sensei8

Oh yes, whenever I was mentioning the WaveMaster, I was including the XXL across the board. Everything about it says...hit me as hard as you can...I can take it!! I actually prefer the XXL over the standard WaveMaster because of the new base as well as the area provided on the bag itself. The BOB's contour were more in the way of my flow, and my students complained about the edges, and they, the edges, are there. Students shouldn't have to hit something that hurts them, and the WaveMaster isn't designed as an effective Hojo Undo, or at least I don't consider it to be so. With the XXL only standing 69" tall and only 18" around, I believe it'll meet your expectations!!

That which our Sensei has already ordained, shouldn't be questioned, yet, it should be accepted wholeheartedly. After all, if that Sensei has proven themselves to you some time ago as someone with the highest integrity, then we should be respective of our Sensei's ability to bestow rank/title without questions. However, it's the governing body that can sour the most of well intents of the Sensei, and they do it often, and without regards, as to the value of that Sensei. Especially if that Sensei is of the highest order within the upper hierarchy of that governing body. The similarities that you and I share, are often times, eerily close, even though they're not exacting snapshots across the board. Rather, they share a much closer correlation than one could imagine, or dare. However, there we are, two-peas-in-a-pod with so much in common, yet, were not affiliated in any shape, way, and/or form, yet, the MA world just isn't that big after all. While you weren't expecting this accolade whatsoever, your Nanadan is effective as well as recognized through the actions of your Shinshii, and these actions can't be severed by anyone within your governing body. All of the 'T's' have been crossed, and all of the 'I's' have been dotted properly, therefore, that which you wrap around your waist from this time forward, years belayed, is a legitimate and recognized Nanadan. When my Dai-Soke passed away, that too meant that my Hachidan was the very last rank I ever earned from him, in both Shindokan Saitou-ryu Karate-do as well as in Shindokan Saitou-ryu Kobudo. Nonetheless, what was missing much more greatly was the void that was left in my heart, and that emptiness would never be filled again with his friendship, love, teachings, mentoring, and support. Yes, I insisted on being tested for my Kudan at the constant whining of those then upper hierarchy of the SKKA, and to just shut them up for once and for all, and while I did pass my Kudan Testing Cycle, it wasn't even the same thing, as it might've been had I earned or bestowed upon me by my Dai-Soke. That is why, even if I'm Kudan according to paperwork and the like, I'll always, and only, consider myself only as a double Hachidan, and nothing more than that. My Hachidan's as well as my Hanshi were granted and bestowed by Dai-Soke, anything beyond that is nothing more than frosting on some fancy decorated stale cake!! In that same feeling, I know what you're feeling when you speak about that that Nanadan is the last rank you'll ever earn from your Shinshii. Both of my Hachidan's are the last ranks I ever earned from my Da-Soke. Anything after that, pales in comparisons, with no equal, in our hearts!! While ranks/titles are insignificant when they're looked at with a humble heart, they were granted and bestowed upon us by our Sensei...your Shinshii...my Dai-Soke. I say to you, Omedetou Gozaimasu...Congratulations!! Wear it proudly because HE...HIM ALONE...honored you, and to do anything less would dishonor HIM!! I bow to you!!

The stare down and the like have their purposes in sports, but for me, all of that pageantry is meaningless because I'm a firm believer that the proof is on the floor, but not in the stare down and the like. To me, these things are like watching movie trailers and/or ads while you're waiting for the movie you've just paid for to start. That's just me.

I'm not much of a BOB/BOB XXL fan!! Why? I don't look anything like that at all!! I'm much more handsome!! I'm more of Wavemaster fan, especially since the base has been trimmed down and away from my kicking support foot. Whereas before, the base of the Wavemaster was in my way, and that's not conducive in training as well as in safety. However, the Wavemaster, no matter the size/type, including the BOB's, they don't stand up to any kick that I might deliver...I don't enjoy the constant pause I'm having to take whenever working one. The BOB, well, I've tried it, I didn't like it, but I give it a chance. First thing I didn't like was that the likeness to its physical appearance doesn't give the student, imho, the same feeling nor the same targets as a live sparring partner might offer. NO ARMS...NO LEGS...totally missed the mark, imho, it might as well have just stayed as a Wavemaster!! That's me!! Our Hombu is filled with all types of WaveMasters and BOB's and what have you; there's nothing short of something to hit!! They serve a purpose, but whenever I'm teaching there, I bring out the hanging bags for us to work our techniques out on them...in short, we beat the tar out of them!! But the Hombu has plenty of ceiling clearance to provide that. With you not having that ceiling clearance, I'd like to steer you away from BOB's, even though I'm a nice guy, because their aesthetics are much of a deterrent, than they are helpful. My vote...any type of WaveMaster, and not any type of BOB's!! PS...Don't do what I did when I first purchased my WaveMaster...filled it up with concrete; base cracked terribly once the concrete hardened...waste of money on my part!! Sand...water...anything other than concrete!!

