bushido_man96

The school does offer elective courses for the students to fill out the credit requirements, including business courses, criminal justice courses, and others. It is very possible to use later on. I think that often times MAs get too wound up in the time-in-rank that other students/teachers have. If it is just a belt, just a piece of cloth, then does the time in really enter into consideration? Personally, instead of asking how much time they have in rank, I would rather see how they handle a class, teach the curiculum, etc.

This is something that many people consider everyday when training. That is why many will not consider options like MMA or even Muay Thai, because of the higher level of risk involved. However, I do believe that the true risk lies in the competition rather than the training. Most of the training is done in a controlled, safe environment.

I kind of like the set-up your instructor has. It is very incentive laden and goal oriented, which is great for student retention.

Nice article. I, too, feel that the quarterstaff is one of the great weapons of civilization. It has truly stood the test of time. Although now it seems a bit much to be carrying one around, in the Medieval times, it was no big deal to see many a peasant walking the roads with their walking stick in hand.

Way to go!

I am of the opinion that the curvature of the blade doesn't make for that much of a strategic advantage. I think that the straight blades of Medieval Europe can be just as effective.

Lordtarial summed it up pretty well. However, in the right situation, mace can be very effective.

Best of luck to you! I am one of those people who doesn't like to stop, even when sick. I can stand the fact that I have to succumb to an illness. Stay focused, and you should do well!

I think that doing a backflip would be difficult! Its not a technique that I can do, that is for sure!

I kind of agree here. I met my wife at TKD classes, and it has been great. However, I recently read an article in TKD Times that talked about the negative affects of dating in-school. The article brought out several examples of how some schools fell apart. It can be a devastating thing, because when people get hurt, they like to get revenge.

Thanks for the information. That helps to clear it up some.

I prefer the heavy bag. I think it is better for conditioning training purposes.

I see. It sounds quite complex.

What is a round-off flash kick?

I think that you can avoid the spin if you envision your kick going on a continual upward angle, as opposed to straight across, on a flat plane. I don't know if that is the proper way to analyze the technique, but it could work.

What kind of different black belt clubs does your school offer?

I've seen people mess up a kata and still take first place because they made it look like they knew what they were doing. Also, if you go to a mixed styles tournament, there is a good chance that the judges won't really know the form you are doing. That can work in your favor as well.

Actually, I think that there is already an organization that is considered by the IOC as the NGB for Karate. I think the WKF has the inside track, and if the IOC does decide to put Karate in the games at some point, they will already have the NGB decided, as long as they maintain the criterea needed. The WTF was around long before TKD became an Olympic sport, and has its rules and regulations in place for years. It probably made the transition to Olympic event much easier for both the WTF and the IOC.

That is a great way to look at it. I, too, have been trying to improve my conditioning. I am also finding that my flexibility is not what it used to be. However, I was sparring with a guy who is 6'3" tonight, and I did get my leg up to his head a few times. Thanks for the compliment!

I agree. He did come with some great concepts, and implemented them well. I think that if he were alive today, he would be even more involved in the grappling area as well. He was very keen on picking up on things that were successful.

Personally, baron, I would be more concerned about sustaining injuries in Muay Thai, rather than BJJ. Ed O'Neil trains BJJ, and he is pushing 50 or better, I think. Just be smart, and know when to tap, and you should have many happy years of rolling ahead of you. And I will be jealous!

That is a great post, baron. I think this statement sums things up very well.

I think it is kind of like bridging.

That makes good sense, gzk. I understand now.

2-7-07: Conditioning work: Sledgehammers: 3x1:30, 1 min. rests. Stairs: 3x30 seconds, 1 min. rests. Steppers: 3x30 seconds, 1 min. rests. Tuck jumps: 3x10 Punch outs: 3x30 seconds, 1 min. rests. Olympic round kicks: 3x10 seconds, 45 second rests. Technique work: Cable reverse punches: 40 lbs x 10 reps x 3 sets each side. Flying side kicks over 3 obstacles: I did upwards of 20 of these on my right side. I did the left side as well, but not quite as many. I have to do this technique when I test for my 3rd dan decided, so I am going to practice it more often. The punch is also a testing break requirement as well. From 6:00 to 7:00, me and a 1st degree had about a 20 minute sparring session. Then, we worked on some forms and some Combat Hapkido.