Hey hey hey.....

Chuck how is it hanging? I took some time off from my Karate, and was training in my other sport of swimming.

Today was my first workout in the new year, and I am feeling it, but good to be back in the Dojo.

To answer your question, I have never done musical forms.

Hey Rick:

I just got back from 2 weeks in Jamaica today. What an amazing country! Go to the Jungle and stay away from the All-inclusives! Wow! I met a lotta people, concerned with paying their kid's school fees. And lots don't have shoes. And those who have shoes don't have laces.

My martial arts. I'm hoping I'm coming back with a new lease on Health! Did lots of jungle hiking, and a demonstration up on a guesthouse roof.

AM registered for both games, so we'll see. Nice to hear from you, Rick.

So, I go to Kung Fu, still in Jamaica mode, and my SIfu watches my forms and asks if I took "get better pills." I told him "it's the ganja, Mon!" Of course, it isn't! Actually though, I think relaxation makes a huge difference, especially for us soft stylists. Softness and flow are always my big challenges.

Off to my temporary Karate class (six months, until the Outgames.) We'll see how I fare there.

[ January 29, 2006, 11:44 AM: Message edited by: chuckvanc ]

Anyone know anything about the Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) other than their basic website info?

Just recently worked out with someone trained in KFM - very interesting experience. Very DIFFERENT from my SKA...

Hi, a new martial artists joined the board, someone I have been e-mailing. A high school student and seems like a cool guy. Anyway, he posted this on a separate thread so I was hoping you all would go there and say hello. Thanks!

Hey Kids! What's up? Here's an update from the SF Folks:

Gay Games: We've got 24 people coming from our organization to either compete or support our competitors. Most of us are TKD, but we also have HMK and jiu jitsu people as well. Most of us are staying at the University Center downtown as it provided affordable housing for large groups. We've joined Team SF and will be on the field with them during opening ceremonies. Most of us will be there the whole week, and since Chicago is my old stomping grounds, I can't wait to show the boys and girls around and get into a little trouble.

I'm on the organizing team, so I've been hard at work getting everyone to register and get themselves prepared. Now it's time to buckle down and start training hard myself.

We've got a tournament coming up soon on April 29th which should be cool. If you're in and around SF, come join us!


Jay
http://www.triangletkd.org
http://www.trianglemaa.org

Hello all, busy training, splitting focus between my normal Kung Fu, and a friend's Sport Karate Club (due to my participating in both Chicago and Montreal) Very Cool. Trying to get my housing ironed out in Chicago.

Coming to SF April 6-11: hello all you triangle types. Love to drop by...or meet for a drink...

chuck

Chuck...how is it going? I have been thinking of competing at the Outgames tourney...since it appears that the tourney is in the same venue as the swimming. Would love to finally put a face to the words.

I have just started training again last week..my feet hurt, have to build up the pads on the bottom of my feet again. wink Unfortunately I have started up Karate training, in a period in my swim training when I should be completely rested for my upcoming Provincial Championships. But hey...C'est la vie.

Heres to Hard/Good training to us all.

Hey folks! I know it's been a while...been distracted. It's great to hear you're coming to SF, Chuck. Please come by and say hi to us. If you need specific information about class locations/times you can always check the website or call me on my cell - I'll give it to you privately in an email rather than post it on a board

Where is the trust?...thats all I am going to ask...Where is the trust?..LOL

Good to see you still kicking around Mike....

Hey, new to the boards and was surfing and figured I'd chime in.

I'm a Muay Thai kickboxer. Well, sorta. I used to sparr, but since I got partnered a few years ago, I was requested to get out of the contact arena and just train with a local dojo. So that's what I've been doing, but I follow up with what I can.

In other words, I'm a fellow martial artist. I'm kinda pressed for time this early morn...but I'll write more laters!

peace out,
Roo

If anybody is in SF, they should check out Triangle TKD. I did and they showed me a great time. SF rocks! Thanks guys.

