sensei8

How about them Cowboys?!?! I must admit that I had already wrote off the Cowboys winning over the Eagles but was I ever wrong...bad Cowboy fan bad!! I'm so glad that the Cowboys proved me dead wrong. With this latest win over the Eagles of a final score of 33-13, the Cowboys have won 5 straight games, and so has the 49ers in the NFC West. Next for the Cowboys are the 7-6 Bills at the Highmark Stadium who are for the moment a 1.5 favorite over the Cowboys especially their stunning win over the Chiefs 20-17. Yes, it was a real tough loss. However, what's up with Mahomes outburst by screaming at the referees and slamming his helmet, which to me is really uncharacteristic of Mahomes. He's usually quite levelheaded and cool. I believe that the Chiefs will win against the Patriots. Back to the Bills vs Cowboys this week. The 1.5-point favorite tickles me because the Bills have lost 3 of their past 5 games, while the Cowboys, again, have won 5 straight games. Sure, the game is in Buffalo, and that does matter, and the Cowboys haven't a stellar on-the-road record this season at 3-3. The Bills have had a 5-1 games at home, with I am quite aware of. Seems to me that the Bills only show up whenever they're playing at home. The Bills defense has been especially good this season. Cowboys have been racking up the points. Predictions I've seen are Bills 27 and Cowboys 24. My prediction...Bills 24 and Cowboys 27. GO COWBOYS!!

Gretzky is, imo, the best ever, though some do argue for Gordie Howe. Sadly, Gretsky's goal record will likely be broken in the 24-25 season. I say sadly because Gretzky was the reason I became a hockey fan. Favorite player right now though is Morgan Barron. In a game last week, the dude took a skate to the face. Went into the locker room, needed 75 stitches, then returned to the game. I was at the game when it happened. Legendary toughness. I wholeheartedly agree with both of you. Gretzky was a pure delight to watch on the ice through and through. In the Eastern Conference Metropolitan has the Rangers in 1st with the Islanders and Flyers in 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the Eastern Conference Atlantic has the Bruins in 1st with the Panthers and Maple Leafs in 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the Western Conference Pacific has my Knights in 1st with the Canucks and Kings in 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the Western Conference Central has the Avalanche in 1st with the Stars and the Jets in 2nd and 3rd respectively. GO KNIGHTS!!

Great replies thus far. I suppose that another way to consider is what the CDC mandated during the Covid-19 pandemic of not too long ago...6 feet. That always sounded quite reasonable for a guide to me.

I don't think that it's so much that the spazzing white belts are going to make a black belt tap. However, white belts have little to no control and are just trying to get out there and prove themselves. My CI always says that when sparring you're far more likely to get injured when sparring a white belt than a black belt for that very reason. I've often been more comfortable sparring black belts than low ranks. They have much more control and don't need to prove how tough they are. Some white belts are about a half step above the drunk in the bar who throws wild haymakers. White belts only do what they know!! In time, the white belt begins to harness their control. I love to see a white belt get a technique in on a black belt due by their inexperience, and their lack of experience can be difficult to a black belt from time to time.

Interesting topic, KarateKen; thank you for it. $25 Anything over $25. Seriously, anything over $100. After all, it's just a test and it's just for rank, and neither should be more important than what they really are. Whenever money dominates Testing Cycles and Rank, the integrity of both is at question. They say you get what you pay for, if that's true, the CI is at question. Testing Cycles and Rank should be taken very serious across the board. Whenever fees become the priority, then both are no longer a serious matter. Imho.

Which can be way sky high or don't cover what one thought.

Congrats to all of the winners of the 2023 KF Awards. Until next years KF Awards, keep posting and let people know about KF. Train hard and train well!!

I hope your daughter and you kick the flu very soon. Great news that your CI has informed you that you're ready for your Ikkyu Testing Cycle. Train hard and train well, Wayoftheswede.

