bushido_man96

It does sound like you two (gheinisch, stejitsu) have very respectable conditions at your respective schools. A fellow trainee of mine read the article, and he stated that he felt very much the same way that I do. He has even stated that he thinks the reasoning behind some of the students not returning is because of the attitude that our instructor has towards studying other styles. I guess at this point, it really isn't much of a concern, because there aren't many other schools around me to choose from. If I ever relocate, though, these will be serious thoughts for me to consider.

The guys can grow up until they reach the age of 22, so there is still some hope left. Ladies are usually done growing by the age 17 or 18, I think. Heck, it may be 16. You should be happy, at 5'9", you have bettered me!

This is very true. That's also the downside. The flailing (while it does produce the power) makes itt hard to control I agree. I don't advocate the 'chucks as a really useful weapon. However, they have value in developing the arms, timing, and some other things that I can't really think of.

duh.... My bad...congrats!

In a self defence situation, how are you going to know if the attacker is trained or untrained? This is a good point. That is why I prefer the low round kick, essentially, the Thai round kick, as I mentioned in the opening post.

I agree. At the TKD tournaments that I go to, the punch is not esteemed as much, because it doesn't cause the body movement needed to score a point all that often. However, there are a few guys out there that know that I will be punching, and they respect it.

The key is technique first, and then work on speed. Try doing reaction drills with the technique; have a partner hold a target pad down at his side, and have him flash it up. When he flashes it up, you strike it as fast as possible. Using some hand held weights, or a cable machine, for resistance, at slow speed with controlled motions, can help to improve the technique and the muscles that work the technique.

Ah, plyometrics are WONDERFUL! Aren't they? I know how much they can hurt! 2-28-07 Technique work: 5:00 - 5:30 Cable machine Reverse punches in front stance: 10x40 lbs, 10x50 lbs, 10x60 lbs. Form work: I was going through my form, Gae-Baek, and taking notes on it for written documentation purposes. You can really learn quite a lot about a form this way. Combat Hapkido from 5:30 - 6:00. Kicking Class from 6:00 - 7:00. We started out with about 15 minutes of footwork drills. Then, we moved on to doing paddle/reaction time drills. We also did some work on the kicking shields, doing fast kicks, returning the foot to the ground, and firing off with the other leg. We finished the paddle drills with the some axe kicks. Then, before ending class, I did some jump scissor kick practice, and also worked on a jumping kick between to kicking shields, jumping off the right, and kicking with the right leg into the bag on the left (round kick), and then firing the same leg back into the bag on the right (side kick) before setting down. I wasn't very high in the air, but both kicks were in the air!

Here is the video of the Muay Thai fighter vs. a TKD fighter. Watch what happens as the TKD fighter tries to throw his side kicks: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5585460401345378983&q=Muay+THai&pl=true

I agree with your methods, here. I think it is important to be approachable and professional when in comes to school management. I think that is it is important for the students to know that they are also ambassadors of the school. I like it that way as well!

I think with WikiPedia, people sign up to be members, and they have discussions and what not based on the topics that they want to add their level of expertise to. I think it is often edited and updated.

I agree; these are good points. I just don't see any reason to take a full on shot in the gut from a guy who has been punching things for most of his life. And as you said, most likely, in the street, the punches come to the head. That leaves me questioning the reasoning of the concept. It may just sound like I don't want to take an open shot in the gut. Well, I confess, that is the case. I just think there are better training methods than that out there, like the way boxers and Thai fighters prepare for it.

What were the outcomes of the above mentioned fights?

I agree with you here. However, as a Detention Officer, if I choke someone out, I have to deal more with the way it looks to everyone else, and not the effectiveness of the move.

I think it is good, but in moderation. I like to put a kihap on a move to really give it some umf, like when making contact with a spin heel kick, or something like that. I kihap on board breaks as well.

In some styles, I think it can work, because the forms get progressively harder as you go up in rank. Therefore, you have new skill sets to practice, in order to test to the next level. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

What exposure have you had to the style? What do you know about it?

That's what I thought as well. I kind of like they drill, though. The forms were fun to watch as well. Thanks, again!

I agree with you here, Sohan. I want to learn defense, not how to get hit. I know how to do that already. I wouldn't train anyone to learn to cross the street by letting them get hit by vehicles. To me, this kind of training seems to go right along with that kind of thinking.

Wow, this is kind of a bum situation here. I am surprised that he never tested you, after making mention of it. Its good to see that things worked out for you when you went back. Preservation is the key. This is a good way to look at it, Sohan. Probably a good thing, in the end. Sure, they may move on, and get a black belt elsewhere, but I don't think they will be able to appreciate it as much in the long run (unless they really are that self-centered). They may end up in a full contact style, or MMA gym, get pummelled a few times, and then quit because they aren't the "big dogs" that they thought they were. Only time will tell.

Congratulations. Well done!

That could be the case. Maybe Cleveland? The Chiefs signed Huard to 3 years, $7.5 million. I think he will be the starter before the 3 years is up, though. I think they are going to talk to Green about taking a pay cut, and it sounds like he is willing to. They better get Allen signed, though.

Let us know how it turns out for you.

Best of luck, Sensei Tom!