bushido_man96

Sorry to hear that. Losing a pet is tough. I don't know which is tougher, losing them that way, or having to take them to the humane society.

That sounds like ki to me......from what I have been told, that is.

Welcome to KF, bro!! C'mon, I ain't that bad!

For me, Christmas is about God and Family. My family (brothers) is a little spread out, so we get together usually in February. However, my wife and I's family like to have her dad over, and have a soup and open presents. And then, another great big turkey dinner!!!!

Very nice!

I was an ATA student at one time. There are many good ATA black belts out there, both at competiton and fighting and teaching. I have had three instructors that were good at all three. I also know some that do compete in other organizations, and do well. The main reason they compete withing their own organization is because they have a point system that lets them build up to competing at the organizations World Championships. I have also known of some ATA black belts that have competed in Olympic style events. Yes, they do allow kids to advance in rank. I don't have a big problem with this. It is just a piece of cloth, after all, right?? As for the self-defense, I think that it is there. Each belt rank has self-defense techniques, up until the higher colored belt ranks. Also, they have programs that allow them to explore other areas of training, like ground fighting, pressure point control tactics, Olympic style competition, and weapons training. As far as training future leaders, it is a philosophy of the organization. The organization thinks that it is important for the students to set good examples in the community, and provide a positive place for young and old students to learn. They are essentially trying to lead by example. Also, in the ATA, the titile of Master must be tested for. It isn't just given out when a certain rank is met. You must be a 6th degree to be eligible, and then you must apply for the test, and then be granted permission to test, and then must pass the test.

Here is a drill to help you gain some height: 1. Stand next to a wall. 2. Assume kicking chamber position, using wall for balance. 3. Kick out slowly, counting to 5, hold for 10, then rechamber, counting to 5. 4. After 5 reps on each side, start again. 5. When you extend the kick this time, hold for 10, then raise it as high as you can, really tensing up those muscles. 6. Make sure to stretch well. Kicking high is not just dependant on flexibility. It is a combination of leg strength and flexibility. You need both, and both are equally important.

Yeah, Kez, it is kind of depressing. I just keep my head down, and keep working hard and moving forward, and try to avoid the politics. If anyone high up asks me why I won't test, then I'll tell them why, and what I think.

That is essentially rubber tube training. The most popular way to resistance train is by lifting weights.

I saw a clip of a fighter getting his leg broke when another fighter shin blocked him! It was almost unnerving to watch.

That is a good question. What is the English translation for that technique??

Try FitTV. They have a regular program in which a woman who is a black belt in Goju (I think) travels the world, checking out other styles, and training in them for a short time. Also, ESPN will have ISKA fights from time to time, and I have even seen them show some Judo competition as well.

Wow. That is quite a bit. Have you ever had someone collapse on you, and had to take them to the hospital?

I do the 180 degree pivot to help save my knees, as opposed to recovery time. I find that it does not stress my knees as much. As for high kicking, I don't lean back to kick high. If you kick high properly, you body will lean some naturally, as a result of the technique and body mechanics. However, leaning back intentionally to gain height to a kick is counter-productive, and can off balance you.

Use some verbal cues to help increase his speed. Hold out a pad for a backfist or punch, and have him wait in fighting stance. When you kiai, he goes, and has to go fast. Mix up the rythm, so he doesn't start to time your kiais. Also, try flashing the pads, and flash them at different heights and angles for different techniques. Hold a target pad at your side. Flash it high and sideways, and he has to do a backfist. Hold stomach level and facing him, and he does a reverse punch. The key is to flash the pad, hold it for a couple of seconds, and then pull it back. If he misses, then he knows that he needs to pick up the pace a little. One more thing you could do is pick out a 3 move combination, like backfist, rev. punch, roundkick with back leg. He should do each technique at a different level, like hi, then mid, then high with the kick. The idea is that the varying levels cause openings in the opponent's defense. Also, it gives him a combination that is his own, that he can get down, and do without thought. I wish him the best of luck, Kez! Most important, tell him to have fun!

Ok, I consulted my bro, and he had a real good one in mind from the start. Here it is: If they grab you with the left, and have the knife in the right, you begin by stepping behind them with your right leg, and trap their left hand with your left hand at the same time (setting up for wrist lock). As you step out (this is a very quick step), you bend at the waist and get your head under their armpit, and slip it out behind their back, essentially swithing places with them. You must be fast, so that they don't get you in a headlock at the point where you get your head under their arm. When you end up behind them, you will essentially have them placed in a chicken-wing. Secure the chicken-wing by placing the free right hand on the opponent's elbow, and apply pressure accordingly. Another suggestion he made was that if they tell you to give them your wallet, move your hand toward the knife wielding hand, stating that is the side your wallet is on. As your hand goes that way, you could go for the knife wielding hand, much like bearich said. More chance to get cut, and the body doesn't get away as fast. Hope these help you out, Shawn!

Hey, guess what! This weekend is round 2 of my Thanksgiving dinners! I can't wait!!! Turkey, stuffing, tators and gravy, sweet potatoes, and cake to top it off! Yummy! I am also taking some weapons and shields with me, so me and my brother can work off some of those pounds.

I will try to watch it tomorrow. I will be on the road in the morning, recovering from working all night tonight. I don't have a favorite, I am just going to watch to see if it is going to be the game of the century. My focus: Chiefs-Raiders..............I........AM..........FOCUSED!!

Oh, no, not really. The clock runs quite a bit, but they get in a lot of action. Each game lasts on average of 3 hours.

Don't spit on me Llama or I'll knock you out like I did that Camel and I'll be back!

You might check to see if there are any medieval re-enactment groups or medieval weapons groups in your area as well. The quarterstaff was a very popular weapon in medieval Europe.

If I were to use one, I would use it in both of the ways that you described. TV has helped its populartiy, but I have heard of it being used on vehicles by angry people before.

Good deal...

I am pretty sure I know what the fees cover......the inside of his pockets! I had heard that once, a while back (before my time with the organization) that the GM had a fall-out with one of his students. This student was an instructor, and had a lot of students. Well, he left the organization, and took all of his students with him. After that happened, I heard that the testing fees all went up. I'll tell you, I have learned a lot about organized martial arts.

That's one of those moments that make you feel tingly as an instructor.