How many martial artist here

[willun]

I have been doing martial arts for a few years now mostly Jun Fan jeet kune do. How many martial artist do we have here?:)

[appeace]

Me also. 2nd degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do. Started senior year high school-(yes, back when Master Lee was still with us) Then took several year break to have kids, then resumed with my kids when they were old enough.
Daughter is brown belt and son is red belt. We very much enjoy working out together. although sparring with my son who is now 6'6" and 285 lbs is getting more difficult!:eek: However, I really miss competing. Mostly teach now which is fulfilling also because I love to see students discover they can accomplish things they previously thought they could not!

[Beatrice]

My nephew won the silver's medal at International Karate last October in Tokio.
I love see him in this fantastic martial art, and I unlucky, I never improve my first step in karate. I work too much and I have not time...:(
Beatrice.

[Victoria]

I have been doing Tae Kwon Do on and off for years and until a few years ago l was competing in competitions and doing very well, but then RL interupted for a while. I have now decided it is time for a change and in the next week will start Tai Chi and will also be starting Kung Fu in a few weeks.

I find any kind of martial arts are a great way to keep fit. The wonderful thing about it though is the friendships you can make and the enjoyment you get from doing it. It is one of the very few sports where it actually seems to feed the soul. After a lesson no matter how hard l have worked out l am always smiling and feeling great. :)

[Valoise]

I just started learning tai chi about a month ago. So far, so good, but there is so much to learn.

Valoise

[Cara et Pax]

I am a first degree black belt in ATA Tae Kwon Do.Unfortunately my instructor moved away and it is way too far to travel for leesons now.I do love the way that it has taught me to listen to my body and be in better balance over all.I really enjoyed all the learning with the martial arts and the inner calm I got with that.

I started the lessons after taking my girls to classes for the self defense part for them.Watching their classes,I finally decided to take the class for myself.I found it was great for getting into shape.Our classmates were all friendly and it was a great time with my girls

Peace and (((hugs)))
Cara et Pax /Carol S

[korat]

Beginner Tai Chi here. Mostly I like to do Tai Chi (slow motion) while meditating to get myself centered. I'm more into weight training but I really love the calming effects of Tai Chi.

Here's a great link where you can download a free video (how to) plus a manual that you can print off--also free. Great stuff.

http://taichi18.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6

[yobeeone]

Taught Shotokan for about 25 years. The last year I taught from my wheelchair. It was my most exciting year, because it really challenged me to be more creative than I was ever pushed to be in the past. :) I also used Tai Chi, qigong and yoga to help the students who struggled with focus and balance. It did wonders.

I'm thankfully back out of my wheelchair again and pretty much focus on yoga, qigong and Tae Bo, which makes training a ton of fun. :D

--yo

[paintsavvy]

I've studied Hapkido off an on for about 20 years. My daughter is now taking Tae Kwon Do and loves it. My son is also interested but not currently taking classes. He is fascinated with sword forms, imagine that.

[diamond mw]

I have been studying T'ai Chi since October 2001. I've learned the 12 animal forms, and I am now learning the long form. I've finished the first half, and now learning the second half. We also do some chi gong exercises to warm up. I really enjoy doing T'ai Chi - it makes me feel better and also helps with stress. I also feel it's an accomplishment to have come this far. And I've made some good friends in class!

peace

[Helen]

for 6 years i traning international Katate shotokan,
for one year i was traning self defence (israeli stily) "krav maga".
for 2 years i traning Aikido.,
now i traning sword fighting, japanese/europe style
Katana, rapier, long sword, knifes... i very love cold weapon.
meditation and garmony it's part of my life.
this way i find my peace and clean my soul.,
i like martial arts, it's my way!

[Bonita]

I have studied Tukong Musool and Shoalin, then had a bad wreck on my motorcycle and now that i am recovered, I am looking into learning a new style. i like to explore different forms, different perspectives.
Bonita

[daisy696]

My 9yr old son has been taking American Karate and loves it. He has earned his yellow belt and wishes to continue, but I have to find him a new instructor. It sure keeps him focosed.

[EvanStar4506]

I studied Kung Fu San Soo for 3 years and became a brown belt. Those 3 years were life changing as well.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b263/evanstar/Family/kungfu/brena0018.jpg

[Taliesin]

I've studied chen style taijiquan for seventeen years, and baguzhuan for six, long forms and combat/weapons training.
I've also been studying jun fan/jkd for three years.

[ljachetta]

Hi There,

I have studied aikido for 2 years and kuk sool won for the last 6 years:):)

[renate]

sounds awesome:)
Are you also new here to the forum or have you been here for awhile??:):)

Renate

[ljachetta]

I'm new here to the forum. Tell me more about your Martial Art style, it sounds pretty awesome. Also, do you have any cool Adrian martial art Picts?:cool:

[ANGEL]

HI! I'm a new menber and I have passion for martial art last year I have study in a course that show mixed tecnic for defense, I'm also an Istructor of Full Contact and Kick Boxing. ciao ciao Angel

[Bctuck01]

I am a first degree balck belt in Tae Kwon Do. My boys and I are part owners of a studio where all three of us teach. Grand Master Joon Rhee tested us for black belt. It was a real honor for us.

[dejathorus]

Hi Im new to the forum.

I have been training since 1972.

I now run my own Martial Arts Association.

We do Karate Aikijutsu Iaido Kobudo & White Crane

:)

[Death]

Hi im also new here, this is actually my first post. Ive been studying Wado Ryu Karate and Kickboxing since 1986, I hold a 4th dan blackbelt and have been teaching since '92.

[Thelt]

I have a 3rd degree black belt in Shito-ryu karate. I know AP is into Chinese and Korean martial arts but I very much enjoyed the Japanese aspects of HLTS.

[LStevens]

I am a 2nd degree black belt in the Korean martial art Tae Kwon Do, Which I have practiced since 1982.

