sensei8

Live in the now, and not in the future!! Train in where you are, not worry about what's in the future. If you're a 5th kyu, don't worry about 1st kyu, and if you're a 2nd kyu, don't worry about Shodan. Worry about the present, and the now!! Worse I've seen is 1st kyu worrying about Sandan and above. That translates, and makes it transparent, that rank is everything. Then they wonder why they're still 1st kyu...many years later!!

Welcome to KF, OkamiBlack; glad that you're here!! I, too, existed in a very traditional Okinawa Karate dojo forever and a day, where sport karate wasn't appreciated or wanted by both of our Soke and Dai-Soke. Neither of them supported it. None of them wanted it. None of them wanted to ever hear about it. None of them could care less about it. None of them wanted their Student Body to partake of it. NEVER. EVER. They both were dead against sport karate; to them, sport karate was the bane of karate's existence. However, neither of them ever once refused us for wanting to experience sport karate; better to have tried it, then to have never tried it at all. Neither of them ever retaliated against their Student Body by suspending them and/or expelling them for wanting to compete in sport karate. Again, they just didn't want to hear about our ventures and/or our journey into the world of sport karate. What they understood was this. As being part of their Student Body, we were not owned by them; they couldn't tell us what to do because we are human beings, and not their property to do with as they'd like. This was equal towards both the children and adults of their Student Body!! And for us children, our parents/guardians/etc were the first and final authority over us, in and out of their dojo. There was a small band of us teenager JBB's that formed a group called, The Weekend Warriors. We traveled up and down the state of California competing in many tournaments, both small as well as large, every weekend. Soke and Dai-Soke both knew of our little band of sport karate enthusiastic misfits, but they allowed us to continue as part of their Student Body. In time, they eased up their strictness across the board concerning sport karate, but very, very little...we took it...better than nothing. In my own dojo's, I encourage sport karate among my Student Body, but just as long as Shindokan is their priority, and not becoming secondary. I encourage them to seek out open tournaments because Kumite against no one else but Shindokanists is a waste of time. The more different styles they face at these tournaments, the more well rounded they'll become. Kumite against those differences will hopefully open their eyes to expand beyond Shindokan.

Thanks for sharing that video, Danielle!! My thoughts: What I saw was another valuable tool for MAists. Especially when the MAist is a child. I support this program of the Gracie's wholeheartedly, without ambiguity whatsoever. Confidence in buckets!! That's what I saw in this Gracie program for it's students who partook it with that sponge absorbent attitude.

MA care very little on genders, as it should. It's the CI and the like that propagate that small vs large...woman vs man as a negative mindset right lff the bat. As a CI, this mindset is an insult to every female MA student!! My female students know, without a shadow of doubt, that I have their backs across the board. I've no different approaches when it comes to teaching both male and female students...none. Why? To me, a student standing before me is nothing else but a student. Not a female student, and not a male student; just a student. Female students of the MA are JUST AS CAPABLE as male students of the MA!! Male MA students aren't better than female MA student, vice versa! It's time that we CI's believe wholeheartedly in their female MA students. After all, YOUR FEMALE MA STUDENTS REPRESENTS YOU, AND WHAT YOU STAND FOR AS THAT FEMALE MA STUDENTS CI!! I'm not saying this towards anyone here at KF, CI or not!! I'm addressing CI's in general! My Dai-Soke would've disowned me if I felt that female MA students were inferior to male MA students, no matter the venue, no matter the stakes, no matter whatever. Shindokan is only as good as the practitioner because Shindokan in and of itself, is effective across the board, not perfect, but extremely effective against whether the opponent be a female and/or a male...it's the person that stands before me, and I must deal with that person to the best of my abilities. Until I turn into Superman, I'm subjected to one truth that I can't deny...I will not win every altercation, no matter what. I'm content with that because of just how deeply I believe, and live, in the maxims of Mizu No Kokoro and Tsuki No Kokoro. These maxims separate those who believe and those who don't believe...and I wholeheartedly believe. Our female MA students within the Shindokan circle accept that same fate, and with dignity and resolve. Win or lose...competition or not...they will not worry...they will not retreat...they will not bask in fear!! Why? Mizu No Kokoro and Tsuki No Kokoro...they believe in it as well!!

Sing it with me, if you know it... Happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you, Danielle, happy birthday to you...and many more!!