$161 USD to become a competitor at a MA tournament is insane. Yes, I do understand that it tales quite a lot to run a quality MA tournament, but it takes money to make money. Like Brian, I've not paid over $50 for any MA tourney. Mostly because my MA tourney days are way far behind me. Offsetting expenses to run a MA tourney is surely a game of marbles. During my MA tourney days, I only traveled mainly within California, with the occasion trips to Oregan, Nevada, and Arizona. California offered me the most available tourneys to join due to the size of CA, which there was never a shortage of MA tourneys to choose. In my tourney days back in the 60's to 80's it wouldn't be a fair comparison of today's costs due to the drastic changes of cost of living across the board.

That, well, really sucks because the Chiefs have the makings all around to go all the way.

TNF was a nail biting affair between the Seahawks and the Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX with the Cowboys winning the battle by a score of 41-35. This was the 14th win in a row for Dallas, who is just four wins away from tying its current franchise record of 18 home victories in row. A game that saw no punts whatsoever. 19 penalties with a combined 257 penalty yards. They fought tooth and nail the entire game swapping the lead until the Cowboys became victories. Expert predictions, Cowboys 27 and Seahawks 20, were thrown right out the window with the old. Cowboys haven't trailed behind at home this season until the Seahawks flew into town. All in all, both teams crossed their T's and dotted their I's up and down the gridiron with a flurry of success. However, some team had to win and some team had to lose, and when Dallas stopped the final 4th down and took over with less than a minute in the game, the game belonged to the victor Cowboys. Seahawks always make me nervous because they are that good. With the win, the Cowboys added another notch to 9-3, while the Seahawks slipped down to 6-6. Next for the Cowboys at home is the big rivalry with the 10-1 Eagles... GO COWBOYS!!

Commanders fired defense coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer on Friday. All because of the thrashing the Commanders took from the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day...45-10. Brings to memory of an old adage that gives the utterance to the abbreviations of the NFL seems to take up cudgels for...Not For Long. GO COWBOYS!!

Vegas Golden Knights lost to the Flames in OT 1-2. Knights hold first place in the Pacific Division with a record of 14-5-3 with just a 1 game over the 2nd place Kings. Knights travel way up north to take on the 7th place 7-12-1 Oilers tonight. Knights won't be returning to their own ice until December 2nd when they face the 4th place Metropolitan Division Capitals with a record of 10-6-2. GO KNIGHTS!!

When Brady left the Pats, the Pats fell from grace quickly. Billicheck or any coach for that matter can only do so much especially when the best of their talent leaves. That dark and deep hole will be hard to fill. Btw, Cowboys crushed the Commanders on Thanksgiving Day. Next for the 8-3 Cowboys will be hosting the 6-5 Seahawks. Cowboys are favored to win against the Seahawks by 79.4% and 7.5 point favor. I predict Cowboys 27, Seahawks 20...Cowboys are 6-0 at home. We'll find out at TNF. GO COWBOYS!! Oh, I forgot...The Raiders fell to the Chiefs in Las Vegas by the score 31-17. Chiefs never looked back once. My wife's Raiders are now 5-7 while the Chiefs are now 8-3. Chiefs have the 5-6 Packers at the Lambeau Field. The 5-7 Raiders have a bye next week but after that, the Raiders host the 6-6 Vikings. Oh, I've forgotten about Patrick's Dolphins won over the Jets 34-13 in the Jets house. Dolphins are now 8-3 and the Jets are 4-7. Dolphins next have the 4-8 Commanders at the FedEx Field.

So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, Ken. My prayers and condolences for you, your family, and friends. I understand what you're going through because my dad passed away 2 years this coming March 2024. Anything MA related will still be there when the times right, and family comes first. The floor will still be there for you to return to but for now, grief and your dad's affairs are to be attended to.

@sensei8, that is an awesome Thanksgiving! Thank you, Fat Cobra. I thought it was too.

