bushido_man96

I agree. What I like to do is present the whole technique to the students, and then have them perfrom it. From there, you can see what they need help with, and then you can simplify it so that they can take the baby steps they need to get to it. Some people are more athleticly gifted than others, so some will pick it up faster. No need to hold them back; turn them loose. But for those that need a little extra push, we must take the time to help them out.

Seeing as you are a more advanced student, your instructor is probably giving you the meat and potatoes of the new techniques you learn. However, if you have a question about it, go ahead and ask him. If he says there is more to it, tell him that you feel ready for it, and would prefer it all up front, and that you prefer it this way.

Thanks, all.

Try not to lock out your elbows when doing push-ups.

My knees are terrible. They are hurting right now, and I am sitting down!! I just keep training, because I don't want to stop. I take some joint medicine to try to keep them greased, but it doesn't seem to help much. Not so sure what to say about this one. Sorry! Good luck in your comeback! Welcome to the forums!

At present it's the Taegeuks only....but you never know what changes may be ahead. The reason I ask is because some of the books I have, including the TKD Textbook, from Kukkiwon, has both in it.

Wow, Llamas? That is kind of cool. Have you ever had one spit on you?

Thats 1 3/4" rattan. That ain't breakin' so easy!

I think this is a question much like 'Which style is the best'? It's really, which style is best for me considering body type, age, physical limitations or strengths, availability of schools, etc. Personally, I start kids at 9 earliest, then add a couple of extra novice ranks so it alllows more time for their growth, but still feels like progess. Want to see them be 15 or so before bestowing black belt. My rule of thumb: My black belts should be able to fight off a man (attacker/kidnapper/robber, etc.). It's still shaking out (only started this a couple of years ago), but so far so good. Anyway, that's what works for me. What about bigger teens? Would you award them a black belt earlier? And what about smaller women? Would you not award them? I for instance am 5 foot 2, thats shorter than most 14 year olds, and a lot of 12 year olds.... Those are vey good questions, indeed. There are so many variables out there to deal with.

Well, now, that is not necissarily true!

There are lots of good points here. Rick_72 makes a good point, about trying to teach it right the first time, so as to avoid bad habits. Bearich, you have a really good post as well. It really just depends on what your philosophy on learning is. Stoneheart makes a good point as well. In the end, we just want our techniques to be effective when we need them.

I have a question about the Jr. Black Belt. Once they meet the age requirements, do you have them test again, paying a full testing fee, and performing the same test they did before? Or is it different?

This is good advise, too. Between this, and rollerblading, as Sohan suggested, would be a good ankle-strengthening regimen.

Any one of those will benefit you as far as getting some activity and helping with self-defense. It really just depends on what you want to do.

I like the idea behind what you say, Drag'n. However, I still see guys take quite a few of these kicks in the course of a fight. How do they handle it? Are they moving just enough to lessen the load? Or is part of it toughness?

Thanks, guys. As for the Tiger form I had read about, it is referred to as the advanced Tiger Form "So Hu Yun," performed by GM Chun Sik Kim. The picture and caption were circa 1976.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acZI-6Xnijs I practice 3 days for 90 min each, it will take me forever to dismount and remount a kata to a point useful for self defense applications,I spend my time only on applications of Naihanchi shodan and sandan as for self defense plus some limited white crane and BJJ techniques, rest of it for me is just a art, i try to perfect my art in performing kata and knowing the bunkai the way i was taught so i can pass it on to the next student. in every single dojo i have been they do a kata and they show some bunkai then you get to practice with a partner , how many times? 3 each? No 10 times each? if you ask me each single application should be practiced for months and tried to be adoped for full contact sparring as well just like a boxer, knowing tons of techniques seems cool but it's not effective same as kata. You make some good points, P.A.L. Drilling kata applications is important to do alongside the actual kata. Nice video, by the way.

I have seen this as well. Many researchers think that this may be the earliest recorded martial art in history. I have heard of this as well. Some believe it is the purist form of the wrestling that survived from the Greeks in the ancient Olympic games.

Man, that is crazy stuff! Welcome to the forums, UltimateMunky!

Rear hand hook: http://seaford.abc.users.btopenworld.com/rear_hook_Head.htm

If your cross is coming from the outside, I don't think you are throwing a cross punch. That sounds more like a hook to me. The cross punch should be a straight punch.

No, but close. It's Walker, Texas Ranger.

The nice thing is that the similarities between TKD and Shotokan should help you to acclimate fairly quickly.

Welcome to KarateForums, PaulUK. It is great that you are looking into persuing a martial arts career. There are many styles out there, and each one has advantages and disadvantages. You should defenitely look into what your options are, so that you can find a style you like, and an instructor that will suit your needs. Reference this article: http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=24026 Hope this helps!