bushido_man96

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.

I think the exercise you are doing there is ok. It will give you a different feel and stretch, and that is a good thing. Keep doing both, if you like...they will both help you out in the long run. If you want to try to build some more leg strength to get that initial kick a little higher, add this to your leg work: after you extend the leg, hold it there, and lift it slightly, then lower it a little, and then lift it slightly again. I call this "pulsing." You are only moving your extended leg around 6 inches from up to down, but it will build that muscle up to help get the initial kick a little higher. Let us know how it goes!

Everyone heals differently. I would use some ice and compressions on your sore spots. That will help, I think.

Definetely see a doctor. This is not normal.

Those are good points, Baron. I agree with what you have said about the advancement of MMA. However, I disagree with the point you made about Bruce Lee trying to make the perfect style. I think he just tried to make his style; not necessarily a perfect one.

I think that drilling combinations on focus mitts, working around in a ring or square on the floor would help to build up some rhythm.

I don't make it a point to listen to music when I train. If some is playing, then that is ok, but I don't pay much attention to it, unless a song I like comes on. Then, I'll tap my feet a bit.

Be careful... you don't want to blow out the walls of the gym... Oh, very true!! What am I to do?

An arrow.

I think Seau will get in on the first ballot, mainly because he was able to have a longer career. Art Monk should have gotten in, IMO. I think that Michael Irvin is fresher in peoples minds than Monk, and that may have helped him to get in first. I could be wrong, though. He still has a chance, doesn't he? I think Urlacher will be in eventually, and he deserves to be there. He has been an impact on that team since he arrived in the league, and is the heart of that defense. Another future pull for HOF honors at the linebacker position is Donnie Edwards. The Chiefs should have never let him get away. He is fast, athletic, can cover the tight ends, and catch the backs. He should be a HOFer as well, I think.

Although the costs are steep, I am trying to start saving money so that I can hopefully get both tests in by the end of this year. We will see how that goes.

Best of luck to you in the testing. Just keep practicing, and focus in on it.

Remember, it doesn't have to be flashy or spectacular. The simpler the movements are, the more easily they can do them, and then the more of them they can do. That is where the cardio benefit comes into play. Keep it simple, and add in pad work and bag work, and they should enjoy it.

Those are very nice. Thanks for sharing them.

What kind of forms does your Muay Thai have? This is interesting, as I have not heard this before.

Most tournaments have a pre-registration. It is usually more helpful for the tournament organizers if you pre-register, and sometimes this is cheaper than registering at the door. Next, get a rules pamphlet of the tournament you plan to attend. This should have all the information you need for forms and sparring competitions, the time it starts, etc. Last of all, talk more with your instructor about it. He may know who is organizing the tournament, and some other things about it. He will be able to help you out the most. Good luck and have fun!

I don't really know the forms you do, but I would say that you should do the one that resembles the highest level of skill or rank. Since you know them all well, that is what I would recommed. Good luck to you! Keep us posted!

Wow, that was quick! Who says you can't jump and kick in fight!

Make sure to practice your form in every direction possible, and in different environments, if at all possible. Many times, students will practice their forms in the school, facing the same way each time. When they get into a different environment, they tend to freeze, because of the lack of familiararity of the surroundings. Also important, breath deep and relax. Good luck to you! Let us know how you do.

Well, you said yourself that you aren't as experienced in grappling, so the answer can come through gaining experience. Keep working on it, and see what you can do to improve. I am a terrible grappler as well, but I am working on my Hapkido again, in the hopes of gaining some knowledge of the stand up game, and eventually, the ground game.

Personally, I prefered the Sonic Boom!! But seriously, how has the vidoe game genre, along with movies, etc., affected the public's perception of this kind of energy?

Unfortunately, I think that we, as humans, tend to do this kind of self-talk to ourselves all of the time. Of course, we don't think about it as 'self-talk,' we think of it as critisism. If we could only tell ourselves that we do a good job more often, we would probably benefit ourselves a lot more.

That is kind of an interesting question. Could you elaborate a little more, or give some kind of an example? I like the question, but need to see a little bit more, if you can offer it.