bushido_man96

I would speak to the head instructor about this situation. This is going to cause trouble for more and more people in the dojo, if it is allowed to continue.

Breathing may be the key. I was told once to try to breath in with 4 steps, and breath out in 4 steps. Not sprinting, though, just jogging.

I didn't know there was a 4th!

Cool.

I think that if you teach at a university, that would be the assumption, but I think that definitions 3 and 4 at dictionary.com (though not most common) show that the term does not necessitate the degree. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=professor Granted, strictly speaking you need no formal qualification to be referred to as a "professor", however the title is one that most people would associate with "academia" and not the "martial arts".Is it therefore OK to give this impression? Z I think that if you have an exceptional knowledge in an area that is not considered general knowledge, such as the martial arts, then considering yourself a professor could be ok. The problem I notice is that there is already a preconcieved notion of what a professor is, and when something different comes along, and wants to associate it with the title, we resist it.

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.