I'm trying to create a new format of full contact competition for karate, in a rule set that will allow Karateka to be able to use their full arsonal of attacks in a more realistic format than both Kyokushin and Shotokan. Basicly think if Shotokan sparring had leg kicks and elbows and was continuous and full contact. From a competitive sport perspective, don't forget, whatever type you're creating, it'll have to first meet some serious expectations in the area of rules and regulations at some difficult levels of administration whether it be local, city, state, and/or federal before it can be a reality!! A doable piece of the cake to swallow, but can be quite daunting, to say the least.

Forgive me for asking this obvious question... What does your doctor say?? Imho, a healthy quality of life is more important than anything, and this includes anything MA related. I've had some pretty big injuries derived from MA training, and for example, I injured my right knee when I was a teenager, so much so, that I didn't fully follow my doctors instructions to the letter, I was to stay off my feet for 3 months. Did I? Ah...no...not even close. I've paid for that decision ever since. Whenever I execute a roundhouse kick with my right leg, I HAVE to pre-load the supporting foot FIRST, otherwise, I never reach the target as intended. Why? I didn't listen to my doctor. That very muscle memory has stayed with me all of these years, and that is why, for the most part, I'm a lefty kicker in all ranges. My lower back/neck, as of now, has several pinched nerves in it, and now, my right extremities from the knee and elbow down are tingling and numb 24/7. As of now, it's more of an inconvenience than anything else. Ortho Doctors want to do an Lumbar Steroid Injections, 3 of them, which I'm refusing at this time because it's quite invasive and temporary. In short, I'm slowly falling apart, but still able to rock and roll on the floor!! But I've been lucky thus far with that, yet, I'd still, if I was you, get concrete advice from your doctor as to if you can or can't as well as what he/she might suggest for long term. The decision is yours!! My decision was mine, and often times, I wish I had payed much more attention to what my doctors have advised me about!! Good luck, hang in there, and be safe!!

Thank you, The Pred; means everything to me!!

Yeah, I watched, for as long as I could, one of his YouTube videos where he was demonstrating how to cover against head punches, but all the while I'm watching, he went on and on about how to cover and protect your head, my first thought was...one good uppercut to the chin/body, and it's all over. This is where, imho, resisting training comes in towards one learning effective MA techniques. Theory is fine for somethings, but not for the MA...imho!!

I've no idea how many kicks I can do in a minute; Shindokan is only 15% feet, and they're waist down. As far as the video, thanks for sharing that with us Safroot!!

Congratulations, Brian; indeed, it's a major milestone to be for sure!! Sorry that I, too, missed the LiveStream, I sorely wanted to be there to help celebrate just what you mean to KF, to its members, to its KF Staff, to Patrick, and to myself!! However, my attendance was required at our Hombu during that entire week, and in that, I had no free available time due to my intense schedule for that week. As a matter of fact, at the very exact time that the LiveStream began, I was already in a long and taxing meeting with those members of the SKKA's Upper Hierarchy that very same day, and while that meeting was very heated, it was necessary for the betterment of the SKKA and its entire Student Body. The Hombu has done the most unspeakable, but that, for now, is of no immediate concern! My immediate concern at this very moment is to celebrate Brian!! I do celebrate alongside with everyone here at KF for all that you've done...past, present, and future, for KF and its members as well as its staff. Patrick nailed it when he spoke about your selfishness; it's that compassion that vaults you up and above self for the betterment of every KF member. You're my friend, in and out of the MA, now and forever. One that I'll cherish for the rest of my life, without fear and/or objection, and without any ambiguity and/or reservations!! My friendship is yours, and I hope that your friendship is mine as well!! Without you, my friend, I would've never found KF, because it was you who steered me towards KF while we were both at another on-line forum, and that has made the world of difference in my life, in and out of the internet. Thank you for that, and thank you for your mentoring all of these many years!! Thank you for all that you've done these many years, in and out of KF, and may the blessings of our Lord keep you and yours safe in His sight forever!!

