bushido_man96

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.

Thanks for that information, WingChunTonight. Welcome to the Forums! I dig your username, too!

Welcome aboard!

Sounds like a good idea to me. The sword does no good if it flies out of your hand!

What do these guys do? I have not heard the names before. Sorry!

This book is devoted entirely to the use of street-oriented self-defense. Given the subject matter, one would think that the book is filled with RBSD instructors talking about disarming guns, etc. However, Christensen offers his own chapters, along with chapters from other experienced instructors, ranging from Iain Abernethey, Rory A. Miller, Lawrence Kane, Kris Wilder, and others. There are chapters on defending against dog attacks, using hair attacks, using a tactical flashlight, kicking in self-defense, and the list goes on and on. The book is underlined by two major subjects: that you will fight the way you train, and that you need to be justified for whatever you use in a self-defense situation. This is an awesome book, and if you like Christensen's work, then it is a required addition to your library.

4-28-07 The wife, kids, and I took another walk this morning; about 1.5 miles. Then, we took a very long walk this evening, walking about 8-9 miles, I would say. It took about 4 hours, but we stopped at a few places on the walk. It was a good walk, that is for sure. Especially when pushing the stroller while trying to keep up with my wife's frantic pace!

Forearm curls and reverse curls can help to build the muscle on your forearm. On a side note, you will want to block with those bones, so you might just work them into it a little bit. After a while, it won't bother you as much.

Agreed, but knowing how to fight on the ground also means you know how to get up from the ground in a safe manner. Ah, I agree with this 100%. Your other points are good as well.

Cool, thanks. What do you mean by a "numbered" bag, DWx?

Thanks, dano. I may have to look into those.

I agree!

Part of the reason at times is that you may have to meet certain other requirements, such as writing a paper, or helping with classes, etc. It just depends on the school and instructor.

This is good advise. I would add that when you turn, bring the leg that is stepping close to the base leg that is pivoting; avoid swinging it out, as this would cause you to lose your balance, and is inefficient movement. Think of it as you would if you were just walking, and try to keep it simple. Welcome to the Forums!

Asking questions is normal and expected. We don't really have lot of arguementative students. Asking for clarification is a good thing, and most instructors will appreciate it. However, arguing a point with an experineced instructor may not be advisable until you get some more experience under your belt.

I have never seen it before...I would be a little skeptical.

I have just finished the book, and I really liked it. I like everything that I have read by Christensen so far. You can order the book from Turtle Press.

Congrats there, Sensei Tom! That is a great deal.

Funny stuff!!!