KarateEd

Like NEKyoSa, I think it simply means that someone has mastered the art in which they train. I think that this mastering goes deeper than just the physical moves/techniques to include the art's mental and spiritual aspects, provided that the art makes room in its curriculum for training in these areas. Ed

unfortunately we all have "off" days. Congratulations on passing the test nevertheless. Ed

As the others have said, it will come over time. Also, ying&yang makes a good point, relax. Relaxing may not be your problem but if you are too tense when you spar your reflexes will not be as quick and you will run out of "steam" early in the match. Ed

Our testings are more subjective. We don't rank a students performance on a number scale. Instead, we have broad categories (such as "basics" or "one-step sparring") with a few more specific techniques listed under each category. We write comments (positive or negative) about the students performance under each category or specific technique. The last entry is where we either recommend the student for promotion or not. Ed

I have at times sparred with a younger student that was considerably shorter than me. I aim for targets on the students body but tailor my "attack" to the skill level of the child and to his or her experience sparring with adults (some kids are initially frightened just by the prospect of sparring an adult). Often I will leave a spot open just to see if the kid will go for it. If they don't then it becomes a "teachable moment." I kind of enjoy it. Sometimes the kids will find spots that I didn't know I left open, then it becomes a teachable moment for me! Ed

I currently train in a TKD-based system but, if I had the time, I would like to train in the following: 1) Judo 2) Iaido 3) BJJ 4) Escrima

bushido_man96 makes a good point. Also, without getting into a deep discussion, I will say that I have found my self-confidence has improved as I have accomplished challenging goals in life, many of which involved MA. Ed

Welcome to KF!

Welcome to KF!

My favorite break with a kick is what we call an offensive jump round house. It isn't all that hard to do, the jump allows for more force in the technique (at least for me), and looks kind of flashy. My favorite break with a hand is probably a ridge hand strike, though it usually bruises up and hurts the next day. Ed

Welcome to KF! I use Aquafresh.

If I had to pick just one quality it would be a student who gives me his/her greatest effort. Ed

I found this while surfing the Internet. it cracked me up so I that everyone here might get a kick out if it.

I agree with bushido_man, no need to apologize. Ed

Welcome to KF! Ed

Welcome to KF. You'll find that you can spend an inordinate amount of time reading internet forums, particularly this one! Ed

My current school used to do demonstrations but it was years ago, before I even joined. At my first school I remember doing one demonstration, though the details are a little vague (it was about 20 years ago). I do remember breaking boards. Aside from that I think it was similar to what cross mentioned, a compressed version of a normal training session. Ed

I don't think defending oneself and preserving the life of the attacker are mutually exclusive, I just think that focusing on the attacker's well being in a self-defense situation can only serve, as Takuan Soho says in his book The Unfettered Mind, to "capture your mind" thus handicapping your ability to function decisively and efficiently, giving a determined foe the advantage. Genetics may give an attacker the advantage in size and strength, but I am determined not to let him have the mental advantage, which is one reason I train in MA. Ed

That kind of stuff always happens where "all can see."

I understand where The BB of C is coming from in that one's first goal in a self defense situation shouldn't be to end the life of the attacker, but preserve the lives of those being attacked. In many situations this won’t require killing the attacker. However, if the attacker displays no regard for human life, then, in my opinion, the best mindset as a defender should be to disregard the life of the attacker. Does this mean that if you thwart the attack and render the attacker unable to defend himself that you continue to beat on him until he is dead? No, but entering a self-defense situation prepared for a life-and-death struggle primes you mentally to do what it takes to survive and keeps the attacker from gaining the advantage simply because he is ready to kill you and you are not prepared to fight for your life. As a Christian I am of similar mindset as NightOwl. I don’t think that killing in self-defense, if necessary, is condemned via the “thou shalt not kill” commandment, but only murder (or, in other words, killing motivated by sinful purposes). As a matter of fact, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (made famous by the Byrds rendition of Pete Seeger’s song “Turn! Turn! Turn!”) states that there is a time for war. War usually results in the killing of people, however, at times, according to scripture, it is justified. I believe this can be applied in a more personal manner such as in self-defense situations. Ed

Welcome to KF!

Welcome to KF!

Oh, man, I'm hurting just thinking about it!

Welcome to KF! Ed

I liked the first one for the most part.