Thank you, each and everyone who's supporting me on this journey; means everything to me. Things are going great at the gym. Hired a trainer for just one session to provide me some more structure so that I don't give myself a heart attack while at the gym. Afib, causes the heartbeat to race higher than normal. And the way that I attack the gym, can put my heartbeat at a very high risk of having a heart attack. Being smart at this moment!! Which will be new for me...being smart, that is a stretch for me. While my goal is to lose 111lbs by October 2017 is still alive and well, I must be honest with myself, the Afib coming back, has slowed the process of losing the weight like I want to. Yes, I'm losing weight, but not at the rate I was per month. Plateau's are a tad harder to break with the Afib, but not impossible. I have to remember this one thing... So, I constantly change my approaches to my exercise: Health first...weight loss, a very close second. Tomorrow...I'm entered into a 5K run again, starting at 730am...I'll be there. I'll pace myself, and I'll complete it. It'll take a little time to finish it, but it's not a race, and if it was a race, well, I'd come in last...and love it!!

Groin! Always go for the groin! Or eyes and/or throat... those are acceptable targets, too. ALWAYS, re-stomp the groin! Again...again...again...

Then why in the world are we instructors teaching/promoting females in our core styles?? Why?? Because it looks good on paper, in some office, somewhere?? Seems to me that no one is giving any female the respect I feel, and believe, that they wholeheartedly deserve/need. A female with 10...20...30 years on the floor against a male with similar years on the floor, under YOUR guidance, the female practitioner is effectual across the board as the male practitioner under YOUR guidance, as well. If we instructors don't give our female students any chance against a male student of equal knowledge and experience, then I feel/believe that we should just close the doors of our MA schools. Why? What we're teaching is for BOTH GENDERS!! Not for just one...not for our favorite bet...not for this and that. Our floors are full of both female and male students, and while the ratio might have more male than female students, and they EACH equally deserve our most loyal attention to provide them our best. We, as MA instructors believe in what we're teaching our Student Body, equally, but whenever push comes to shove, the female student is left without any hope and/or comfort in their learned effectiveness, by their own instructor(s). Imho!!

As fast as I need to be. As fast as I must be. As fast as required. Speed...acceleration...quickness...velocity...rapid...fast... Here's the one constant thing about the word "fast". Physicists, for example, when describing things like "acceleration"...don't ever use the word "fast" Is the speed/acceleration of our movements gradual or instantaneous? Both! Depending on vectors and how they are set in motion, mean everything. As a MAist, I strive to increase the "speed" of my movements, but only at any given rate. Parameters dictate those given rates, and if my "speed" is nominal compared to others, but still alive, then it might be sensible to grasp that effectual "speed" is "fast" enough to a attainable goal. "Speed" and "velocity" aren't the same thing: speed is a scalar, whereas velocity is a vector. One must use different rules when combining "speeds" and combining "velocities". I consider my movements, especially when my hand movements are concerned, quite exceptionally "fast". This, I believe, is due to the endurance of many decades of training in Shindokan; Shindokan is 85% hands, 15% feet. I'm not that overwhelmingly impressed at how "fast" another MAist is because it's, to me, not that relevant in its totality. Sure, I can express just how "fast" another MAist movements are, just like others. However, I end that being overly awestruck because during any given moment, I've a job to do...only one job...being "faster" than my opponent at any given necessary time(s), not constant time(s). I admire capabilities, but that's where it ends. Why?? Because I'm only concerned with my own, even while I'm aware of my opponents own capabilities. Again, I've a job to do, and God willing, I'll do MY job far better than my opponent.

Very similar, yet at times, not so similar. Yes, but oftentimes, it doesn't. In both my personal style, as well as in Shindokan, but that is an unauthorized addition from Soke and Dai-Soke, even though I incorporate what I felt was effective from JKD while I'm teaching at the Hombu, right in front of them...they weren't too happy; they left me alone. Yes; many times. But I must say this, I believe that what they offered me was their interpretation of JKD, which is cool because Bruce said to "take what is useful, and discard the rest!!"; often imitated but rarely duplicated, which I suppose is cool too. No. I didn't know who Bruce Lee was in the year I started learning Shindokan; October 1964. I didn't start to become aware of who he was until I saw him at the 1967 Long Beach International Karate Championship. They're both different. Imho, Wing Chun is more of a style, whereas, JKD isn't a style. By that I mean, Wing Chun is more of a stiff wind that goes where it's suppose to, whereas, JKD is more of a flowing wind that goes wherever it wants unrestricted. I refer you back to question #1, at the top of my post. No. No. Depending on the JKD practitioner, it is a useful method of self-defense. Otherwise, then it's not worth being in the motion picture industry. It's the right of any individual to believe whatever they want to. If one wants to believe that Bruce is the father of MMA, then let it be so. If one wants to believe that Bruce is not the father of MMA, then let it be so. Again, perception is everything. Because his quotes are applicable to all MAists no matter their core style. I can only speak intelligent to that as far as by what I believe, not what others might believe. For me, yes, Bruce's influence on the MA is a good thing.

