Posts by hiddensailor14

placidwolf27 said:Does anyone happen to know what the deal is with that doctor—or doctor, I think—is their paperwork finally sorted out, or are they still dealing with some kind of bureaucratic headache from the federal government?

Yeah, I was wondering about that too.
Honestly, knowing how things work around here in the States, it wouldn't even surprise me if they were still working at the same old place...🤮

analogmoose2 said:Since there are 51 pages of posts here and I lack the luxury of reading every single one, may I pose a couple of questions? They might have been answered already, but if they haven't, I’d appreciate some insight. If they have, please don't come after me for asking...

I am interested in Tai Chi (I can't even be sure of the spelling anymore given the variations out there), and my questions are as follows:
1. Does this actually qualify as a martial art? Some sites list it under "martial arts," while others seem to imply it's something else entirely—perhaps just a sport or a discipline. Is it truly for combat?
2. Can it be practiced without the supervision of an "expert," a "teacher," or a "master"—whatever you call those who pass down the knowledge? Could one simply read a book, watch a video, and replicate the movements?

To be honest, I visited the Tai Chi thread on this forum, but the users there seemed mostly preoccupied with arguing. Given that this practice is supposed to be about relaxation, one has to wonder how much credibility they actually hold. (That second point is particularly curious to me.)

If my post violates any rules of this thread, please feel free to penalize me; I apologize in advance. I simply wasn't sure where else to turn. If you could direct me to a more appropriate place to find answers, I would be grateful.

Thanks.

1. Yes, it’s a martial art, but definitely not a combat sport. A sport is a physical activity built around some kind of competition. In a martial art, winning isn't the main goal, though some training sessions might include simulations or sparring that reflect the spirit of the discipline itself.

2. To put it briefly and conditionally: No.
It's conditional because a master, coach, instructor, sifu, or sensei—whatever label you prefer—can correct your mistakes right from the start and while you're performing the techniques, which makes progress much faster. You can certainly pick up the basics through books, videos, and tutorials, but that's really only if you already have some experience practicing under someone who knows what they're doing; in that case, those materials just help you absorb new information more quickly. I wouldn't recommend it for absolute beginners, though, because if you learn a technique incorrectly, it becomes incredibly difficult to fix later. You'll end up spending way more time unlearning bad habits than you would have spent just working with a professional from the beginning. Of course, it's technically possible to pick everything up perfectly on your own, but let's be honest, it's highly unlikely... 😉

You're probably looking at that short (or long) Yang style form you see people doing in American parks for "moving meditation," health, and things like that. Even though it looks simple and seems like it shouldn't be a big deal, there are plenty of nuances that a beginner won't notice. They'll think they're doing it right when they're actually messing almost everything up. But hey, why not give it a shot? Download a bunch of instructional videos—books are good for extra info, but videos are key—maybe there's something written in a book that a video won't explain, so just dive in and try.

As for the arguing, that's pretty standard in any martial arts community, especially in traditional ones, so don't let it discourage you. We honestly enjoy reading those debates from time to time just for the entertainment value... 😁
You didn't get the topic or the location wrong.
👍

If you need anything specific regarding training, advice, or Tai Chi, feel free to post. Someone will eventually show up and answer you.🙂

wearynomad9 said:What are all the clubs in the area? I'm a student—looking for some kind of martial arts to hit about three times a week.

Are you looking for something specific, though? You've got Aikido, kickboxing, Judo, Wing Chun, Karate, Taekwondo, Krav Maga... there's plenty out there if you know what you're after...

I’ve come down with a fresh ear infection in my right ear. My doctor told me it was caused by a draft🤷

Honestly, I don't even know who's running the show anymore... it feels like nobody is actually in charge.
All I know is that it hurts quite a bit, and while I'm not usually the type to reach for painkillers at the slightest hint of discomfort, I'll probably have to start taking them soon if this pain doesn't let up or subside...

Is a draft really the culprit here? Or could it be something else? For instance, maybe I was picking at my ear and ended up introducing some bacteria or fungus, or perhaps there was a tiny scratch that got infected...🤷 They've prescribed me some antibiotic pills and corticosteroid ear drops.