[Death]

Sounds like we could field a rather impressive AP.net fight team:D

[LStevens]

I'd actually like to take Kung Fu but it seems the only thing I can find local is Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kickboxing, Judo, Kempo, Kendo

[Holde_Maid]

I have been doing martial arts for a few years now mostly Jun Fan jeet kune do. How many martial artist do we have here?:)

*raises hand* Though not currently taking lessons, my husband and I did learn Aikido until recently. Before that it was jiu jitsu. I have come to the conclusion, however, that the teacher's personality is more important to how happy I am with lessons than the style is. That's also why we've stopped: Our teacher's personality has changed in a way that at the end I and my husband could no longer accept. :-)

[EvanStar4506]

That is so true, if my instructor wasn't as hardworking, generous in his teachings and comfortable, I don't think I would have stayed. The rumor is that in Kung Fu San Soo, some studios are directly linked to the instructor and some make it diffiucult for a woman or way too easy. For me it was great instruction with lots of pratice with a great group of people.

[Artisticmodel]

Hi
I am a beginner in the KUNG FU - DJU SU and CHAN SHAOLIN SI
After years of athetics on pretty high level, biking and other sports I went to go see to a training. The guys on that training asked me to train with them. First I waited, because I trained that day already more then 6 miles running and powertraining.
But after 10 minutes looking to that training, I could not resist. I trained and never stopped that trainings...

Every month we have one training in another discipline of Martial Arts. It is very interesting to see the differences between a lot of Martial Arts sports. You learn a lot with that!
Here is our site www.black-eagle.be

Now , when I see the episodes of Higlander again I more enjoy intensly the episodes! And because of my trainings I have a lot more of respect for Adrian Paul!

greetings

ps, sorry for my bad english ;)

[appeace]

I understood your English very well. Martial Arts are very addicting! I find that if I go too long without the workout, meditation, and concentration, I become very depressed and grumpy:mad:
Perhaps, also it provides the mind a chance to work unfettered by stress as I have found that working out, even sparring, helps me to think thru work related and family related problems and solve same:)
YEA!!

Also, welcome to the board Artisticmodel! Glad you have joined us:D

[Artisticmodel]

Hehe, thanks!
It is indeed a way to get out of the stress out of your body and mind. For me it is... When I run or bike, I 'think' too much.
Several times you see people beginning Martial Arts because they wanna fight... wrong, if you ask me. It is a way of living...
Ok, we fight but 'fightboys' who wanna be 'the man' don't stay long at our club...

[Coolwater]

You study bushido, they study nothing but jitsu.

I, on the other hand, am the tai chi 30 year beginner. :D We have been working for over a year on a Yang style long form from a teacher who is a Cheng Man Ching descendant. We're about 2/3rds through it. Our sifu is unusual in that he has studied from a number of Chinese and American teachers and so is less enamored of doing a form "just so" and more focused on the spiraling of the chi. He is also teaching us lathi, an Indian stick form. I've had two lessons, and I really like it; after the precision of tai chi, the external focus on the stick is just plain fun. I'm expecting to hit myself on the head any day, though.:eek:

Korat, thank you for the website. As soon as I delete some things from my old computer, it will be fun to download the form.

[willun]

A few years back I got to study with Ted Wong one Bruce lee's students a few times. Ted is a great martial artist, his hands are like iron he had some of Bruce's old stuff with him like sweat shirts, I did not realize how small he really was only 5 foot 7.

[Holde_Maid]

Several times you see people beginning Martial Arts because they wanna fight... wrong, if you ask me. It is a way of living...

I don't know about it being a way of living - but that certainly sounds like a sort of personality I'd definitely NOT want to see in a trainer. :eek:

For me, part of the lure of martial arts is the idea that in an emergency these skills would help me to do less damage.

You see, once upon a time I was in that place where you get to once you've passed through panic. The mind gets cold and hard and incredibly fast. At that point, I would have killed without batting an eye-lid if necessary, because there was no more room for emotion. Unfortunately, in that place the mind is so fast because it jumps to conclusions. As it happens, I was in no serious danger, but, well, fright is a bad advisor... Just think I would have seriously injured the person who'd frightened me so!? I don't know how I'd have managed to live with that. Sure, I found another way, but what little I know of pressure points today would have come in VERY handy at the time. :D

[LStevens]

Hehe, thanks!
It is indeed a way to get out of the stress out of your body and mind. For me it is... When I run or bike, I 'think' too much.
Several times you see people beginning Martial Arts because they wanna fight... wrong, if you ask me. It is a way of living...
Ok, we fight but 'fightboys' who wanna be 'the man' don't stay long at our club...


For me when I first started taking Tae Kwon Do back in 1982 it was way to help me work through my parents divorce, it soon became more for me, I wanted to advance and keep learning and I have. I learned from the the beginnng that nothing is impossible. My instructor would not even hear the words "I can't." It's funny over twenty-eight years later I still find myself learning new things I recently started taking Hung Gar Kung Fu and I am really enjoying it. I can still say after all these years that Nothing is impossible to a willing mind. I've lived by that all of my life and I still do. Martial Arts is indeed a way of life , but it more then that it's an artform, it's a discipline that is good for the soul. I know it's kept me healthy and in shape.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f20/AGStevensTrinityGuardian/Lisa%20Stevens/LisaStevensTKDPic.jpg

[renate]

Thanks Lisa-I saw it and sounds like a great way in releasing stress:):)

Renate

[Blueyes87]

I'm new to the board, and just wanted to say hi. I also do Martial arts, I take shotokan Karate!:)

[appeace]

Welcome Blueyes. I know you will make many new friends here!:D
We are a lively bunch and many of us are martial artists. One of my best friends in high school practiced shotokan and he is the one who got me started.

[Blueyes87]

Welcome Blueyes. I know you will make many new friends here!:D
We are a lively bunch and many of us are martial artists. One of my best friends in high school practiced shotokan and he is the one who got me started.

Thanks! I hope I do.
:)

[Blueyes87]

I have great news, and just had to share it. I passed my test, and went up a full rank:D.
I know that karate isn't about the rank, but this kata was such a challenge for me that this testing was a true accomplishment!!

[appeace]

Great News, Blueyes! Congrats:D
Keep up the good work. Remember that anything learned can never be taken away:)

[Victoria]

We have a lot of members who are involved in all different types of Martial Arts. It would be great to hear from you all about any gradings or events that you would like to share with us about how it went.

