Sohan

Nope. I use free weights and some machines. I wouldn't get much use from a total gym. With respect, Sohan

This doesn't seem like any different a situation than an "uncomfortable situation in a grappling class" with a girl (or for me- with a guy). People are just that-people- and no matter their personal lives some are going to see grappling as a sexual opportunity instead of the training that we all go for. It wasn't just about sex, and I wasn't the only one it had happened with. An inappropriate unwanted sexual contact in a training class is not something to take lightly regardless of the sexual orientation--we didn't put up with it, and the fellow ended up finding another place to train where they are more tolerant of that behavior. With respect, Sohan

Man, you are so right. Guess I just have speedy fingers, I suppose. This is such a great site it's hard to stay away. Kudos to Patrick and his staff. With respect, Sohan

I've used a weight vest for running stairs, but not usually for MA training except for some light ankle weights for practicing super slow kicks. With respect, Sohan

Mana. Mexican rock band. I also LOVE the Stones.

Okay, I've got to know--where did your tagline come from? With respect, Sohan

Pat McCarthy puts on some excellent workshops around the country. He came to our dojo last fall and gave some great bo instruction. It's Okinawan karate-do, and some seminars are for advanced students, but perhaps it might be of some interest to you. I'm sure you're welcome to attend if you ask the hosting school's sensei. Here is his website: http://www.society.webcentral.com.au/ Our seminar was Atlanta in 2005 if you look up the pictures. Good luck! With respect, Sohan

It differs from person to person, but it takes a LOT of repetitive damage to wear down the cartilage to the point that you start getting/aggravating OA. I'd be more worried about the dancing causing it in the knees, personally. Just watch your technique. If you are really worried about it, tape your hands or wear a sparring glove. It will make it slightly harder to break, but much easier on the hands. As far as the feet, as long as you get your toes back, you should be fine. I don't have a lot of flexibility in my toes (Too many years of running cross country), so I break a toe once or twice a year on board breaks Aodhan Aodhan, actually it doesn't take that much damage to cause arthritis in later years. A one-time joint injury can be enough to cause lasting inflammation that triggers osteoarthritis, and the effects don't appear until years later. If taekwondomom is worried about joint injury, she is going to have to make some changes. But you're right, repetitive stress can also cause osteoarthritis as well. With respect, Sohan

I think it's great to see women as blackbelts. When you consider that women weren't even permitted to vote in my country (USA) a hundred years ago, it's astonishing to see how far we've progressed. Still have a long way to go. With respect, Sohan

Tonight? 3rd Dan? Fantastic! Best of luck to you! Respectfully, Sohan

That's great! What a busy month! Good luck! Respectfully, Sohan

I have always kept a journal for strength training, running, and swimming, but never thought of one for MA until about a year ago. Wish I had started it years ago. Respectfully, Sohan

I was never taught that. My japanese instructor told me that it is the ideal, not the principle. IDEALLY, you want your punch to be strong enough to end a fight in one strike, but realistically, that will not happen. this is the response a lot of karateka would retaliate with - it's a great technique. But don't count on it to end the confrontation in one strike. Yikes. I love to go against one-punch finishers. Rarely happens, though the potential is there to put a hurting on me. Even if it connects, which doesn't usually happen with karate vs. boxer, I can absorb much better than a board or brick. Respectfully, Sohan

IMO "most Fights" won't end up on the ground. I base this judgement on my experience from fights when I was younger, and most did not end up on the ground. Also talking with multiple law enforcement officers and bouncers, all of whom have been in multiple fights d/t their line of work. They routinely stated that the fights they had been in did not end up on the ground until the opponent was taken down for restraint purposes or had been K.O.'ed and ended up there. I'm not saying that none of them end up there, just not the majority, unless you start there or want to be there. The other item I don't completely agree with is that biting is a necessary aspect of fighting. I'm not saying it isn't effective, I'm just saying it isn't "necessary." With that said, I also don't discount it as an option or expect that my opponent would not use it. In certain circumstances it would probably be very high on my list of choices. Re biting: Okay, I like your word better>>> effective. With your permission I'll change that! Re groundfighting: I too, have never been brought down when I didn't really want to be. The truth of that observation depends on who you talk to--there doesn't seem to be a consensus from what I've seen. But remember the title of my thread: "Strategies I Have Learned From My Cats". It wasn't "Strategies I Have Learned From The Cops/Streetfighters/Bouncers". I would assume that that version would be somewhat different. Respectfully, Sohan

