bushido_man96

This is a very good point. It is kind of a double standard in the martial arts.

Cheers, Patrick! The first time I was exposed to a martial arts class was really when I was 4, but it wasn't for long, so I don't really count it. I started the training that has continued to my current rank when I was in 8th grade, right around the age of 14, I believe.

I'm glad to hear that you had a good time at your first class! Keep us informed, and let us know what you learn as you go.

This is true. If anything, they make great references when you forget a little something about a technique.

Thanks, ps1. I can see your point as well. I know that wrestling is sport, but many things involved with human activity become sport-like...it is in our very nature to compete, I think. Many times, warlike activities become games that children can play. This is how the martial arts are as well, at times. Now don't get me wrong; I am not saying that the martial arts are a game...far from it. I think that if a high level of competition can be involved, it can help to improve the outcome of the student's level of training, if not only from a physical standpoint. I can see why this affected you so. However, my school doesn't do bunkai, either. We do some seperate self-defense work, but no bunkai. However, not all schools do forms, either. Therefore, not every school will have the same requirements. That doesn't mean that the instructor you spoke to wasn't deserving of his rank. It doesn't mean that it does, either. There is always just more to it. It may not have been what you were looking for in particular, and that is cool. However, if someone wanted to compete, and at a high level, then that school would have been spot on for them. Rank is so funny this way. It means different things and different skill levels to different people.

I see your point, NightOwl. However, I think you have to compare a child's ability with other childrens' abilities, whether it be competing or fighting, and not with those of adults. That is just how I see it, though.

Very true...I wonder why they don't do it with games.

The Hound is dead, isn't he? Arya left him for dead, and someone had stolen his helm; one of the rogue Bloody Mummers; it was Rorge or Biter who was wearing it. The way the story line is going, it would be interesting to see if and how Jaime and Jon would cross paths. I also anxiously await the return of Arya as well......

Welcome back, Kamasandsais. We had the storm roll through here as well, and a lot of rural areas lost power for about 4 days. My parents, however, got around 30" of snow! My dad said he was snowblowing for 4 hours one morning! If it would have been when I lived at home, it would have been me shoveling for 12 hours!!!

You guys are great! Thanks for the props, Sohan. Thank, Patrick! And by the way, I don't plan to abdicate anything!

Welcome to the Forums! I've seen these bos before. They look like they can be very tricky.

That's a good strategy!

Good advise given here so far. As is mentioned, line up the opponents so that they are behind each other, and you only have to focus on one at a time. Try to stay in the middle of the ring/room, so you have plenty of room to maneuver, as you will have to run around a lot, I think. Press the attack on the front oppenent, and when they begin to get out of line, fall back and re-line them up. Good luck with testing!

Thanks for the info, Karatechick. The pain in my knees is right on the front of them. Sometimes, they do grind a little. I talked to my GP about them, and they said what they would most likely do is give me steroid shots right into the knee. I cringed when I heard that, and I really don't think I want to experience that, unless they want to tie this boy down! Therefore, I am not too sure of what my options are at this point.

This is a good one. I think it is called "boxer's kick," isn't it? Here is a variation that I do: Instead of swinging your legs up straight, instead, have your partner make a ring with his/her arms. Then, you roll your knees up to your chest (legs bent), and then straighten your legs, poking your feet up through the hoop made by your partner's arms, brining your butt off the ground as you do so. Then back down, push legs out, then repeat. Don't let the feet touch the floor.

I do this as well. Works alright for me. Although I use a 25 pound plate.

The thing is, sometimes with wood boards, there are variances. Sometimes you get really hard one, that are sappy, or have laid around outside for months, in the humidity, or you can get real nice ones...the ideal "testing" boards. One thing that is a bit more challenging about the rebreakables is that you have to on target, hitting the center where the boards join, to get a good break. With wood boards, you can be a little off-center, allowing for more margin for error.

I don't hassle with the online rentals. We go to the store...the old fashioned way!

There are still a few people running around with more posts than me.... ....but for how long.....???

As far as classes go, my school offers 4 days per week to show up, with no limit as to how many. We pay per month, not per class. Each class is an hour long.

I have seen the movie, Sengra, but the book is probably better. I have been browsing around, and there are some seminars that I can go to, but I really want to do some more constructive training. I am working on it now.

Hey, thanks, Sohan! I get a lot of posting done when the misses is gone, so it works out well! I remember ribbing on you...I never thought I would be able to post that much. Funny how things work out, eh??

I wonder what she said as well. I think it may have more to do with Arya as opposed to Sansa, but I am not sure. Maybe he will fight whatever it is that the rogue Maester turned Gregor Clegane into???

Thanks, all. I am going to be starting to talk with my family for our side, and the book we got has some web sites that we can go to when we have exhausted our current resources.