dano

TKD 2 years

For anyone interested in reading more about the show, hereis thelink to the article I mentioned in my previous post. Dan http://www.abcnews.go.com/International/Story?id=3398095&page=1

Yes, bushido_man96, I did watch it. I thought it was pretty good and enjoyed seeing and learning about the different regional styles of muay thai and the cultural aspects of their training. From what I have read on Google News, Human Weapon has taped nine episodes and waiting to see the viewer response before commiting to a second season. I'm looking forward to the next show. I believe it's on Phillipino MA.

Welcome to the Karate Forums. You should find the people on this forum very helpful and supportive, as I have.

I've posted a few messages and replies, but never formally introduced myself. Hello! This forum has been VERY helpful and encouraging. I train in Northern Virginia with my two sons. We are entering our second year with the TKD school and currently green belts. My oldest son (10) and I love competiting in tournaments and finished our sixth one last week. Prior to moving to Virginia, I lived in Boston for 30 years and I am a big time Red Sox fan. Based on the NYY logo for the Karate Forums Adminstrator, Patrick, this maybe my last post. He may end my membership since we are 13.5 games up and its only June Thanks for having me. Talk to you soon. DO

I've noticed we have a number of baseball fans on this forum. Baseball this week has had a number of managers thrown out of their respective games (Torre, Little, Pinella, etc). But, the manager for the Atlanta Braves AA team, to me, made his arguement to the umpires in the funniest way. Click on video link for a good chuckle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7CCga0nbG8

41

Congratulations. I feel its always great to test yourself against more experienced martial artists. Nice job.

I purchased a Versaflex machine about two months ago. I like it and have seen a little progress (the degree indicator is good to measure progress). My guess is that the key is to use it frequently as well as daily stretching exercises.

I agree with Kante. Go see another doctor, maybe even an orthopedic specialist. Elbow injuries can take some time to heal. Years ago, I injured my elbow doing straight barbell curls (which can put tension on the elbow joint) then continued to aggrevate it playing racquetball. Give the elbow some rest and definitely get it checked out. Good luck.

I'm in my second year of training and really enjoying it.

Having played ice hockey for 25 years, I had a few scruffs where the gloves were dropped and my face took a couple punches instead of the side of my helmut. Sometimes it does hurt, other times your face just swells up and your eyes blacken. I will add in a recent karate tournament, I took a shot to the nose in continous sparring that didn't feel too great, even with the gloves on.

While my training is 100% focused on MA, my two sons (10 & 9) play in a number of sports in addition to thier MA training. During the appropriate seasons, they both play baseball, basketball, and one plays football. They may not be able to get to karate training during those "other' sports seasons, but they still participate in a lesser degree. I have seen them both benefit in thier other sports activities as a result of their karate training. Coordination, flexibility, speed, and, most importantly at their age, confidence, have all improved. At 15, I think you can find a good balance between two sports. As you get older, as BushidoMan mentioned, you may need to rethink that. But, that's down the road a little... Good luck.

ps1, I've entered a number of tournaments in the mid-Altantic area and the promotors define novice division as all white, yellow, and orange belts grouped together. I have not seen "white belt only division" over in this neck of the woods. Hope that helps. I agree enter tournaments as early as you can in your training. Its a lot of fun, great experience, and you meet some great people. DO

I appreciate everyone's suggestions and will talk to my instructor next week for a recommandation. As far as not training at all during vacation, if I were in my 20's or 30's, I'd take the time off and enjoy myself. But, at 41, I'd enjoy myself just as much working out and learning something new from another school. Plus, were I grew up is in the city and there appears to be a number of schools within a mile or two where I'll be staying. So, why not. I was just curious to the right, professional approach to another school and if i should offer $$ for short-term training. Again, thank you for your help. DO

I'll be vacationing w/family back home in Mass. for 8 days this summer. My training is going well here in VA and I don't want to miss too many workouts. I'm interested in training at another school while up there but not sure of the proper way to ask the head instructor at the school. Also, do I offer to pay a drop fee for attending. Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice is appreciated

Personally, I do not like wearing a chest protector. But, I do like to see my two sons wear chest protectors during tournaments. The TKD protectors the tournaments officials supply are bulky and get in the way. I did find a new chest protector that works a lot better. Its called the Martial Armor Vest and I found it at Century. It looks like something Spiderman would wear but both my sons like it a lot better than the standard TKD chest ptotectors. Its thin pad and wears like a shirt. It wouldnt completely protect you from a rocking force kick or punch, but it provides good protection from sparring partners whose control is questionable. Hope this helps.

I pay a monthly fee which allows me to attend as many classes as possible (within my belt rank). Right now, I try to attend between 4 and 5 classes a week. Less if I'm traveling on business.

After our first test from white belt to gold bar, we are allowed to spar. From there, sparring is a requirement to test for your next belt (yellow).

Started a year ago when I was 40 with my two sons (ten & eight yrs old). Its a great work out, great time to spend with my two boys, and I more flexible now then I ever have been. Also, all three of us have entered a number of tournaments which have reenforced our commitment to our training. Like others have said here, "it's very addicting and a lot of fun at any age". I wish I had started when I was old at 23.......Go for it.