Akaratechick

no knockout, but that was an entertaining fight, I watched it twice.

that's encouraging, thanks. I seem to be okay while I'm working out it's after that it happens. The test revealed that I can't empty my lungs of air so I can't get a full breath when I need it. frustrating. then I have these stupid allergy attacks where I sneeze off and on for the next 24 hours. I'm training for 1st dan and this is REALLY getting in my way. If you guys get a chance please pray for me. I need to breathe now more than ever.

Now I feel really guilty after reading all your posts, didn't work out today. Having trouble with asthma/allergies. went to the hospital today to have a pulmonary function test to see if my doc. can help me. I'm starting to get a little paranoid about working out due to the asthma attacks or whatever I have right after.

we have VCT tile in our gym, over cement. very unforgiving. The class i attend on Wednesdays has a really weird floor, feels almost like cork. Glad I only go there once a week or I would need knee surgery on both knees pretty quick as it is almost impossible to pivot fast without torking you knees. I too prefer hardwood flooring to other surfaces

I have a pair of the century wrap gloves that look almost like the MMA gloves but have the wrap wrist and are a little thicker padding than the MMA gloves. I got them from Century.

I like it!!! You guys have some original ideas Tonight I did focus mits for about 10 minutes. basics with combos for about 30 min and then worked on practicing rolling out of a sweep and slapping out when falling. Yipeee!!

no, surprisingly enough, I don't take that much Advil, but my husband does! He puts it in his pill box with his supplements. That's dedication I am a big fan of topical agents like Biofreeze or Icy Hot, I put it on my back where the hardware is and on my knees before I put my braces on. It works pretty well. I always forget to take advil. My knees give me more trouble than my back, they hurt when I jump or in iron horse stance. My back is as good as new. I completely attribute that to my MA training and of course a good surgeon. I do get stiff if I stand in one place for about 10 or 15 minutes so during cool down I have to stretch to keep my back from stiffening up. My life would be boring without limatations I love a good challenge oh yea, just found out I have exercise induce asthma, so yet another challenge. I have a new inhaler that I use fifteen min. before workout and the last two days it has worked, so that is good.

One thing I have learned after having back surgery and scopes on both knees, become great at what you are good at and do the best on the rest. At 41, I had back surgery and came back four months later with a whole new set of limitations, but with more determination. Before my injury I had incredible flexibility, but after the hardware was put in my spine, it was much more stable but lost alot of flexibility. I have made great progress and just recently relearned the flying side kick. My knees don't really like these, but in my mind I am 18, so I will keep doing them. I think the key to working with limitations is not limiting your mind and accepting that we all have our strengths.

Great Idea Bushido!! Today I did focus mitts for about 20 min. hands, low line kicking, tai kicks. Shadow Boxing and Wing Chun about 10 min. Kali snakes, disarms, quick releases hubud with sticks. basic box pattern contra simbrata. kind of a light workout but I'm exhausted none the less.

White belts test in their specific dojo. Gold and up test twice a year along with the entire organization. We start with basics and the lower ranks sit down until you have just the BB candidates who do advanced basics. Then everyone is back up to do forms and they sit down after the last kata they know. Next, we do one steps/ BB candidates do this last followed by Tai pads. Then everyone spars except BB cand. who spar last starting one on one up to five on one. They then break boards. It's a alot of fun

Are your knees any better? Have you found out anything else? just wondering about you.

Happy Belated Birthday NinjaNurse, You are an inspiration. I am proud to say that at 42 I am training HARD for blackbelt in May, and tonight I looked down the row in class to see several people with their heads down between their legs and I just smiled inside that is. It's good to be older and wiser and to still be in good shape. Life is good

I just recently started a boxing class. I am testing for my 1st Dan in TKD May 2nd. I thought boxing would speed my hands up as well as strengthen my upper body. I like it alot, but feel pretty awkward not using my legs, and I can't seem to get in the right stance, so it is a little challenging. By May I hopefully won't be struggling and will be able to hold my own up against all five black belts that come after me.

