BUCKEYE

I'm going with the earlier posts on my size being an advantage and not a hinderance. I am going to class 4 times a week and have been told by Sensei Scott that my progression is going extremely well!!! After a self defense class last Wednesday, one of the greenbelts pulled me aside and told me that I completely dominated the guy they had me paired up against that night. One of the Sensei's had me pull it back a notch on the knee drills (my 6'3" partner was supposed to resist my knees and not allow me to throw them easily, but I had such a good hold on him that everytime he would try and resist, I would yank him back in and throw knees non-stop). Because of the pad he was using I knew I wasn't killing him, so I was going like this would be "real world." I must admit that since I have started training in MA, I feel as though this has become an addiction. I just bought my own heavy bag so I can train at home and perfect my kicks and punches as I learn them. My wife can tell a difference in my attitude and drinking habbits. Instead of partying Friday and Saturday nights, I'm in bed early Friday so I can be ready for MA Sat morning. And then tonight we went out with friends to Starbucks of all places.....good lord!!!! I see it as there were 3 people that started the same time as me and I want to have the advantage, not only with progression, but physically and mentally. Well I will quit rambling on tonight, I just feel so good about what I am doing now. Thank you all and have a great Sat night and Sunday!!!! Respectfully, Travis

Sohan, You must have a great Buckeye family!

Nice to know....thanks guys! Air Force, stationed at Langley AFB, VA. Born and raised in Chillicothe, OH.... As you can tell from my screen name, I Love Ohio State Football!!!!

On weight training.... I suggest the following for weight gain (not weight loss). Day 1: Chest/Back Day 2: Biceps/Triceps Day 3: Shoulders/Legs Day 4: Rest Day 5: Chest/Back Day 6: 30 minutes of Cardio Day 7: 30 Minutes of Cardio Day 1: Repeat cycle If you do too much cardio, you will not gain as much muscle mass, but you still need to do cardio. If your MA training is anything like mine....it might as well be one hour of sweat pouring cardio as far as your body is concerned. Go heavy on the weights, start out at about 60% of what "you think that you're max is" and do that for a warm up. Then go as heavy as you can in order to do 6-8 reps (safely and properly). Drop your weight 5-10lbs and repeat reps. Do this for 3-4 sets until muscle failure. In two to three weeks you won't believe how much more weight you can lift then when you started. I started my Brother-in-Law on this 2 months ago and he has gained over 10 lbs. Best of luck! Respectfully, Buckeye

Toby, When I first joined the military, I weighed 185 lbs. I'm 6'1" and now weigh anywhere between 235 and 255 (depending on my cardio expenditure). Supplements other than BCAA's, Protein, and daily vitamins are a waste of money. If you want size...you need to lift HEAVY (do not hurt yourself, but you need to push yourself) and eat a lot. This is what works for me and what I have seen work for other people in the past.... The Anabolic Diet...(designed by Dr. Mauro Di Pasquale) The basics are Monday through Friday eat very low carbs and a very high protein & fat intake (protein and fat will shift the your body into a state of Ketosis and lower Insulin levels thus increasing your GH release). Saturday and Sunday switch to a lot of carbs and very low protein and fat (Carb Loading will create an insulin spike, moves nutients into your system). This will give you that Anabolic effect and when you lift on Monday after switching back to high protein, low carbs............holy Crap - Watch Out - you will see why they call this The Anabolic Diet. You need to take in a lot of calories per day though, otherwise you will lose weight! I'm talking about 2500 to 3000 calories per day, maybe more! If you have any health concerns then obviously see a Dr. before you go on this. let me know if you ahve any questions.... Respectfully, Buckeye

I start my full week of training this week Tuesday through Thursday and Friday. My forearm is still recovering from the high blocks the Green Belt was laying on me (just bruised and sore). Is there such a thing as bone conditioning or will my bones always be this sore after training? Either way, I'm looking forward to tomorrow night! Respectfully, Buckeye

Thank you Holland.

Thank you all for your replies. Today was a workout....I'm active duty military and we have mandatory PT three times a week, but I was not expecting such a session. My nice ironed GI was completely soaked. Sensei Green paired me up with one of his green belts today as we practiced numerous joint locks and defensive strikes/manuevers. I never realized how much "icy/hot" would become my best friend...LOL. I have set 4 days per week to train at Sensei Green's dojo. I love the structured atmosphere that he provides. There was another gentlemen that started with me today; he practiced another MA for a long time but it seemed as though we were both on level ground as far as experience. Is this because when someone swaps styles, they have to unlearn their old style to a certain degree? Thanks... Respectfully, Buckeye

Hello All, I was presented my white belt today after my first group lesson. After some researching I joined a very respectable dojo called Green's Martial Art Center located in Hampton, VA. Sensei Clint Green owns the studio and teaches Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan and is a direct student of Kyoshi Doug Perry. I researched for a few weeks and talked to a few dojos before deciding on Sensei Green. His studio was a little more than the rest but I figure that this may be the "you get what you pay for" situation. I have a strong wrestling background (grew up in the north) but that has been years ago. I'm planning on staying with this style for a few years before branching out into other forms. I would love to learn grappling and some "tap or snap" styles, but I need to focus on Shorin-Ryu since this is my first martial arts training. Question for anyone..... I'm 6'1" 255lbs, very strong, lift a lot of weights but not flexible at all (as evident by my stretching exercises today in class). I have read on some forums that Shorin-Ryu is more tailored toward someone of a smaller frame. However, my Sensei is nearly 6'2" or 6'3". What are some of your takes on this? I'm addicted! Respectfully, Buckeye