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Martial Arts/Questions Answered by Expert Andy Fossett
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Seeking a particular type... | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: I currently have a lot of time on my hands and have been looking to start studying one of the ... A: It's great that you're finally able to take action on this interest and begin practice. One thing ... | |
| please help me choose | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: im 18 and really short (5'6 and 127 pounds) but very fast and have a very strong build. i like ... A: Hey Navid. Both arts have advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately, you'll have to find a ... | |
| How to get started? | 12/22/2010 |
| Q: I'm currently 17 and I want to get into Martial arts. I came across a guy who is an actor and a real ... A: Cool. If you want to achieve what Michael White has done, then it's best to follow his path. Study ... | |
| Advice | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: If I may I'd like to get your thoughts/opinions on what I'm looking for in a martial art, the arts ... A: "In order of most important to me style wise is something that will provide very solid self ... | |
| Martial advice | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: I am 43 years of age 5'7" 165 lbs and in probably slightly above average shape for my age. Which ... A: It appears that you've put a lot of thought into this already. I'm not going to get into a bunch ... | |
| Armour vs Martial Arts | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: at first i want to tell something about me to understand the topic better i am or say i was an avid ... A: I humbly submit that it was not the arts you dabbled in that were incomplete, but rather your own ... | |
| Choosing a fighting style for real worls situations | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: Hey, These last few months I have been considering about which martial arts I should pick to suit my ... A: Ash: You're probably stronger and more flexible than most 15 year olds. You will likely excell in ... | |
| Wondering which Martial Art to Pursue? | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: I am currently trying to decide on which type of martial arts is right for my objectives. What I ... A: Fitness and defense are two very difference goals. If you really want physical fitness, I would ... | |
| Foundation of all martial arts. | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: My question regards to the foundation of all martial arts. My goal is to be able to learn any ... A: Running is a standard because it's something anyone can do and doesn't require any equipment or ... | |
| Foundation of all martial arts. | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: My question regards to the foundation of all martial arts. My goal is to be able to learn any ... A: Well, you're partially on the right track... All physical activities do share certain basic skills ... | |
| martial arts with a bad knee | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: I'm interested in starting training in martial arts but due to a long medical ordeal my right knee ... A: Rich: I've taught elderly and handicapped students before, and I truly believe that it is possible ... | |
| My MMA training | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: Hey im Jake and im 17. I have trained MMA for 2 and a bit years, mostly in Muay Thai and ... A: I understand about trying to get the most bang for your bucks while training as a student. I have ... | |
| Tiger style kung fu | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: i am considering taking lessons in tiger style king fu this summer, but i dont have any experence in ... A: Kaji: I don't know anything about Tiger Kung Fu, but I do know a few things about getting in shape. ... | |
| Tall and Lean | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I'm curious as to what kind of Martial Art would fit what I'm looking for. The main issue is my body ... A: James: From what you've given me here, I'd say Aikido or Hapkido would be worth checking out. I ... | |
| Eskrima (spelling?) | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: I am interested in taking up Eskrima; I have never taken up any martial art before, but a friend's ... A: Eskrima is certainly not the easiest martial art in which to find quality instruction. You may also ... | |
| maintaining black belt ranking | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: Since martial arts is to teach discipline, what are the common theories about a black belt ... A: Leigh: Martial arts can be for or about any number of things. I agree that discipline is an ... | |
| competition | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: how do you know if your hitting your hardest. I know when you punch you dont just use your arms but ... A: It depends on the league rules. For example, in MMA, Pride and UFC had different rules. Whether or ... | |
| punching | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: how do you know if your hitting your hardest. I know when you punch you dont just use your arms but ... A: The shot answer is that you can't really know. The thing about a punch that 99% of people neglect to ... | |
| Woman new to BJJ | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: I'm a 30 year old female who's interesting in starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I've found a school ... A: Megan: It's wonderful that you found a school where the instructor and class is friendly and makes ... | |
| question about distance learning and modern and old arts | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I have many questions for you 1. what are good fighting arts for today, are the old tradiational ... A: OK Raul, I have a better idea of what you are asking now. In such a case, I would suggest looking ... | |
