Andy Fossett - Martial Arts - Martial Arts - Recreation/Outdoors

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Expert Profile: Andy Fossett

Expertise: I can answer most questions relating to the martial arts in general. My special interests relate not only to martial theory, but to pugilism, 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 in the area
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. In addition to Taido, I currently train in Judo and have previously studied Brazilian Jiu Jutsu, Shotokan Karate, Kaikudo, and a few other things.

Organizations
Japan Taido Association

Publications
Taido/Blog, the Finnish Taido Association's "Kamae" magazine

Education/Credentials
BA in sociology, minor English. Additional studies in education, Japanese, and information design.

Awards and Honors
4th degree black belt in Taido.

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What do you like about this subject? Modern martial arts are both arts and sports. There is a lot of potential for personal exploration and expression. From a physical perspective, martial arts practice is primarily a solo activity, but competition typically involves one or more opponents - this is possibly unique among sports.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? For 2009, my goals are 5th degree in Taido and a black belt in Judo. Combine all that with competitions and my continual exploration in Yoga and T'ai Chi, and I'll be a busy man for the foreseeable future.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject Ranking politics, the meanings of various belts - these are consistently hot topics. Also number of students in a school vis a vis quality. The histories of various martial arts is often controversial as well. Any activity so steeped in competition is bound to attract controversy.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: There are tons of things most people (myself included) don't know. If I didn't think the martial arts were full of interesting things yet to learn, I would have given them up years ago.

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 720
Knowledge	9.91 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	9.96 Best of the best
Timeliness	9.96 Best of the best
Politeness	10.0 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		100
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		65

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	10/08/08
10	10	10	10	09/24/08
10	10	10	10	08/26/08
10	10	10	10	08/16/08
10	10	10	10	08/12/08

User Comments

Thanks. That's very helpful. I'll definitely focus on my "main" martial arts for now. Along those lines, we learned the spear finger technique in
(Andrew M. on 10/08/08)

THANKS
(Max on 09/24/08)

Thanks so much. This was really helpfull we may get back to you with addtional questions once we look at gyms.
(Cory on 08/16/08)

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Recent Answers from Andy Fossett

2008-10-06 Independent Training.: Andrew: In general, I'm not a big fan of doing too much independent training without already having a good deal of experience. The biggest reason is that having a good foundation in some kind of training...

2008-09-21 help choosing the right school: Max: You are in an enviable position - you have found more than one school in your area that offers an art you feel will suit your needs. More so, both schools appear to offer quality training. As lucky...

2008-09-10 What should I take?: Hi Rick. In general, most beginners do better to search for a school that suits them rather than a particular martial art. Since you aren't currently training, almost anything will improve your stamina...

2008-08-23 What direction seems to be the best...: Hi Tess. Given your preferences, I'd look into traditional martial arts, especially Okinawan karate. Most Japanese karate styles will give you strong kicks and punches with a focus on precision...

2008-08-19 About martial art classes: Hi Manda: Firstly, let me assure you that you are definitely not too old to begin practicing martial arts. Lots of people begin much later than you and get quite a lot out of the training. As to...