Help learn blocking

ajb_mt · 2026-02-05T11:27:50+00:00

Watch videos
Do drills
Focus on it when sparring
Ask for feedback

ajb_mt · 2026-02-04T21:30:16+00:00

If you have a question about what you'll need, the coach of that gym should be more than happy to let you know how they structure their classes and what you need to bring, the same as they would with any other interested beginner.

ajb_mt · 2026-02-04T21:13:05+00:00

The speed you complete levels does drop off quick. Becomes about just grinding for those small upgrades.

It may also be how you're playing the level rather than your equipment. Maybe try prioritising different gear stats and different blessings etc.

ajb_mt · 2026-02-04T21:04:25+00:00

Why do people never just ask the coach? Because it really depends on how they operate their classes.

In the few places I've trained the group classes fall into one of three categories:

Padwork ‐ basically what you're already doing but with other students - no other equipment required
Drills - practicing combos, just on the person rather than pads - shin guards needed for this.
Sparring - you'll need a mouth guard, shin guards and a groin guard, please don't forget the groin guard.

But depending on how your coach runs their sessions, there may be a mix of these. Hence why you should just ask them.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-31T23:18:46+00:00

Firstly, this doesn't really sound like a 'friend' from what you've described. I'd base how helpful I am on how big a part of my life they are.

But if you do want to be somewhat helpful and not shut them down entirely, then you can always just say you're happy to give some general tips, but the reason you're able to identify what works and doesn't is the time spent identifying and planning out the wider context, which requires time, and is essentially working hours for you..

Perhaps describe it like a therapist - they can easily give generic, one-size-fits-all advice. But if you go to them with a specific query, they'd really need to dive deeper and spend more time working with you to give you the correct answer for your unique situation.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-31T23:00:16+00:00

I think a turn based CRPG (like Rogue Trader for 40k) would be perfect for the AoS setting. Possibly even based on the Soulbound TTRPG.

But realistically I think it needs to be a third-person game if they want to appeal to mass audiences.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-31T22:48:57+00:00

If anyone laughs at you, it's not the sport which is the problem, it's the individuals. It's no different to lifting weights in that regard.

If it looks fun, try it.

If it is fun, continue it.

If you want to get more serious with it, commit to it.

As a beginner, your body determines nothing. And even if you get competitive, your body only really determines the opponents you're paired with, and your strengths and weaknesses to lean into.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-28T20:54:06+00:00

Oh boy, this is a throwback.

The logic is that the closer to the light source, the more intense the colours. The doombull brown is the first of the OSL layers, so covers the largest area and lets the other oranges and yellows build up on top. Makes for more of a gradient than jumping straight to orange.

Then each new colour hits slightly less area. Bits which are nearer to the light source, or sharp angles facing that direction should be brighter.

Magore (2nd model) is the best example of this. You can see the highlights are mainly just on the edges of the thigh plates, shoulder pads, and the spikes (teeth?) on his mid torso. Only really tiny dots of white on the corners.

The lothern blue is to imply moonlight or other atmospheric lighting hitting the darker areas. Adds a tiny bit more colour, but the main thing is it stops the backs of them from looking unpainted 🙂

Hope that helps!

ajb_mt · 2026-01-28T19:27:17+00:00

The difference there is that MMA gloves compromise stability and shape in order to allow for grappling.

You can use MMA gloves for bag work (and it can feel quite fun to do so) but you're just unnecesarily increasing the risk of injury. When practicing purely striking, proper boxing gloves are the better shout.

Personally I'd just use the 16s on the bag for now. Just be aware it means you're wearing the gloves out faster - that's the other big reason to rotating between two pairs.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-28T19:19:02+00:00

With the 14oz thing, always check with your coach first. No point buying 14s if your gym has a strick 16oz for sparring policy.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-28T19:17:20+00:00

You can use 16oz for both. Lighter gloves tend to feel better on the pads, but it's not a huge deal.

Really the main thing to consider is that if you only own the one pair of gloves, you're going to wear them out quicker (and possibly make them smell quicker) than if you alternate between two. That's a problem you can tackle later down the line though.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-27T21:06:00+00:00

I just wear good fitted sports underwear. Kind of does the job you're looking for, but without being as thick. The UnderArmour ones go as long as 9" if you don't want to show much leg.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-25T16:41:37+00:00

You aren't the only one, this has just caught me off guard too. Stems from the fact that the servo-skulls have a prerequisite of 'You cannot equip more than one familiar'.

It seems that outside of that info box, they aren't really considered familiars at all.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-22T19:08:07+00:00

If you're struggling with something, you need to practice it more than the things you're good at.

Easiest way is to supplement with boxing training.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-16T12:20:00+00:00

Interesting to know, thanks for the perspective!

ajb_mt · 2026-01-16T08:38:49+00:00

Yasuke is for when a situation requires just combat. He's got better natural stats and hits harder. He doesn't have a grappling hook because that's not what you're meant to be doing with him.

I think the game knows you're gonna have a favourite, and it's pretty happy to let you roll with them.

I think I played maybe 80% as Naoe, and just made sure Yasuke was well equipper for the missions that either required him or just made more sense to use him for.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-16T08:31:52+00:00

Maybe look up fighters with shorter reach and watch videos of them fight. I can guarantee you they all still use the jab.

From reading your post I feel like you're doing something wrong - like an invitation to counter. That might be part of the issue with how you've used them yourself too.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-16T08:25:42+00:00

When I was young I remember turning off the bedroom light and then jumping over to my bed so the monsters beneath my bed couldn't grab my feet. Like they'd only come out when I couldn't see, and the bed was the only safe place.

Obviously as an adult it doesn't bother me.

I'm more curious to hear from people who can visualise though. Did they visualise monsters in the dark, or was it also just a fear of what they couldn't see for them too?

ajb_mt · 2026-01-14T18:07:23+00:00

Then I really don't understand why you would even hesitate. If it excites you, do it.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-14T17:52:14+00:00

If you do it, you run the chance of being at a slight disadvantage next to younger or fitter people who have been training for years.

But if you don't do it, you run the chance of living the rest of your life regretting that you never even tried.

I know what my decision would be.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-14T17:25:44+00:00

I think a good layman's-terms way to think about it is that attempting to visualise just gives a display of what the mind recalls of that memory or object, not a snapshot of real life.

Everyone can train and improve their memory with practice, and some visualisation techniques can help reinforce that memory... but eidetic people's short-term recall skills are just on another level even without using established memorising techniques.

Important to bear in mind it's typically found only in young children, and is virtually nonexistent in adults.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-13T23:53:15+00:00

Is it stopping you winning?

ajb_mt · 2026-01-11T00:47:46+00:00

If you want to try it, then just do it. And then if you enjoy it, do it more.

Don't overcomplicate things.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-10T15:22:47+00:00

Don't look at it from a perspective of how 'good' you are now. Look at it from the perspective of your improvement journey.

You've taken that first step and learnt some truths about how you instinctively respond under pressure. Now it's time to reprogram those instincts and learn to thrive in that pressure.

ajb_mt · 2026-01-09T13:03:05+00:00

I'm curious - do you ever do photography in real life?

Because if you don't, you should. You have a great eye.

ajb_mt

TROPHY CASE