bushido_man96

Welcome to KarateForums, Shotokan Dan! The problems you experience with the joint locks and throws of JJ are the same problems I have experienced in Hapkido. It is just harder for me to pick up than striking is. What I would recommend is just to drill as much as you can while at class. Work a move over and over until it becomes more natural, and then move on. It also helps to do visualization practice when you are alone; see yourself moving around your partner, and making the locks work and finish. That should help you out. Best of luck in your training!

That does sound great, DWx. At the age of 14-16, I think that the adults will have an easier time taking suggestions than from a black belt that is 10 or 11.

You're welcome, patusai!

Thanks for the info. What are swings?

I am not so sure that this is the case. Power lifters train for absolute strenght, and are very explosive. Lifting the heavier weight forces the muscles that are working to recruit as many fibers as possible. By recruiting more muscle fibers, they are able to develop more power and explosiveness.

Do you think that the lighter material could end up tearing in the process, though?

I remember Tyson fighting "Bone Crusher" Smith. That was a quick one. I also remember when 40 year old George Foreman won the title back from Michael Moore. That was fun to watch as well.

An old boxer friend of mine told me about this. He was told that if a punch was coming, and they couldn't get an arm in the way, the last resort was to dip the head, and take it on the top of the old noggin. It could break the hand if bare-fisted. However, as cross mentioned, it could cause you problems as well.

I agree with you. That is why I can still relate it this way, as all three cultures seem to have been influenced in the same manner.

Yeah, I think you are right. I just had it mixed up. That is what I was thinking, though. It was tougher to visualize, not wearing my dobok!

Ok, so its Championship weekend. Who do you got? I'm taking the Bears and the Patriots, a rematch of the Super Bowl in 1985. I wonder if the outcome will be the same, though?

She made a movie! Which one? I would really like to watch it if for no other reasons than to watch it. She actually has quite a few movies out. Here is a bio and a movie list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_Rothrock Enjoy!

That got me thinking. Have you ever seen a movie called Ninja Academy? I saw it years ago, and thought that it was hilarious! I may have to seek it out.

This was the impression that I got as well. I watched Fearless the other day, and was kind of dissapointed. This looks much more to my liking.

I only get two classes a week, and lift 4 days a week, while my wife is at work. It is tougher now, because we have a 1 year old.

If I lift with my arms before class, it makes practicing basics a killer for me. My arms get fatigued much faster. Better to lift after class, I think.

I've done that before with weapons, but never in sparring. I'll definitely have to try it though. Thanks. OOhhh, weapons would be fun! I may have to do that the next time we melee.

Bearich has some good points. Although I think that MMA training would be fun, but within reason. It is hard to learn when you are hurt and can't train. Howerver, although I think MMA is a good thing, I don't think it is for everyone. If it is not for you, and you prefer a different type of workout, then you should part ways, and go find a school that is more suitable to your wants and needs.

Well, there are several ways of moving towards your opponent. You can step your back leg all the way forward....this is a basic step, or passing step. Or, you can do what is called a replacement step, where you move your back foot to the front, and the front foot forward. This will keep you on the same side, where as the passing step will change your stance. The replacement step is good for front leg kicking, and the passing step can facilitate back leg kicking combinations. It is good to be able to switch it up, and do both. Another way to move forward is to just kind of shuffle forward with very small sliding type steps. I do this from time to time to sneak in.

I think when I test for my 3rd, I may have to spar multiples, but I am not sure. We do it in class from time to time, or do a 3 person every-man-for-himself kind of thing. Now, those get wild! Does anyone else ever do a multi-person free-for-all? I highly recommend it. It is quite a different feel from knowing that two people are out to get you, or you are one of two working on just one. You have to really watch yourself, work for position, and watch out for the vultures as well!

I remember those days. There was about a year span when I was going 6 days a week. The only reason I didn't go on Sunday is because the place wasn't open. Then after receiving a severe knee injury I knew I had to slow it down a bit. I remember a time when I was going 5 days a week as well. Oddly enough, I don't think I was even in good shape then!

I was thinking this as well. I met my wife in my TKD classes, so it is a great way to do things together. The family that kicks together, sticks together!!

1-19-07: I hit the gym today...leg day, and some shoulders. I did hang cleans and squats, followed by a mini-circuit of leg extension, leg curls, abductor, and adductor work. It made my legs feel pretty good. For shoulders, I did a machine shoulder press, and dumbell raises. I have been trying to keep these sets between 10 and 6. Later, I will work up to reps of 6, 4, 4, I think.

Weight training is great, and can be very beneficial. I would recommend talking to a certified personal trainer about what you do, what you want to be able to do, and then they can help you get something set up to meet your specific training goals.

I have been doing curls, and I noticed your note on them. Why are they no good, and what other exercises do you suggest? I am looking to improve leg strenght as well, but I need an exercise or two that are low impact on the knees. I know that sounds like an oxymoron....leg exercise that don't impact the knees, but anything would help.