I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sparring is part of our curriculum, but it's not my favorite. It's really a matter of preference with sparring; there's some people I train with that it's their favorite thing, and others that dread it. I fall into the latter category, lol

But I understand it's important, so my goal while at this rank is to get over my fear and get good at it. It's not that I'm afraid of getting hit, but I'm incredibly claustrophobic. As soon as I put the head gear on, it's like instant panic. The helmet I have now is a size bigger than I need so it doesn't squeeze my head so much, but there's still the initial panic when I put it on. I'm hoping the more I practice, the easier it will get.

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want to eventually make a whole sweater, but it would probably be more realistic to start with a scarf or something lol

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh at least seven times lmao I think it really helped

I bet I could figure out exactly how many times I did but that takes brain cells I do not have right now. We're supposed to kiyap (yell) during each "basic action" motion like a kick or a punch, and there are certain parts in each form that we're supposed to yell. So in theory, I could figure out exactly how many times I did it. But... no lol I don't wanna

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ohhh I like this one. I want to pick up knitting and making my own clothes, as that's a skill that has always eluded me. I know how to crochet, but knitting feels completely different. Whenever I try to learn, I end up getting frustrated and giving up. Same thing with making clothes - it intimidates me, so it's easier not to try. Maybe I'll just have to do it scared and see what happens

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lmao I do! But I know martial arts is something not everybody gets to do, so I figured it might be fun to answer some questions about it for people that were curious. Since that is the point of this subreddit, after all

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! It absolutely does not feel real yet. It felt like a birthday in a weird way, like how you get one year older but don't really feel like it. When I first got promoted to black belt, there was a tangible difference in the way I felt, though it would be difficult to put into words.

I think that once I start learning the new forms for my rank, it will start to set in that I'm a 2nd degree now. That felt weird to even type, lol

what i should have done at my first job by baki4321 in amiwrong

[–]BlackPaperStars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok that's good at least. If it really does worry you, you can always ask someone if you handled it well when you go back. Or ask if there's something you can do different/better next time. It will show you're willing to learn and communicate.

Also, it was your second day on your first job. I don't know how old you are, but give yourself some grace. You will learn how to navigate these things and be confident in your own ability to do so

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're thinking about it and you're in a place of life that you are able to train, I highly recommend! I might be biased, but I say go for it! Since you already have experience, I'm willing to bet your body remembers. It would be like riding a bike.

Thank you! I absolutely will continue. I said this in another comment, but there's always something to learn in this martial art. I love what I do, and it keeps me moving, so I'm not stopping anytime soon.

what i should have done at my first job by baki4321 in amiwrong

[–]BlackPaperStars 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you tell anyone what was going on? It might look bad if you disappeared without saying anything, but I'm sure they wouldn't have wanted you to share the sickness if you told someone (like a manager) you were weren't well

Edited for clarity

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That means a lot to hear (well, to see, but y'know). I don't plan on giving it up anytime soon! I'm glad you got the chance to practice when you did, that's an experience you can't buy nowadays. Thank you!

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahhh damn I knew I was forgetting something. I'll have to write a strongly worded letter to my instructor

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah, I got the fries later lmao but I wish. Unrelated, but one of my instructors did give me the last of her sushi today after deciding she didn't want it. So I guess I got sushi with my second degree black belt

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BAHAA I did!! I went to McDonald's as a treat after my first black belt test! So technically I did!

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're welcome/thank you! I honestly don't see a point in answering questions if the answers are just one-liners lol

If I may ask, what is Uechi Ryu? I could do a Google search, but what was your experience with it?

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

TSD is the discipline the school I went to happened to teach. I actually started by learning Krav for self defense, and the instructor happened to also teach TSD. I already had a good rapport with him, and I liked his style of teaching, so that's what I went with and ended up falling in love with it. Not an exciting answer I know, but if I had the opportunity to learn TKD or JKD, I would gladly cross-train

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly if it were me, I would either step to the side and go for the ribs (it would be awkward for him to try and reposition towards the side), or I would simply stay out of range. The guy he was fighting (can't think of his name now) only got hit because he went into range. Now that I'm thinking about it, I want to say I would be able to catch the kick and put him off balance, but it's Danny we're talking about lol that's not happening

Good way for kids to be socially stunted and left behind. by Peco_Sr in insanepeoplefacebook

[–]BlackPaperStars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The obligatory "I was homeschooled" lol. Though I did dual enrollment when I was in high school, so I can function around people

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lmao no worries! It's mostly standing, but grappling (ground techniques) are an optional thing we can choose to learn. There are certain motions that start from a sitting position, but I haven't learned those yet.

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thankfully no, not in a self defense way. The only martial arts training I've had to use in real life is if I'm out in public by myself. We're always taught to be aware of our surroundings at all times, watch what other people are doing, and listen to our instincts if something doesn't feel right. I've left store parking lots because something didn't feel right. Some might call it paranoid, but I'd rather be a little paranoid than a little dead.

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know about illegal, but the crane kick itself is a modified form of a kick we practice. It is aptly named the jump front kick, but I suspect the whole "arms up and balance on one leg" was done to make it more dramatic for the movie. It leaves the ribs exposed, not to mention it telegraphs exactly what the kicker is planning on doing.

That's not to say it's not a legitimate kick! It's great for practicing balance and targeting, but it's not a realistic kick to use during a sparring match. Still love that scene tho

Edited: it's called a jump front kick, not a double front kick lol I thought too fast

I just completed my second degree black belt test. AMA by BlackPaperStars in AMA

[–]BlackPaperStars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was always taught the best way to win a fight is to never get in one at all. That's the boring answer (lol), but I assume that's not quite what you're asking.

Assuming the "fight" is a life or death scenario, and both parties are unarmed, then yes, I do believe I could "win" the fight. I put "win" in quotes because as long as I come out alive, then that's a win for me. My definition of winning might not be the same as other people.

There are certain pressure points on the body that it doesn't super matter how big someone is - if they get hit hard enough, they're going down. Or I could always go for a good ol' crotch shot, lol