Thomas Miller3 said:Dammit, I’m not even into spirituality myself, but now my curiosity is absolutely killing me. I really wish I could see what all the fuss was about. Doesn't anyone have anything saved in their browser cache or something?

I went looking too, out of pure interest, but there’s nothing there.🤷

Look, hiddenpuma75, you’ll figure it out next time, though I’m honestly surprised it hasn't clicked for you yet🙄—whenever you spend a significant chunk of time on topics like this, they get saved locally on your own machine first. Basically, before you ever hit Post reply, you should just highlight everything, copy it, and paste it into a text editor on your computer...

Anyway, go ahead and waste another hour😁 trying to hunt it down. It’s clearly piqued my interest and everyone else's too. It’s probably just some nonsensical religious or New Age garbage, but still...

On the bright side, this is actually great (and free) advertising for you.🤣

mistyscout2 said:Is that an invitation? A threat? Or maybe a promise? Which one is it?
Or are you just trying to find a polite way to screw over hiddenpuma75? 😁

It’s easy to talk tough when hiddenpuma75 is a pacifist who knows that anyone chasing true spirituality has zero interest in these petty, earthly squabbles.😁

I’d love to see how you’d react if you were facing someone actually looking for a fight...😁

hiddenpuma75 said:ps.

The mod, druid, just sent me three more messages containing "controversial content" via PM...
If the admins want them, I can certainly pass those messages along so they can get the full picture of what’s actually going on here...

Hey there...

I’m not sure if you’ve stumbled upon this yet, but just a heads-up that you can actually report PMs too. If someone sends you a message that’s offensive, threatening, or just generally out of line, you can flag it by clicking that little icon—it works exactly the same way as reporting a post to the moderators...🙂

EDIT: I went back and read the rest...😂
Tell me, how exactly did you manage to get under that moderator's skin so badly that they finally just snapped...🙂 I'd be interested in knowing that too...😬
If that was actually written by druid, he should be truly embarrassed...👎 Personally, I’d take that challenge in a heartbeat just to see who actually comes out on top...

I honestly think we might be reaching the point where it's time to consider moving toward a theocracy😁

Edward Sanchez72 said:hiddensailor14... are you actually serious right now? You're still out here giving him advice on where to go and who to talk to? The guy clearly has no clue what he's talking about, yet he's acting like he wants to wander around town carrying a Sword... and you're just sitting there, practically bursting with info, eager to point him toward the nearest shop so he can go buy one...
all we need now is for people to start strolling through the streets with Swords...

Don't sweat it. Once the first cop spots him, he’ll either be heading to a jail cell or a psych ward. Either way, he won't be holding onto it much longer.😁

What an idea.😵😵😵
I'd carry a Sword myself. Just for self-defense.🤣 It's not like we're living in Rwanda, Nicaragua, or Zaire.🤣

Thomas Davis55 said:I'm looking to pick up a machete somewhere in Chicago? And is it actually illegal to walk around the city carrying one? I don't have any bad intentions, honestly, just thinking about self-defense... and more importantly, is there some kind of class for learning how to actually use one, like a martial art or skill set?

You can grab a machete at basically any hardware store or garden center, like Home Depot or Lowe's, for maybe $33. They're usually made in China. For what they're actually intended for, they get the job done just fine.👍

But if you want something high-end—something from brands like Steelcase, Sheffield, or Hanwei—you're going to pay a hell of a lot more. It really just comes down to whether you actually need triple-layered specialized steel with all those fancy technical specs and whatnot...

The first cop who spots you walking through town with a machete—unless you're an employee of the Forestry Service, or working over at Central Park, or some other agency, or unless you have a damn good reason to be carrying it—is probably going to confiscate it on the spot. Don't bother trying the "self-defense" excuse; it won't fly with them...

Big congrats to both of them.🙏🙏 And to all the other medal winners out there.🙏 🙏 Of course, kudos go out to everyone else who competed too.👍

I was wondering, what does the process actually look like when it comes to introducing grappling into established American wrestling clubs? What steps do coaches—the ones who have been teaching Greco-Roman and freestyle for years—need to take to start offering grappling under their own roof? Is there some sort of national governing body or a specific organization where they could sharpen their skills so they can properly pass that knowledge down to their students?