Hello Sensei8, I live in Granada Hills, which is in the San Fernando Valley area. It's about 20 miles West of Downtown in the suburbs. The San Fernando Valley, huh!! Nowadays, the SFV is chock full of dojo's of all types of MA styles. To be honest, the list, published and unpublished, is quite intense since the 1960's!! Dojo's back then were sprinkled here and there, and as the years crept by, the plethora of MA schools sprung up like uncontrolled weeds; they were everywhere, just as they are now!! You should have no problem finding a credible one somewhere in the SFV. I've no specific recommendations for you, and it's not that I've no idea of what can be found in the SFV. It's just that there are quite a lot, and I mean quite a lot and in all type of locations!! I was raised in the SFV, namely Canoga Park, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, and Burbank ever since 1958 - 1994; I was born in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1957!! Right now, I live in Houston, TX. How I got here, is quite a boring story. But, I'm constantly traveling back to the SFV quite often ever since 1994; I miss it very much!! Good luck on your search!!

Welcome to KF, gpalmos; glad that you're here!! Exactly where in the Los Angeles area are you referring to?? Los Angeles itself, or in the Los Angeles County area??

To the bold type above... By all means...THANK YOU!!

Your Patriots are STILL favored to go to AND win the Super Bowl over whomever!! You got to be loving that!!

Am I encouraging my students to cross train? Yes, a wholeheartedly YES!! I've been encouraging my students to do just that for as long as I can remember without reservation and/or ambiguity whatsoever!! Why? Shindokan, it being a very effective Karate style, it lacks one important element...EVERYTHING that's not Shindokan!! My cross training began whenever I took up TKD in my high school days for many a reasons as I can imagine. I've not looked back since then, and I don't ever plan on looking back anytime soon. I'll continue to cross train, and I'll also continue to encourage my students to cross train as often as they can!! Cross training fills the voids left by other styles of the MA!!

Underrated? No! Dying? Yes! I enjoyed watching it when it was the rage of the page. Fighters like Joe Lewis and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Jeff Smith, Bill Wallace, and on and on and on. However, things like MMA and UFC are now the rage of the page; the newness of it all appeals to a much more wider audience than American Kickboxing could ever hope for.

First off, I'd like to sincerely thank Mo and Safroot for their encouraging as well as kind words; they mean everything to me, and these aren't idle words!! Also, I want to thank Danielle, Brian, and Liam for yours as well encouraging kind words; they too, mean everything to me!! All of you bring up great points, and what you've all talked about, is in concert with my GP Doctor!! He says...dropping 5lbs a month is good enough for him, but, yes but, I want to reach that 215lbs goal by October 2017. What all of you have advised me has been exceptional across the board, and I take everything you all have said seriously, and as I've already mentioned, your advises are in concert with what my GP Doctor has told me. NOW TO SOME BAD NEWS!!!! According to my GP Doctor, that I visited this morning at 0830, and this is very depressing, to say the least, that after speaking with me as to find out how I've been these past 3 months, and having reviewed my ECHO Sonogram, and speaking with my Cardiologist about his interpretations/findings, and listening to my heart this morning... I STILL HAVE AFIB!!!!!!!!!!! What!? When I see my Cardiologist this up and coming Monday at 1430, I'll be giving someone in his office a stern piece of my mind!! Just who in the world do they thing they are to tell me WRONG INFORMATION??!!?? Building up my hopes and expectations are not what are to be done to patients because that type of thing destroys my confidence in his office staff. So much so, that I will NOT talk to anyone in his office due to the seriousness of my life!! Tell me that I no longer have AFIB, when I do, is beyond unprofessional, and I will not tolerate in ever!! I want ONLY the Cardiologist to call me, and no one else...he's done it before, he can continue to do so. The lack of confidence I now have for his office staff is warranted, and even if it's not, it's my life and not theirs...can't rely the info accurately to me over the phone, then do me a favor, DON'T EVER CALL ME...EVER!! I thought that the news was too good to be true when I first heard it. Especially, when I'm still feeling twinges of discomfort from time to time in my chest, which I shouldn't if the Afib is truly gone. I'll be calm and professional when I go to my Cardiologist this Monday...to the best of my abilities, but I'm not promising anything except that I'll not raise my voice...just creepy firm in my complaint!! His staff better be happy I'm not their boss because I'd fire the staff member that lied to me!! Lied?!? That's a strong word, and yes, it's meant to be a strong word because my life depends on me receiving accurate news...advice...directions...etc!! This type of gross negligence is unforgivable because, again, this is my life. What if that staff member told me that my Cardiologist is directing me to stop taking my blood thinner, Eliquis, and soon after I have a stroke?!? This type of mistake by his staff isn't forgivable as it might be if I had received the wrong auto part to fix my car...no way...no how!! Mistakes...we all make them...however, in the medial profession, either you're accurate, or people die, just as simple as that, imho!! Jogged 3 miles this past 2 days with a calorie burn of 644 each day. And I must say, my outer/upper thighs hurt like heck, and it hurts to walk. They say, "No pain, no gain!!" Yeah, those that say that...have lost their minds...lol...because man oh man, I want to curl up and suck my thumb right about now. I get the same calorie burn at the gym with my current cardio routine, and my thighs don't ache, if at all!!

