bushido_man96

Congrats!

What all does your freestyle sparring consist of? Is it harder contact? Does it include grappling?

Those are new to me as well. Do you have a style to associate with them?

Lots of good advise here so far. What I like to do is use the wall or a rail for balance, and execute slow kicks, locking out the technique and holding it at the end. You can chamber the leg, kick out for 3 seconds, hold for 3, and pull back for 3. This builds strenght and endurance in the leg muscles, and helps you see the mechanics of your kicks. You can use this drill on almost any kick that you want to do. Start low, around belt level, and then work your way up.

There are other universities in the States that offer courses in the martial arts as part of a Physical Science Degree, but this one claims to be the first that actually offers a Bachelor's in MA.

When I was in my ATA school back in Colby, KS, we had a lady that tested for her red belt (belt before black), and at the testing, while breaking boards, I think, she ended up really hurting her ankle. She went home and iced, and thought it just a sprain. We also had a tournament that weekend. So, we went and competed, and she placed first in both forms and sparring, wearing an ankle brace. The following week, she had it x-rayed, and found out that it was broken!! She really gutted it out, though. I admired her determination.

I just get the funny feeling that if all of these points really existed, and it could be done this way, that there would just be more of us training in such a fashion. But, hey, I don't know.

I would go ahead and try to get to black belt, before going into something else. Speaking with the sensei is a good idea, as he may be able to advise you better. In the end, you have to make the decision that is right for you, whatever you think that is. We can give suggestions as to what we would do, but we are not you. If you want to move on, I think that is great. I don't think training by yourself is going to help you achieve your goals of realism (unless you have a Fight Club moment, just kidding! ). By not training with someone, your timing and distancing will go out the window. It sounds like you may be suffering from a mild case of burnout. Maybe back off of classes for a week, and then head back. See how you feel afterwards. Best of luck in your decision!

luta livre is the Portuguese form of that. Aaaah, that makes sense as to why they sound so similar, then.

I had never heard of luta livre before. I have heard of lucha libre, which sounds similar, but that is Spanish for wrestling or "free fight."

That is what I was thinking as well. They pull a hammy, rip an Achilles, or tear up a knee, all trying to stride out for first base. Crazy, isn't it?

I agree with you, no argument on that point. However, I do think that their initial training does play a role in their overall fighting strategy.

Wow, man, that is nuts! Glad to hear you came out as well as you did (it sounds like it could have been a lot worse).

I think that Dim-Mak used to be misunderstood as a "mystery," but we now know that striking certain parts of the body will produce certain results. I don't believe the mysticism of it, however. I think it is much simpler than made out to be, but I also think the effects are not as dramatic as they are made out to be, either.

This is a bit off-topic, but I have a question. Is it just me, or does it seem that the most of the baseball running injuries happen at first base?

Wow, that is a strange one. It sounds like he was very cool about the whole situation, though. He showed great respect and integrity. He could very easily be working you over to get you to pay the bills. I think that it is important for every martial artist to understand that this is what we do, and accidents like this can happen. Your partner hear showed a great attitude, and I hope that more people look to him as an example and do the same.

2-2-07: Legs today: Power clean: 135x6, 145x5, 155x4 Squats: 225x10, 275x8, 295x6 Hack squat: 180x10, 200x10, 220x6....this one really hurt my knees. I doubt I will do this one again. Calf raises: 160x10, 152x10x2 After lifting, me and a friend of mine did an hour and 45 minutes of Combat Hapkido. We really got a lot accomplished, and got through the requirements of the first two belts. It was a blast!

I kind of feel the same way. Jackie Chan tries to be too cute for my tastes, and I didn't like Fearless that much. Too much wire work. I guess we will see.

Each school will be different when it comes to these situations. There are so many factors to consider, that it is hard to say what exactly is going on.

If I was a newbe, I would take the time to check out each of my options. Look at training times available, the quality of instruction, etc. Then, I would make my decision.

Congrats, and good luck on your next go around!

I would talk to a doctor, and find out what exactly the problem is. You don't want to test unhealthy, and end up failing just because your body isn't up to it. Best of luck to you. I hope you get better soon. There will always be another testing.

I knew that the USTU was having problems. I am not that up to date on it, though. Thanks for sharing, Ottman.

You make a good point here. I think that most people try to relate katas to self-defense/fighting all the time, and find that it may not relate like they want it to. It may not be the best thing for fighting, but it is not useless, as far as training physical skills and such.

I have not heard of that style of Karate, but if you have a good instructor, then things should go well for you and your dad. Enjoy your training, and welcome to KarateForums!