Shorinryu Sensei

If we're going to use the same logic you're using here, then I'd say there's no need for the ITF..or the WTF either for that matter. Why isn't there just one TKD organization? Or just one automobile? Or just one of anything you can name?

Since you posted this in the Sport Martial Arts forum, I'm assuming you're interested in "jazzing" up yoru kata for competition. with that in mind, I wouldn't suggest it. I've been a forms judge and referee for about 25 years now, and what I look for is good power and technique, not flashy stuff. You won't impress many judges with flash, but you will with good solid and powerful techniques.

Why not in the Olympics? There are many factors against having what you're suggesting. 1. Who is going to run it? Each system is going to want to run it differently. Korean systems are going to want no low kicks, groin kicks, sweeping or grappling, whereas many other systems will. 2. The "best of the best" is not correct. It would only be the best of those that particpated. Not eveyone by any means is into competition. I'm sure there is going to be a lot of input into this thread.

What may be obvious to some, isn't necessarily so for others. The author of this thread asked a question, I, and others, have responded to him in yes, an obvious answer to us, but not to him. I'm sure the author could have punched in a search in Google to find that same site (isn't that obvious?) and found that link if he chose to.

Well, it certainly won't hurt. It's going to depend on how the teacher runs his class and what he teaches you. I would think that 3 months would be worth it.

Wow..what a deal! Only $595.00!!! Might as well by 2 or 3 at that price, huh?

Not wanting to be a killjoy or party pooper here, but at 15 years of age, you're still growing and your bones are still forming. Breaking one board is one thing, but what you're talking about can cause PERMANENT damage to your bones or joints. Are your parents aware of what you're doing?

With dimmak, I'll agree with you. I won't agree with "silly" pressure points however. Close in there are many pressure points that can be attacked if you know where they are, and how to utilize them. They are especially useful, but not exclusive for, people of smaller stature, such as women, against a much larger and stronger opponent.

I've never heard anything about sex and adrenaline connection either...but that's interesting about fighters not having sex for months before a fight. Anybody know where boxers (and White Warlock) and their ladies hang out?

Poor dog.

I found your instructor under "Young Champions of America" schools, but found no reference about his being in any competitions. This doesn't mean he hasn't been in competitions, just that I find none posted on the internet.

It would help to know your sensei's name, and what year he says he won it.

Yeah, I forgot to add judo in there also. I've been "Googling" it, but not finding much. There should be some good info through Google on the Sabaki Challenge, but I believe it's open to all styles. No pads, no gloves, full contact karate but no punching to the face allowed...why, I have no idea.

Hey now...a mere $290 MILLION dollars isn't going to change me one darn bit! Just let me win it...I'll show you!

Yes, I believe (but not positive) that it was founded by (probably slaughter the spelling here) Shegeki Yamamoto from Great Falls, Montana (USA). I believe it's a combination of TKD and Shotokan. I know he does Toshikan, and I think he's the founder, but again, I'm not sure. He's qyuite the guy, and his students idolize him. He's had some in the Sabaki Challenge, and at least one of them won it back in the early 80's.

Running for a better position to fight from would be a good idea, such as a hallway, stairwell or between two cars, but just running to try to outrun an opponent, not unless you're a marathon runner. Myself, no, I wouldn't run...walk away if possible, but not run.

Wise words Grasshoppa.

The problem you're running into is that the words "affordable" and "quality" don't belong in the same sentence when talking weapons. If you want affordable, you sacrifice quality. If you want quality, you can forget about affordable. My advice would be to get the best pair you can afford, or wait and save your pennies (pences? ) until you can get a top notch weapon.

The sort of things that you are describing would only fool or intimidate a novice, or someone that has no working knowledge of proper technique with weapons. Sadly, there are entire martial arts systems out there that do the same thing.

There should be an option for "Undecided" ...and before anybody asks, no, not for me!

Besides the obvious knowledge and skills that a shodan should possess, and of course this varies from system to system, I feel a shodan should have the ability to teach what he knows to any age group. I do not feel that a 6-14 year old has the maturity to do this. Another thing that I feel a shodan should be able to do is to defend himself successfully against one or more "average" opponents on the street. This does not mean a UFC/Pride fighter, professional boxer, or numerous other skilled martial artists. Again, a 6-14 year old, IMHO, can't do this. They may be able to mimick the movements, but lack the strength and mindset to be able to do this. It has been stated many times that a 10 yerar old black belt can defend himself against other 10 year old black belts. That's fine, but in my opinion, a black belt represents the ability to defend himself against an adult also, and I don't know of any 10 year old on the planet that would, in a real life situation, be able to do that without a whole lot of luck on his side.

That, I'm not sure of. I believe they have a few kicks/punches, but mostly used more to get their opponent to react in a certain way so that they can dive for their legs and take them to the ground. I'm sure someone else can answer that question better than I can.

Your height isn't a factor in your choice of what weapon to learn. Each has it's advantages and its disadvantages and height has nothing to do with it. Odd that they give you a choice though...usually the bo is the first to be taught in most systems that I've seen.

You randomly get attacked in the woods? Uh...your name isn't Little Red Riding Hood by chance? Perhaps you need to stay out of the woods? As for which system is better, JJ or shotokan, they are entirely different systems with different approaches to self defense. JJ likes to take an opponent to the ground whereas shotokan likes to stand and fight. JJ is great for defense against ONE opponent, not multiple opponents, whereas shotokan should teach you to fight more than one opponent at a time.

I think I've seen 9.0mp at WalMart or Costco a few weeks ago. I have a 5.0 that takes good pics.