[Sam]

I could use some advice from you all. I have a grandson with ADHD and I'm looking for an outlet for him. He does play soccer and baseball but he lacks focus.
I want to get him into martial arts. (He's 8 by the way.) Anyway..we live between two small towns in the country. So choices would be limited but...
I want him to learn the self-discipline and control that comes with the martial arts training. I also want him to learn to defend himself.
But I have seen stories on the emergence of a newer more violent form that I do not want him involved in because I feel it would be counter productive for him.
I don't know anything about the various types. I got my training on the fly for self-defense.
Any help you all can give me on what to look for and what type I should be looking into would be helpful and very much appreciated!!:)

:cool: CONGRATS Blueyes87!!

[pukkie]

Hello Cocoknight

Judo is a sport you learn self dicipline.
The best you can do ,is ask by a sportschool.
They can give you all the answers you will know
For young children is this a nice sport.
But they must like it too do
Succes:)

[sheryl318]

I studied Yoga for 5 years at YogaWorks in Santa Monica, CA
Does that count??....sheryl

[appeace]

Coco, do you have a nearby Boys and Girls club? They usually have some after school self defense classes which teaches the basic self defense without the actual fighting or sparing found in a regular martial arts class.
However, though I do not agree with the mixed martial arts fighting seen now on tv, I do believe that if a practitioner intends to use martial arts as a means of self defense, said practitioner must have the practice of sparring. The actuality of panic, fear, and feel of hitting and being hit is a disastrous shock to one who has never experienced same and would cause a hesitancy that could prove deadly. I have always taught students never to use their art unless in self defense, but I do encourage padded, supervised, controlled sparring in order that the student gains the experience of a "street situation" and learns to deal with it without hesitating.

[Sam]

Thanks Pukkie I'll look into it.
He's playing football right now after school. But I am looking for something he can train at outside of school.
Something that he can do on weekends while he is here.
Appeace that's the kind of training I want for him! I want him to learn how not to be a wimp but I also need a program that teaches him to gain control of his temper and energy so that he can focus it in a positive way. I also want something that teaches him meditation.
I saw some news stories where many places are training the kids to do this new extremely violent style of fighting and I don't want him in that. Especially not at this point in his life. He's already been in a fight before and when he plays he plays rough. But he isn't where he needs to be on an emotional level. He's having trouble adjusting from the stage Mom and Dad's baby boy to being a self reliant school aged child. I think if I can find the right program and the right type of martial arts for him that it will elevate his confidence level.;)

[webmaster]

Cocoknight,

In response to your request for some advice, here is some directly from Adrian himself for you, which I hope will be of assistance.

Sue


"People ask me this question all the time and for me the answer I give is simple.

Look for a teacher that has the qualities that you admire in a human being. Does he have discipline, respect and the ethics that you would want to learn yourself or that of your child to learn. If the emphasis of the teacher is on violence and nothing else, he may not be the guy for you.

As to the style of martial arts you are right there are many and if you don’t know anything about them it can be mind boggling trying to choose. Again I think the person who wants to learn should chose, not someone else for them. Take them to a few different classes and let them see what is out there and then discuss the options. That way they will be more into learning the art and will probably learn it quicker."

Adrian Paul

[Sam]

:cool: Thank You very much for your advice Adrian. I will use it. Once we've decided on our choices, I'll keep you all posted on his progress.
Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to read this post and reply to it. Look forward to meeting you in the future. Take Care.:D



Thank You Sue for posting this for me.;)

[EvanStar4506]

It's been over 5 years since I was practicing Kung Fu Fan Soo. I do miss it very much but where I moved to there wasn't a good studio near-by.
By now I have forgotten all of my weapons and hand forms. :(
I have several videos still showing my workouts and training. I do want to get back to some kind of Martial Arts training.

Anyone else stop for a while and find it hard to begin again?

[EvanStar4506]

I found an old picture when I was just a yellow belt.

I'm doing a stick form, also known as an Escrima.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b263/evanstar/Family/kungfu/f800d3f8.jpg

This one I was demonstrating a punch to the back against a tall opponent. (cough* not very well but you have to start somewhere.)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b263/evanstar/Family/kungfu/0066.jpg

BTW-The tall one is Mark Estep. He was a bodyguard for Elizabeth Gracen while she worked on The Raven. Also several times for Sandra Bullock.
I would call that Six Degrees Of Separation.


Here is one where he is throwing my son. :eek: No he wasn't hurt.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b263/evanstar/Family/kungfu/0017.jpg

[Littledevil]

I have always wanted to learn but never seem to have the time. Once I am done having children I plan to get into it somehow. I don't think blows to the abdomen would be healthy once trying to conceive or already prego.

[EvanStar4506]

I didn't begin Martial arts until I was 39. It was had to keep up at first because I was overweight too, but with lots of exercise and the warm-up to do, I slimmed down a little and it got easier.

[Ellen]

Hello Everyone.

Sorry, I can't do any type of martial arts, I have bad knees! :o
but I was wondering something though.
Does anyone one on here know the names of the different types of martial-arts that Adrian does, and also knows how many are there all together ?
My curiosity is getting the better of me. :D

[EvanStar4506]

Hello Everyone.

Sorry, I can't do any type of martial arts, I have bad knees! :o
but I was wondering something though.
Does anyone one on here know the names of the different types of martial-arts that Adrian does, and also knows how many are there all together ?
My curiosity is getting the better of me. :D

I checked for you under Ask Adrian and found some answers...


'Ask Adrian' 19th March 2008

I’m aware of your interest in Shaolin Kung Fu and was wondering if you’ve heard of a monastery in the Song Shan mountains in China where the art is taught by a highly revered monk? I viewed his training techniques on a Discovery Channel program; absolutely phenomenal. Do you find Shaolin Kung Fu more challenging than Hung Gar? Or is it simply a progression in your study of martial arts? What are the differences between the two?

Real Shaolin Kung Fu is the art taught only by monks who come from The Shaolin Temple in the Song Shan Mountains of China. There are many other people who say that they teach Shaolin Kung Fu but actually teach an off shoot of the art. Shaolin Kung Fu is not, unlike what many would like you to believe, solely a martial art fighting form. It is more like a way of life helping you to improve your inner and outer strength, which includes the body, mind and spirit. One of the reasons that I started studying Hung Gar Kung Fu was because the same philosophy was taught by my teacher, Vernon Rieta. I wasn’t only interested in how to kick the c**p out of someone but in an art that taught discipline, respect, strength, both inner and outer, and helped me improve my confidence in myself. I have found the Shaolin Kung Fu training to be very challenging. Much like many forms you have to study diligently but with Shaolin Kung Fu you have to study a way of life. I will shortly be writing more about these on the website so please keep an eye out for a new Martial Art section that will go into this in a little more detail.

