bushido_man96

Kata can be used to improve endurance, if you choose to train it that way. Everyone gets so caught up in doing the kata they way that they are initially taught, that they don't see how many other ways there are to train with it. Katas (or forms) are a training tool. If you want to train endurance, then do several forms over and over again, for an allotted amount of time. If you fight 2 minute rounds, then burst through either one form, or several forms, all together, without stopping, for the whole 2 minutes. If you fight 3 rounds, then do this 3 times. If you want to train fighting techniques or combinations, then alter the techniques in the form to reflect the way that you would fight. For example, while fighting, you most likely would not drop into a horse stance and execute punches from the hip. However, you could stand in a more able fighting position, and execute the punches, blocks, kicks, etc. from an arm base position, and practice that way. There are so many options available to forms training. Remember, they are training tools. They are not so sacred that they cannot be altered to suit your needs for one training session. Remember, open minds!

Anywhere from 2 to 5 years is what I have heard. How long should it take? There are various answers to this question. Really, you should not worry about how soon you will get your black belt. If you go to class, train hard, and pay attention and keep an open mind about your study of the martial arts, the rest will come in time. Your instructor will let you know when you are ready to test for your next rank. Also keep in mind that it is ok to miss a testing here and there. Martial arts will come to you at your pace, and not anyone elses. Most importantly, enjoy your training! The nice thing about the martial arts is that it can be a lifelong experience, if you want it to be.

I have not really heard of this before, but it sounds very interesting.

I did a search on it and found some interesting info. Never hear of it before. Always up on learning about new things. It's like ancient UFC. Yep, it really is. Only it was a lot more brutal, and they didn't care if someone died in the process. It was usually an invent in the Hellenic Games, along with boxing and wrestling.

Sorry to hear about your experience with the TKD school, kenpo.stylist. Hopefully, your experience with the other school is better.

This clears up my perception. Are all of the students required to go to the regular classes as opposed to just going to the competition and sparring classes?

Wow, that would be brutal. I am not very familiar with Kung Fu, so could you explain this Gan sau movement to me? I don't quite get the gist of it from the pictures.

It would seem to me that even if all they try to do is box, they still won't have much in the way of footwork. And if they try to move around, then you just have to wait for their pants to slip down a little more, tripping them up.

Which style of takedown do you prefer, the crouching type, where you just bend down low, or the drop-and-drive style of takedown found in wrestling styles? I am curious to know, for my own grappling purposes. I would like to know what the advantages and disadvantages are of each. I would also like to know which you use and why, and if you think one is not recommended over the other. Thanks!

Welcome to the forums, azgunowner! I hope you find the art to study that you are looking for.

Welcome to KarateForums, orionryu! I hope you enjoy your time here, and get to learn lots!

At least things are going right for someone!

This is so true.

That's some interesting information. Thanks very much.

You can also do push-ups with your hands on the wall, and you feet out behind you, with your body at an angle. Vary the angle to increase the difficulty. Coffee tables, chairs, and things like this work well, too.

I tend to use music as a timer during my workout since I dont have a clock at my heavy bag. I tend to work the heavybag in 3 minute intervals doing my best to keep throwing combinations and never letting my hands drop. So I set up a play list with a bunch of songs that are about 4 minutes each (Ive got a bunhc of favorites that are 3:40 to 3:50) So I wait out the first 40 or 50 seconds (this becomes my 'minute' break between rounds after the first) and then go at it for the nest 3 minutes until the song is over. Usually I use Sonata Arctica as it is fast paced Metal. That is kind of a cool idea. But, alas, I don't have an Ipod.

I just got a book in today that talks about TKD and it's forms applications. It also has a section on TKD's lineage, and it talks about its connection with Shotokan. After I get it read, I will post more.

AAhh, that does fit too, doesn't it!

I have not had any experience with this. I didn't realize it caused so many problems. I guess in competition, it would be hard to get around. On the street, you could probably have a field day with that straight arm.

I agree, lordtariel. I think it just takes lots of practice and work to harness it.

Or, some people can't do it, or just don't like it. I like the Caporiea stuff, but I can't do it, so its usefulness to me pales in comparison to what I know that I can do. I would still like to learn how, though. Actually, capoeira uses alot of elbows_and_knees. They are also notorious for headbutting. The flashy stuff is what's most interesting to watch, so that's what you see on tv. It also uses several takedowns. I knew that they used some head butting techniques, and the elbows as well. The flashy moves of caporiea I think came about mainly because they disguised the fighting form as a dance, because they weren't allowed to practice a martial art by who ever it was that had enslaved them. (I think this is correct, isn't it?)

Its not that Bob Sapp grabbing you is a problem- its that huge gorilla slam that comes afterwards that is Yeah, no kidding! That football training comes in handy, huh!

It sounds like you are on the right track. You train quite a bit, and that isn't bad, but you need to make sure your body is recovering. You get stronger during recovery, so don't let it get away. If you knees are arthritic, you may want to see what your doctor recommends about them. Strengthening the leg muscles probably won't make the arthritis go away; in fact, stressing the knee joints by lifting will probably cause further inflammation. I think you have a great attitude towards your training, and that is a great way to start. Keep it up, pace yourself, and you will be fine. Welcome to KarateForums!

Sounds like a great seminar. It sounds like you got to learn a lot. The thing I like about seminars is that a lot of them are very hands on, and it is a nice break from the routine of the weekly classes.

Good point, TriangleMan.