bushido_man96

Congratulations, and best in everything that the two of you do!

When I started in another style of TKD, with a different foms set and different one-steps, I had to start at the beginning, having acquired a 2nd dan in the ATA. It was not a big deal to me, I just wanted a school to work out at. I was skipped several ranks in the process, because I caught on quick. And when I was a 1st degree, the instructor talked to the GM about trying to let me test earlier than the time requirement for my 2nd degree, because he felt that was where I was at. I didn't get to, but that's ok, too. In April, I get to test for 3rd dan.

Anytime! If you need any clarification on anything, let me know. I can get caught up in the fact that I know what I am trying to say, and may not realize that I am assuming others know what I am trying to say. So, if you have questions, let me know. I love discussing techniques.

For 2 on 2, I was using battle axe and shield, and my partner would stand behind and to my side and use a polearm. It worked well, until I would take after someone, and leave my buddy without a shield! For 2 on 1 and 1 on 2, I used the same setup. I love shield defense! The experience was great. I learned a lot about trying to read actions, and that keeping a good eye on all parties gets you out of trouble.

Very nice story!

Charles River is the brand that my coat is. Hope this helps.

Welcome to the forums! As for your question, it is best to discuss it with the instructor to find out what he wants you to do. It is always good to assume that you will not be standing next to the black belts, since it is not a familiar school to you.

Welcome to KF! As for your question, you can get both sides in some karate schools. The sparring tends to be very sport oriented in many styles, and the bunkai done with the forms practice is very self-defense oriented. So, you could get some of both.

When we grade black belt students, we have to have 2 judges that are at least 2 ranks about the grade the student is testing for (if that isn't too confusing!). So, two 3rd dans to test for 1st dan, etc.

In my opinion retaining a black belt consists of equal parts knowlege and technique retention, the ability to perform it, and the attitude and demeanor that comes along with it. I think these things are important for recognizing one as a black belt. These are not the only things, but are very important things.

Congratulations on passing! It is said that we learn more from our failures than we do from our successes. Although we never want to hear this, it is so very true. And we all fail at some point, and come back better for it.

I think that there are a lot of schools that do this differently, but still to the same end. Talking to your instructor will be the best bet.

Yeah, it sounded kind of fishy to me as well, one of those things you hear about, and then roll your eyes....

Hey, cool. I would be printing off notes until I had a notebook full of cool stuff to explain the physics of MA.

Congratulations!

Keep in mind that the UFC, Pride, etc. is a sport, and as such, the strategy is somewhat different than going into a street fight. They spend hours every day training. It may look like they aren't striking or kicking effectively, but they actually do have good speed and make good contact. When in a sport or fighting situation, perfect technique tends to deviate somewhat.

Glad to hear you are going back to the MAs. Hope everything goes well, and I don't think you have anything to worry about. Good luck to you!

Me and my buddies fought today, and started out with 2 on 2 melees, using different weapons combinations. Very interesting, trying to work together against the opponents. I was trying to be a shield for my poleaxe wielding buddy, and it was fun. Then, after one of our friends had to leave, we did some 2 on 1, rotating who was by themselves each time. I have learned quite a bit today, and we are going to do this more often in the future. Wanted to throw this out....comments welcome! I will give some commentary if asked!

If I took off my shirt, it'd have sort of a flash-bang effect, minus the concussion - pretty much just blinding whiteness. Which is why I always wear a shirt under my gi.

This is a cool explanation. Incidentally, I will probably fight against a spear wielder today, and I dislike it very much.

I'd feel bad asking. If he offers to give me stuff, I'll take it, but otherwise... Hm...I shall look into that...thank you. Anytime. As a college student, I have a total of 6 credit hours of martial arts on my transcript!!! I am so proud! Incidentally, all of these MA classes were taken through the HHP department, and not an athletic dept. That is why I mention it. Come up with a pitch, like what it can do for the body, and how it fits in with healthy lifestyles and such. Then do some flexing for them...just kidding! Good luck with this!

Keep us posted, Sohan.

Wow, how painful was that? Very great determination on your part.

Thank you for the link.

Welcome to the forums! Ok, you make some good points here. As for the way the TKD school has you do things, the main reason they don't feel right to you is because your body is probably not used to doing them that way yet. I can do the side kick in both manners that you describe, and have not had problems with them. I agree with you as far as the point style kicks go. I don't care for them, and don't normally perform them in that manner. I like to use hand techniques in sparring, and try to punch when I get a chance, although they are usually hooking types of punches to the chest and kidneys when I get in close. As far as the weak base goes, it may be just the way the instructor learned to fight. A lot of TKD schools spar with an upright stance, much like a boxer would, just a lot of TKD people don't keep their hands up, especially the Olympic style competitors. Also, sport style doesn't usually score punches, so that is a detriment as well. As for getting around that front leg side kick, try stomping the ground with your front leg, and then see if they throw it. If they do, side-step inside at a 45 degree angle, and then go get 'em! Thanks for the post. As for the comment on the Japanese occupation, I agree 100% with that.