bushido_man96

Well, it is hard to say. Everyone is different. As was mentioned earlier, conditioning should be a gradual process, and not one that is wrought with set backs. Taper it off, and then begin to taper it back on again, and see how that goes for you.

If you have a low cable pull, Bushido Man, you can just unhook the metal bar and replace it temporarily with an ankle cuff. They are available at fitness/gym stores for less than $10 or so. I use the low attachment point that is also for sitting rows, curls, and cable crossovers. The glute kickback It's the only exercise I've found that works the glute and hip that way. It's also a great tool for hip abductor and adductor work. I could do that at the gym...I may have to try it on leg day. I can't do the cable stretch, though.

I agree, Baron. I always work hard, and have the feeling that I am not even the best student in my school, let alone how many others are out there. I think ego comes from within, and is a result of neglecting to check it from time to time.

Oh, yeah, man was that bad! That had to hurt. A LOT! But, all that tough old bird was worried about was not being on the sidelines for the next game! But, still, take all the necessary precautions, and take care of yourself.

I think it is great that you still have the drive to want to be at class, even if you can't participate. I am glad to hear that you will be going back soon!

I can't help much here, Baron. But, I'll try. Try standing, and then picking your leg straight up, like chambering a front kick. From there, begin rotating your leg out, then down, and then back around to the chamber postition. That should loosen your hip some. Circle both ways, on both sides. See if that gives you a start. You could also do the "frog stretch." You start by sitting on your knees. Then, you stretch your legs out, while on your knees (picture doing the splits, but on your knees, with the lower legs still tucked under). Then, when you are low enough, lay forward. From there, push yourself backwards, rolling your hips back and forward. See what that does for you.

Bruce Lee was flexible because of this...and because he stretched in his training. Back in the day, martial artists would not train with heavy weights because they believed they would lose flexibilty by gaining muscle. Then, along came Joe Lewis, and tossed that theory right out the window. He was a weightlifter, and big, and fast, and flexible. It is all in how you train your flexibility.

I don't know, that sounds not right. I would go talk to a doctor about it.

I think if you use moderation in your conditioning, you will be fine. I kick the bag with the top of my foot all the time, and never have problems. I can also break two boards with the top of my foot. It stings, and leaves a real nice mark, but I have yet to break my foot on the boards. It isn't for everyone, but it is cool if you can do it.

Very true. The side kick can be a powerful kick, but it requires a lot of commitment.

The International Fight League. It is basically an MMA fight league, with teams based out of different majoy cities. Each team has several weight classes, and each team fields so many fighters. It is kind of like when wrestling teams dual each other, and one team is decided a winner. I think it is a great idea, and will be great for further promotion of the martial arts. I also think it will be the best way for an MMA event to work its way into the Olympic games.

I see. The instructor at our school makes it clear that none of the black belts are to teach any forms higher than the student's current rank.

Thanks for the explanation, Baron. I will mess with it today in Hapkido.

I understand what you are saying here, Baron. However, with forms, you are talking technique, as opposed to application. When you learn the technique, you can then refine it, and then apply it. By the way, have you ever played on those golf simulators? They are wicked-cool!

That is great. I like to know why as well, and I will be the first to admit that I can't explain it all. I love learning new things. That is why I do so much reading.

I hope you do find something there, Baron. Moving around a lot, huh? I don't think I could do that. But, I admire what you do.

Here, here, Baron!!

Not very descriptive, as far as the number of hours put in. However, I think if we could find the credit hours on the courses, that would help. I think the four aspects of the arts that they study is a nice twist.

I think that many people feel this way, after they have held their black belt for a few years. Initially, I think many practitioners get excited about achieving the rank of black belt, and I think they should. I know that I was. If I would not have been, then I probably would not have been working hard for it. Now, it isn't quite as big a deal, but it still doesn't take away from the accomplishment. And it still keeps me working hard. When I first started taking TKD, there was a group of around 12 of us. When we tested for our 1st degree, there were 3 of us. Now, I am the only one that I know for sure is still practicing.

You ever use the cable pulley to try to improve your flexibility? I've got access to one and just started to try to use it to improve my hip flexibility by using an ankle cuff and doing leg raises to the sides against the pull of the cable. I would like to, but I don't really have access to anything quite like that. The only thing I have access to is the weight cable machines. Good idea, though.

I have been doing MA for so long now that it is just a habit. If I miss class, I don't feel right, like my day isn't complete. I also use the focus to constantly better myself as a motivating factor.

I wish I could help you, lordtariel, but unfortunately, I am not too familiar with these forms. If you could find some links to the forms, so I could view them, I would give you an honest opinion of which I think I would like better, and judge as a better form due to level of performance and difficulty level.

I can understand the points here, but where do you learn it? Does the instructor teach you several forms above the next level you will be testing for?

Hmm, you're right. Not what I thought you were taking about at all. I believe this is the much feared "Lord of the Dance" hyung. It is the sine wave movement. When General Choi came up with it, it was based off of the idea that when you finished the move, you gathered power by coming up slightly, and then by "settling" into the move, you transfered all of your power forward and down, into the target. Whenever I see it, I think it disrupts the flow of techniques. I think that many times over the years, the idea has been misinterpreted, and therefore misused, and misunderstood.

Of course. In sparring, it is always give and take!