Sohan

I don't see why not. My concern is that the body operates in a real fight the way it has been trained. If I've been trained to score points, that's what the body will remember. There are plenty of people who do tournaments who can defend themselves just fine on the street. I suppose ever person is different, but I'd rather not have any quesswork. Respectfully, Sohan

I have a very lean physique, but I wouldn't wear the compression shirts. I do have a UA hat and a few mock turtlenecks, but I would feel like a goofball wearing something tight to show off the pecs. I got over that in my 20's. Respectfully, Sohan

I'm not a big fan of parents taking classes with the kids. If the kids need their parents next to them then they're too young for our class. I never mind the parents observing, but the kids need to be on their own and focused on the instructor. I prefer adults train with adults and kids with kids. I took Tang Soo Do from an instructor who taught mixed classes and I didn't care for it (the class, not the art). But I do encourage you to begin karate if you are motivated to begin. At 35 you will open up a whole new world that will make a big impact on your life. If you study diligently, by 40 you should be around black belt level and you'll still be very young---in our school most of our BB's are in their 50's! Good luck! Respectfully, Sohan Not really that they NEED the parent next to them, but as an occasional thing it really helps the bond between parent and child. We run younger classes at our school, and once a week we have a combined parent/child class. We do separate them otherwise. Kids don't train with adults unless they are moving into the adult class, and adults don't train with kids unless it is a family class. Special classes and seminars excepted, we will combine for some of those as well. Aodhan That's really what I'm referring to. I don't mind a parent occasionally helping a child, but there are schools that train adults and children side by side, which is a mistake IMO. Respectfully, Sohan

That movie was so bad, it was great. Johnny Yune played the starring role in the 1982 film, and they actually made a sequel called "They Still Call Me Bruce". From what I've read he is currently hosting a Korean talk show in LA, so he's still alive and kicking. Some of the immortal lines from the film: Bruce: Do you like sushi like I like sushi? Cowboy: I like Susie... Susie's my girl! Bruce: Oh, I had sushi last night! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bruce: Freddy, I was once run over by a Toyota... oh what a feeling. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anita: My name's Anita. What's yours? Bruce: They call me Bruce. Anita: Bruce? Like Bruce Lee. Bruce: Of course. Anita: Then you must know kung fu. Bruce: Yes, I stepped in some yesterday. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Johnny arrives at his grandfather's deathbed just in time for the old man's last words] Joon: I'll make you proud of me. When I grow up, I'll make lots of money. Bruce/Grandfather: Let me tell you, grandson. Money is not the most important thing in life. The most important thing is... broads. Broads! Respectfully, Sohan

Looks like it's a recent formulation based on chito ryu. Google that and you'll get plenty of info. They should be quite similar since SR came from that lineage. From the Canadian shintora kai website: Good luck! Respectfully, Sohan

Heh, reminds me of an almost fight I had. I made the mistake of wearing a tourney T-shirt out on the town with my (then) girlfriend. Some drunk wanted to take issue with it, and did the whole drop into a MA stance (Not bad, actually), and give with a loud bruce lee type "KIIAAAIOOOHWEAAAWWOOOOOWA!" I stood there smiling at him with my arms crossed, and when he finished his posturing, I just said "Anytime you're ready, let me know". Somehow he got the message and just walked away. Well, reeled away, anyway. In sparring I generally don't even hear my opponent's kiaps, I'm too focused on his movement. Aodhan That's great! Sometimes the best fights are the ones where not a punch is thrown. I saw a UFC match with Frank Trigg against someone (maybe Matt Hughes?). Trigg came out posturing, acting tough, swaggering around and posturing at the face off. He even blew a kiss across the ring to his opponent. I believe he was dismantled in less than a minute. Respectfully, Sohan

Get on the internet and learn as much about groundfighting and the varius GF arts before you take a class. Then try a few out (most offer trial periods) before you buy. Also, talk to someone in your area that has studied at a local school. Respectfully, Sohan

I'm not a big fan of parents taking classes with the kids. If the kids need their parents next to them then they're too young for our class. I never mind the parents observing, but the kids need to be on their own and focused on the instructor. I prefer adults train with adults and kids with kids. I took Tang Soo Do from an instructor who taught mixed classes and I didn't care for it (the class, not the art). But I do encourage you to begin karate if you are motivated to begin. At 35 you will open up a whole new world that will make a big impact on your life. If you study diligently, by 40 you should be around black belt level and you'll still be very young---in our school most of our BB's are in their 50's! Good luck! Respectfully, Sohan

Do a google search, there are some pretty good recipes out on the net. Aodhan Thanks, Aodhan. I've actually tried that and found a few decent recipes. If I could find the time to cook I'd love to make my own. But if you ever know of a favorite site you'd recommend, please send it to me. Respectfully, Sohan