Well..well..well... Week 17...last of the regular season... First, Cowboy update... 13-3... As the Cowboys lost to the Eagles 27-13 in Philadelphia. And because this game had the same impact as a pre-season game, Dak was only on the field for two drives, in which he lead the offense down the field, and to a field goal...that was the end of his day. Then, the rumors were answered as Tony Romo took to the field. Romo hadn't been on the field since 2015...I groaned out loudly as he came onto the field. However, he took that experience and that knowledge to cap a 81 yard drive to the end zone for a TD. Romo looked relaxed and as the Romo of old!! I was happy for him, but I still don't want him on the field during the playoffs, and if we make it, I don't want him on the field for the Super Bowl. Then came Mark Sanchez...from the Jets...and boy oh boy did he look like he hadn't got his share of snaps on the field for quite along time, except for practice snaps. He threw two interceptions...no TD...and he's to be our back up QB next year...scared to death, I am!! And because this game was meaningless, not only did Dak see very little game time, but so didn't many other starters on the Cowboy roster. Maybe this is why the Eagles manhandled the Cowboys so decidedly so in a romp for the Eagle fans to enjoy...however, the Eagles beat the second stringers and NOT the starters. Now, the Cowboys will enjoy their much deserved bye in the first week of the playoffs, and we won't see an opponent until January week of 14th-15th. Just who will that be? Whomever wins between the Packers and the Giants. Either way...bring them on...we're not afraid of them!! Packers are on a small roll, and the Giants, well, they've earned our respect because they've beat us TWICE in the regular season. I know that Patrick has to be loving it with his Dolphins making it to the playoffs via the wild card, just as Brian is tickled pink that his Chiefs earned 2nd seed and have to wait to see who wins the Raiders VS Texans match-up to then face his Chiefs. Hopefully, they both will speak about each of their teams chances during the playoffs. I look forward to reading their spin!! I will say this quickly...Dolphins VS Steelers...that will be a game right there!! Until then... GO COWBOYS!!

Happy New Year!!

As you might already know, that's a marketing tool. "Karate" is more recognized that the word "Tae Kwon Do", even today. This marketing tool was the rage of the page back in the mid 60's to early 70's because, and through TV and the like, "Tae Kwon Do" was the new kid on the block, so to speak. Marketing tools are important. It's not what you say, but it's how you say it; this is still quite true in business 101.

Am still at loss as to why you need/want to change dojo's, other than your alone in your age group. Are you there for yourself, in that you're in that dojo...with that Sensei [Godan]...in that style [shotokan] for your MA betterment? I doubt that you're in that particular dojo for it to fulfill your needs, as only a social club can with back slaps and the like. I do understand that you're seeking other students that are around your age, and that is important, but to me, it pales to improving ones MA betterment. That MA betterment training is provided to you by your Sensei [Godan], and not by your MA peers. Sure, students your same age provide that needed support, however, students of all ages can also provide that needed support, even though there might be nothing in common outside of the dojo. Stay or go; that will be your decision to make. The grass isn't always greener on the other side...it just might look that way, for the time being. Your Sensei [Godan] has invested quite a lot of time in you, as you've done so with him, and separations might seem quite inviting, but in the long run, going to another dojo might not be the thing to do. However, and then again, it might be just the thing to do. Either way, you'll have my support across the board. I don't have to like the decision you make, if you do leave your current dojo or not, but I will support you wholeheartedly!! That's coming from someone who's 59 years old, yet still quite mobile and quite fast and quite powerful...still, and who's been in the MA for 52 years thus far. I don't envy your decision, but you'll make it once you've weighed everything pro and con!!