| question about distance learning and modern and old arts | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I have many questions for you 1. what are good fighting arts for today, are the old tradiational ... A: Raul: I have many answers and some questions, too. Good fighting arts for today are whatever arts ... | |
| children martial arts | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a 7 year old girl that loves kicking and punching pillows. She even told her dad that she ... A: Frances: To an extent, I believe you've answered your own question. One of your reasons for leaving ... | |
| Supplementary Exercises | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I was hoping that you could advise me on what type of exercises I could do to supplement my martial ... A: Using heavy weights vs high-speed movements accomplishes much the same result. He point is that you ... | |
| 42 and searching | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: What martial art would you recommend to a healthy 42 year old, 160lb, 5'-7" male? I've dabbled in ... A: You say you've dabbled in various arts - I think you can definitely stand to gain so much more by ... | |
| Overtraining | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: I have found myself in a frightfully common predicament but am lost as to how to get out. I am a ... A: As you wrote, this is a common issue as people try to fit in too many things at the same time. We ... | |
| Help me choose a style/system? | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I'm 5' 7'', 165 lbs, muscular but with very poor flexibility. My reach and limbs are fairly short ... A: here's a few things to think about and look into: Brazilian Jiu Jutsu is a great style, but it may ... | |
| Re: Weight Training | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: My questions pertains to what is the best to weight training philosophy for Kenpo. Power weight ... A: Brian: I hope this doesn't sound facile, but I think you answered your own question... Are you ... | |
| martial arts videos | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: i have been training in martial arts on and off for abot 13yrs. my favorite art is traditional kung ... A: Instructional DVDs can be used well or poorly. It really depends on the practitioner. You have ... | |
| Help me choose | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I am a 32 year old male a little over weight and out of shape not horrible though and taking ... A: I don't have any experience with that school. One thing you can do when you hear conflicting ... | |
| Help me choose | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I am a 32 year old male a little over weight and out of shape not horrible though and taking ... A: No Problem. I'm always glad to help. Regarding Kempo, it really depends. The principles of Kempo as ... | |
| Help me choose | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: I am a 32 year old male a little over weight and out of shape not horrible though and taking ... A: Keith: To be honest, any increase in activity can help with the weight. Something to keep in mind ... | |
| Which Martial Art is Ideal for me | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: I am looking to start training Martial Arts and I am looking for a martial art that will fit my ... A: In general, each school you find is going to be different. The art doesn't matter so much as the ... | |
| What martial art should I choose? | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: Fossett, I'm sorry if I'm repeating my self, but I'm afraid I may have accidentally asked my ... A: 1. If your primary interest is fighting and self-defense, I would suggest looking for a "combatives" ... | |
| What martial art should I choose? | 12/5/2008 |
| Q: Fossett, I'm sorry if I'm repeating my self, but I'm afraid I may have accidentally asked my ... A: Joshua: I apologize for the delayed response. It seems you have a lot of interest in martial arts, ... | |
| what is a good one | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: im 6 feet tall and about 219 and i wanna know what is a good Martial Arts that i can learn A: Drew: There is no such thing as a good or bad martial art. There are only arts, instructors, and ... | |
| Fish-Oil supplements | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: I am 42 year old male. I am practicing a martial art sport called aikido where alot of stretching ... A: I'm not familiar with either of the two specific products you mention, but I do take fish oil ... | |
| Independent Training. | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I'm a college student and have just begun (i.e. this semester) learning several martial arts at my ... A: Andrew: In general, I'm not a big fan of doing too much independent training without already having ... | |
| help choosing the right school | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: I need help choosing between two wing chun schools in my area. I have visited both locations and ... A: Max: You are in an enviable position - you have found more than one school in your area that offers ... | |
| What should I take? | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: I'm 23,5'7", 190lbs I'm out of shape an don't have much stamina, and 'm not very flexible. I've ... A: In general, most beginners do better to search for a school that suits them rather than a particular ... | |
| What direction seems to be the best... | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: I am a 5’9”, 155lbs 16 year old, who currently has barely any stamina, is not flexible, and has no ... A: Given your preferences, I'd look into traditional martial arts, especially Okinawan karate. Most ... | |
| About martial art classes | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: I am 24 years old female and i want to start learning any Martial arts.Am i too old??What would you ... A: Firstly, let me assure you that you are definitely not too old to begin practicing martial arts. ... | |
| Whats best for me and my physique | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: Hoping you can give us some input on what type of martial arts would be good for my son. He is 6' ... A: As far as different styles of kickboxing go, most appear very similar. There are subtle variations ... | |
