bushido_man96

The orientation is basically what our basic warm-up is. 1. Punches in sitting stance (horse). 2. Down block in front stance, then stepping and puching. 3. Down block and reverse punch on the way back across the floor. 4. Middle blocks in back stance. 5. Knifehand strikes in back stance. 6. High block in front stance. And it goes on into stretch kicks, then front snap kicks, side kicks, and jump front snap kicks. Then we get into some combinations, and that is it. These are all done down to one end of the floor on the instructor's count, then we turn, and go back the other way on our own count. I can give you a whole list, if you like. These are the first few segments.

I don't think it is overtraining, because I only get to class twice a week. However, I am trying to start doing some grappling, so maybe working on this will help me with setting new goals. Thank you, elbows_and_knees.

You are probably right. I try to feel confident in my techniques, but it seems like I get myself down on it at times.

Thanks, Sohan. Good advise!

You make a good point. We all have some positives and negatives about it, but the most of us did watch it.

Same with math. I think we're on to something here. Yeah, but math and music books don't kick back!

Oh right i see. Well usually in our dojo if someone new walks in then the class is generally more relaxed while the new girl/guy settles in. When we get a new student, they go through a 2 week orientation process, which readies them for the basic warm-up in the traditional class. This is very helpful, as the student will know what to expect when he/she gets there.

Maybe Patrick could make it a sticky in the "Getting Started in Martial Arts" forum!

I have never met any famous hero's of mine..but Bushido you totally hit the nail on the head with looking up to people...ie my sensei's. Also my mum and yeah i guess i'm a hero for my sons...thanks bushido you made me smile Ah, shucks. T'weren't nothin'.

Thanks, MizuRyu. Those are great....but would not apply for my class. I guess I should have specified my situation. When sparring in class, there is no back contact, and none below the belt. Sorry to confuse!

Very good points, alsey. To my knowledge, there are few styles that apply to all ranges of combat. One could argue that the bunkai in karate offers grappling as well as stand-up, but it's content is not as extensive as something like judo or BJJ has to offer.

Did you know that the reason Bill Wallace was called "Superfoot" and not "Superfeet" was because he tore up one (his left, I think?) in Judo? Therefore, that leg was pretty much relegated to being the base leg for his other kicks. (I read this somewhere, but it has been so long, please don't ask me to give a source )

I tend to "absorb" a lot of these kicks. I can get a partial block on them, and start pushing them out of the way, but they still tend to catch me a little. It is annoying. Sometimes I don't get a block down, and just end up taking off of my elbows and into the gut. That is not bad, because the attacker usually tears his foot up on my elbows, but I despise the contact being made. I try to side step, but still get snagged at times. Maybe need to work on my timing here. One thing that has worked: block/hook the leg and push it off to the side, making them off balance while sliding backwards about half a stance length. Then, I follow it up with a stepping in outer crescent up to the noodle. It works, but I don't like going backwards....I would rather gain ground than give it. Any suggestions would be great! Also, what is your favorite counter to use against the back leg round kick? I have a couple, but would like to hear yours. I usually block and then counter, but try to just counter sometimes. How about y'all?

Their website is simple and straightforward. I like that. Maybe small operation = small student/teacher ratio. That = good deal for you!

Thanks, jaymac! Every now and then, I get a little emotional !

Yeah, you're probably right. I need to find some philosophical stuff to read now!

That is a good idea, alsey. I know that the ATA works this way, for the most part. My wife's cousin is going from a school in my current association to the ATA. She is a 3rd dan, and the ATA will accept her rank, based on performance of her current material, demonstration of technique, and probably proof of rank certificate.

If you are lifting at the gym, get an employee to show you how to bench properly, and to spot for you. That is what they get paid to do. Most of them probably lift on a regualr basis anyways, so they should be able to help.

There are lots of things that God does not mention in the Bible, like the internet, automobile, computers, and all kinds of things. I know, I probably am sounding silly, but take it for what its worth. I believe that "ki" is in us from day one. Call it spirit, sould, internal energy, or whatever, but I believe we are born with it. I also think that if we are born with it, it is because God put it there, and therefore, is not inherently bad in and of itself. Now, could it be used for evil? Sure, but so can our hands, our minds, and our hearts. But none are inherently bad.

I have been working on some different stuff lately, working out solo at home. I have been getting frustrated with myself lately, because I feel that I am not where I should be for as long as I have been working with the MAs. Class always gets me tired, even after being in my current dojang for over 4 years now. I just feel like I am working my butt off, but not getting anywhere. It feels like everything is a struggle. I am not trying to run myself down; this is just how I feel. Plateau, I guess The 4th dan in the school says everything I do looks good, technique wise and all, and another of the 1st dans says he even looks to me for technique comparison. I am not trying to brag here, because I still feel like I am struggling with techniques at times, and sometimes don't feel good about them. Does this happen to anyone else? I guess it is a good thing, this way I don't become complacent in my training. Just curious on what eveybody's take on this is.

This is good when going from something like Shotokan to BJJ---they are two different arts. But when going from one shotokan school to another, you might expect that your rank would be somewhat recognized. I went from one TKD school to another, and started from scratch. It did not bother me, because I knew where I stood, as far as ability and technique. But I can understand why it bothers some people. Sure, it is just a rank, and everyone says it doesn't matter. But when you work that hard to achieve something, I can understand why some people get upset, when they have a great achievment like that discounted by someone else. Yeah, I suppose I can see your point, but I can also see the point of the instructor that won't recognise the grade. It is the ones who get defensive about it that bother me. "Well, the black belt is not in my style, and that style doesn't do this or that, so blah, blah, blah." When it is ego in the way, that bothers me.

I know that we would all like to meet our heroes, but consider this. We are heroes ourselves to someone. Whether we teach, or are a high rank in the class, or just lend a low rank that works hard every day, we are a hero to someone. There is someone who looks up to you. They may be young, and you may think that they just don't know any better, but to them, you are it. My point? Lead by example, and always help, even if it is just in idle conversation, let alone teaching or helping with technique. And the best part is, they will know there hero. (I was feeling inspirational. Done for a while now! )

Hey, you can't be ashamed of that. He was an awesome quarterback. The only quarterback to be on the only team to win 4 consecutive AFC championships. Also great accolades as far as the record books go, and he was no slouch in the USFL.

That sounds about right. To be good at anything, you have to work hard at it. Just the way it is. I tell my daughter that there are two ways to do things: right, or again.

This would be very nice. Maybe this is the way it should be. But there are some positives to organizations. It is just that the negative always seems so overbearing, that we forget about the positives.