From our family to your family and friends, Happy Thanksgiving full of love, joy, and safety. My wife, Linda, and I had the shock of our life. We're at Linda's parents for the Thanksgiving holidays until this Sunday. Our son, Nathan had to work over these holidays, and we wish he could of joined us. My niece, Dawn arrived yesterday afternoon from Santa Barbara, CA, but not alone. Then the shock of our lives...first Dawn walks in...right behind her... ...walks in was our daughter, Krystal, our grandchild, River, and our son-in-law, Jason from Colorado. We had about a hour prior wished them all a Happy Thanksgiving on their phones via texts. They weren't answering our FaceTime calls. We were under the impression that they weren't able to attend up in Tehachapi, CA for the family gathering. But holy moly did we get the greatest shock of our lives when they walked through the front door. Several of the family members were taking pictures and videos of the shocked look on our faces. Reminded me of the videos on YouTube that we've seen similar to what we were experiencing. Every family knew this was going to happen for to us for months. That's how long they've all been planning it. They sure showed me that they all know how to keep secrets apparently for as long as they need to. We golloped those three up with kisses and hugs once the shock allowed us to do so. I was in tears of sheer joy. Dawn's leaving this Saturday back to Santa Barbara, CA, and Krystal and family are flying back to Denver, CO this Sunday, and we're returning to Las Vegas, NV this Sunday. Best Happy Thanksgiving ever!!

November 21st will mark the celebration of KarateForums.com’s Half-Birthday. On this occasion, Patrick invites a member of our staff to address the community. It was on May 21, 2001, that KarateForums.com braved the unknown as it took to the internet airwaves. On launch day, Patrick welcomed the interested as well as curious masses to partake in a journey of communications. The one thing that I’ve noticed ever since I became a KF member way back in February 2008 is that there’s always been that one undeniable constant that can never be negotiated: Communication. Communication is greatly encouraged by all its members, no matter the status held within KarateForums.com, to reach out to one another by communicating. This communication can be found in every nook-and-cranny of KF. Communication helps to lessen anxiety about any topics or guidelines. Communication between members can build stronger relationships, which allows any desired information to get out much faster and accurately. Communication is very important to KarateForums.com because it acts as a base for any action. When KF undertook the daunting task of reorganizing all threads, communication made planning far much easier. Wherever you search the community, it’s easy to see that communication has taken the front seat in reaching an answer. Communication at KF boosts morale and motivation. Communication allowed me the opportunity to become part of the staff, something that I value and cherish. I never take that responsibility lightly. In closing, no matter where you are on KarateForums.com, the value of communication is evident. One of the most important aspects of communication, which is on display in this community, is listening. Without successful listening, there’s no communication whatsoever. Listening to the members isn’t a passé thing here: It’s everything. Good communication requires listening intently and carefully, which is what we do every single day. Happy Half-Birthday, KarateForums.com!

I hadn't heard about this until now. Very sad!! Condolences to Adam's family and friends. RIP Adam!!

Super Congrats to both of you!! Love the photos, thank you.

Congrats to you and Zach; well deserved. Thank you for the photos as well. Very proud of you both as well as the others who passed their Testing Cycle.

Yeah, that's a tough way to lose. Sure that someone from the Bills office will be having a talk with whomever is responsible for doing a head count of how many are on the field.

Those games you mention were exactly as you report. Darn networks kept moving from one game to another where I never got to see a complete game except for the Raiders and Jets game. and that game was a battle to the last second with the Raiders winning over the Jets 16-12. My Cowboys dominated the Giants from the start to the end. So much so that the Cowboys took Dak out of the game to rest and brought in their back-up QB in the 4th quarter. Final score 49-17 which now has the Cowboys 6-3 in the NFC East 2nd place. Next week the Cowboys travel to Carolina gridiron of the NFC last place Panthers that are holding 1-8 record. GO COWBOYS!!

One of the best decisions for both brands. Served its purpose in those times and I did get a kick out of seeing both brands' field layout in a birds-eye view. It should me that one can put a square peg into a round peg, so to speak.

Well said, my friend!!