bushido_man96

I like to do them just for fun and exercise and skill development, but not for defense, or in sparring. However, learning kicks like the jump spin side kick has helped me to develop a spin side kick that isn't a jump kick, but a very fast switching foot kick, in which both feet leave the ground at the same time. However, it is not a jump. As far as the height of jump kicks go, front kicks and crescents you can get higher than the ground variations, because of the jumping, but for side kicks, it is tougher to do.

I am definitely a proponent of the pre-emptive strike.

I do, but I just don't like going!

I think if I was him, and knowing where I stand, I would not bow to them. Respect only goes so far if it is superficial.

Contrary to popular belief, this is NOT a true statement. Bodybuilders can be just as flexible as ballerinas, the thing is that you have to do the correct flexibility exercises in order to gain flexibility.

It is the dye from the belt, coming off because of the sweat. Try throwing the belt in the dryer once, and see what that does for you.

I've seen this in some orgs...I have to admit that I never did need to shell out one dime for any rank test and the belts were always included. Wow, that's new to me.

How devious. I would never do a thing like that... would I.... I have been known to put my elbow on an instep from time to time as well. We have to do something to counter those young, athletic guys!

I would check out the gis on Century.com and see if they have any you like. They have some of the bigger brand names, and perhaps some lower key brands that may not cost as much. You may like something in the 8 to 10 ounce range.

Well the first elbow strike is easy, just bring it up and end it with the palm toward your face. Here's a few pictures I found online. http://www.karatetygr.cz/t_techniky/Tate-empi-uci_150.JPG http://www.stichtingkaratenederland.net/technische%20hoek_bestanden/thj%2024.jpg Also here are some pics of mawashi empi: http://www.lelandvandervort.info/ma/images/lv-mawashi-empi.jpg http://www.selfdefence.se/pictures/peter_emil3_500x375.gif In this case the drill calls for a chudan-level mawashi empi. Thanks for the pics, cathal. So, the mawashi is an elbow strike, right?

Wow! Talk about irony--I want the same thing. Seems like it is the gift that keeps on giving, eh?

That sounds like fun! I may have to try it!

Yeah, you are right. I love this stretch run, don't you? Every game is important.

Thanks, Kez!

Wow, I'll bet he was more than a little ticked. You guys probably didn't get a tip from him that day, huh?

It doesn't sound good!

My daughter sells stuff as fundraisers sometimes, so we get a bunch of little cheapies that way for the grandmothers and stuff. You know, the little cute stuff that they like. Also, my wife goes after Christmas day, to pick up marked down gifts for the next year. She is a penny pincher.

Me too. I got the curse of the baby face!

I know it is tough, Kez. When my wife would send our daughter to her Grandma's for a week, it was almost unbearable for her. And when we went to Jamaica to get married, she would call home almost every night, and end up teary eyed after it was all said and done. Just think of how great you will feel when he gets back!

One thing to keep in mind is that more and more legitimate businesses are doing online selling on eBay. This helps, knowing they are just someone selling something out of thier basement. I used to by Magic, The Gathering cards on eBay all the time. I always had some real good deals.

My wife and I do not use it a whole lot. Things are pretty tight for us anyways, so by doing it ourselves, we can keep a better eye on when and where the money is going. In the future, if we ever get more comfortable, I would like to give it a shot.

What is the name of your town? I could look to see if there are any SCA clubs near you.

It's good to see that you are re-motivated. Just keep at it, and try to do some new things all the time, to keep you excited.

Best of luck to you!

Congrats, and welcome to KF!