Chuck - glad to hear you had a nice time. I wish there would have been a better turn out for our Demo/Competition Team Training, but it was nice to get your perspective on your previous experiences at the games - you really helped me out a lot (even with my whiskey head from the night before). You also woke a couple of other people up with your hand jabs to our heads - we've been focusing too much on kicking :-) Thanks again for your insight, and I look forward to seeing you again at the Games. Hope the rest of your stay in SF was GREAT! Of course, we have sunshine today after all of the rain.

Jay

Hey Roo, hope you post again! I'm assuming it's a karate dojo you're at now (my reasoning is that if it were some other discipline, you might have said 'gym' or 'training hall'? )How is it? Do they point fight?

Jay, yeah, I did have a good time! Sorry Mike couldn't make it out. Oh well, The GG's are soon! It was fortunate for me that you guys wanted to train the point fighting game, which I do, and I didn't have to fit into the TKD game, which you do!

In point, you'll see that backfist/reverse punch combo or the backfist/sidekick combo all the time. It's simple, but it's different from TKD. I bet Ken and the other instructors have drills to counter! (Come to think of it, it's mainly the simple stuff that scores the points. I wonder if life is like that?)

I was sorry I didn't get the chance to come to your Hapkido class. I love the joint lock stuff and am sure I would have learned a ton! But instead, I had dinner with an old friend I met at the Castro street parade when I was 20.

Rick, are you going to Montreal? (I have 6 days in Toronto between Chicago and Montreal.)

chuck.

Hey Chuck...glad to see that you made it back from San Fran......sounds like you had fun.

I am registered and paid for Montreal, however, I still yet have to book a hotel room to stay in. I know I know I better do it.

I am registered for the swim meet only, but I believe that the Martial arts tourney is at the same location. If it is, I will be sure to come over and check things out....after I change into something a little more acceptable, wouldn't want to be seen in my competition suit, outside the swim competition area. (Trust me not a good thing to see.)

Rick, we totally have to meet. However, before that...what do you know about TRADITIONAL Karate fighting.? I do "sport karate" all the time (i.e. open point fighting) but I am enrolled in Kumite, (and also at my friend's Karate class.) Still, I must admit it pisses me off that I'm not permitted to participate in a WKF sanctioned tournament before the Outgames, but those whose clubs are WKF members can. It doesn't seem right. If you've done it a few times, know the drill, the rules, the judging, then you have a huge advantage. Not to mention a better chance of not getting your ribs broken under the definition of "vigorous application" (EXACTLY what the hell does that mean??) And to choose not to got to WKF tournements ahead of time is one thing, but to not be permitted to is totally another.

Bite me.

There, that's my 4 a.m. 70 hour work week rant. Off to bed. Sparring at 10:30!

chuck.

Yes, we must meet up whil in Montreal Chuck....

As for the rules of WKF kumite...

The tourneys I went to..the bouts were a set amount of time...after a point is scored by either opponent, the fighters are brought back into the center of the ring, and await the start by the referee again.

Vigourous application means, that to score a point the techniques must be made with intent...not to kill. Think of it this way, the technique if down without protective equipment, would it stop the opponent from advancing. This is how I was taught to think about it, but the problem is, if you are deemed to be hitting TOO hard, a point can be taken away from you. This of course, is purely subjective, but there are 3-5 judges watching.

Also...try to advance, on your opponent, while throwing a technique. (shows intent)

Not that you will, but try to avoid retreating when attacked, try to evade and counter...if you retreat too often, the judge can call you on it, and award a point to your opponent.

Head kicks must be done with control, but are worth the most points....

Also the tourneys I was in, the time never stopped, so be aware of that...even after a point scored..the timer kept the watch going.

I don't know if this helped any Chuck...btw it does suck that you cannot get your feet wet before the games...I guess you are just going to have to watch the opening matches closely.

Hey...I need some advice about martial arts. Since there appears to be experts on this board, I figured this was the best place to ask, so here goes...

I am interested in taking martial arts, but am unsure which style would be the best for me. I am 5'8" and 160 lbs. My reflexes are actually quite good, and I have a fair amount of speed. My leg strength is decent.