Also the Adrian Paul Timeline has lots of information.

1988-Los Angeles, USA - Begins studying kick boxing and sword play.

1991-Los Angeles, CA, USA - Begins studying Hung Gar Kung Fu with Sifu Vernon Rieta.

2006-Los Angeles, USA - Joins the Los Angeles Shaolin Temple to study Shaolin Kung Fu, Chi Gung and Tai Chi.

[willun]

I am starting a study group here in Shreveport Louisiana,with The Cateran Society Broadsword Academy Apprenticeship Program under the supervision of Christopher Scott Thompson.

Our focus will be on Regimental Highland Broadsword The fighting methods of the Highland Regiments. From the Lessons of Henry Angelo, Thomas Mathewson etc, ca 1798

If anyone is close to Shreveport, and would like join the group, E-mail me at
willun98@yahoo.com or send me a Private Message :)

[Sam]

:D I made a promise to AP and the members of the board to let all of you know when my grandson began his martial arts classes.
Well weird things happen in my life....my daughter meets the man of her dreams who coincidentally holds a brown belt in Taekwando. This young man shares the same ideologies as the rest of my family and was being trained by a man who also shares those ideas. A couple of weeks ago he signed his 7 year old daughter Mercedes up for classes. My grandson Tyler has been doing well but had to wait for his tests to be completed before we would allow him to take the classes. His test results came back with great results and his doctor and therapist not only agree but fully support him taking the classes!!
So Monday Ty takes his first class!
We got what I think was a great deal! First week introductory classes free (three classes)!! And the rates were good too. It is ran by a family!! All whom are blackbelts. One of the female instructors is the reigning state Taekwondo champion. It's a safe environment and the kids get group training and one-on-one training!! They are VERY patient with the kids. And one of the kids they train is autistic.
I have a pic of my future grand-daughter Mercedes taken when she first enrolled. I'll post more pics as my daughter sends them from her blackberry.:)

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/cocoknight2004/Family%201/IMG00144.jpg

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Hey,Sam,
this is wonderful news!!! I think this will be so good for Ty and Mercedes is so cute!:) I´m looking forward to the next pics!!!

[Coolwater]

:D That picture makes it look like the big "Belt" is about to get kicked by a teensy pixie!

Willun, I didn't know you were doing broadsword. Very cool. Ask Morgan about her experiences with European sword; the woman is dangerous. I think you're safe, though. There is an ocean between you. ;)

[Sam]

:DHer kicks have gotten REALY good since then. Her punches too! She was doing an open-hand kind of punching practice last week. She knocked the pad clean off one of the instructors hand. Another instructor calls out to her : "Mercedes don't kill'em!" . We all burst into laughter and she was so proud of herself. She's a real joy and looks too cute in her uniform!
Gracie gets into the action too. She's only two so they won't let her start until she's four. But the instructor says he can't wait to work with her and that she's a natural. She watches them do a run through then she goes in the lobby and does what they just did.
I guess I'm gonna have to knock my daughter out to get those pics though!!:rolleyes:

[appeace]

I love having kiddos who watched their siblings practice! They seem to absorb the moves thru osmosis:D I usually get so tickled I cant see thru the tears running down my face;)
The other instructors and I usually try to get even those young ones involved in some way, ie, letting the sibling practice self defense moves with them or holding the long handle pads for the sibling to kick or punch--all under supervision, of course. We feel, it not only, encourages closeness within siblings but gives the younger ones a leg up and a passion for the martial arts.

[L_Shell]

Just signed up for my first Tae Kwon Do class. I start tomorrow. I'm excited!!!!!

[appeace]

Wonderful!! Let us know how it went! Of course, Im prejudice since that is my art, but I have not found another which, I believe, would really aid you should the need arise.
A bit of advice--start slow. I know your excited, but dont let that cause you to go too hard or fast and become so sore you cant practice for a week( I speak from experience:o)

[L_Shell]

Wonderful!! Let us know how it went! Of course, Im prejudice since that is my art, but I have not found another which, I believe, would really aid you should the need arise.
A bit of advice--start slow. I know your excited, but dont let that cause you to go too hard or fast and become so sore you cant practice for a week( I speak from experience:o)

Thanks for the advice. I will try to heed it. Really, I will.:D

[Coolwater]

Enjoy yourself, L-Shell. Isn't it nice to have a mentor in appeace?

[Sam]

LD THIS is the best advice I have ever gotten! We followed it and it made a things SO much easier for us to chose!!

Cocoknight,

In response to your request for some advice, here is some directly from Adrian himself for you, which I hope will be of assistance.

Sue


"People ask me this question all the time and for me the answer I give is simple.

Look for a teacher that has the qualities that you admire in a human being. Does he have discipline, respect and the ethics that you would want to learn yourself or that of your child to learn. If the emphasis of the teacher is on violence and nothing else, he may not be the guy for you.

As to the style of martial arts you are right there are many and if you don’t know anything about them it can be mind boggling trying to choose. Again I think the person who wants to learn should chose, not someone else for them. Take them to a few different classes and let them see what is out there and then discuss the options. That way they will be more into learning the art and will probably learn it quicker."

Adrian Paul

[Sam]

L Shell that is Great news!! Have fun! Appeace is a great advisor!
Appeace Mercedes is psyched about being able to teach Ty some of the things she's learned. He's really glad to have her to show him cause he's nervous about his first lesson. Gracie keeps trying to run out on the mat a join them.
Thursday she ran out there to try to play too. One of the parents (after seeing her practice in the lobby) told : "You should let her stay out there. She could probably show those bigger kids how it's done!"
:D:rolleyes: She's SUCH a DIVA!!!

Anyway... Mercedes earned her first stripe!! She is very proud of herself!
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/cocoknight2004/Peanut%20Pics/MercedesTaekwando1.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/cocoknight2004/Peanut%20Pics/MercedesTaekwando2.jpg

[L_Shell]

OMG! Had a blast! Yes, I am sure that I will a little sore tomorrow, but it was worth it!! I have to admit that I did not realize how much kicking was involved, but I am up for it! Going again on Tuesday.