| Whats best for me and my physique | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: Hoping you can give us some input on what type of martial arts would be good for my son. He is 6' ... A: Cory: When I think of tall, skinny martial artists, the two things that come to mind are Tae Kwon ... | |
| which martial arts is good for... | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: My son is turning six and we thought a martial arts class would be a great birthday gift. What ... A: Joye: Honestly, I don't think style matters much to a six year old. I suggest shopping based on a ... | |
| which martial art suits me? | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: I want to start a martial art in order to build a better body and also develop my defense skills not ... A: Japanese Jiu Jutsu, Aikido, and Hapkido are all based on similar principles (to the best of my ... | |
| which martial art suits me? | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I want to start a martial art in order to build a better body and also develop my defense skills not ... A: In order to discover which art will suit you best, I recommend asking yourself a few questions: ... | |
| Heavy Bag for Martial Arts? | 5/15/2008 |
| Q: When he was younger, my boyfriend trained in several martial arts - he told me he has practiced ... A: Michelle: Bag training can be a great addition to a martial arts practice routine. What better way ... | |
| why | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: There are so many martial arts in the world. Why have so many? A punch is a punch and a kick is a ... A: Well, Josh, as you wrote, everyopne hase to fins out what works for themselves. We all have ... | |
| which one | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: I have 3 options available to me. And I unfortunately I can only choose one. I am 5'7",32 years ... A: Danny: Sorry I couldn't reply to your post sooner. In your case, I would probably suggest Muay ... | |
| Looking for a martial art for me | 3/30/2008 |
| Q: I am 18 years old. I have a stocky build about 6'0 250. I want to use this martial art as something ... A: Steve: If your primary goal is to get in shape while learning a martial art, I would suggest boxing ... | |
| Martial Arts | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: hey one more thing i forgot to add was that i am going to join the navy seals in a few years and am ... A: In such a case, check out some of the Phillipino arts such as Silat. Some of these emphasize a ... | |
| Martial Arts | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: hey i've been going to krav 5 times a week for about 2 months now and been getting into some kapap ... A: Nico: Sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner; I've just moved back t Japan, and I haven't had a ... | |
| martial arts - which one for me? | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: Which martial arts may be the best for me? I am 5'5", female, 130 lbs. Love biking, cross-country ... A: Since I don't know the extent of your hip injury, I can only offer some basic recommendations, but ... | |
| Whats Next? | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: Hey, Ill try to brush through my current position before I can ask my question. I'm 17, 6 foot, 195 ... A: Hey Adam: That's really great. I'm glad I could help. It also sounds as if your passion will help ... | |
| grip training | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: I have recently recovered from a broken wrist on my right hand and two broken fingers on my left ... A: Brian: I feel your pain; though I've never injured a wrist badly, I have broken fingers. I think ... | |
| Martial arts styles | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: hey i asked you a question earlier about what kind of MA i should get into and you said muay thai or ... A: Nico: If you want to kick ass, Krav Maga will probably be a short route to that end. As far as ... | |
| What style is best for me | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: hey i'm 18, 5'11'' and bench over 300 lbs i am very strong and can definitely take a hit im looking ... A: Nico: It sounds like you have a good idea what kinds of practice you want to try. I can suggest ... | |
| Beginning Martial Arts - Is it a good time? What to choose? | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: Hey Andy, I'm currently 16 years old and am seriously considering beginning some sort of martial ... A: Adam: Sorry I couldn't respond more quickly... Firstly, allow me to stress that you are not too ... | |
| Helping one's Boxing | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I'm a new boxing student who loves Boxing. Anyway, I'm doing Boxing for the time being to get in ... A: Boxing is an excellent start for martial arts training. It offers competition, conditioning, and ... | |
| your thoughts | 12/19/2007 |
| Q: Which would you say is more beneficial for self defense purposes judo(having throws, submissions but ... A: Danny: I tend to shy away from questions of the "which art is better" variety. However, I can see ... | |
| Beginning Martial Arts. | 11/19/2007 |
| Q: I am a college student, I am 19 years old, and for the past few months i have gotten into the ... A: Tariq: Based on your preferences, I'd look into Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jutsu, or any other art that ... | |
| New students looking for an optimum style for our size | 11/13/2007 |
| Q: My friend and I are looking to start training in a martial art. We're both big guys (I'm 6'0" and ... A: Taylor: With such limited choices, I suggest making your decision based on the school rather than ... | |
| What type to train in | 11/13/2007 |
| Q: I'm a 15 year old girl, soccer season just ended and i want to start training in some sort of ... A: If you are looking for upper body and core strength with lower body mobility, I would suggest a ... | |
