bushido_man96

All three of those styles can be good styles to learn, and you could probably get what you want out of all three. What it comes down to is checking them out, and seeing which one you like better. Go meet with the instructors, and find out things like school philosophies and focuses. If there are multiple instructors, you will want to meet with both the chief instructor and the one that would be teaching your class. Each school may offer different types of classes during the week as well, which may have different focuses. Also, some may offer weapons training. Go visit, and see what you like. Good luck to you, and welcome to the forums!

That's cool info, legkicker. I didn't know that Seagal had a BB in shito ryu.

The order you mention them in!

Thank you. And by the way, welcome to the forums! I noticed that this was your first post. Hopefully the first of many!

So how did the fight end? Ended up walking away.

Not sure, never really thought about it. It was always just "karate." There are some good analogies there, however.

I was wondering how long everyones classes were. Mine are one hour each. I have seen 1 hour, and up to 2 hours listed. Also, how much time do you devote each class to certain segments? We start with about 15 to 20 minutes of basics. Then we do forms, but we do forms by rank. Low rank goes up first, and does the form twice; first by instructor count, then their own count, with a critique after each performance. I don't like this scenario, as it makes for a lot of down time. This can take between 15 and 20 minutes. Then we do one-steps. This goes between 10-15 minutes. We finish with sparring, if there is time. About 10 minutes. If you all could give me some feedback on how your classes look, I would be very appreciative. Thanks a bunch!

That's a fantastic suggestion. We'll gather in Patrick's back yard and BBQ. Yeaaaaaaa! I love food! But maybe we should work out first, or everyone might regret it!

I think both forms look nice, but I think the bo staff form is your best bet. It had more power in it. As for spicing it up a bit, throw in a few kicks here and there. They should blend in well, and you should be able to put them in some spots where there will be good flow and rhythm. I don't do weapons forms, as they are not available to me, and I prefer to do weapon on weapon training. But I can tell that you definitely have some good whip on that stick! Hope this helps.

Board breaking is used in our system as a demonstration of technical execution and display of power. Like I mentioned, it isn't over-emphasized, but it does have some value.

Thanks for the idea BM. Ive heard alot of speak about plyometrics around this site. Do you know of any good places i can get information on its exercises, or can you tell me any good starting ones yourself? As far as a good base of strength, i do lift weights quite regularly, however there are some areas of my body that need significant improvement, but i am working on those. I understand the plyometric effect has something to do with increasing elasticity in the muscles, which then quickly contract to create speed. Is this true? And if it is shouldnt I increase my flexibility in order to be more effective? (Like streching and stuff) Yes, you want to improve flexibility, but you should be stretching daily anyways, so that will come with time. Medicine ball throws between partners is a good exercise, and explosive push-ups can be great as well. There are footwork drills you can do to quicken your feet, and things like frog jumps and star jumps will improve explosiveness in the legs. Jumping Into Plyometrics, written by Donald Chu, is a great source. You could design a regimen from that to keep you going for a while.

I would also like to get all of us here together in a big room, and just chat MA for several hours. Wouldn't that be great? The world's biggest MA gathering, and we could all have a great big workout!

That's a good observation there, Sohan. Never occured to me. The original Q passed away a few years ago, and was replaced by John Cleese. A good fit, I thought. Dorian Gray, that's good stuff!

Cool. Very nice. I would not have thought about using the right hand. Thank you!

To help build your speed, build your explosiveness. You can do this with plyometric exercises for upper and lower body. You will want a good base of strength before you start, so if you don't lift weights, you should start.

I have class two or three times a week, and I lift 4 days a week, usually in the morning or mid afternoon. To help with endurance, you should do about 30 minutes of cardio every day if you can. As mentioned previously, swimming is great. I don't like to run, so I use the elliptical machine. It is easy on my knees, and I get a good sweat on it. Start out easy, and work your way up. Don't hit it too hard all at once. You could burn yourself out if you do.

Welcome to the forums, we are glad to have you here! Hope you enjoy your training with your son.

Drunken style is not one I have really seen much of. I am sure it could be very useful, depending on how much time and effort is put into the training. You also need the right kind of training for self-defense applications.

A short list: Gichin Funakoshi Myamoto Musashi George Silver (English swordsman) Hee Il Cho Chuck Norris Joe Lewis Mas Oyama Angel Cabales (Cabales Serrada Escrima) And of course...Bruce Lee

I really haven't fought much. My senior year in high school, I had some problems with an underclassman. He followed me one day after school until we got off school property, and he shoved me. We started circling, and he hit me a few times in the face. I was so angry, but I couldn't bring myself to go after him. The adrenaline was through me, but I never did like the feeling of it. I like to think I have gotten better with that feeling over the past few years. Here's the funny thing. Even though he hit me a few times, I never felt it. Nothing at the time, and nothing afterwards. No bruises, no pain, nothing. It was wierd, because I don't think I really have a high pain tolerance level. Maybe the adrenaline was doing something for me.

My school has board breaking requirements for the brown belt levels and above, which are just below black. Usually a hand and a foot technique. Adult males break two boards at each station. Women do one, until black belt, where they do 2 on a side kick.

Yes, very good points. I like to think that I am helping someone improve themselves in some way when I am teaching. I never liked seeing students go.

yes! i currently practice three different bunkai for the basic karate 'lunge punch' oi-tsuki found in kata, and none of them use the movement as a punch! Okee dokee, maybe you guys can give some suggestions then. Chon Ji hyung, my white belt form, starts with a down block to the right with the left arm in left front stance, and then step and right punch. I can think of a block to a low kick, and then punching, but is there more I could do? Like simulate a takedown? I just am not very creative.

By this, do you mean a competiton-based class? That sounds like a good time to me!

Oh, yes, it is possible, and they could mix well. Just make sure to take your time with both, and don't try to hurry along too much.