[Coolwater]

Very cool! Really slow kicking? Or is competitive tai chi, with fast kicking? can't wait to hear more!

Ooh, Sam, Mercedes, looks all business in the second picture. Wouldn't want to meet her as a baddie.

[appeace]

Congrats Mercedes! I love the energy kiddos put into anything which fascinates them! Tho they do get distracted easily, its always a wonder to watch them mature and be able to focus for a longer and longer period.
She has her "butt-kicking" face on!!--Go girl!!;)

L, terrific! I cant wait for a full report! Just be sure your body is ready for the new moves and you will do great!!:D

[Coolwater]

Whoops! Sorry, L_Shell: I mistook your tae kwan doh class for AP's tai chi class. No slow kicking in tae kwan doh!

[L_Shell]

Whoops! Sorry, L_Shell: I mistook your tae kwan doh class for AP's tai chi class. No slow kicking in tae kwan doh!

That's ok, Cool...Absolutely no slow kicking in TKD...My legs are killing me today, but I still say that it is completely worth it!

[Coolwater]

:D....

[appeace]

Yup--now you know why I advised--go slow! I was so sore after my 2nd day, I simply couldnt lift my leg from the floor for a week!:eek:;)

[L_Shell]

:D No pain, No gain...I am loving it!!!

A week:eek: Ok...next class, I will go slow.;)

[appeace]

:Dhehe--all I did was switch to hand work for about 4 days and by then my legs were fine. Course that was many, many moons ago and I was MUCH younger and bounced back alot faster;)

[L_Shell]

appeace...I am completely loving TKD!! I just had to tell you!!!!!!

[appeace]

Im so glad to hear that, L! I was introduced to martial arts by a couple guys I went to high school with. They studied Japanese Shotokan and I attended two classes and one competition in New Orleans. However when we checked out a new local Tae Kwon Do class, we were hooked! I have always believed that the way you practice is the way you will perform under pressure, and since my objective in studying the martial arts was for protection, I felt that Tae Kwon Do would accomplish that.

You GO LShelll!!:D

[Sam]

:DBengay L-Shell!! JK.;)
How many classes a week do you take? The kids have three classes a week.
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

[L_Shell]

I take 3 classes a week; Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.:)

[Coolwater]

...I have always believed that the way you practice is the way you will perform under pressure...


Got to disagree with that, app. I've known too many tai chi practitioners, including myself, who have responded very fast using what we have learned very slowly, and it requires no mindful thought.

One day I stumbled and fell toward the sharp corner of a half-sized steel file cabinet. The cabinet weighs a lot; it's full of years of old tax files, and is very hard to move when we want to rearrange the furniture. Even so, I just "warded it off" with my "tai chi hand," lickety split. The cabinet jumped away about three feet, leaving me plenty of room to fall on the floor without injury. You an see the mark on the floor where it was originally, but there is no mark of it being shoved, which is weird. My hand wasn't even bruised. If I had had to think about it, I'm not sure it would have worked, but as it was, I just reacted.

A friend from the same slow tai chi class sent a drunken woman to the ER when she tried to break his hand. (This was a person who missed the part of her karate lesson that said not to use the sport to bully someone while showing off!) Again without thinking, he simply twisted his hand out of her grasp, while holding on with his fingertips, and tore some of her tendons. Now, this is a guy who refused to move on to a sword form because swords struck him as being too aggressive, so as you can guess, he was upset about injuring her. But as I said, he simply responded, and was, I think, more effective than he would have been if he had been mindful about it.

I can understand skepticism about the internal martial arts: I felt that way, myself, until I felt it happen. Consider other things you do, though. I bet that you don't practice driving like a lunatic or a stunt driver, and yet you can still respond much quicker than normal in the face of an impending accident! I think once the hind brain learns a behavioral routine, it can react with those routines really quickly the situation triggers an alarm.

[appeace]

Yes, I totally agree with you. I guess I should have explained that the Shotokan school we attended did not allow contact of any kind, neither in class nor in competition. Tho, this art stressed respect at the maximum and I really admired the traditions, I felt that if I had to protect myself from an attacker, I would fall short, never experiencing hitting or being hit.
Most women I teach find it very shocking and paralyzing to be struck, especially by a male, and that pause or hesitation is something that very much works against a women in a real life situations.
Tae Kwon Do, however, does allow light to med contact, depending on rank and objective of the individual. I have my ladies class who are interested in self-defense practice, first with me, then with one of the larger male black belts, simply because they need to actually feel how a man would attack them and feel the balance and speed they would need to protect and escape a male attacker. This all done with proper protective gear and a slow beginning with ever increasing in speed until the moves become automatic--without thought.

[L_Shell]

appeace, I never asked what belt you are...

I will admit that I am a little sore, but it's all good. I am loving this and I do believe that I will sign up for the year. This was only a trial period, but I like it so much that I just want to continue.

[Coolwater]

Whoo hoo! Good for you!:D

[appeace]

Wonderful news! Im so glad you enjoyed yourself and are thinking about continuing your studies. I hold the rank of 2nd Dan. Which, by the way, I earned at the ripe young age of 50:D
One of my instructors was 75! 3rd Dan! He is the one who convinced me to return to my training even though I had my two teens in the same class:eek:
We had more fun together and they LOVED pushing mum (me) when I thought I just couldnt go any more.;)

[L_Shell]

I am new to this, what is 2nd Dan??? What belt color does that equal???

[appeace]

That is second degree black belt. (I know---it took me a long time, almost 30 years but I had a BIG break in there and 2 kids;))
I was training for my 3rd degree when I began having back problems. Of course, I just chalked it up to old age and training too hard. However, when I went in for an annual checkup and told the dr about the problem, she did x-rays, MRI and blood work and reported that I had RA in my spine.
Of course, I should not be surprised as my dad had it in his spine also and my mom tested positive for it.
So, Ive had to scale back, only light sparring, and mostly teaching--which I LOVE! I still work out using Kata but do them for balance, centering, and perfection of movement, not so much for power and speed.

[L_Shell]

Wow!!! That's incredible! I now have hope!!
So sorry about the RA...A couple of my friends have it and I know that it is not easy at times to deal with.

