sensei8

kensei, I appreciate everything that you've posted; well written and well defined. Thank you!!

Solid post!!

Yes, I teach private lessons. Our Hombu offers private lessons. It's, the private lessons, the staple of most any MA schools. Our ratio is 80/20, with group lessons being 80% of our student body. If learnt over the years, most students enjoy the group setting over the private setting because they want to be with other students; camaraderie over the sensei/student setting is mostly appreciated.

Don't hate me... I've no experience with the Paleo diet, inasmuch, please, and always check with your doctor before starting any diet. Sorry...

Solid post!!

On the other hand... When you sign up, tell them at the registration table about your experience; they will then assign you your division(s). Having said that, I'd only do that if my Sensei wasn't available in both attendance as well as in advice/instructions as to what I should do.

Congrats to Zachary!! I was surprised to see parents ON THE FLOOR.

I've struggled with this topic, btw...it's a great topic. Before his stroke, which lead him to have a second stroke, which he passed away from... We use to spar EVERYDAY!! The higher the rank I earned, the more intense was the sessions. Sorry, I can't say much more right now because I MISS HIM SO MUCH!! Cherish each and every time you can spar with your Sensei/Instructor/Etc because there will come a time when you won't be able to.

Solid post!!

Solid post!!

Shindokan will return to the right side.

Joe Lewis, World Heavyweight Karate Champion, for example, earned his Shodan in less than 1 year. Does that make his Shodan, or him as a karateka, less than those who take 5-6 years?

Imagine if Kyu's had a tenure as the Dan's do? WOW!?!

What did Bruce say about JKD... "It's just a name!" Nothing more and nothing less. Call what you do anything, but it's just a name, and in that, Bruce said... "The art of expressing the human body" Be true to yourself; first and foremost.

Sure, we applaud during ceremonies and the like, but, during a class, no!!

Stretching is a prerequisite of each and every class; the lack of any stretching can lead to an injury; one that can be avoided if proper stretching is attended to before each and every class. This includes...the cool down as well.

The wide variety of sparring drills do enhance the mechanics of it, but, nothing can or will ever replace the actuality of sparring. No sparring in ones training, imho, is akin to learning how to fly without actually ever flying; the void that will remain. There's nothing like being attacked!!

Kids will be just that...kids. While I don't like it when any MAist wears their gi outside of the dojo, I tend to not get all bent out of shape whenever a kid does it. Yes, maybe it's showing off, but, I also think that kids do the craziest thing, including wearing their gi anywhere and everywhere.

I prefer striking over punching because it's much more easier to transition directly into a grasp/clinch. That's just me.

I agree!!

No, I didn't say that. But, in any use of force situation, things have to be evaluated in their totality. For instance, the size of the attacker, are they armed, what is the nature of the threat, etc. All these things come into consideration.If I choke her out to assure I can get away safely...Is that to much force in the eyes of a LEO on scene?

Give them some time, and they will.

Yeah, I've always seen the belt as just that...just a belt, nothing more. I too have heard of the support thing myself and on my first post I was giving it a chance to work because I don't know if it does or doesn't work...but...it doesn't sound to off the grid...or does it. I don't know, even if I was to see it for myself I'd still have my doubts but if it works for some, then...cool.

Well, when first learning with a Nunchaku I instruct my students to get the foam type for protection. Then as they improve, I'll instruct them to get a corded octagon type for weight and grip control. After they show some marked improvement, I'll instruct them to still get the corded type but now they can try smooth types. After that, and their skill warrants it, I'll instruct them to get whatever suits their needs, but I still encourage them to stay with the corded types. Having said all of that, I believe what you've described is an excellent choice. Have fun with them!!

I believe that you've answered your own question. It's a mild cross on the back where it's not an exaggerated cross. The supports not akin to a full back support, like one might see at a construction site, but still, the width of the belt times the manner of the cross at ones back plus the snugness of the belt does provide some sort of support to ones lower back. If I could see a picture of what you're referring to, I might be able to understand your question, but for now, I stand behind my understandings.