Red J

Which brings about the saying, "You are the sum of your experiences." IMO a broad range is good, however, quality is better than quantity. BTW, I have trained in wrestling, karate, and Shoalin Kempo, and I feel that all of my training comes into play when I spar or grapple.

Congratulations! You have a great attitude and a lot of enthusiasm. This was a very positive thread. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I think this thread could get a little hot. I had a little shotokan experience back in college. I came from a different style and I saw nothing but respect and solid technique. Maybe the sensei was just teaching it right.

Welcome back. I look forward to your renewed spirit.

Give it a try. Any MA experience can only be a benefit.

I believe that I was a little sarcastic in my previous post, but I was trying to make a point about people overusing their titles. I have a professional title and I only use it in the proper setting. I think that it's sad when people use their titles outside of the proper settings in an effort to elevate their perceived status or to get preferential treatment from others. They are usually very transparent and insecure or they just don't know any better. On a more positive note, I used to work at a golf course in college and met a few Asian guys who played on a regular basis. One was a Grandmaster of a local TKD school. When I met him he didn't introduce himself as GM ________. He was so down to earth, and after talking to him over a three month period he told me what he did for a living. Now, if I ever saw him in the MA setting I would certainly use his title out of respect. On the other hand, I also don't see him going to a doctor's office or a PTA meeting and introducing himself as GM ______. Funny story, one day he won some money from these two guys on the last hole. When the group came in the two guys said something like we better pay him because he might know Karate. Well, I just cracked up and kept my mouth shut. They had no idea.

I think its good to train with all types of people. It can only broaden your experience.

I just talked to a prosecutor who trains with me about this. He said that if you defend yourself against an attacker you need to use reasonable force to overcome that person. In essence, you cannot use deadly force to overcome a non-deadly attack. He also said when you have overcome the situation, you have a duty to stop. Deadly force can be used only to defend against deadly force. He seemed to indicate that there is a lot of gray areas and extenuating circumstances to consider. My take was that if someone punched you, you can knock them on their can, but you probably don't want to pound them to the point where they would be in the hospital for a few weeks. If someone tries to take your watch, you can defend yourself with an arm bar takedown, but you shouldn't break their arm, ribs, jaw, and rip their eyes out. Not only could you face criminal prosecution but you could also be sued civilly by the attacker. If you are in a situation where a reasonable person would be afraid for their life, then deadly force is defendable. With you being a martial artist, it doesn't take your rights away to defend yourself. However, if you do cross the line someone could argue that you are trained and should know better. I believe that the person who is properly trained would be able to control themselves in extreme situations, better than a person with no MA training, because of the nature of MA training. Let's hope we never have to see that day.

I don't know about being tall, but I can tell you that I have to practice techniques on people that are shorter and taller than me. I have found that adaptations have to be made for different heights. For instance, some of the neck techniques have you go over the shoulder of a shorter person and go under the arm of the taller person. The results are simular but you get there in a slightly different way. I had a harder time with the taller people at first, but I have learned to adapt to "bring them down to size" by using better technique and attacking balance.

Welcome!!!

Our classes run 1 hour. The advanced class is also an hour but you stretch out before the class officially starts.

I think it is important to know how to use a variety of techniques. Grappling is great and can be devastating. It’s even better if the practitioner has the knowledge of a striking art. In my dojo we study all aspects of fighting. You never know what the situation may call for. Remember, when you are attacked, it's on the attackers terms to start with, you react, and make the terms yours.

I wonder if he signs his checks "Master _____?" The title, outside of the MA setting, seems a little much. I hope that he wasn't wearing a gi with tassles on it too, while he was sticking flyers under the windshield wipers. I don't know, maybe I'm just a little cynical with people who overuse their professional titles in other settings. I have the same feeling about my peers that have PHDs that introduce themselves as Dr. somebody and then proceed to call you by your first name when you are at a party. Gimme a break!

I check the marker on the far left of the forum and if it is colored then I know if someone has posted since I was on last. I also look to see on the right what the last post of that forum was. If I have time I check the forums of interests for topics I may want to look at or comment on. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it.

Welcome! What art are you thinking about? Enjoy the forum.

Definitely getting into a zone is the way to go. I have discovered, like Ti-Kwon-Leap, that practicing katas in different directions or to the corners really makes me focus on the kata instead of the direction I'm moving in. Another exercise that my sensei made us do to block out distractions was to have the class line up in a circle with our backs toward the center and do a form. He also changed this by staggering us in diagonals with every other person facing a different way, either backwards or forwards. It was hard at first, but after awhile you learn to concentrate. If the problem persists, I would talk to your instructor.

Welcome Outlaw. What's happening in Maryland?

I didn't know that the show has been around for that long. I think Carey has done a good job as the host. He's not as stuffy as the other guy.

"Whose line" is a great show. Before Drew Carey brought it to the American market it was produced by the BBC. You can catch the older episodes on the Comedy Channel. I believe that Ryan and Collin have been there from the beginning. It's one of the better shows on the tube IMO.

You're going to love it. I can tell by your attitude. Keep us posted on the excitement.

I don't know if Lee was the best of all time but he surely has had an impact on MA, especially in the West. Even 30 years past his death he is still a household name. He certainly has done much to bring popularity to MA.

Thanks Bretty and G95, anyone else care to share?

I was 3 years old when the first man landed on the moon. Time really flies....

How many times do you stretch on the days that you don't formally train vs. training days? How long do you stretch at home? Do you vary the kinds of stretches that you do or are you in a set pattern? I am trying to get into a more consistent daily routine and I am looking for your ideas. Thanks.

I would do military presses with a bar or dumbells. You stand or sit and press overhead. I would follow these up with lateral raises. Stand or sit with light dumbells and lift your arms out to the sides to shoulder height, don't lock your arms, keep your elbows bent slightly. You can hit the rear delt easily by modifying the lateral raise by bending over slightly. If you want to tie your delts into your traps try to finish with upright rows and weighted shoulder shrugs.