[appeace]

I think Im blessed not to have it any worse than I do. I had a wonderful elderly lady friend who had it throughout her body and the twisting of hands and feet was caused such pain to her. So far, that has not happened to me---thank God!
So, I still keep moving and sharing what little knowledge about martial arts to the kiddos and they bring such joy and laughter to me that it is worth it!:D

[Coolwater]

A friend of mine was diagnosed with RA at 14. She said that arthritis is like rust: if you don't keep moving, you'll freeze up solid, squeaking, "Oil can!"

[appeace]

Bwaaaaa!:D
I have often referred to myself as having "Tin Man" syndrome:eek:
Sometimes, when the stiffness is really bad, and Ive done alot of bending and cant straighten up very fast, one of my kiddo students will shout "Wheres the oil can??---Ms. Newsom needs the oil can!"--ACkkkkk;)

[L_Shell]

My feet hurt...is this normal? My legs seem to be just fine, but my feet, oh my...this was unexpected.

[Coolwater]

Oh, dear! What were you doing with them?

[appeace]

It can be normal,L. If your not used to going barefoot and you are in class perhaps you might need to wear tennis shoes with a good arch support or dojo shoes with inserts. Also, you must remember that you are putting your feet in positions to which they are unaccustomed, ie, pulling the toes back to strike with the ball of the foot or turning the foot inward to strike with the side or blade of the foot, or even pointing the toes to strike with the top of the foot.
May I suggest a warm, salt soak for those sore puppies and elevation;) for a couple nites and see if that helps. However, if this persists or gets worse, especially when you resume your training, please see a specialist as there are many small bones in the foot which can stress fracture!
My prayers are with you----:)

[L_Shell]

It can be normal,L. If your not used to going barefoot and you are in class perhaps you might need to wear tennis shoes with a good arch support or dojo shoes with inserts. Also, you must remember that you are putting your feet in positions to which they are unaccustomed, ie, pulling the toes back to strike with the ball of the foot or turning the foot inward to strike with the side or blade of the foot, or even pointing the toes to strike with the top of the foot.
May I suggest a warm, salt soak for those sore puppies and elevation;) for a couple nites and see if that helps. However, if this persists or gets worse, especially when you resume your training, please see a specialist as there are many small bones in the foot which can stress fracture!
My prayers are with you----:)

Thanks! I am massaging and soaking my feet. I have now also realized that my left leg from the knee down is very sore. I think all of the kicking is going to take me some time to get use to it. You are right about my feet not use to going in different directions. But, I am taking the class to learn, so that is what I am going to do. The class was informed yesterday that we can go for the yellow belt in about 2 months (sometime in July). So that is my goal for now. I will work on yellow and not worry about the next one until I have to. One step at a time.

[appeace]

Thats the way to do it, L--one step at a time. There is soooo much to learn between belt ranks, so take your time! Its better to do it properly than to advance too quickly and not ever reach your full potential.
As my sensi said after I finished my kata for my blackbelt at 50yrs old, "Now THATS how you do a kata!";)

[Littledevil]

Well I will definitely be looking into the different styles and am eager to learn. I would have to agree that when the Brain signals the panic button you do react much quicker than in a more relaxed state. I will say that when I was younger I had a guy walked behind me and grab my @ss as I walked by. Without even thinking or looking, I grabbed his hand twisting it to the right as far as I could and upward. I don't think I hurt him, but it was more shock that I caught him the way I did.

When hubby and I have wrestled together, in the beginning, he couldn't get me to the ground. That didn't last long once he got me off my feet. To pin me he basically sits on me so I can't squim out of his grip, very fruatrating for me.

[Coolwater]

That's a good game. I like the way it generally ends.:D

[appeace]

I totally understand, Little. After I received my blackbelt my hubby was always wanting me to show him how I could "get away" from him. I usually told him "what makes you think I want to get away?";)
However, after him bugging me to death, he said, "I bet you couldnt hurt me" to which I replied, "No, but I could and might kill you!":mad:
Men do not realize that due to the difference in size and strength, for a woman to defend and protect herself from a man, she must use "kill moves", which of course, most wives or girlfriends would not want to do to their hubbies or boyfriends. Well-------maybe sometimes they would:eek::rolleyes:

[Coolwater]

Yeah. I took a little ten-week self-defense class in college that was based on tae shin doh. The teacher was a tiny woman who basically said that if you have to knock an attacker down, you have to kill him while you can, because he'll be angry when he gets up and you may not get a second chance.

[Sam]

:D Hubby used to laugh at my self-defense instructions too. But he shut up really quick when he saw me take down my twenty nine year old instructor.
I had him flat of his back on the floor with a cue stick tip perched right at tha hollow of his throat with only two moves.
:p After that he would say "She ain't bad but the bad don't mess with her."
I used to get a devilish kick out of watching him sleep with one eye open
if we had an arguement and he made me REALLY mad.

[appeace]

Yup--I always teach my ladies a totally crippling or "kill move" in their self defense moves. As I tell them, "Im older than dirt and I weigh 900000lbs, and I aint running nowhere!":rolleyes:

[Littledevil]

LOL, Hubby usually protects all his vital parts when he makes me mad and I don't have any training. Most of the time girlfriends or wives really don't want to hurt their significant other. I think men do underestimate women jin what we can actually do to them just because we are smaller than they are.

[L_Shell]

Never underestimate a woman!

[appeace]

Thats why my sensi does not teach a woman to attack a man there----at first;) We teach to gouge eyes, kick a knee or something equally as painful first, or even double up a fist and punch them right in the face(which is something NO man ever expects from a woman::p)---misdirect their attention, if you will. Then go for the unguarded spot:eek:
Yes, men do not realize that because of the strength and size difference, women must fight to permanently cripple or kill a man in order to "win".

[L_Shell]

Guess what??? I got my first two stripes on my way to a yellow belt. I am so excited!!!

[appeace]

Congrats, L--keep up the good work!

[Coolwater]

Way to go!!

[Sam]

:eek: THAT'S FANTASTIC L_SHELL!! CONGRATS!!!:D

[L_Shell]

Thanks everyone!!!!!!

