bushido_man96

We have 3 of the living room walls finished, with just one left. We have a nice suede finish going, and I like it. My wife loves it. We also have to get another coat of a lighter color of paint on the remaining walls in the hallway, kitchen, and stairwell. It should all look great when it is done. I think I laid 6 miles of tape just to get ready to paint! This is so true!

Squirming?? Not my toddler. She stays perfectly still and does nothing but laugh whenever I raise her over my head. She thinks it's the greatest thing in the world. Though I must admit, I never thought about using her in my workout. Perhaps I will if the wife doesn't find out It worked quite well, much to my approval. Who needs weights? Just have kids!!

I have worked out on the interlocking mats as well. Our black belt testings at HQ are on interlocking mats. I have not had any bad luck with them yet, but they tend to get dirty and slick.

Well, I only ended up half right. The glass is half full! This should be a great Super Bowl. I hope it is good on both sides of the ball. I don't really care who wins. If the Colts win, I don't want it to be because Grossman has a bad game. This could be a high scoring game, or a defensive war of attrition. If I had to choose someone....my gut leans to Chicago. So, maybe it is Manning's year!

Wow! A mini series! That is awesome! However, I think that there will be some things that they won't be able to touch on that the books do. However, it may be great! We'll have to see. I am surprised that you don't like Dany. I have grown to enjoy her chapters. She is very compassionate. Her and Jon would match well, I think. Do you think Jon will eventually take the name Stark? I think he would like to, because he truly loved Ned, however, I think he has become proud of his name Snow.

I haven't watched it yet. I was just wondering if anyone had, and what they thought.

1-22-07: I couldn't make it to the gym or class today, because I had to stay home with a sick toddler. So, I improvised: Push-ups: 3 sets of 10; then 3 sets of 10 with a toddler (22 additional pounds) on my back! Shovelglove work with a 16 pound sledgehammer: "shovel" technique, 3x15; tricep extensions, 3x10; bicep curls, 3x10. Punches with dumbells (10 lbs.): jab-3x10, both sides; cross-3x10, both sides; jab-cross combo, 3x10, both sides. Standing overhead toddler raises (with a 22 lb. squirming toddler): 3x10 I finished up with about 15 minutes worth of cathal's close quarter hip exercise.

I have trained on several different surfaces. I have trained on a hardwood floor, concrete floor, thin carpet, and even outside, all barefoot. My current school has a very nice gymnastic type of padded mat, with a carpet covering. I like it a lot, and is great for both sparring and ground fighting/throwing.

Welcome back!

Thanks for the info, ps1. Which you do you enjoy the most: gi, no-gi, or otherwise?

You're welcome. Also, ps1 has some great advise as well. I have the book Kodokan Judo, and I highly recommend it as well. Very good details.

That's interesting. I didn't really think about the Samurai using 3 weapons. However, there is probably more than one right answer to this question. I just got lucky!

My wife started working on painting the living room today. I think we will be painting it one wall at a time, as the paint we are using is a bit pricey. To offset the work, we will be doing some of the other walls as well, in a different (cheaper) color.

I just had another thought today. I noticed in the last book, there is talk about the last Queen with the Dragons that flew North, to the Wall, and stayed and visited there for a while. Perhaps when Dany's dragons are mature enough to carry her, she will do the same, and her and Jon will hook up in this way? A little foreshadowing, perhaps?

I think this is part of the reason they have gotten farther this season...less pressure.

I agree. I am not a big Brady fan either. However, there is no denying his level of success in the big games. He reminds me so much of Joe Montana.

I always liked Lone Wolf McQuaid.

Just keep plugging away, baron. Maybe something will come to you eventually.

Thanks, Baron. I may be able to use some of that.

The product that bearich shows probably works well. I have also heard of people using a towel to tie to a dumbell or plate, and doing that as well. Bridges with the neck can help as well, if you don't have any equipment to use.

I wouldn't say that it is disrespectful; just different. If someone is really adamant about teaching a martial art, and is willing to get out there and sell himself to 30 kids in the hopes of gaining 2 good students, then good for him, I think.

I would have to agree with you here. I think it just depends on the scenario.

Do you think that the lighter material could end up tearing in the process, though? It might. But it might not. I think it would be more likely to just stretch alot and not be quite as effective, especially with a tank top. But in a bad situation, everything is worth trying. A very good point. Have you ever done any no-gi competitions, where you have to modify everything completely? And I don't mean no-gi, but with a tee shirt...I mean, like, only shorts on, I guess.

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.