bushido_man96

This is where we differ in opinions. I don't view the jab, jab, cross, jab, uppercut as a kata, but as a drill. I agree with the muscle-memory ingraining aspect, but I don't think that it makes the drill a kata.

I may have to look into these publications. I am always looking for more to read (even though it drives the wife slightly bats ).

I wonder if maybe you feel this way because in the beginning, you had to think harder about how to do things. Now that you have advanced, and things come more easily to you, you mistake it for not working as hard. In fact, you just have smaller, less noticible things to concentrate on, and that could be the difference. Just a thought!

Deeper stances=increased stability while decreasing mobility. Taller stances=increased mobility while decreasing stability. In the end, you have to find your happy medium. Just curious, how long is everybody's stance when they fight? Mine isn't much different than a little longer than average step forward.

Good stuff! Where do you get all of these?

That is great! I'll have to remember that one.

I agree, Ed. That is very cool.

You hit the nail on the head there. Awareness is what will be the most useful tool you have.

You are welcome! I tried, and was surprised there wasn't more around there, for such a populace area.

Thanks for checking, Johh. I am in Hays, KS, Ellis County. Not much out here.

In the interview that I saw, one boxer was making the comment that there were a few boxers he knew that "couldn't cut it boxing" and moved on to MMA. He made some very snide comments about them becoming MMA fighters as well. He also downgraded the talent of the MMA in same breath, kind of.

Funny thing...the school I attend pretty much teaches a back stance as the sparring stance, but I don't use it. It is too uncomfortable for me, and I take a more naturally balanced position, like a boxer would. The back stance can be ok, though, because it keeps the body sideways and as a smaller target. Also, the front leg should only have about 30% body weight on it, making it easy to move. But, as I said, I would not fight from that stance, either. Even in point fighting. Not to say others can't with success. Just not me.

This may be so, but he used it in the sense of working in the most efficient manner possible, and I really feel that Lee felt that forms were not very efficient when it came to learning how to fight/defend one-self. Achieving a level of "mastery" is, in my opinion, one of the most ambiguous things in the Martial Arts. It is so because it is nearly impossible to put a timetable on such an accomplishment. Many times, masters appear to be so in the eyes of others, as opposed to themselves, unless they have a really big ego problem. How do you know when you have mastered the basics? What exactly are the basics? Is mastering the basics the only requirement for achieving mastery? Or, does it simply mean that you have mastered the basics, and that it is now time to move on? I think the last statement there may sum it up the best, but I don't know. I am not a master, I can say that, though.

My point with the Pinan katas are that they were created with a purpose. And they can still be valid to train in today, like Shorin Ryuu mentions, with training basic techniques. However, as can be noted in other styles, there are ways that can result in successful training away from forms training. I guess, if you want to call everything that you do for muscle memory purposes a kata, then that is fine. I don't look at it that way. You could say the same for any floor drill you do with basics, any bag combination drills, etc. In the end, to me, they aren't katas. They are drills. You make good points about what Bruce Lee said, though. He was quite outspoken.

It sounds like you were the victim of the "touchless knockout!" That is a tough break. I'll bet the expression on the white belt's face was priceless!

I also get Black Belt Magazine and Taekwondo Times. I enjoy both publications. I read each from cover to cover. BBMag is monthly, whereas TKD Times is bi-monthly. I have also heard of a UK publication called Traditional Karate. I don't know if you can get here in the states or not, though. The Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do organization used to put out a magazine as well, however, I haven't gotten one in a while, and don't know if they do anymore. There is also a magazine titled Grappling, I think, if you that is a subject you would like to read up on.

Local physical rehabilitation centers may have nutritionists on board. You could also speak with your doctor to find out who the local dietitian/nutritionist would be in your area. Personal trainers may be able to give you some advise as well. If you know of anyone around your area that does anykind of professional sport competition, I would be willing to bet that they have a dietitian/nutritionist as well.

I have been seeing the hype on the Floyd Mayweather, Jr vs. Oscar de la Hoya fight. I would love to watch this fight, but I won't get to, due to its availability. I saw that one publication was claiming that it was to be the fight that will save boxing. Apparently, boxing isn't as popular as it used to be. Do you think that boxing has lost some of its quality and popularity? Do you think that this is due to the rise of MMA? Which do you prefer to watch? Do you think that there has been a decline in the popularity of the sport? Do you think that shows like The Contender help boxing out? I would like to see boxing covered more often away from a PPV venue. One reporter also mentioned the need to unify the heavyweight titles. Apparently, there are currently 4 different heavyweight champions. What do you think?

When my wife and I bought a new car, the one we traded in had 250,000+ miles.

The soreness will pass. Keep up the hard work!

I see what you are saying here, but I don't think those kinds of kicks have been around all that time. TKD is not even that old as art itself. It was "formed" in 1955, and the other Korean Kwans were probably popping up 20 to 40 years prior to this. Many of these spinning/head level techniques were probably not used that long ago, especially on a battlefield. Some of the moves are useful now in certain types of sparring competition (hence, the tornado kick), but I don't really think they have been around that long.

I would speak to a nutritionist. They can put you on a diet to help you reach your goals.

Welcome to the Forums! Focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths in through the nose, hold for a count, and control your breath out the mouth. Do this for several minutes. It should help you to gather your nerves, a little. However, after many years of training, I still get nervous. It is natural! Best of luck to you! Keep us posted.

Um, wow, DWx. That is very deep, and very heavy. That was a great brain workout for me. Kind of hard to understand it all, but a great post. Even if you aren't 100% right, it is impressive that you can put it into perspective that way. DWx, John, you two are sharp! Little confused here...so, you mean I did good???

It isn't likely that I will find one around here anytime soon.