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Hey,you are a lady with lots of talents!!:D
Congrats,L Shell!!:)

[pukkie]

Congrats L Shell !!:)

[Sam]

:D While I was away from the boards....Mercedes tested for and earned her yellow belt and is now working on the next one.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/cocoknight2004/mercedewithherorangebelt.jpg

[pukkie]

Congrats Sam ,cool !!!

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/Afbeelding1.gif

[L_Shell]

:D While I was away from the boards....Mercedes tested for and earned her yellow belt and is now working on the next one.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/cocoknight2004/mercedewithherorangebelt.jpg

Whoo Hoo!!!!!!

[Coolwater]

Congrats to Mercedes!

Little bushi are so cute. Darth Paul has a picture of his little girl kicking the stuffings out of a pad her dad is holding. Her expression is pure glee! "Take that, Dad!" Bam!

[appeace]

Good job, Little Lady! I now pass my official CB radio (Sam you will have to explain what that is to her!:rolleyes:) nickname given to me by my somewhat smartypants karate instructor when I received my first belt.
You are hereby dubbed "Lady Fuy"!:D;) (as in Kung Fu)
Go get em, Lady Fuy!;)

[Akashary]

:D While I was away from the boards....Mercedes tested for and earned her yellow belt and is now working on the next one.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/cocoknight2004/mercedewithherorangebelt.jpg

Congrats for little Mercedes from Germany. Love that picture of her. Give her a little hug from me and her brother in name "Mercy" :D.

Hugs....Akashary:rolleyes:

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Your Mercedes is really a tough girl!!!! And soo cute!
Congrats to her from me ,too!!;)

[Sam]

:eek: I made a boo-boo. Mercedes got her Orange belt NOT her yellow belt. I think that is the next one though.
Thursday she got a stripe for her orange belt to signify that she can accomplish at least 10 of her 15 requirements for her next belt! Her instructor thinks she will have no problem earning her next belt in two weeks.;)
Might have to leave Gracie home for that one though.....she tends to distract the instructor and the class when she stands on the sidelines yelling and counting of her moves with the class.:rolleyes:

Appeace she will be honored to share your handle! She knows what a CB is. Her dad has been a trucker all her life and she has gone with him on many occassions.:D

[appeace]

Wonderful!
Now dad can let her talk and she now has her own CB handle!!;)

[L_Shell]

I go for my Yellow Belt on July 18th....excited and nervous, but completely looking forward to it!!

[Coolwater]

We're rooting for you!

[appeace]

You go, L! We are rootin for you!:D

[L_Shell]

Thanks! I will keep you posted.:D

[pukkie]

You go, L! We are rootin for you!:D

Yes we do L Shell !!:)

[L_Shell]

Yes we do L Shell !!:)

:D:D:D

[L_Shell]

I broke my first board...Whoo Hoo!!!!!

[pukkie]

Congrats L Shell !!

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/tulp3.jpg

[L_Shell]

Congrats L Shell !!

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/tulp3.jpg

:D:D:D

[Coolwater]

You did it! Brava!

Note to self: don't take Shell into Dad's wood shop. He would not be pleased!

[Coolwater]

Hey, guess what: our tai chi class is taking up a sword form! Man, with our gang, I'm wearing safety glasses!

[L_Shell]

You did it! Brava!

Note to self: don't take Shell into Dad's wood shop. He would not be pleased!

LOL!!:D;):D

[appeace]

Always a wise precaution, Cool:rolleyes:;)

Way to go, Shell!!!:D Exciting, isnt it?
I have all my kiddos first breaks in shadow boxes with pics and explanations--kinda weird--huh??:o

[Coolwater]

Cuuuute! :D

[brilliant!MacLeod]

I broke my first board...Whoo Hoo!!!!!

Hey,that´s great!!!!!:D
I was only able to break an old dish today:(.....(unintentionally)

[L_Shell]

Always a wise precaution, Cool:rolleyes:;)

Way to go, Shell!!!:D Exciting, isnt it?
I have all my kiddos first breaks in shadow boxes with pics and explanations--kinda weird--huh??:o

Thanks!!
Not weird at all...I have the board, but no pic...I have no idea what I am going to do with it yet.

[appeace]

May I suggest that you have your instructor sign it, write the date and type of move used on it and have someone take a pic with you and instructor then put in shadowbox to hang? I wish I had kept the first one I broke to put with my kiddos----oh well--:rolleyes::(

[Sam]

CONGRATS L!!!:D

UH COOL....Forget the safety goggles. You might need full body armor!!:D

[Coolwater]

Actually, given that I am terpsichorically impaired, they may need armor more than I do! :eek:

[Sam]

:eek::D I get you drift Cool!!
I think my first pair of walking shoes were made out of cement!!:rolleyes:
I only have rythym in the one area that it counts the most.

[Coolwater]

(innocently) Really? Where's that?

:D

[appeace]

:eek:

[L_Shell]

Saturday is the big day...wish me luck!

[appeace]

All good luck to you, L, and may the good
Lord keep you safe!:D

[Coolwater]

Goooooooooo L_Shell! Yay!

[pukkie]

Good Luck L Shell !!!

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Good Luck,I have my fingers crossed for you!!

[L_Shell]

Thanks everyone!!!! I will do my best!

[Coolwater]

'Course you will! You've been practicing.

You might want to lay low for a few days, though. I hear the neighbors are looking for the person that has been breaking the boards of their privacy fence. :eek:

[appeace]

:eek:;)

[Sam]

Got my fingers and toes crossed and sending good vibes for you L_Shell.
But you won't need it. I have confidence in you Lady! You'll do just fine!!

:rolleyes: Don't worry about the neighbors fences....you can tell them it was some lunatic driving through the neighborhood reliving their teenage years...
:p That'll give us time to come up with an alibi!!!

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Got my fingers and toes crossed and sending good vibes for you L_Shell.
But you won't need it. I have confidence in you Lady! You'll do just fine!!

:rolleyes: Don't worry about the neighbors fences....you can tell them it was some lunatic driving through the neighborhood reliving their teenage years...
:p That'll give us time to come up with an alibi!!!

And if they don´t believe you,just call your exellent lawyer just around the forum:D

[appeace]

You could always tell the neighbors that a HUGE Dino dog was chasing you and you were just trying to get away:rolleyes::eek:;)

[L_Shell]

I DID IT!!!:D :D :D

[appeace]

WAY TO GO, L!!!!!:D
Keep up the good work! Im very proud of you!

