bushido_man96

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.

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.