Frustrating!! That's the word that first comes to my mind, as of late, when I think about the up and down plateau I find myself in quite often during this journey of renewing myself. Weekly weigh in: 286lbs That's far below where I feel that I should be...280lbs. Just as my 290lbs plateau was that dreading up and down cycle, never thinking that I'd ever break that 290lbs barrier. Felt that same plateau when I struggled to get to 300lbs. Plateau's are the bane of my existence while on this journey!! What must I do!!?? This week started me at 280lbs!! Not trying to beat this horse to death, however, as far as my gym routine is concerned, I've upped my cardio from a daily calorie burn of 600 to 640. That consists of... Extra time on the: * StairMaster * Treadmill * Stationary Bike * Rowing Machine Free Weight Routine is as usual!! Swimming is as usual!! Nothing extra done, but nothing taken away!! I'm thinking that I might be suffering from retaining too much water!! But how much is too much?? I average about 50 ounces of water intake each and everyday!! Matter of fact, my GP Doctor has me on Water Pills!! Right now I'm thinking about not even eating even though I know that that's the dumbest thing I can do, but, when people are feeling overly frustrated they seem to tend to do frustrated things like...starving themselves to reach weight loss goals. I'm at the gym 2.5-3.0 hours a day...6 days a week!! I push myself, but obviously I'm not pushing myself hard enough. How much is to much when one is 59 years old and has bum knees and occasional hip pains and pinched nerves in both my neck and lower back; in short, falling apart. But these limitations are holding me back in many certain things at the gym. I'm thinking about adding Bicycling, but how often and how long is something I've not figured out as of yet. Therefore, my bike sits motionless!! I'm also thinking about adding Battle Rope Cardio to my Cardio Routine, but again, how often and how beneficial has me stumped!! In short, I've got to stop with the excuses and get off my butt and be much more proactive. My losing weight is a MUST because my life depends on it!! Besides the aesthetics of losing weight to look fit, there's the quality of life. I've lost weight, yes, but I feel that I'm behind on just how much weight I should've lost since this journey began on October 4, 2016, when I once weighed 326lbs...and today...286lbs, a mere minuscule 40lbs loss. That 286lbs is 4lbs more than where I started this week with, when I weighed 282lbs. Yes, I know that it's both impractical and impossible for me, or for anyone, to lose 6lbs by this Tuesday...or is it!? Why the urgency?? I've a doctor appointment this Tuesday at 8am, just 5 hours before I fly back to our Hombu in California. I've not seen my GP Doctor since this journey began back in October 2016, and I want, no, I need him to be proud of my seriousness about my losing the weight to the goal of 215lbs by October 4, 2017!! Mindset!! To me, 286lbs is way to close to 290lbs...which is to close to 300lbs...I MUST be 280lbs by this Tuesday morning!!!!!!! I'm a trainer friend here in Houston, TX, and he says it's possible for me to lose 6 pounds in 2 days. How?? He suggests that I run 3 miles a day and restrict my calorie intake. However, because of my physical limitations, and he doesn't think I can run, or that I shouldn't run because running is a high impact routine, and my lower back might not act favorable after a 3 mile run. He don't know me that well!! Put an obstacle in front of me and tell me I can't, well, that's a challenge and I rise above challenges. HOWEVER, I do realize my age and physical limitations, and I surely don't want to have a heart attack while running. Even though, I work really hard at the gym, and I often wonder if I push myself to hard, and right into an awaiting heart attack there. Sorry for the rant!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

This is an outstanding quote. The proof is on the floor, not around the waist. Nicely done Sensei8 Thanks, strangepair03, thank you very much!!

Great advice, thus far, by all! My advice is to, whatever it is you might plan, make sure that you're very well versed in whatever it is. Otherwise, the floor will reveal you as incompetent across the board. I mention this only because I've attended seminars where I've watched what the floor can do to a person who's only slightly unprepared as to the subject at hand...it's not a very pretty sight to behold. Whatever the topic is, be sure you're very well versed in it!!

To be honest, I've not really given it much thought at all. It is what it is, and I don't care one way or another how it might or might not impact the bottom line on my P&L Statement. Why?? The Olympics is just a thing; something else that some hate or like for whatever their reason(s) might or might not be. I've nothing against the Olympics or that Karate is the new Olympic sport, and in that, I'll be surprised if it gets much coverage, and if it does, either way, it'll not impact my P&L Statement whatsoever!!