| cross training | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: What would you see as more beneficial to cross train in: Judo and wing chun or judo and kick boxing. ... A: Danny: I'm glad you enjoyed your trial of San Shou. It's a very interesting concept. I've not ... | |
| cross training | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: What would you see as more beneficial to cross train in: Judo and wing chun or judo and kick boxing. ... A: Danny: It sounds like wing chun is more what you're looking for as far as a lifelong study goes. I ... | |
| A well fit martial art | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: I am looking for a martial art that will use my physical attributes to the best. I am 6 foot 1, 180 ... A: Bryan: Though fighting style is more of an individual strategy than something that is necessarily ... | |
| Training question. | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: I've been training in traditional shotokan karate for 9 years during the past 3 years I've also been ... A: Well, all that depends on your goals. You mentioned building your endurance for matches - what kind ... | |
| time to get rank | 9/20/2007 |
| Q: Pat, there has long been controversy as to how long it should take to get a black belt. Some schools ... A: The first martial arts belts were presented my Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, to two of his ... | |
| ninjutsu | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: could you please answer myis there any uses of ki (life force) in ninjutsu or other martial arts?? ... A: Assuming that one believes that Ki exists, it is impossible for any human activity to lack Ki. All ... | |
| Beginning studying Martial Arts | 9/17/2007 |
| Q: I'm a young man who weighs A LOT for his age (250 lbs or so). I've started hitting the gym and ... A: Greg: Since you're already working on slimming up a bit, it may be better to select a style based ... | |
| Looking to start a Martial arts to supplement my paintball training | 9/10/2007 |
| Q: Paintball is a sport that is understood very little by people outside of it, so if you don't fully ... A: Peter: I guess I'm just curious why you think a martial art would be the best training supplement ... | |
| Choosing a martial art | 9/8/2007 |
| Q: I'm a 14 year old looking for a martial art style I'm 6'2" and have a large bone structure any ... A: Colin: Most martial arts instructors have no problem altering their instruction to suit the needs ... | |
| Looking into Starting a new Martial Art | 9/6/2007 |
| Q: Physically i'm fairly weak. I'm 6'1 and weight about 140lbs. I did Judo when i was younger (about 15 ... A: Mel: Congrats on deciding to give martial arts practice another try. Sometimes, it's difficult to ... | |
| How old is too old to start | 9/3/2007 |
| Q: I am 17 in a month or so i will be turning 18. Is it too late to start in Martial Arts? Including i ... A: Jack: 17 is not too old to begin training in a martial art. Most instructors teach students ... | |
| Help me please | 9/3/2007 |
| Q: I have been taking Kenpo Karate in Colorado, I am not in any advanced ranks or anything, but when I ... A: Some boxing in addition to Kenpo may be just the ticket. I understand about not wanting to bring it ... | |
| Help me please | 9/3/2007 |
| Q: I have been taking Kenpo Karate in Colorado, I am not in any advanced ranks or anything, but when I ... A: Danny: Thanks for the thought provoking post. I can tell you've put a lot of consideration into ... | |
| Taekwondo | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: Ever since I hit puberty, I have found that I have gradually lost my confidence in sparring as in I ... A: Emma: I think we all go through stages exactly like what you're describing. It's very difficult to ... | |
| Self taught | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: I have never have any kind of experience in martial arts. I grew up in a poor neighborhood. My ... A: John: You can learn a lot about the martial arts from books, but you cannot learn how to do them. ... | |
| looking into martial arts | 8/8/2007 |
| Q: I would like to know your advice on which martial arts I should pursue. I'm a female, 29, in good ... A: Jada: From your description of your activities and interests, my first thought was to recommend ... | |
| compare hapkido to San Soo kung fu | 7/30/2007 |
| Q: These are the two arts I am looking at starting. I am 43 years old and have never trained before. ... A: While I'm no expert in either art, I've seen a good bit of both. In fact, my father was a Hapkido ... | |
| STUDYING GENBUKAN NINPO ABROAD | 7/17/2007 |
| Q: i am currently studying the japanese art of ninpo here in ireland but would really love to take a ... A: Though I'm not really familiar with Ninpo as a specific art, I can offer some suggestions for ... | |
Martial Arts
Answers by Expert:
Andy Fossett
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer most questions relating to the martial arts in general. My special interests relate not only to martial theory, but to training methodology, teaching, sports science, and personal growth through martial arts training. If you are thinking about beginning a martial arts practice or have questions about how to optimize you current training to meet you goals, just let me know.
Experience
I have been involved with martial arts for most of my life. Since 1984, I have practiced and taught a martial art called Taido in America and Japan, and have participated in events all over the world. I began assistant teaching as a teenager and founded the Georgia Tech Taido Club in 1996. I have been training actively in Japan since 2003. In addition to Taido, I have previously studied Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jutsu, Shotokan Karate, Kaikudo, and a few other things.
Organizations
Japan Taido Association, RMAX International, CST Japan
Publications
Taido/Blog, the Finnish Taido Association's "Kamae" magazine, World Taido Federation Homepage and "Taido Times" magazine, CST Japan.
Education/Credentials
BA Sociology, Certified Circular Strength Training Instructor
Awards and Honors
5dan Renshi (5th degree black belt instructor) in Taido.
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