How's training going, cross? Respectfully, Sohan

http://insidewomensboxing.com Seems to be a good place for info on the sport. Good luck. Respectfully, Sohan

Moose fu. Respectfully, Sohan

Live, dead, actor, master, legend. Who do you resemble? My wife saw the movie Transporter, and now she and my kid think I look like Jason Statham (sp?). I think I'm much better looking, actually. I know he's really more of a movie actor, but he's pretty good at MA so I'm happy for the comparison... Respectfully, Sohan

I have been told I can be intimidating in person though I am only 6 feet and just under 200 lbs. I do carry a serious demeanor that is no nonsense and quiet, though I'm really just a sweetheart outside of class. And I don't get intimidated easily either. I find it humorous when the other person postures and hisses and kiais loud enough to shake my tooth fillings. I just get very calm and let my actions speak for themselves. It's quite gratifying. Respectfully, Sohan

Sure, just as there are people who can do complex math problems in their heads, whip up a gourmet meal with spaghetti O's and pancake syrup, or dunk a basketball while blindfolded. We all have our talents, but it is up to us to apply ourselves to reach our potential. Sometimes those who reach the top aren't always the ones who can leap the highest but those who never stop focusing on reaching the summit. Or something to that effect. Respectfully, Sohan

We lost our dog last year to a bad heart. Currently seeking a new one. Likely a lab or border collie, since my son loves those dogs. Congrats on the new addition! Respectfully, Sohan

I think if I made my own bar I'd cut the sugar, up the complex carbs and reduce the fat. Most of the bars out there aren't much better than candy. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Respectfully, Sohan

Thurs and Fri you are working triceps both days (they're used in any pressing movement). Works for some, not for hard gainers. Do your presses on the same day and end with isolation triceps. Also, on some of your top sets try dropping your weights down in the 4-6 range at times. My favorite workout on bench press was 3 to 5 sets of 5 reps (after warmup) without creatine or drugs. I could do 335 for 5 sets of 5 at age 19 and was GA state teen drug free bench record holder. Lower reps/high weights will do wonders for you. Less dumbbells and isolation movements. More power multiple joint movements. And go heavy. Respectfully, Sohan

Don't drop your calorie intake too low, you'll feel awful and your training will suffer, besides you'll lose some of that hard earned muscle you've worked for. Take a longer term approach, and you'll feel much better. Also, regarding bodyfat, most BF calcs are highly varying in their predictions. Take them with a grain of salt. Use a BF caliper and just keep track of your measurements. If they decline, then you're losing bodyfat. Use your measurements in conjunction with your bodyweight to gauge whether you are losing fat or muscle. Respectfully, Sohan

I was going to say that if you're strength training but slowing down in speed, then you are either not using enough weight and doing too many reps on your heavy sets, or your flexibility has suffered. Stretch your upper as well as your lower body and up the weight. Try plyometric exercise too, if this doesn't work. Also, unbalanced muscle groups tend to get injured more frequently. Don't worry about ratios of strength/size, just ensure you train all of your muscle groups throughout the week and you'll likely be OK. Respectfully, Sohan

The boat oar thread got me thinking. What's the oddest weapon you've ever trained with? For me, it was, and I'm not kidding, a carrot. A seminar speaker, explaining the value of using ordinary household implements as weapons, produced from his bag a carrot, then in all seriousness attempted to show us the many benefits of utilizing a piece of produce as a weapon. We really thought it was a joke, initially, until we realized he was dead serious. It was rather difficult to keep a straight face until the end of the demonstration. I wonder if he was a big Monty Python fan. Respectfully, Sohan

It's interesting how long black belts tests can be when actual fights are considerably shorter and of higher intensity. It's more like an endurance test than a test of true fighting ability in some cases, no disrespect intended. I say put the BB candidate in a cage with a 500 lb gorilla and lock the door for 5 minutes. If they survive, give them their black belt. Respectfully, Sohan

Yep. For the reasons you mentioned, go with MT. But if you can eventually, do both. But fighting doesn't really make that much money. Pardon my presumption, but you're probably better off getting an education and getting a good job and then practicing an MA because you like it, not to put food on the table. Respectfully, Sohan

Gung fu would be great, too. It is different enough from what you presently study to be interesting, yet it will make your kenpo better too. Respectfully, Sohan

I started fighting arts for protection from bullies when I was young. I guess you can say that was the major motivator until I got in my 30's, when I began to appreciate MA for its own sake, and had less focus on being a tough guy. Today, I enjoy all aspects of my arts practice, and find different dimensions to intrigue and motivate me. I chose my current sensei because he had integrity and dignity. He has nothing to prove and teaches because he loves karate-do. Respectfully, Sohan