I honestly don't think some people even realize that Slaven is one of our own forum members here...🙂 I won't go through the trouble of naming his specific handle right now, but anyone who actually keeps up with this subforum should already know...

Huge congrats to Slaven🙏🙏🙏

No one gave me a heads-up, so I was completely caught off guard when my instructor, Kazeka Muniz, promoted me to BJJ black belt and awarded me the title of Professor! It’s easily one of the happiest days of my life, though I know full well this isn't the finish line—just another reason to keep showing up and refining the craft...

http://profightstore.com/novosti/pla...ojas/5906.aspx

Prompted by the recent posts from that newly banned user and his clone, who’s still busy cluttering up the Vegetarianism thread over on the SON subforum, I’m suggesting—just as Lastan pointed out in post—that we should start reporting this kind of behavior to their actual internet service providers for abuse.
Not only was he being downright rude and shameful toward other members like Lastan, judolino, and Rinnma, but he also took aim at our moderators, Götterdämmerung and Pharmacist's Daughter. And yet, here he is, still polluting the space with what are likely his greatest intellectual achievements...

Thanks.

Moderator PowerLock, regarding the thread about a potential attack on Iran, you’ve mentioned the execution of those two men based on their sexual orientation several times, even though it was pointed out multiple times that they were actually killed because of the rape of a thirteen-year-old boy.

This is the post that I believe deserves a ban for trolling. Thanks for looking into this... and for whatever fair decision comes from it.

Richard Perez3 said:Look, if you want to land a moderator gig, you can't just show up out of nowhere. You’ve gotta actually make a name for yourself first. You need to be active in the subreddits you care about, be a model user—you know, someone who actually knows how to write, isn't a jerk to talk to, and basically just has good vibes. Eventually, if you catch the eye of one of the mods, supermods, or the admins, they might pull you aside and ask if you're down to help run things. That’s pretty much the only way it happens. And hey, the pay? Yeah, it's totally massive.

🤣

Are those qualities actually required for moderation across all the different subforums? I ask because I know a few people currently holding positions who don't really meet those standards at all.🙂

I honestly thought this thread was started by some hardcore fan, but turns out it's just someone who's feeling a bit jealous😁
...

Timothy Turner37 said:As the title probably makes it pretty obvious, this thread is mainly for the die-hard fans of the legendary Stephen. So, I’m going to ask anyone who thinks Steve isn't our absolute best fighter to just keep those thoughts to themselves... This is a space dedicated to celebrating our world champion and celebrity icon, and if anyone happens to give a shout-out to his brother and coach, The Government, they won't be wrong either.

🤦

I just got an email containing this content, which has been forwarded several times already:

An URGENT request for A-negative blood for little Sara (who is only
14 months old)

- I don't think it hurts to pass this along, at least...

If you know anyone with A-negative (A-) blood, please contact
Krešo immediately at 091/4185432.
The blood is needed for a transfusion for Krešo's daughter, Sara, who is only 14
months old.
Sara has been at Rib for quite some time now, undergoing a bone marrow
transplant.

placidjackal36 said:I honestly don't think a fourteen-year-old belongs in a weight room. Not that long ago—and I mean really not that long ago—kids were out climbing trees, playing tag, running around outside, playing soccer or basketball, just exploring... maybe even sneaking a cigarette behind the garage. Now, they spend their weekends getting wasted at parties, and their entire personality revolves around trying to look and act like some wannabe mob enforcer from a Scorsese movie.

It isn't just bad for your physical health; it’s devastating for your mental development. You're essentially sculpting a persona that you’ll end up stuck with by your mid-twenties. If this is how you start, what does the finished product even look like? Just another pile of overly aggressive muscle stuffed into a kid-sized t-shirt...

Grow up, find some actual grit, join a real sports team, and stop obsessing over the gym. You're fourteen, for God's sake.

There is no reasoning with them. I've lost count of how many seventh and eighth graders I've seen buying protein powders and all those other totally unnecessary supplements just because they're desperate to bulk up early.🤣 You try telling them, "Look, buddy, just hang on for a few years and go play a sport instead," but it's useless. It's like talking to a brick wall...

Why don't you just move this debate over to the specific sub-forum dedicated to it?😉
It feels like the topic was practically made for that space...