I have some prior martial arts experience. I used to study American Freestyle Karate for a few months. I also have studied Budo-Taijutsu and some KungFu. I want a form that will expand on my kicking strength and speed, as well as endurance. A form that is practical, and not based on tournament-style is what I am seeking. I currently reside in Pittsburgh, but will be moving to Philadelphia next fall to attend Temple University. So if anyone knows anything about the martial arts scene in Philly, and martial arts schools that don't have egos, that would be great. Thanks.

Sorry, Falconpride, but on the other coast. The most usefull thing I can think to add is; find a club with an instructor you like, and with people you like. Other than that, be aware that you shouldn't have to spend a lot of money. If they test you for another belt level every three months, whether you need it or not, and with a fee for testing, run away. "Lifetime membership?" Run away at top speed. I think under $75/month for 3 classes/wk (whether you can get to them or not) is reasonable.

As for styles, that's an individual choice, and one dependant on wht is offered where you live. I do a low kicking Kung fu, that I feel suits me well at 153 lbs, but it really depends on what is near you. Some styles really favor different body types.

Kickboxing, for example, is fine for sport with weight categories, but for real, if you're 160 and the other guy is an equally-skilled 190, well it's bad for you.

For styles like wushu or sport karate, at 160, you're well suited (you didn't say how old you are. If over 30, forget wushu or Capoeira unless you find an irresistable club.) Most of the Chinese Kung Fu's and Japanese Arts give you a longer shelf life (for SURE) than the grappling arts (or anything mildly UFC related). Also the high kicking styles can also be hard on your body. (Hips) Flexibilty is a big bonus for Tae Kwon Do.

Other than that, find a good club.

Look in the phone book under Martial Arts and find the martial arts supply stores. They are always good people to talk to. Also, they will have flyers for clubs and tournaments (which, I know you said you are not interested in, but they are also a good reference to talk to other maretial artists.) Good luck.

Hey, If you were still in Pittsburgh id say check out a Goshin Justsu school (ofcourse my opinion in that matter is a little biased). Umm... I believe one of Hidy Ochiai's students may ahve opened a school in Phili though, if so the style would be Washin Ryu. Besides that i would say just like check the yellow pages and call one or two places or visit their websites and see if you could go in for a visit and see if you enjoy the class.

woops, meant Goshin Jutsu, my bad.

Rick, those are excellent explanations -- just the type I was looking for!

I am beginning to look forward to both competitions. I just wish I could train more. &*^! work. #&%! body.

The Karate will be interesting to me, as I am very comfortable striking and retreating at the same time. It is part of the style, and I know it won't impress the judges. It's good to have that hammered home. You are not the first to warn of that.

And ever since I nailed down housing in residence for Chicago, I have been getting more excited for that event as well.

This working 70 hrs a week to pay for them has its drawbacks, though.

later.

Chuck.

Last Tournament for me before Chicago and Montreal. Will close the computer and get going. Getting excited - well certainly looking forward to both! Bought all the new gear I need for traditional karate in montreal. My sports bag is a sea of red and blue.

Hi TKD guys. We have to make sure we can contact each other! Jay, have you been training your backfist and blocking the backfist?

ANybody else out there going to either games?

chuck.

Hey Chuck - yeah, I've been working on the backfist a bit, along with some other stuff. Trying to get used to this type of sparring is hard - I'm not used to how quick it goes! I'm getting excited though - I'm mostly just going to have fun.

Also, we have a couple of extra rooms booked at the University Center in Chicago for the games - both are the semi-suites and can sleep two people each. We're going to cancel them if I can't find anyone interested. They are booked checking in on Monday and checking out on Thursday, at a cost of about $55 per night double occupancy or $88 single occupancy. If anyone is interested, please let me know asap as we are going to cancel them if no one wants them. you can email me at jay.larson at gmail dot com.

Hey you guys,
I was wondering if anyone knows how a dojo would decide to accept rank from a different school. Im moving, for school, in the fall and I plan on continuing my training but there are no schools that teach Goshin near me and I dont want to loose my rank. If anyoen knows how that sort fo thign would work please enlighten me.
thanx
~S~

Switching Sensei? Horrors. You may be burnt in effigy by some wink

The truth is it is entirely up to the Sensei in your new Dojo - or maybe even higher up the food chain...

