dano

Yes, we have an Acura MDX with a built-in GPS. Very helpful as it will also tell you where the nearest ATM, restaurant, or gas station is whereever you are traveling.

First concert was Lionel Richie and Tina Turner at the Worcester Centrum in 1984. Best concert was Ozzie Osbourne with Metallica opening up for him. Yes, I has some diverse musical tastes

A 1973 Volkswagon Bug. Bought it in 1984 for $750. It had no heat, which made for some very chilly drives around Boston in the winter time.

Inspiring

Cracked ribs during sparring. Those little buggers take a while to heal.

I'm a little frustrated with my MA school and want to know if I'm overreacting or not. Any advice or words of wisdom from this forum is always helpful and appreciated. Here it is: I go to my MA school a lot. If I'm not out of town traveling for work, I'm at the school that evening for a workout. Usually, I'm there 4-5 times a week and give 110% effort. When I first get there, I pull my card and the instructor gives me credit for being there that day. Typically, when the card is full (40-50 workouts), you typically test for your next belt (underbelt) the following month. Well, this month my card is full and I confidently know all the requirements for the next belt. In addition, I arrive 15-30 minutes before class to practice, and I practice at work. In two weeks, the next test is taking place and I'm not on the list. I asked my instructor if I was going to be on the list, and the answer was, "maybe in a month or two". I'm confused and frustrated. There are some people in our school who come once, maybe 2x a week, and in six months test for the next belt. They don't remember all the forms and their technique is sloppy...But that person tests. I focus and try to build that muscle memory with practice and frequent trips to the school. But, no test for me. Is it because I haven't paid enough monthly dues?? I feel like I'm being penalized for dedicating and pushing myself to improve. I have no problem asking the instructor about this, but thought I would check with you folks beforehand. Am I overeacting? As always, thanks for the help. Dano

Congratulations. Great work and great site. Very helpful to a lot of people. Dan O

Thanks again for the help. I watched the video a dozen more times, then went to class to try it out. Still needs alot of work, but I think I'm spinning after the first kick better. Will work at it again this evening. The BB of C, our school teaches a combination of three styles; TKD, Hapkido, and TSD. Dan O

Thanks for the replies. The video was especially helpful. I'm 42, 6'3", 215# and feeling the "tourque" to get my body and legs around has been difficult. The video did a good job breaking it down. I'm looking forward to trying it on the mats this evening. To clarify, the hurricane kick at our school is a back leg, out-to-in cresent kick, then with the leg you landed your cresecent kick on, you do a spinning roundhouse kick, kicking with the same leg. Just FYI, after that You Tube video link DWx sent was done, the small screen showed two additonal video you could watch. Did anyone see that video of the match between UCLA and Stanford. That person lands an incredible tornado kick. If you missed it here is the link: Thanks again for the help. Dan O

Any suggestions or advice on ways to execute a better tornado kick? Also, any practice tips that will help with this type of kick is appreciated? As I'm moving up in rank, this kick is required in a number of open hand and weapons forms and my T-kick needs some work. Thanks in advance for the help. Regards, Dan O

I purchased the martial armor from Century for my sons. In tournaments they (both are under 18 ) are required to wear some chest protection. The ones provided by the tournament organizers were too big and bulky. The Armor is lightweight and fits well. It also won't ride up on you when you throw kicks like some of the other bulkier chest protectors. The Armor is thinner then most chest protectors and doesn't provide the same level of protection that the thicker can offer. But, both my sons liked the Armor and have used them in a number of touramanets. Hope that helps.

You can also check out this website and search for tournaments by date and by state. Also, you can set up your own search (by states) and it will give you email alerts when any new tournaments are listed. http://www.karatetournaments.com/ I found this to be very helpful. Hope it helps. dano

Started almost two years ago at the age of 40. One of the best things I ever did. Go for it. You'll love it.

How about a digital video recorder that takes good pictures? I have a Sony 20X HandyCam that take great video and can be quickly switched back and forth to take pictures and videos. I've used it to record sparring sessions and MA tournaments then review later. While it is not as small as some of those camera/video phones that fit in your front pocket, it is roughly adult palm size and fits in a gym bag, pocketbook, or coat pocket. Picture quality is good. Hope that helps. dano

That was funny.