bushido_man96

That's probably a good call. Also, you want to keep in mind if you have friends around, that can tell your side of the story for you, because the more people you have to go to bat for you, the better off your chances of minimizing the amount of trouble you get into, if any.

What are the Yudansha forms? I have never heard of them.

I think swords tend to be the most popular.

I just had a thought....if eating was an MA, I would be like a 27th dan or something!!!

You could just use a heavy bag to develop full power in your technique.

I had heard something similar to that as well, Sohan. Trained himself to death, some would say.

Maxed out on bench the other day; moved it up to 305.

I like the workout I get from skipping rope, but I am not very good at it yet. I try to work on one foot, and then the next, but it is coming along slowly. I have been doing it between sets when I am at the gym.

You make a good point, Sohan. I have had a lot of doubts about the way I have been training lately, and I feel like it could be better. I agree that boxers and Thai boxers have some of the best training there is, and you can tell from their conditioning. I do believe that all martial artists could benefit from conditioning training. I wish we did more sparring in my classes. We only spar at the end of class, after I am worn down from basics, forms, and one-steps. Then it is hard for me to work on anything that I want to, because I am so tired. I like your sledgehammer exercise, by the way.

Another thought on the side kicks. If the two fighters are close together, then chambering a tight side kick will look like a push. But, from a distance, it won't be pushing. It may look like it, because of the chest protectors. I do know that when I break boards, it isn't with a push!

Well, then at least you don't have to hold any more!

We have 2 month testing cycles, and then we get time requirements at black belt level. I do think the cycles should be longer, but hey, it isn't my school.

This is the same way I experienced it as well. It is enjoyable, no matter what the color around your waist is.

If I have to defend myself, I won't think about forms movements. I will probably think of low line kicks, punches to the face, and simple moves like this.

I know that MizuRyu recently started working out at a RyuTe School. He has commented on their joint locking training, and has said many good things about it. You may look into something like that. Hapkido has takedowns and joint locks as well. However, if you also look into Shotokan, you may find that the right instructor will teach joint locks and takedowns as well. It will all depend on the instructor.

First of all, contact the instructor. Go visit the school, and watch a class. Then visit with the instructor and ask questions you want to know. Many will offer introductory classes, and you shouldn't have to order your uniform right away. Welcome to KarateForums, MA-Furious!

This is a good example of how things are anymore. A fight disguised as a burglary. Also, in regards to what Shotokan-Tre mentions, intervening on behalf of the woman may get you no where, because half of the time they won't press charges against their significant other. And as I said before, when the cops show up, eveyone usually goes to the station.

I also feel that you should present the scenario to your instructor. He may be willing to cut you some slack until you get back on your feet. You could offer to help with classes, clean the dojang, or any other number of things you could do to help out. Hopefully, he will be understanding, and willing to help you out.

I think that these statements are fairly generalized, and don't necessarily lend themselves to the proper answers. Case in point, my younger brother has not practiced MA for many years now, but I have continued. However, he has a different mentality and mindset than I do. He likes to fight; I do not. He is not afraid to get in someone's face, and tell them how it is. I, on the other hand, am more laid back, and would be less likely to do this. He has less training, yet he feels more comfortable in a fight scenario than I do. I believe that it really comes down to who you are, and what your personality is. Rank is not necessarily an indicator of fight ability. Fighting ability and experience is.

I have seen side kicks thrown and not scored, because they like the round kicks too much!

Good luck finding something. Since the wakazashi doesn't carry the glamour of its big brother Katana, I think you will struggle finding something that is even made up. But, hey, you could do your own.

I have put on the standing locks in class, but we haven't done a whole lot of resisting with them. I really want to work them against resistance, because that is what I will have to face at work if I want someone to be compliant.

Just make sure that you get to train in some street scenarios, with a resisting partner. That will help you learn how to be effective with your styles.

Just a note, if you are looking for competition, the AAU now accepts the WTF, ITF, and some Tang Soo Do forms in there competitions.