Sensei Tom OBrien

Hey Rainbow. I know that feeling of getting hit with a hook kick in the head. I got hit right on the temple by one of the Berrero twins at Aron Banks' tournament years ago. I actually saw those stars that burst while they spin around your head. Thanks, Sensei Tom

This is a teaching question. I just promoted 2 kids to yellow belt. They are brothers & they have been coming since 2/20/05, over a year and a half. They only come once a week except during the summer then they come twice a week. They are brothers & to say they were uncoordinated is an understatement. They are 8 & 10 yrs. old. For yellow belt you need the basics, falls, basic kicks & blocks, defense against chokes, headlocks, kicks, garment & hair holds, 4 judo throws, ten no kata, taikyaku shodan (H form), Arnis - the 12 strikes & banday banda, stances and more. My point is that after 30 yrs. & OK this is my third school because I moved I have yet to promote a black belt. I have a kid now who took 2 silver medals in the AAU State championship & lost by 1/2 pt. in the National tournament. He will undoubtedly make black belt soon. But I have yet to promote anyone to black belt. I refuse to water it down. That's why I never went for my own advancement either. I feel that it's better to be harder than promote to promote. Any feedback? Thanks, Sensei Tom

Hey don't get me wrong. I still spar in the dojo at 59. I have a brown belt I'm getting ready for the advanced division. I just don't enter kumite in tournaments anymore. I'm just old not stupid. Thanks, Sensei Tom

I can't believe St. Pierre beat BJ by decision. He really did though. It was close till the 3rd round & George took BJ down twice. George was bloodied but he won. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Wow! I just saw Mike 'Quick' Swick beat the 'Diesel' with a gillotine in about 1 min. & Josh Koshcheck beat Chelangoff w/ a rear naked choke in 3&1/2 min. Excellent fights. I was surprised that the 'Diesel' lost so quickly. I'm going back to see the next fight. WOW! Vera just beat Silva w/ a guillotine! They all happened so fast. Hey here comes BJ & St. Pierre. I hope you guys are watching. Good stuff. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Hi everyone. For years I was down on kata. I never entered kata competition. I only wanted to fight. Now that I am older I thank the stars for kata. I'm too old to fight now but I can do kata, kobudo & self defense. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Wow! Z that was an excellent post. There are probably a lot more reasons why people take up the MA. I would like to know what peoples opinion is about regulating what we do. I am thinking about posting this as a topic but I just wanted some opinions before I do. Right now anybody can put up a sign saying 'Joe Smith Karate' 10th degree black belt. There is no organization that requires anyone to prove it. There are so many great legitimate martial artists out there. There are also phonies who rip people off. What can be done and how? Thanks, Sensei Tom

Hi Mustbe, My club is going to a point tournament in exactly in month also. Now is the time you should be training hard (actually it should have started about 2 weeks ago). Hard contact for up to approximately 2 weeks before the event & then go for speed & technique. You don't want to go into the competition with injuries before you even get out there. Do not wait on the opponent. You, most likely only have 3 points & or 2 or 3 minutes. It can be over before you blink. You have to go all out if you want to win. Kiai loud, position yourself with your best side toward the Chief Ref (if you are a righty put him on your left) if you have a choice, run up & take that position if you can. Watch the other fighters see what they throw. Watch the officials & see what they call. Don't show off & spar with people near your ring. Train hard, get a good night sleep the night before. Be confident like a student who has studied hard & done his or her homework. Thanks, Sensei Tom

If you do not want to change schools & you want to continue to spar in this manner then I suggest the following: Either ask the instructor to make an announcement or just tell everyone that they should respect the punch or kick to the face, meaning that you back off for 1 second & acknowledge the shot or you will go ahead & make contact. Garanteed if you clock a couple of people they will get the message. Ive experienced it. Take it from an old man. Thanks, Sensei Tom

I attended the wake of Michael DePasquale Sr., Grandmaster of the Yoshitsune Waza style of Ju-Jitsu on 9/26/06. The world lost a great man. His son Mike Jr. is more than qualified to carry on though. Farewell to one of the great ones. Sensei Tom

Wow! What a great article. I wish I had seen this when I was around green belt. Just think though how close you are to brown or red belt. The brown belt (red belt in some, especially Korean, systems) is the 'work horse' of the dojo/dojang. Thanks, Sensei Tom