bushido_man96

No, you are right; picking fights isn't the best of ideas. However, I would rather have some grappling knowledge to go with my striking knowledge. A little bit can go a long ways.

I understand what you are saying, obiwansbane. The element of surprise is somewhat debateable, because if they attack you first, you might be the one surprised. At any rate, what you say is akin to what I mentioned.

I honestly think that anyone's first fight is going to be a wake-up call. No matter how you train. However, that is not to say that there aren't better training methods out there.

I had never heard of that before. I always try to strike with the bone when I block. Of course, I am not in Shotokan, either.

Cool video. I like the flying armbar. They have some interesting leg locks, too.

I agree. That makes Moss very draftable in Fantasy next season!

Ah, cool. The one on the left, correct?

That is a good idea, indeed. I will have to keep that in mind. At my school, the instructor has a computer system that you slide a card by, which registers your attendence. He can probably look back to see how many classes we attend in a month as well.

Cool, thanks for sharing!

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.