bushido_man96

The fact that it actually holds some intrinsic value to so many MAist is why they justify the price of that thing. I would be willing to bet that there are some old Black Belt Magazines in the archives that would go for similar prices. It would be cool to have, though!

Although we cannot go back and really get all of the documentation that we want about these challenge matches, we do have the luxury of seeing the MMA competitions in the mainstream, and we can see how good it can be.

This is the general feeling that I get from my TKD training at this time. We get to class, do basics, then forms, then one-steps, then sparring, if time, and rarely any self-defense. Our students have great technique, and my instructor has plenty of self-defense stories that he shares from time to time. However, it seems like the organization is too curriculum oriented, which does a disservice to the students involved. I agree with elbows_and_knees that we definitely need to have more partner work, drilling, sparring, and self-defense.

I kind of liked this kata. Very sharp hand techniques, and I liked the knee techniques as well.

Typically, what is normally referred to as "training" takes place in a controlled environment, where most of the parties involved are aware of the goals and objectives of the session. The idea behind training is to use the controlled environment to build muscle memory and combat instinct through repititions. Walking up to a gang to start a fight would constitute more of an "experience" session, I believe, because there is no control over the situation. This is where the training comes in handy, because you have ingrained the movements into the muslce memory, and it will hopefully be recalled when and if needed, in my opinion.

If they can't seem to give you the style of kung fu that it is, that could mean a couple of things. One, it could be a hodge-podge of different kung fu concepts and techniques, gathered over a period of time, without giving credit to one particular style. Or, two, it isn't kung fu, and is just a collaboration of kung fu type moves, that they have no idea about at all. The main thing that I would be concerned with is whether or not it is effective. I could care less what it is called.

If you don't practice any of the combat applications of tai chi, then its ability to prepare you to defend yourself is probably not very high. It all really depends on how good of a fighter you are before you take up tai chi, but that can go with many other arts as well.

Each post funnier than the last!!! Wow, that is good for the soul!

I think that kata practice was a result of an increase in solo training, and not having a partner to work with. I could be off, though.

I was watching SportsCenter, and I have just heard that Chiefs owner and founder of the American Football League, Lamar Hunt, died Wednesday evening in a hospital in Dallas Texas. He was 74 years old. Here is a link to an article, talking briefly about some of Hunt's accomplishments: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2697040 He has done much for the NFL, and will be missed.

Sorry to hear that, Kerry! Really stinky! Personally, I have never been a big believer in Karma, or in the whole "what goes around, comes around" thing. I've seen too many people get away with too many things.

Marvel: The Incredible Hulk--power, rage, strenght, oh, and more power, rage, and strength. I like him the most. DC: Superman--power and strength, and the best goodie-goodie ever! I also LOVE the theme song from the movies!

I remember Crystal Pepsi, but not Pepsi Blue.

That's cool. I have two monitors, but I can't figure out how to get different wallpaper on each of them. So, I have a really cool picture of the sun going down in the clouds that my wife took while driving home one night. I used to have some cool kanji on screen, that translated to "Whole Life Dedicated to Taekwon-do," written by Gen. Choi. I lost it, and now can't find it on the net anymore. At work, my wallpaper has a picture of Walker, Texas Ranger, put on by a few of my buddies here!

Are you going bald, Sohan??

My wife has a Victrola, with a bunch of old vinyl. She also talks about all of the records that she used to have, but doesn't have them anymore. I think she would kill to have them back. Maybe I'll buy her an old record player, and start collecting records for her....

It will never happen!!! Just playing! I hope to get my degree sometime soon; I am at a standstill at this point. I hope to get a little further along in the Law Enforcement area, as I am really enjoying what I am doing now. I will always stick with the martial arts, and maybe have a school someday...but it is so much fun to be learning.

I hear what you are saying. It can be difficult to find what you are looking for.

Well, it was interesting.

Oh, yeah, now that's a weapon! I think most of today's weapons are thin and flexible for the purpose of competition. Lighter=faster=higher score=more trophies.

The funny thing about an MMA bout is that it can be touted and touted, but then it can end up ending in the first round.

I am not sure about all that. Previously, if the "old masters" really wanted to test themselves, the only way was to walk around, challenging people, or hanging out in the bars or rough neighborhoods. The school of hard knocks can be a great learning university!

This is the way I look at it: you can't keep people from having feelings for each other, so why bother standing in their way? Leave that to the fathers....I know how I will deal with it!

You are welcome!

Sounds good. I may have to try that out. i think you should consider loseing some weight( 60 lbs may be? , I am 180 and been trying to lose 8lbs with no success in last 2 years ), in each kick or pivot you are putting a lots of extra pressure on your knees which can creates meniscus tears , you gotta take some MRI to make sure you Meniscus is ok, Losing 60 lbs would be quite a bit. I would like to be around 210, but it would take some major life-style changes to get there.