[pukkie]

WAY TO GO, L!!!!!:D
Keep up the good work! Im very proud of you!

Dito !!! :D

[L_Shell]

Thanks Guys!! :D :D :D

[Coolwater]

Whoot! You're a toughie, L_Shell!

And now that you've done it, take a good look at your sensei's hands and be very very sure that you want your hands to look like that before making a habit of bashing boards with your hands.

"Course your sensei could have nice hands, or it could be something else that made his hands look like that... I've been wrong before.

[L_Shell]

Thanks Cool!
You know, I have never looked at his hands...Next class...

[appeace]

You should be ok in the hand department, L unless you are doing knuckle push ups. I never did them due to the callouses left on the knuckles and the tendency for those type push ups to "flatten" the knuckles, which is not very appealing when one works in an office setting or with the public.

However, I do understand why some students, especially men, to do them for just that result which enables a more powerful punch which comes in really handy when breaking concrete blocks or multiple numbers of stacked boards.
I always prefer breaking with kicks or with the heel and side of the hand which are techniques, when done properly, can also work well on concrete.

Personally, Im not going to worry about the extra punching power that might give me in a self defense scenario as Im not going to try to "duke it out" with some guy on the street. Im going to hurt him bad where he cant get up and come after me and I cant do that with my fists!:eek::rolleyes:

[L_Shell]

Uh oh...My regular teacher is on vacation and we currently have a sub...the problem is there is some major chemistry between us...Not good...Oh yeah, did I mention he is the judge during belt testing. It's hard to concentrate when you are going weak in the knees...Thoughts? Suggestions??

[appeace]

Are you both single??? Then whats the prob??
If not, this is a great time to practice your self control and concentration---on KARATE!!!!!;):D

[L_Shell]

I'm single...don't know about him...I guess it just makes the class a little more interesting.;)

[appeace]

:eek:;)

[pukkie]

Hmm L Shell ,very exciting !!

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/zwaaien2.gif

[L_Shell]

Pukkie, you always know how to make me smile:D :o ;) :D

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Pukkie, you always know how to make me smile:D :o ;) :D

Well that´s her special gift!!

[L_Shell]

A little update; lots of eye contact, hints dropped (on his part)...standing face to face, eye to eye...major heat! Down side, he goes back to his gym next week:(, my instructor is back from vacation on Monday. May not see him for a couple of months (until next belt testing).:(

[pukkie]

That is very pitty L Shell
I wish you and everyone else here a nice weekend .




http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/weekendje148.gif

[pukkie]

Notting news to tell us about the gym L Shell ?? ;)

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/Afbeelding4.gif

[Coolwater]

Oh, dear, I hope he doesn't throw L_Shell off her game. Maybe he should fine someone else to test and just ask her out now! :D

[appeace]

Why--I cant imagine a more romantic scene than kicking your love interests hind end on the dojo floor!--(snerk-snerk):rolleyes::cool:

[L_Shell]

Sorry guys; bad news, he's married. So as far as I am concerned, he is off limits. Oh well...

[pukkie]

I am sorry for you L Shell
There comes a nex time ,i am sure

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/avond228.gif

[appeace]

Im so proud of you,L for standing by your beliefs!
I hope you can still be friends and it will not disrupt your learning.:D

[Coolwater]

Bummer! :(

Well, you can flirt with the married ones, as long as it's clear that you're not serious. With that well understood, flirting is the best fun!

[L_Shell]

Thanks Guys!

[L_Shell]

Ok guys, I am going for my orange belt next week. Yes, I will be seeing "him". Remember, he's the judge. Wish me luck?...

[pukkie]

Ok guys, I am going for my orange belt next week. Yes, I will be seeing "him". Remember, he's the judge. Wish me luck?...


Good Luck L Shell

[appeace]

You can do it, Girl!!
Concentrate!---on your test that is:rolleyes:;)
Best of luck!:D

[Coolwater]

Can't hurt to concentrate on impressing the sensei, either. Show him how much you've learned.

[kati]

Good luck from me too :)

[L_Shell]

I just get very nervous in front of an audience...and he's going to be there; talking about a beating heart...

[Coolwater]

Put the energy to work, L_Shell! We have confidence in you!

[L_Shell]

Guess what?? He made a surprise visit last night. I got to class and everyone was saying that "Master ******" was here. Sure enough, there he was and looking right at me. Damn! I was fine; out of sight, out of mind. Bloody H*ll! Ok...I just have to focus...focus...focus...oh yeah, and lets not forget to breathe...

[appeace]

Yup! FOCUS! Breath and kick butt!;)

[wisdom]

So this is the kicking butt section. Forgive me that I did not read from the beginning, so who are the black belts here? I want to know just so I will not pissed them off LOL. or actually any belt. Speaking of which, L shell how did yours go? Oh by the way, is Mr. Paul a black belt?

[L_Shell]

Tonight's the night...Orange belt here I come!

[brilliant!MacLeod]

Tonight's the night...Orange belt here I come!

I keep my fingers crossed!!!
Yes,you can!!!!!

[pukkie]

Good luck L Shell
I think on you ,cross my fingers !!!

[appeace]

Good luck, my friend! I know you can do it!:D

[L_Shell]

I did it!!

[appeace]

Congratulations, L!!:D

Im so proud of you! Stick with it, friend and we will soon have another Black Belt member--YEA:D

[pukkie]

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/mukkie_03/Kerst/verjaardag146.gif

[brilliant!MacLeod]

congrats from me,too!!!
great job!!!!:)

[L_Shell]

Thank you for all of the support!!!

[wisdom]

How cool L Shell. Don't know you but I am proud of you.

[EvanStar4506]

CONGRATULATIONS L_SHELL!!!

You must have been awesome! :D

[L_Shell]

CONGRATULATIONS L_SHELL!!!

You must have been awesome! :D

Thanks!

I wish that I could say that I nailed everything, but my nerves got the better of me. A couple of combos I had to do again and then the master got creative and made us close our eyes in order to do complete the sparing combos. That was not easy. I can say that I broke the board (right down the middle) on the first try. That was cool.

[Coolwater]

Whoo hoo! Planks of the word, watch out!

Congratulations. L_Shell!