Sohan

Technically, boxing, like wrestling, is a sport, not a "martial art". Martial arts are systems created for use in combat situations, ie a street fight or wartime. Boxing arose out of a desire to "civilize" fighting and make it a sport to be bet on and viewed by the public. I couldn't imagine going into battle with only boxing or wrestling skills at my disposal. They are extremely useful skills, but are incomplete for battle. It would be like Mike Tyson fighting an MMA fighter on the street. He would be lost even at his peak. Respectfully, Sohan

Techniques are only as effective as the person using them. Certainly joint locks can indeed be effective against strikes, but you must be taught the correct techniques and practice over and over until no thought is needed to perform a move. Nothing beats repetitions with good technique. The problem is that most people who learn joint lock techniques never get proficient enough to use them in a real fighting situation. Respectfully, Sohan

How have you enjoyed Isshin-ryu? We have some new students in our dojo from the Isshin-ryu system. They could not find a suitable dojo in the area and so they decided to switch styles. I'm interested in some of the differences in technique, ie the use of the vertical fist punch. Respectfully, Sohan

Congratulations on your 1000th post, elbows and knees! Respectfully, Sohan

My rank only signifies to me what I've learned, and is a constant reminder of how far I have to go. Regardless of our rank, we are always somebody's student so it is difficult to develop too much of an ego. I am proud of what I've accomplished and always remember that I have a responsibility to uphold the traditions and honor of my dojo. Respectfully, Sohan

Most of the blackbelts in our class are over 50. Only one is under 40. I like to think as we get older, we do indeed get better. Respectfully, Sohan

Congratulations on both of your belt achievements. Both are impressive! Respectfully, Sohan

Sorry, forgot about that second question. Creatine is a metabolite that is naturally stored in muscle for very brief high intensity exercise. It is different from GAKIC because it is used as fuel, not to eliminate a waste product. I can see no reason not to take both if you choose, though there seems to be no data that I have found on interaction between these two. However, I cannot personally endorse GAKIC because of the lack of long-term testing to verify its use. Also, on an anecdotal basis, Extreme-Athlete.com, a serious bodybuilding site that delves heavily into nutrition for bodybuilders, has no mention of GAKIC on its discussion boards. That to me says more than anything else. Respectfully, Sohan

What I read about GAKIC is that it is a conjugated keto acid and amino acid that is taken orally in a beverage or in pill form. The claim is that it is used by an enzyme in the muscles to eliminate ammonia that builds up as a byproduct of anaerobic muscle work so to reduce toxin levels and provide higher muscle endurance. Greater muscle endurance leads to a greater workload in training because fatigue occurs later---total workout volume multiplied by intensity is what determines muscle gains. It is a patented product: http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/search-bool.html&r=3&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=ptxt&s1=6,100,287&OS=6,100,287&RS=6,100,287 However, it is a new product that is not evaluated by the FDA. There are no long term studies to verify that it is safe, though it has been tested in both humans and horses (to test efficacy, not safety). The claim that you can take it orally only minutes before your workout and somehow it will be transported to your muscles in time for it to perform its magic seems a little hard to believe for me. As with anything you'd ingest to improve performance, be wary of claims made by manufacturers and get as much info as you can before you purchase. Good luck! Respectfully, Sohan (MS in Exercise Science)

Sorry jaymac, I got you confused with someone else! Sounds like the job is more the problem than your training, because the problem doesn't go away when you lay off. Curious to see what a week of vacation would do for you. Any chance of modifying your footwear at work to reduce impact forces from the floor? Cushioning soles or orthotics? Maybe a podiatrist could help? Respectfully, Sohan

If you post double does that make you 30? Happy birthday! Respectfully, Sohan

First dan is like receiving your high school diploma, IMO. You have learned the basics, and now it is time to REALLY learn your art. Respectfully, Sohan

Although of course we should always have respect for each other in and out of the dojo, I feel instructors have an even greater responsibility to treat the students with respect. It doesn't mean they can't be hard on them by expecting a lot out of them, but that their power comes with more profound responsibility. Respectfully, Sohan

I was curious as to the experience level of the members of this board. There seems to be a very diverse group, and the contribution quality is very high regardless of style or background. So how long have you studied the martial arts? Cumulative totals, not the time since you first began (exclude layoffs). No need for a message, if you prefer to remain anonymous, just a vote. Respectfully, Sohan

I've always believed that you can gauge the quality of an instructor by his/her students. Even though we should judge children less strictly than adults, let that tell you what you need to know. Respectfully, Sohan

If it's just a strain, it should've healed within a few days with rest and heat. Either it didn't get rested well enough or it's more serious than you're letting on. Any discoloration? How much swelling was there? Your best bet at this point may be to see a good sports med physician (not a chiropractor) to let them have a look. A neck strain that hasn't healed in two weeks might be more serious than you think. Respectfully, Sohan

