Sohan

This book seems good: http://www.themotorbookstore.com/blue-book-bicycle-repair.html The amazing power of Google at work again. With respect, Sohan

Congratulations! With respect, Sohan

We have several teens in our adult class who are very mature and hardworking. We also have a few who are not. Probably not much different as a cross section than the adults. Kids rise to the level of our expectations, IMO. Treat them with respect, and they'll respond in kind. This works with my 7 year old; hope it continues to work when the hormones hit! Respectfully, Sohan

Actually, light wrist weights and handheld dumbbells are great for super slow punches, which do indeed create more powerful speed punches without much injury risk. Loren Christensen is a big proponent of weighted punching to develop power in his books. I would never use them for anything other than very slow punches, though. Same for ankle weighted kicks. The weight used should be relatively light, only a few pounds, to get the desired effect. Respectfully, Sohan

Is that like saying I saw Saw? With respect, Sohan

Hit him before he hits you. . . . . . . Okay, guess you already thought of that. Hope you did well in your tournament. Respectfully, Sohan

Are we talking about becoming a master or just a black belt? I think everyone will agree it takes many years to become a master. A black belt, on the other hand, is just beginning the journey to master. A black belt is expected to have a certain level of mastery of the basics of their art. This is very different from a martial arts master, one who should have mastery of all aspects of their art. This is where rather than putting so much emphasis on belt level, we should instead be asking how long one has trained at their art. Even more accurate should be how many hours has one trained. I would expect a black belt to be able to handle him/herself well in a fight against a strong opponent. Unfortunately many of the black belts I have personally sparred with who have gotten their belts in a very short time just aren't that skilled--or perhaps the better word is, seasoned. With respect, Sohan

I am aware that the the most respected names in Thai boxing gear are Fairtex, Twins, Windy, Ringside, etc, but I was wondering what folks here think about Title Boxing. They were started by former Ringside guys and their quality is similar to Ringside's, IMO. I heard about them back in 1999 and I bought a few pieces, just a timer, some gloves, and some focus mitts, etc--I think they had just recently opened then. I still have some of the equipment, and though it's been used pretty heavily, surprisingly much of it has withstood the abuse. The prices are often better than Ringside, also. What is the opinion here on Title Boxing? I never hear them mentioned in this forum, and was wondering why. With respect, Sohan

Don't worry about sounding silly. This is one of the better run boards I've been on. You'll find some great people here. Welcome. Respectfully, Sohan

Jaymac, I'm thinking that would be "kokoro no senshi", translating it to Japanese. But I could be wrong. Respectfully, Sohan

http://www.powerblock.com/ I agree. Powerblocks are great. Wish I'd invented them. Respectfully, Sohan

When I swam on the Masters team here I noticed that by far the largest age group was Men 40-44. They have more disposable income and more time to train, not to mention they are going through the midlife issue--major motivation. Respectfully, Sohan

Also, if you have an imbalance (Your back is stronger than your abs), then your back will try to compensate. You should be training opposing muscle groups if you aren't. Sohan, I'm thinking that weak or tight hamstrings could also have an effect on the back. Truth? Or a bad dream in the morning? Aodhan You're a smart guy, Aodhan. You missed your calling! It would be a good idea for him to check and see if he's got a lordotic or kyphotic curve to his back. A lordotic curve ("swayback") plus poor measurement in a sit and reach test would indicate this as a likely issue. A kyphotic curve, or "flatback", would be indicative of strong abs over weak back muscles. He said his back "gave out", so the reverse situps will probably help, though he should be careful of overhyperextending his back. He could get a disk rupture. I'd also be curious to see his position in his stances. If he's made changes recently (arched to flat back on horse stance, for example), this could be causing strain as well. He should probably get a sportsmed physician to give him a look over and ensure there isn't anything biomechanical causing his pain. Respectfully, Sohan

Congratulations! Respectfully, Sohan

Do NOT do good mornings. Terrible exercise for your back and it will put you in the hospital if you do it wrong. It's the exercise that put Bruce Lee in bed for 6 months. Respectfully, Sohan

I have gone back to some of my basics to work on some stances and timing. But my favorites right now to work on are the Passai forms. I never do them to my satisfaction. Respectfully, Sohan

You need to get someone who practices Shinto or ninjitsu to show you. I assume you are trying to learn for MA purposes. An instructor will teach you better than a response on a forum. Respectfully, Sohan

Good choice! Hope you enjoy it. With respect, Sohan

I watched the Youtube clip and found it fascinating. Also sent the link to my sensei to see what he thinks. It really is neat to see how many similarities the Indian system has with ours, yet it is still quite different. Respectfully, Sohan

We seemed to have a dearth of twenty-somethings until recently. All of our latest white belts are twenty-ish. It comes and goes. Our black belts are all over 40, save for one. With respect, Sohan

I don't know, this smells of a practical joke to me. Where has our original poster gone? With respect, Sohan

I really appreciate that. It made my evening! Respectfully, Sohan

You make a good point. However, a boxer has fewer skills to master, and then these are repeated over and over again. Even the most basic martial arts style has many more forms and techniques to perform. Few people that I've met can fight after two years of traditional martial arts training as well as a boxer after the same period. The reason is the volume of training material. It just takes longer to really master and understand the principles for most people. IMHO, of course. With respect, Sohan

Splenius cervicis--maybe. But capitis is too deep. And levator scapulae is too deep to easily palpate, even without big traps or SCM--it's well covered by T1, T2, and T3. Even if the traps are small, LS will be small too. Give up yet? With respect, Sohan

Flexibility the key? No. IMHO balance is probably the most necessary component, followed by speed and strength. Without balance, technique is worthless. Even the strongest puncher in the world loses much of his power when off balance. With respect, Sohan