Withers M.A.A.

Damn you made 2549 posts on here? How come you're leaving? Hopefully you'll be around once in a while to post. Pete

The higher the rank the more difficult the tests become. Keep this in mind. More is expected out of you as you progress. The first few tests are usually somewhat easy. Once you reach a certain level they become quite involved.

It's funny to see the different views on this topic.

I haven't been to a TKD torn. in so long now. I like the organization of the open torns. better.

I'm a 2nd degree blackbelt in Kenpo and Tae Kwon Do. Pete

If you don't know what you're doing then what is the sense of doing it?

I think it is great that women train in the Martial Arts esp. when they train with men who can be stronger etc. and can more than hold there own. I've seen many guys get knocked out by women while sparring so I think it is great!

NEVER wash your belt. IT was fade and shrink and all those bad things. I've seen too many people wash them and they come out weird looking.

In TKD we use our hips more than most other styles. Your hip should point at your target before the rest of you leg follows. Swing your hip into it and if done correctly you'll notice much more power. Pete

I use Macho gear but it doesn't give much protection as would Ringside etc.

I've been training for 17 years now in Kenpo and Tae Kwon Do. I've studied many other systems over the years such as Muay Thai and others but Kenpo and Tae Kwon Do has been my longest endevours.

We teach the basic bunkai while the form is being taught. Then, after the techniques have been performed and practiced hundreds of times then the hidden bunkai and/or other techniques are explained.

Everyone knows people with big muscles are tough. LOL

With karate you are actually learning something useful. I think if you could combine the two you are much better off than just with one or the other. Pete

It is a risk you take as accidents do happen. It isn't very often but I once saw someone dislocate his hip. It was his own fault but still not a fun sight.

I think it is ok to make a living with a karate school. But if your only focus is making money that is where the problem lies.

Welcome to the forums!!!

How is the contest coming? Wish I knew about it sooner as I would have entered something also.

Monkeygirl what type of Kama are you using? Are you using the Mike Chat Kamas? If it is for competition that is prob. your best bet. Another thing to try is to interlock your fingers together (without the kama) and rotate your wrists. This will help increase the flexibility in your wrists and will help spin the kama. Also when spinning the kama make sure to have it tucked into the web between your thumb and index finger. Pete

Well we all wish you the best of luck. Make sure to keep us updated.

People think that the style makes the fighter but I believe the fighter makes the style. Let's say Bruce Lee was the best fighter ever does that make JKD the best system ever? NOPE For Bruce was it best? Possibly. You need to take into account that certain systems work better for certain people that is all. If you take a fighter like Mike Tyson and teach him Muay Thai does that mean he won't be good at it? NOPE he's a fighter so no matter what system he learns he is going to be a great fighter.

I've been at both types of schools over the years. I will say the schools with the negative reinforement had tougher students for the most part. I think to be successful you need to find some type of happy medium. People need to feel good about training yet get the discipline from being reprimanded when they do something wrong. Plus, most people expect that type of treatment from the Martial Arts when they first join.

Most of the friends I've made over the years in Martial Arts I still have even though some of them don't even train anymore. Not a bad way of meeting new and exciting people

Welcome to the forums. Pete

Welcome to the forum. We have a lot of knowledgable people on here that can help answer questions you might have. Pete