Nidan Melbourne

Spoke to his family earlier today by chance to see how they're going; and they aren't doing all the great. But his funeral is on Friday; which I'm planning on attending.

So a few days ago, a friend of mine unfortunately passed away due to Cancer in his Spine which was diagnosed in 2022. He was a young 31 Years Old at the time of passing (1993 - 2024), and we knew each other in High School (2005 - 2010). He was what I learnt recently was an active Martial Artist from our time in school. It was a shock to hear, but he was also surprisingly reserved at the same time as he was incredibly kind and caring.

For me I don't have a "team" for a lot of sports especially the NFL. But since posting this thread; I really got into Bananaball which is baseball with a few twists (like a 2hr time limit).

isn't it basically Soccer and Golf over there? The only thing I don't like about NFL is how long it goes for; averaging 3 hrs 12 min. thankfully rugby is generally done in under 2 hrs (from kickoff to full time).

Did the 12 lead ECG with 10 clients today, and had the PHD Students who were assisting do the placement of the electrodes. Male PHD Candidate with Male Client, and same for Female PHD Client. With the consent of all participants to have me in the room making notes and asking questions around their results and observing under exercise conditions. And was fascinating around how the results came out. Since I was doing the ECGs, to prevent issues surrounding interference of clothing. Males wore no Tops, and females for privacy and comfort wore a sports bra. I have the PHD candidates and the Researching Dr looking over the ECGs and giving me their input so I can be getting the best information possible.

Thats awesome that you had the strength to say no and didn't give in those moments. Its going to be hard on NYE, but as long as you stick to your guns which I sense you will. Then you'll do great and will enjoy the party more and not have that regret the following day. I'm at the stage of my journey with alcohol that I have strict rules around consumption. but since I've had them for so long, I've had 1 beer in the last 12 months. And since I am working around around calls with my daughter these days before she goes to bed, it motivates me more not to drink. Because if I do drink, then it impacts my ability to talk to her and remember doing it.

Did you see the IGK (International Goju-Kai) Group at all whilst there with John Ross Shihan?

Out of curiosity, which tourament setup do you prefer to compete in or have your students attend? NASKA/ISKA (National Sports Karate Association/International Sports Karate Association) vs. WKF (World Karate Federation) type tournaments. When I talk about WKF Tournaments; I mean tournaments that are organised in some way through your Countries National Federation. So for here in Australia; they are organised either through Karate Australia (Formerly Australian Karate Federation) or one of the states federations. So for me I attend Karate Victoria Tournaments. So for the Question/s I put to you: 1. Which one do you choose to compete in? or if you don't compete; which one do you put to your students? 2. Is there any particular reason you choose that over the other? Be it availability, price, number of events you can do etc One of the things that put me off NASKA/NAS Tournaments is the apparent low standards from what I've seen online and in person. As they allow quite a wide variety of styles, which means that the judges can't properly evaluate the kihon or kata. Even comments I've heart from some who have competed have brought up how they had to "butcher" several of their forms to just to score points. But when they enter a Karate Victoria Tournament; the same "unaltered" form scores quite highly for an advanced form and done well.

Out of curiosity, what sport do you enjoy that isn't a National Sport in your Country. So for instance Basketball is a National Sport in Australia, so NBA (USA) and Euroleague (Europe) are out of the running of the question involved. However Baseball would be a Valid option in Australia, as there is no real National League; even though we supply a team to International Events. Outside of Karate, I enjoy watching Gridiron (NFL).

If your ever down in Melbourne Austrlia, I'm always happy to share my Goju kata whenever asked. All I ask is you teach me a kata in return as payment.

Your doing great Ken! How are you feeling since quitting?

When it comes to a Roundhouse Kick (all levels) there is for me at least; 1. Top of Foot (Toes Pointed) 2. Ball of Foot (Toes back) 3. Heel of Foot 4. Shin Front Kick 1. Ball of Foot (Toes Back) 2. Heel For both Kicks it definitely depends on where I'm kicking and how much damage I'm trying to impart on my opponent. I don't have the greatest flexibility when it comes to roundhouse kicks, so I tend to go low and really sink the kick in. But on the same hand, I do a lot of fake kicks and strike with the heel into their calves or their hamstrings. Same evil idea with a front kick and I hit the back of the leg. The last round I fought, I threw both kicks and made them appear to have missed but struck their hamstrings instead and made them fight in Neko Ashi Dachi for the remainder of the fight.

congratulations

I totally understand of your heart not being in it. It has happened to me a few times, including throughout the course of this year. Sometimes doing less (aka taking a break) is doing more. Especially when it comes to karate. When I last took some time off training, I came back better and stronger with a much renewed interest in my training. Dedication - to me at least doesn't mean you have to drag yourself through something. Especially when it could potentially lead to further injury; which could easily happen if your not training with the right frame of mind. What I find interesting is how different people talk about how dedication is shown and how it can be tested. But at the same hand, dedication and MA training is really only shown when you compete or grade. For me at least; - Low Dedication + Training = I just can't focus, and tend to distract others. Eventually do something silly and get injured. - Low Motivation + Training = I readjust and find that focus that I was missing very quickly.

Oh god I dislike the Throaty Kiai's very much so. And the number of times I've seen people bust up their vocal cords because of that is just ridiculous.