You will probably be tested in whatever new school you decide to attend, and awarded a rank in that school.

I have been to many Dojo - I travel a lot - and have always been very courteously received and received a measure of respect based on my Sensei’s renown and my proficiency.

If I ever decided to undertake a new discipline, I would expect to start from scratch (I would also expect to advance quite quickly based upon previous experience); but nonetheless it would be my expectation as an absolute minimum courtesy to my new sensei, and I would never suggest to a sensei that I expected to start at a higher level.

Look at it this way. The relationship between Teacher and student should be a very close one on every level. He is in effect taking a huge responsibility for teaching you, and for your mental, physical, and moral development. You are the supplicant asking for his favor and enormous amounts of his time and effort. He needs to find out what you know and who you are. You need time to prove yourself and learn what ONLY he can teach you.

IF, by the time you are ready to earn your black belt, you are not a part of his ‘family’ for the rest of your life; then I suggest you may have made the wrong choice in Sensei.

Having said all of the above, definitely ask your current Master/Sensei for a formal letter of introduction; you might also ask for him to include something describing your accomplishments within his school to date.

Also – I would never tell a Sensei or Master that you were leaving his dojo in order to pursue a different art.

I would courteously request a leave of absence from him/her in order to (go to school, take a trip, etc):maybe an indefinite leave of absence, but don’t burn bridges you don’t have to.

The truth is I belong to a very conservative SKA dojo and Sensei. Many martial artists will tell you to ignore all of the above advice and just get on with it, that the level of courtesy I take is for a different era.

It is my opinion that the courtesies count. You have little to lose, but may gain much by their use. I see it as a measure of respect that I owe my Sensei.

"The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the characters of its participants." - Gichin Funakoshi

Rob

Nikyu, Sensei John Chung

PS - Why is this so long and verbose? Because it is difficult to concentrate on the keyboard when you are half in the bag.

Good Luck.

Hi guys,

UK based martial artists here - background in Wing Chun, Ninjitsu and Muay Thai. Currently studying Goju-Ryu here in the UK. I'm into non-sport martial arts. Not 'traditional' just not sport/point (although I respect all competition athletes). Looking for training partners for combat martial arts (yeah, always looking :-)) > Liked Rickinto's earlier post about what real Olympic karate would look like - something a bit more edgy ;-)

Hey shuto.....glad to have you aboard...this thread has been neglected for a bit now..time to revive it...

So all you Martial artists out there that competed in either the Gay games or the Outgames...let us know how you did.

And you guys know who you are wink

Hey boys..... the triangle kids did pretty well at the Gay Games - 6 Gold, 9 silver and 9 bronze. 13 out of 14 of us medaled.

What a blast that was!

Here are some pics:

http://jaylarson.com/photos/gaygames/gaygames.html

Hey folks: Rick, in answer to your question, I came out with a silver with my sword form in chicago, and a bronze in WKF Kumite in Montreal. (Not that medals tell any story...) Both places were GREAT. I'm sorry so many in the U.S missed Montreal, since it was a total blast.

The WKF Karate...well, I really enjoyed the competition, but the judging and structure was, well, wack. Not that that was unexpected...

Jay, nice photos listed. My poor dial up connection...yes, I know...I'll review the other 90% once they finish loading.

Much fun with the Triangle types.!

You guys rock...

I am so sorry that I missed the Outgames, I would have loved to have met up with you Chuck for a post competition martini/beer.

Jay, I agree with Chuck, very nice photos of your time in Chicago. How was your experience there, competing and all?

Congratulations to all the competitors and medalists.

Whats next on the agenda for you guys? Me, its back to training after quite along layoff, and gearing up for my next grading in December. (5th kyu)

[ September 19, 2006, 05:32 AM: Message edited by: rickinto ]

Nagging injuries for me. I've staved it off long enough, but its off to talk to the knee surgeon for some housekeeping.

So Chuck have you seen the Dr. yet..what is the prognosis???

BUMP

Hey guys. Rick, prognosis is good. The knee is not bugging me currently. In fact went for a huge run a week ago, and then sparred right after, and no problems, other than the deserved stiffness. Lots of sparring for me in the last few weeks. Tournament in Victoria Feb 24 (unless i blow it off to visit a new romantic interest (!!!) yay. And then our big tournament, The tiger Balm Internationals that is March 24,25.