You say that you like the idea of winning a fight without seriously injuring someone. If that is the case, Muay Thai is not your best bet, though its hard to end any street fight sometimes without inflicting some quality damage. But MT will get you in the shape of your life also. If injuries are a concern, both aikido and MT will give you some bruises, though the training is very different. But if you train with a good coach and use the right equipment, you should come out of MT OK. Tough choice. I think both are great, but you sound like you might enjoy MT more now, and gravitate to Aikido later. IMHO of course... Respectfully, Sohan

Welcome, Jason! I have a seven year old who studies karate with me and loves it. I hope your daughter enjoys her training as much as my son has. Respectfully, Sohan

My sensei has desired for someone to start a branch of our dojo in another part of the community and has suggested to me that I could take on such a task. My goal is to create an afterschool program for the kids to create interest in traditional Okinawan karate-do through the schools. There is a Shotokan dojo that offers a program now in our county, and I believe we can do the same. I may also introduce Thai kickboxing as well. Respectfully, Sohan

Not to get off topic here, but I never hear that one. What was it about Bruce's training that did him in? ....I'm sure Bruce did not take anything (but then again did he?) and look at him. The official report on Bruce Lee's death was that he had died of cerebral edema (swelling) due to a reaction to compounds present in the prescription painkiller Equagesic. He had suffered a brain injury about two months previously where he had nearly died then from brain swelling. The causes of that collapse was not officially known. In fact, following the initial collapse Lee was given a clean bill of health. There has been a lot of speculation, none proven decisively, on the cause of Bruce Lee's death, from cannabis to a supposed "death touch" received at the hands of jealous kung fu clans. It has been proposed by several sources that Bruce Lee's hard driving type A nature which led him to such fantastic achievement in his life may have put him at risk for the edema he suffered. His unrelenting physical routine and the way he would push himself to the point of collapse in training and in his movies is the most likely reason that he was succeptible to this injury. Ironically, his greatest strength may have led to the weakness that killed him. But then, I am only speculating as well. Read Bruce Thomas' book on Bruce Lee. It's one of the better that I have read. Oh, and as for the comment about Bruce Lee's diet, he was actually a great proponent of supplements, including protein shakes and vitamins. He had great interest in bodybuilding and was one of the few martial artists of his time to perform serious weight training. Respectfully, Sohan

Enjoy.... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6208632535462690569&q=karate&pl=true Respectfully, Sohan

Congratulations, Patrick. Great job you all have done with this site. I wish many more years of success for you! Respectfully, Sohan

Definitely the bo. Respectfully, Sohan

depends on the goal - if you are after continued strength and mass, weights are the only way to go. for muscle endurance, no, you don't need to touch a weight. Bodyweight exercises and MA are sufficient. Only way to go? I'm sorry, but that's not an accurate statement. Actually, I swam competitively all through high school and college and managed to develop some good muscle mass and strength without hitting the weights much during the season. I had a 44-45 inch chest and benched 300 with regular swim workouts and pushups. Take a good look at a experienced swimmer's physique sometimes and you'll see what I mean. I'm not referring to a plodding lap swimmer, but rather someone who does interval sets using varying intensities of work. I have competed in powerlifting, bodybuilding, and swimming and have experienced respectable muscle and strength gains with each. Obviously weights are the most efficient solution, but it is a fact that a proper swim workout can certainly build strength and muscle size while developing muscle endurance as well. Respectfully, Sohan two of my thai students are on the swim team. they are strong... but not as strong as the weight trainers we have. the fact that you competed in body building and powerlifting tells me that that's most likely where the 300lb bench came from - that and you said that you didn't lift much during swim season. I'm guessing you maintained with swimming and pushups. However, when I said "only way to go" that was alluding to the best way to go - perhaps I should've just said "best way to go". swimming cannot offer continued increasing resistance - the muscle development MUST stop at some point lesser than it would with weights, which do offer progressive resistance. Swimming can indeed offer tremendous gains in strength if the training methodology is tuned to developing power. A swimmer's sprint workout involving 12-14 second high-intensity swims can be as effective at developing muscle strength as an 6-8 rep set of a resistance exercise, IMO. The progressive resistance increase comes as the body generates more power to propel through the water. You'll likely never see anyone bench 500 off of a swimming workout, but I wouldn't discourage someone from swimming if they prefer that to weights. I think we both agree on the same thing, we're just expressing it differently. Best wishes for your training. Respectfully, Sohan

We have celebrated the dojo's anniversary, sensei's birthday, and we have a holiday party each year. The adults also meet at a local craft brewery for drinks and appetizers at least once a month. We also have a few of us who get together to run the Peachtree Road Race each July 4th. We try to make as many excuses as possible for meeting out of the dojo. It really creates a bonding experience for everyone. Respectfully, Sohan