about it. I don't think the Chiefs moved Green like they wanted to, and they drafted only one Offensive Lineman. ARRRGGGGG! I saw that the Raiders traded Moss to the Patriots. I think that could be a good deal for the Pats, for sure. Watch for Brady to throw for 5000+ yards.

Staying close can help. However, I know of some kicks that are very sneaky, even when someone is cramming you. Overall, it is a good strategy, and is one I use a lot.

I thought that both members there looked good. Which one are you?

I don't know what kind of funds you have to start, but doing a fitness center as well as an MMA training center (which what I think you mean) might help to supplement your income.

4-29-07 The family and I went for another 1.5 mile walk tonight. Along the way, I did one-leg hops, doing 3 on one foot, and then switching to the other, then resting a tad. I did 30 on each foot.

Is that just like a makiwara, or a smaller version of one?

I would rather have a hanging bag as well, but it just isn't in the cards. So, I go with these.

Those are some good ideas, Tom. Thanks for sharing. What kind of side kick drills do you do, to try to improve?

This can lead to unfortunate circumstances. When an instructor tells you that you should do so-and-so if the opponent does so-and-so, and that is the way you train it, with no questions asked, and then, when the time comes, it doesn't work for you, what happened? Was it because you didn't do it right? Or was it because what works so well for one person doesn't work the same for another? As an instructor, it is important to be able to work with variations of things with the students, in order for them to find out what works for their particular body type and ability/skill level. Therefore, it is important for students to ask questions now and again, and they should feel comfortable doing so. Even if it comes out in an arguementative tone (which, hopefully, wouldn't happen often) it should still be addressed. I know that students can get frustrated at times; I get that way, too. It is all part of the learning process. However, don't forget that their is more than one process to learning.

That is a very nice Bruce Lee paraphrase. However, the point is a good one. In the end, they are just techniques, and if they land, they served a purpose.

Sounds great, Tom. I like the plaque idea.

The best thing you can do is start by analyzing your diet, and adjust your caloric intake accordingly. Then, it will really come down to doing some physical activities that you enjoy, and make sure you do them 3 to 5 times a week, for around 20 or 30 minutes at a time. It may be lifting, or cardio, or a little of both. Even playing some pick-up basketball, or going for a walk every evening. Just make sure you enjoy what you do. That way, you stay motivated to keep doing it. Good luck, and welcome to the Forums!

This is all really going to depend on how it is applied. If you train in a self-defense mind set, you can make it work. Being in TKD, even through the kicking, it still isn't a problem to get inside and illicit a throw or takedown. In fact, the more time you spend standing on one leg, the more vulnerable you make yourself to a takedown or throw.

Wow, that is kind of a novel idea. Thanks for sharing.

I had seen them before, but I just wasn't too sure about how they felt. In TKD, we take some good contact from time to time, so I didn't know if they give the same protection as the chest protectors. I think that they make shin and forearm protectors as well.

I don't know how much I really buy into this concept. You hear it all of the time, and it gets such a negative conotation all of the time. By being a jack of all trades, you can be better prepared for more scenarios. In the end, when we are talking about fighting (the Martial behind the Arts), there are so many caveats to consider, that it really does behoove you to expose yourself to and train in as many of the different areas as possible.