Sometimes, things are best left alone...this, imho, would be one of times. Just let it go, and I'd not mention it to the CI. I understand how it must of made you feel, but you know what, it just doesn't matter; it's just not that important. Things might escalate where it doesn't have to, or need to be. Making a mountain out of a mole hill can be quite counterproductive, to say the least. Why? Misunderstanding can be so easily blown out of proportions unnecessarily. Why? Hurt feelings? Perception is reality to THAT person. Remember, that's a two way street. You'll have your own perceptions, in which the other person will have their own perceptions, and they rarely are on the same page. Just let it go!! If you had brought this to my attention, and I was your CI, I would've instructed you to just go back to training, and leave it alone.

So would you step into the ring with the current men's heavyweight Stipe Miocic? Or how about Michael Bisping? Conor McGregor? I'm sure you believe in your own abilities and I don't doubt that you have infinite skill and knowledge, but would that be enough? Danielle, you're a 3rd Dan. In being a 3rd Dan, you've both the knowledge and experience; that must count for something of value. I believe that you've the effectiveness to defend yourself against the person that stands before you. Your instructor believed in you across the board, and that's why he promoted you!! This is me! This is what I was taught, and therefore, this is what I teach! I'm never ever concerned with height and/or weight and/or the notoriety of my opponent. No matter who it is! Mayweather, McGregor, Gracie, Bruce Lee, My Soke, My Dai-Soke, Urquidez, an Olympian, or whomever else it might be. Why? Mizu No Kokoro and Tsuki No Kokoro means something and everything; solid maxims!! I believe in them wholeheartedly!! I'm fighting the person that's before me!! No matter my opponent, no matter what they might bring with them, I always do this: *Study your opponent *Study yourself *Make a plan *Carry the plan out Of course, this changes and occurs constantly until the very end of the fight. One will win...one will lose! But not until the end arrives! In a matter of seconds, I'll have a solid appreciation of the opponent that stands before me as to his/her knowledge and experience, in which, I"ll then make the necessary adjustments in my approach & the like toward my opponent. I've my share of knowledge and experience of my own. My opponent doesn't have the monopoly on that; I will get a turn...too!! So, yeah, I'd have no qualms and the like about facing Stipe Miocic, Michael Bisping, or Conor McGregor; bring them on!! They're nothing special to me; they're human beings, just like me, they put their pants on one leg at a time!! I'm fighting the person that's before me!! Yes, they're much younger than me...much better shape than me...much better health than me, but I'm no push-over either!! I'm complete in my totality as a MAist!! I might lose against them...but I also might win too!! Imho!!

21 years old, and Sandan!! 18 years old at Shodan 19 years old at Nidan 21 years old at Sandan Minimum!!

I understand the differences concerning height and weight differences, and all of that. I don't take those concerns lightly, and I know that they weigh heavy on the minds of many MAist. An individual who's complete in their totality as a MAists, isn't concerned the slightest whether an opponent is or isn't an elite athlete and the like, just the person that stands before them!! And if that MAist is even the slightest concerned whether an opponent is an elite athlete or the like then it's very possible that that MAist isn't complete in their totality, therefore, the fights already been lost, before it ever began. I'm not saying to not adequately prepare themselves for the tasks before you in the Nth degree. That's always a great idea. What I was taught, and what my knowledge and experience are, weight and height, to me, are inconsequential because, the opponent and myself are MAists, and there's more than one way to skin a cat. After all, if David can defeat Goliath soundly, then so can YOU/I!!

A definitive answer might not ever be found; perceptions are varied!!

That's some great news, Patrick. I was getting those messages at sign-in all of the time, and I only assumed that the problem lied within my laptop. Thanks, Patrick; where would we be without you?!

Seek the advice of a doctor for advice to improve your healthy life style...then follow the advice to the Nth degree.

Solid post!! Welcome to KF, oldbear343; glad that you're here!!

First of all...Welcome to KF, Pineapple Deficiency; glad that you're here!! *Study your opponent *Study yourself *Make a plan *Carry that plan out Over and over and over and over...