Yep. And that is all technique, my friend, all technique. Aodhan One of the hardest punches I ever took was by a guy who couldn't have weighted 150 soaking wet. Felt like a sledgehammer. His buddy, who was about 250-270, punched like an infant. Respectfully, Sohan

Agreed. Good post! Respectfully, Sohan

I think the problem lies more in the eyes of a jury who thinks those crazy martial arts people have mystical powers and should be able to subdue anyone with their pinkey. After all, that's how it works in the movies. I think it really comes down to a matter of using only sufficient force to ensure your safety. In Georgia we now have the right to use "deadly force" against someone out in public if we believe our lives or property are in danger. Martial artists can be held to a higher standard if their skills are brought up in court, but the onus is really on the state to make the case that the force was unjustified. I'm no lawyer but this is how I understand it. Respectfully, Sohan

I've seen his site before. He makes some very good points, but his ego overshadows his writing. Seems a little paranoid, if you ask me. Respectfully, Sohan

For point of comparison, I got my MBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Georgia State University in 1 year (2001). It's normally a 2 year program, but I kicked it up a notch and made it in Jan-Dec 2001. I got my other Masters of Science in Exercise Science over the course of 2 1/2 years (1993-1996). Even though it's only been 5 years since I last graduated, I feel I have retained far more of my MS than the MBA (I had straight A's and B's in both programs). I use both degrees for my business, but I am convinced I have lost more of what I learned in the MBA than I have in my MS. The point being, if I had stretched my school out over 2 years instead of 1, I likely would have absorbed more of the material and made it a part of me, plus I would have understood the relevance of what I had learned more thoroughly. Respectfully, Sohan

Congratulations! Black belt in only a year. How does it feel? Respectfully, Sohan

That's still pretty darn good. Most women don't have the upper body musculature that men do (less testosterone), and this shows up in pushups and bench press. But I'm impressed! Respectfully, Sohan

Now, typically around 340-350. Depends on my bodyweight, which goes around 185-190 on average. I usually shoot for a top set of around 300-305 for 5 when training. The most I ever did for 5 reps was 365 in 1986 when I was 19. I was working out at a gym owned by pro wrestler Marcus Bagwell's big brother--Mark used to train alongside us at the age of 16. Benched 405 in competition with a pause at bodyweight of 198 at age 19 for an ADFPA record. My gym bench was 425, but without a pause. No drugs, never needed them. I do wish I had had creatine and a bench shirt, though. It would have added 40-45 lbs easy. Really, though, bench press max isn't so important as you might think. A lot of guys who can bench a bunch have little power in their punches. I now bench almost 20% less than I did 20 years ago, but I punch a lot harder. Respectfully, Sohan

Don't do Tai Chi from a video. You'll never get it correctly, rather you'll simply be performing a slow dance move. Find an instructor. We're everywhere, in every city. May not be the style you desire most, but you will find someone who can teach you. Respectfully, Sohan

Respectfully, and with much humility, I say how much I loathe it when people say that. Please don't stereotype all of us by some of us, sir. What stereotype? I was speaking only of myself. I did indeed think I knew more then than I really did. As I have gotten older and hopefully wiser, I realize how little I do know--its a fascinating paradox. Wouldn't be presumptious to speak for you or anyone else. Respectfully, Sohan

Yes, I know. I spent 4 years plus an internship getting a degree in exercise kinesiology. What a pain in the tookus, but it does come in handy now that I teach. Aodhan Humble, too. Where did you get your degree? I received my Masters in Exercise Science from Georgia State University. I am also certified by the NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (since 1995) and ACSM (Health Fitness Instructor--since 1996). It comes in handy for me because it is the way I put food on my table. Respectfully, Sohan