How's everybody else's training doing?


Haven't been on this site really at all. I used to monitor the Gay Sports Movement thread, but just can't see past the pettiness to treat the thread like a debate. So, must come on and monitor other threads...

Hmmm..this thread went dead..time to try and revive it....

Any recommendations for a first area of martial arts to explore for someone who is in their 30s?

I have always wanted to start, but I do not want to be in a class of mini-mites LOL

Are there a lot of introductory classes for adults?

Many. Might I recommend Shotokan Karate or Judo depending on your personal philosophy...

There is a SKA Dojo at UM:

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Contact: Toni Guzzardo
Tel: 734-761-9537
Email: tonig@umich.edu
Contact: Adam Liebowitz
Tel: 734-994-3489
Dojo Email: shotokan@umich.edu
WWW: www.umich.edu/~shotokan/

that is very highly thought of; maybe they might be able to recommend dojo closer to you in Detroit.

Beware in choosing a School and Dojo; not all are created equal. In some places it is easier to find a bad one than a good one.

I recommend reading "Karate the Japanese Way" by Mark Groenewold available from Amazon; and taking a look at his website.

Rob

Bump.....just checking to see if anyone is still around....

Here!

Questions for the martial artists out there:

I am interested in joining an aikido club but two things are holding me back:

I have no interest in being thrown to the mats every session or every other session for that matter. Just seems to me that'll mess up my back which I currently have no problems with. Is being thrown/knocked down going to be part of the daily routine?

The more dorky part of my question: I have really flat feet and I am wondering whether I can stand on my feet for an hour or so. I don't really see any way around that. Orthopedic ninja shoes?

Becoming a rabid MMA fan. Wish I was younger (with better feet).

Thanks for any iinsight.

TC...Aikido is using your opponents force of the attack to your advantage. One of the first things you do is learn to fall and roll properly. From what I could see in my observations of a few classes, the attacker basically rolls out of the "Throw." There are guys in thier 50's and 60's in the class I was observing, and they were rolling out of the attack and getting right back in line to go at it again.

Judo, is another art with throwing techniques, but a lot of those throws are not rolled out of...in this case, you will be shown how to fall properly, I.e Slapping the mat with your arm as you fall, to distribute the force of the fall.


The only way to know is to try a class, and see how your body responds.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Hey Rob..good to see you again....you still travelling on the "Boat" or have you Landed yet?

Hi everyone,

I just stumbled on OutSports and am very happy to have found it. I started practicing martial arts about two years ago and couldn't be more into them. I started with hapkido but then dropped it for Kung Fu, which I like a lot more. I'm a low belt level in Kung Fu at this point, but plan to stick with it and see how far I can get.

The only disappointment I have is that I seem to be the only out gay guy in the dojo. To make matters worse, I feel like the only out gay guy in the martial arts in the entire DC area. I've posted ads on Craigs List and in other places to try to find other guys, but no luck so far.

I found the International Gay and Lesbian Martial Arts Association, based in CA, I think, but it seems pretty inactive, too.

So are there any other gay martial artists out there anywhere? Are you having the same experience I am?

Hapki

Well, I don't know about Kung Fu, but I did TKD in southern NOVA... I no longer live in the area, but train whenever I go home to visit. Just hang in there, we're out there!

Hi guys,

I'm really happy to see that someone posted this thread. I was planning on doing it this morning, too.

I practice Kung Fu in the DC area and have been frustrated that I seem to be the only martial arts gay guy in the entire city. Actually, I was starting to wonder if I am the only martial arts gay guy in the entire country.

I don't think I can read through 194 posts on this thread. Can we break some of these down into other threads by topic? Where would be the best place to do that? I'm new to OutSports.

Hey there, Matthew,

Thanks for the reply. I'm still trying to figure out the mechanics of this thread.

Where is southern NOVA? Do you still practice TKD wherever you moved to?

Thanks for the reassurance. It's disturbing, however, that finding other MA gay guys is so difficult.

Patrick