That's just the problem. They are inferior when it comes to muscle mass and athletic ability. You can't change biology. I'm all for championing equal rights and equal opportunities but there is no way an elite female fighter will compete on the same level as an elite man. We can't pretend that MMA is any different from other sports in that experience and tactics count too, they do in every other sport as well. Aside from pure speed or strength contests like weightlifting or running (where women can't compete, as per Lupin1's comment), I still can't think of any contest where women consistently hold their own when going head to head. It's not the movies where a female MA fighter might call on some mystical higher power to give her strength or outmanoeuvre the jock in some quick thinking. Like my previous example of Serena Williams. Tennis involves just as much technique, experience and cunning as athletic ability, and yet the Williams sister still couldn't beat the 203 male seed. And IMHO to tell a female MAist she will have success against men is irresponsible. She might have success against weaker men and might do OK some of the time. But against the vast majority of male attackers, to fight them for a prolonged amount of time drastically increases the female's chance of losing and of getting seriously hurt. In teaching women MA we are increasing the chance they might survive an encounter, but lets not pretend they will get a KO or submission on the street. The best policy is still for them to cut and run, to do what they have to do to get break, and when they have an opportunity to run like a bat out of hell. An unskilled, athletic guy still has a really good chance of winning in that scenario but at least with some MA training we're giving females a small chance. But in MMA or UFC? You're asking a female to go toe-to-toe for 15 mins+ and now you are no longer just asking her to escape, but to try to KO or submit her opponent. It's not going to happen. Than, why learn the MA, if one's female, at all, if they've not a snowballs chance against any male attacker/opponent because they believe that they're inferior to males?!? I'd not want a female student on the floor if they won't believe in themselves, no matter the level of difficulties that might be before them. I BELIEVE IN MY STUDENTS, ALL OF THEM, EVEN IF THEY ARE, AT FIRST, HAVING DIFFICULTY IN BELIEVING IN THEMSELVES!! I believe that the fault lies within the practitioner and not the style. I'm a firm believer that women have an equal chance against a man, providing that the woman believes in her abilities across the board. Believe in the style...believe in the instructor...believe in yourself!! The MA is for both women and men to learn an effective style of the MA without any contradictions. If a woman can't effectively defeat a man, then that woman should return her, for example, black belt to her CI, especially if there's not much hope for defeating a male opponent/attacker. The MA isn't just for show. Imho!!

If the CI is versed in multiple MA styles outside of the core MA style, then all a CI can hope for is to offer them up. After that, it's up to the student if they want to learn what's offered outside of the core style. Alternate choices can be the bread-and-butter of the CI's bottom line.

*Practice, and then some!! *Proof is on the floor!! *The Testing Cycle will take care of itself!! *Resolved Training, always!! *Relax; it's not the end of the world!! *Have fun, everyday!! *You don't need 100% to pass!! *You'll either Pass or Fail; either way, just do your very best!! *And if you should Fail, just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and continue training!! These are things I've told both my own Student Body and our SKKA;s Student Body over and over and over these many years as either their CI and/or as the Kaicho of the SKKA. The MA testing can be quite overwhelming to the Nth degree, but if you allow each Testing Cycle per each rank, you'll make yourself sick with worry. Remember these, now and forever... Mizu No Kokoro [Mind like the water] Tsuki No Kokoro [Mind like the moon] After that, it's all down hill....Don't worry; be happy!!

Why not!?! After all, as MAists, gender shouldn't matter one way or another. If so, then women the world wide shouldn't learn the MA!! Not if men are much stronger and all, than women...they don't have a snow balls chance in you know where, against men. I do not, and will not subscribe to the mindset that women don't have a chance against a man, no matter the venue. To do so, automatically makes women inferior to men!! There's this... http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2072949-dana-white-ronda-rousey-beat-up-two-huge-men-so-bad-they-filed-charges Yet, to be fair, there's this... https://www.mmafighting.com/2015/3/6/8158595/ronda-rousey-says-she-wont-fight-a-man-theres-no-setting-in-which-we Women VS Men: Both as MAist, imho, are equal as equal can be depending on the knowledge and experience basis. Isn't it about time that MAists start to consider, and to give women their due respect, especially as capable and effective MAists. http://www.lyricsdepot.com/helen-reddy/i-am-woman.html Those lyrics are the champion banner for women...even MA women!! Then there's the maxim that says... Never under estimate your opponent!! This, should be remembered, especially whenever it comes to women

Let's defines Normal: Being normal shouldn't be a bad thing. There are a plethora of times when normal is a great thing. For example: Or Or In the arena of the MA, normal shouldn't be a bad thing across the board, considering the alternatives that do, and can exist. The normal activities of the school where 'you', whomever 'you' are, train at currently; are those a bad thing?!?!

I've seen both of these types of CI's before, and I must say, one's not always better than the other. I want a CI of quality, and not of quantity!! And if appropriate, that the CI can teach so well, if well versed in multiple styles, that I can't tell and/or remember just how many styles of the MA that that CI is well versed in; that they all feel as just one style. And if the CI is only well versed in one style of the MA, and is of quality, then I will not even remember that there are other styles of the MA out there, somewhere, or even care that they exist.