kchenault

Ok, I wasn't trying to say this was a proper way to train. I was merely expressing an interest in finding out who was capable of doing it. I was hoping for some replies from people on how they achieved it and so on. I remember this ability becoming very popular in the late 80's after JCVD came on the scene. That is what peaked my interest. That's all.

I use a leg stretcher as well. I have Stadion's video on secrets of stretching by Thomas Kurz. The program involves strengthening exercises so your muscles are supporting you and not just your joints, as you put it. You have to be in shape to do this. Van Damme used to do it at least once in every movie he made. Didn't seem to hurt him a bit. My 2cents. Thanks for the reply Bretty101. I appreciate it!

Now, I can't do this...yet, but let's get a show of hands on who in our wonderful group who can. Most people who have used Thomas Kurz stuff to achieve the side splits should be showing up... Pilsung!

My son is now 7 years old. It was a few years ago. I am pretty happy with my dojang for the time being. Somewhat similar to my old school. The only thing I don't like is you have to test to learn anything new. So for 2 or more months at a time I get to do the same form, same kicks, and same one steps and self defense techniques before I can move on. Even if I have them down pat. I also had to start over at white belt. Oh well, this is about your joy on a new dojang! Yeah!!

Great choice! I used to study Moo Duk Kwan and loved it. I got to low blue before I was forced to quit due to my son going in the hospital at 5 weeks of age. Had to pay his bills don't ya know. I wish there was a school around my area that taught it. I would go back in a heartbeat. I am truly turning green with envy. Congrats!

KungFu Master here.

Check out the January issue of Martial Arts Presents magazine. It has a great article on stretching to achieve greater plastic flexibility. Billy Blanks is on the cover. Also try http://www.fitzness.com , great article on proper warming up and stretching. And last but not least, check out http://www.stadion.com for Thomas Kurz' series on stretching scientifically. Great resources one and all. Pilsung!

It would not be a wise idea. Check out the site above for the reasons why.

My list is pretty small. 1 Practical Katana by Paul Chen - hand forged. Low end sword can be used for Tameshigiri. 2 Bokken 2 Wall hangers Check out this site for info on swords and sword arts. Lost of useful information and very friendly people. http://www.swordforum.com/ Pilsung!

Everybody was GUN FU fighting! Those clips were fast as lightning! Everybody was GUN FU fighting....

I had a coach tell me once, long, long ago, that if you can bench press your own weight, then your muscles are in shape, strength wise. I just recently started again, yesterday, to add to my regimen and I could probably only max at 130lbs. I am going for some mass up top though so I will have to start lifting heavy with proper form to achieve my goals. Trying for the "V" shape that makes us all look good. Would love to be able to go to the pool this summer with my kids! Pilsung!

My choices were Bear, Lion or possibly Fox. Never would have guessed that.

I am not afraid to die. But, (man! there is always a but!) the way I will die is what gives me pause.

Gotta get used to using it. Make sure I am warmed up and all. It is a very sturdy machine. Steel tubing construction puts the Century Flexmaster V to complete shame. If anyone is interested I purchased mine from Discount Martial Arts Supplies and Uniforms for $185. Best price on the net. My kids like to use it as well. Pilsung!

I wasn't very active athletically in high school. Just wasn't me. So that is probably why I have to deal with soreness as much as I do. I am just not used to it. Gotta love those flashback shows! What the hell were we thinking as far as fashion goes?

Well, I eat a modest breakfast of Honeynut Cheerios(generic brand of course, I have four kids to feed don'tcha know) sometimes with fruit, a honeysmoked turkey sandwich with cheese, tomato, onion, cucumber, and honey dijon dressing w/lowfat chips and a piece of fruit for lunch, and sensible portions for dinner. Loosely counting the calories all the while. I also have the occassional Snickers bar for a mid morning snack. I train in TKD twice a week for one hour each time. I get up at 4:30 am at least 5 times a week for a quick paced walk (I can't run, shin splints) before I eat. I then do pushups and crunches on an alternating schedule with stretching on a Versaflex. That's it! The holidays are very tough. Haven't lost any weight for about a week and a half. Just maintaining. Have to hit it harder at the first of the year.

That's right boys and girls! I have lost 20 lbs. due to decreased calorie intake, eating more healthy, and upping the exercise!! My wife has joined the 20 lber. club as well. We feel good, we're looking better. Man my pants just about fall off me now. Who will join me in a toast to 20 more lbs.? I am at 196lbs. Once I reach that goal, it will be time to actively start sculpting the bod and keeping it lean! Pilsung!

Not true! I have seen many people who have achieved the splits after the age of 18. Goto https://www.fitzness.com Fitz has a good article on stretching and lots of other stuff. Also try the Martial Arts Presents....Workouts magazine. This month has a good article on stretching and the stretches don't seem too hard on the joints....something us 30 somethings have to worry about. Big thing, relax and take it slow or you'll pull something, like a groin muscle or hamstring. Pilsung!

I thank you all for coming! Now, as a show of perserverance and indomitable spirit, I announce that this 30 something recently purchased a Century Versaflex! Yeah!!! Or should I say OW!!! Now I should be able to practice my stretching more consistantly at home. I am still out of shape and can't get the smaller donut tire that I call a waist to bend far enough in the middle to stretch really well. I hope to rectify the situation. Wish me lots of luck! Pilsung!

On kickboxing.com they have Radio martial arts. They also gave some information about the Shaolin. To make a long story short, they were enforcers for the government, when the government thought they were too dangerous to keep around, they had them slaughtered at their temple. A few escaped and through the ages have become what we know today as the Triads. VERY CONDENSED! How is that for peaceful living? They are the Chinese mob! Check for yourself. I know this was totally off topic, but I felt like sharing.

How about this idea? There is just one race. The human race. We can procreate with people of different skin color. I can accept a blood transfusion from someone of differinf skin color. A more appropriate term would be ethnicity. But I will grant Ethnicism sounds kind of dumb. And I get tired of being called WHITE. We are all shades of brown or some other color, but not WHITE. Paper is white. In the summer, I can become very dark, due to a little native american blood in my family line. People need to stop thinking in terms of color. Starting making up your mind on an individual basis. You might find you like more people than you thought.

I just didn't want to be left out of a club. Who here is in their 30's? I am 32.

The word "sport" implies just what it should. That there are going to be rules of conduct in contact. That in turn opens it up for people to throw an occassional head shot. I know that right now in my dojang I am very frustrated with sparring. They don't allow shots to the head at all at my level. I have prior experience so that makes for frustration. Nothing like feigning to someones head to open the midsection. If a full contact, no holds barred situation, I would blast away at the midsection and knees and kidneys with no regard for control. In short, it is all about application of technique for a predetermined end.

Tae Kwon Times used to be pretty good. It was started by my TKD grandfather, Grandmaster Woo Jin Jung is his name. He taught my head instructor and his wife, the Booths, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Covers mainly Korean arts.

Men! We are so predictable! Bring anything we think will improve our sex life and we jump right on the bandwagon. Can you smell the testosterone? It's powerful stuff!