I read the book (checked it out at the library) and I think it depends on where you are in your martial arts training as to its value. It did have some essential information that we sometimes overlook as we train. I remember reading that we should be able to maintain our flexibility as we age or even increase it. That impressed me enough to buy another of his books, Ultimate Flexibility, which I have used religiously since and I believe it was one of the tools that helped me regain my flexibility in my back after surgery. Regarding any changes after 40, it's hard to say for me since I started at 34 Seems like I have less energy in the evening before class at 7pm. I had back surgery a year ago so I'll let you know in a couple of years

Hi Bushido, I haven't been on line in a while as computer (Toshiba) had a literal meltdown. I am also fiercely training for 1st Dan, testing in May. Regarding knees, they are tricky. I have had both knees scoped in which they removed the torn meniscus. Meniscus tears are pretty common in Atheletes, and they can be painful, not like an ACL so you can bear it, but after a workout you may have alot of pain and some swelling as well. The tear will also present itself in sharp throbbing pain usually on the inside of the knee and down the cap area. Tears on the outside of the knees aren't as common but they are possible as I had one. If your knees pop,upon extension, not grind but pop, you may have some tears. If you are unable to pursue a diagnosis or don't want to yet, then you need to brace your knees well, really well. Icy Hot makes a really good knee sleeve that you can put under the brace. I use Biofreeze, a cryotherapy mixture that helps pretty well. Take Advil before you work out. You said supplements didn't work, Did you take MSM,Chondroitin, complex? and for how long? Chances are you have some pretty significant wear in your knees and those supplements will help especially with the creaking and grinding. Surgery for tears are very quick recoveries. I was back in about a week hobbling around but it was pretty fast. Mueller makes an awesome brace the Hg90 with no latex or neoprene and it has support over the patella and under. The best knee brace I've ever worn and I've worn alot. One last thing (I'm on a roll today ) watch your pivoting, on side kicks especially, you're probably fine, but sometimes we use improper technique which will tear up the knees. Good luck and I hope you find some relief soon.

I know it is tough training with an injury. You may already do this but I wear a brace on both knees and use Biofreeze at every workout and take my joint supplements religiously. I think my knee injuries are due to me cheating when I kick. I use my flexibilty and don't always pivot. I am training for 1st Dan now and my knees are really being put to the test as I am focusing on deepening my stances. I hope your knee injury is not serious. Take care

that stinks, sorry. On the bright side it is your first martial art injury. So that is awesome. I'm like the queen of injuries. I should own stock in velcro with all the braces I wear I'm sure you will be better soon, hopefully it's not a groin muscle. If I guess your personality from your posts you are already trying to figure out a way to work out on one leg I have done a lot of training that way after back surgery and two knee scopes but hopefully yours won't come to that. Take care and rest and do your techniques in your mind which will make you sharper when you go back 100% which won't be long because we Martial Artists heal fast and furious

I always have to have soda after I work out, Coke is my weakness, something about the burn. It tastes good, but I do have a can of tuna to cancel out the coke, or something like that

You can use this success to motivate others with. Each time we conquer something we become stronger and can help others with their issues, even while you are still struggling you can motivate others thus helping yourself. Your an inspiration.

the pc cleaning was a wake-up call for you I'm sure. thanks for sharing with us. We are all really proud of you and you can tell by how many friends have viewed your post. Perserverence overrides resistance. I wear a bracelet that says Be Strong, it's not about smoking but about not letting my weaknesses rule me.

I'm impressed. I work out on Mon and Thur at the dojo and Tues. and Fri I do Pilates, there are times I would like to work out twice in one day but am afraid that it will affect my class performance. Happy Belated Birthday!!! I'm 42 and don't really feel much different than when I was younger except I seem to take a lot of vitamins and supplements and occasionly fall asleep in the recliner and I thought only old people did that.

I have had the shin pads and insteps that are washable but I always forgot to wash them and I've used the foam from Macho, century and the elastic which held them seemed to wear out fairly quick. I now use the Adidas pads which I like alot, no washing required and the elastic is holding firm. I wear the foam foot pads and they are ok

wear it, just when you don't you'll get an injury. Monday night we only had a few minutes left so our instructor/my hubby had us spar light contact and I sprained my flipping big toe, so now I am hobbling through class wear it.

I agree with you. I kind of feel the same way about those who use running a certain distance as well. I agree too, but instructor always right so ask no questions

quote="Jiffy"]The other thing you can do is seperate your feet. This lightens the load a little, once you have this, then move them closer together. Hey, I didn't know that, my rank has to do 75, in 3 sets of 25, maybe when I start getting weak I can seperate my feet, knee pushups aren't allowed at brown belt in my school