Withers M.A.A.

For whatever reason people don't feel that Martial Arts instructors should make any money. They should all live in poverty because they love to teach. It is like any other job you may love doing it but you NEED to make money!!!

Gotta take a movie like this for what it is.... a movie... Most people that watch these movies know nothing about the Martial Arts so they can get away with just about anything. I love how after he paints the fence and the house how when Myagi attacks him he has the timing and technique down to not get hit. Damn after all the cars I've washed and things I've painted I wish I could block like that. LOL

I would just say take it day by day. Try to gradually build your strength and stamina and work harder and harder. It will take a little time but you will get there. Good luck, Pete

That's an old movie... I've seen it years ago. Couldn't believe they had sex in a cartoon. Good movie though. Loved when the guy fell on the blade face first and slid down it. Quite graphic.

Very good response. I wonder if that was from Jet Li himself or from a spokesperson for him.

I'm a 2nd degree black belt in Open Sytle Tae kwon Do.

Welcome to the forums. THis is a great place to interact with other martial artists from many different disciplines. Pete

You'll be ok.

If you can get a contract for 1 year then that isn't bad. You are giving your instructor the opportunity to train you for the next year. That gives him the security of you still being there along with getting a paycheck every month. Don't forget he needs to pay his bills and make money and needs some type of foundation. I would find out what the buy out rate is if you decide to stop training. Don't judge the school just because they make you sign a contract. Any good school around here (Boston) will make you sign one.

To build your wrists and forearms you need to either do gripping techniques such as those squeeze grippers or use dumbels or barbells and curl them with your wrists only. This will help strengthen your wrists. As for abs it is true that you need to be in a good diet and to be burning lots of calories to get them to show. You need to burn off all the fat around them.

The Karate Kid was the Boy!!!

The best way to judge an instructor is to watch his or her students. How they act and respond to him or her and how knowledgeable they are. Ask them questions if at all possible. Then see if he or she is a good modivator and a positive role model. If they meet these standards then you should be all set. Pete

To gain weight you need to increase your calorie intake. make sure to eat the right foods but also food with high calorie counts. Stay away from high fat foots but get foods high in carbs. Pasta works great. Also you may want to take a protein supplement drink. I was in a similiar situation years ago and with lifting weights and eating right and increasing my calorie intake I went from 125lbs. to 185. It is a lot of work but it can be done. Good luck

How does TKD work in a crowded area? Prob. not to good that is why I also teach Kenpo. How does Kenpo work in a crowded area? GREAT!!!

Years ago I was at a Seminar with the late Prof. Nick Cerio. He was a short stout fat bald guy who didn't look too intimidating esp. since he was in his 70's. Well he told me to attack him so at first I did with about 60% effort. He didn't really do anything but move out of the way. Then he said "good now that we got that out of the way I want you to really attack me and really try to hit me." So I came a little harder but not 100%. Long story short I came at full tilt and by the time I realized what had happened I was on the ground looking up at this short, stout, fat, old guy and feeling pain all over my body. Not only did he manage to take me down, put me in an arm bar but he also moved out of the way and hit me about 15 times. Amazing People.

I agree that sometimes you can't get the camera angle right and you end up getting spotted because you're trying to see the person under you.

That is great!

Welcome to the forums.... Pete

I usually fold it. The gi top is folded to the back and the arms then folded together. Pretty straight forward. I always wash it after class but I still choose to fold it after a workout.

Welcome to the forums. We always enjoy new members who have lots to share. Pete

Remember by learning Martial ARts you are also learning something. By going to the gym you exercise your muscle to get stronger and get in shape. You can acheive these goals in the martial Arts also but at the same time learn something that may save your life.

I've never fought anyone who studied Capoera. I would rate it with Wushu as for being deadly or not.

I would def. say Tai Chi Chuan esp. since it is the most practiced Martial Art in the world today. It is great for low impact exercise.

It is a tough decision. I think a lot of it depends on the fighter. Some ways of training work well for some as other ways work for others. I think having a tough environment such as training in Japan would tend to make a tougher person.

Interesting topic. I would never shave my legs. I would feel like a little boy again. LOL