sensei8

Congrats to all who were nominated, and to all who won their respective awards in the KarateForums.com Awards 2021. Always cool to see new winners; shows the KF sits on solid ground.

Congrats, tatsujin; well deserved!!

I sincerely echo what Patrick has so eloquently expressed!!

Welcome to KF, DarthPenguin; glad that you're here!! Welcome back on your continued MA journey as well as your son joining you on his own MA journey. You seem well rounded with your MA background across the board. I look forward to your many contributions here.

All I've ever known was deflection, and not the block. Our deflection is akin to the football wide receiver who receives the ball that was thrown directly at the wide receiver. Thusly, we receive, and not block, any said attack. The mechanics of receiving allows me to manipulate direction in order to initiate my Tuite against by opponent. If I block, there's a greater chance that the connection between my attacker and myself is severed due to the trauma created by the force of said block. Speaking about football, there's a cardinal rule which says..."Don't drop the football". Same thing here. if I drop the connection, i.e., football, then the Tuite is ended...no first down/touchdown. So, we once again see the joy of MA technique labels.

MA for me isn't a hobby; it's a rather serious daily MA journey. So, no, I'm not a MA hobbyist in my circle of friends/family. Not at all, nor do I want to be. Amongst my friends and family, there's quite a plethora of different interests. I will say, with the exception of my daughter, Krystal, I'm the only MAist within my family. Krystal no longer trains in the MA; she's pursued other interests. As far as my circle of friends is concerned, I've a very diverse company of friends. Some are and some aren't MAist. Which for me is ideal because if I only had MA friends, my life would be very limited and, if I might be honest, super boring.

Great and informing story, Zaine; thank you for it. Saturday, my wife, Linda, and myself received our 3rd vaccine as well as our flu shot at around 1pm. I've never had any reactions to the Covid-19 vaccines before, and I'm sure that is still the same for the 3rd shot. Then when one of my many bathroom trips, I woke up not feeling myself at all. I felt like I got the flu!! I felt like death warmed over. I slept all day Sunday until 2pm. I woke up feeling much better, but still, there was no pep in my step; that didn't return until Monday. I still think it was the flu shot that kicked my butt for those 24 hours. I didn't have the flu shot with the other 2 shots back in January and February 2021. Glad to hear that you're far better, Zaine!!

Thank you for sharing that story, GS718Trek.

I'm assuming that your questions are geared towards BJJ. If not, my bad. If so, then I can only say that I've never trained exclusively as a BJJ practitioner, have over the years just crossed trained with BJJ practitioners. Shindokan, an Okinawan Karate style is steeped heavily in grappling from day one, and it's a serious part of our curriculum because the ground is just a second or two away in a street fight. At 64, I can still hold my own on the floor, even with the younger students; I still have a trick or two hidden up my sleeve. Being honest, I do wear knee and elbow pads nowadays because my body isn't so agreeable even on mats. As you know, any great BJJ instructor/professor will not intentionally put their Student Body in harm's way. Sure, the training isn't any bed of roses, but nothing is whenever effective training is concerned. Take the training slow, listen to your body, keep your ears and eyes open, train hard, and train well...but smart. I wish you the most fun and success in your new endeavor with BJJ journey.

Great topic!! Whether these terms refer to two distinct techniques, or the same technique, depends entirely upon how each is used within any given MA school. Terms are distinct in that "Age" means an implied upward direction and/or motion. In the many MA, "Jodan" refers specifically to a target area of the body, including the shoulders and above. So, the term Age-Uke refers to blocks with an upward motion, there are many techniques called Age-Uke that can also be called Jodan-Uke, but some techniques are aimed at the center level, and are referred to as Chudan-Uke. With Yoko-Geri, it seems that it can't be confused with Mawashi Geri for obvious reasons, with one being directed in a straight line, and the other being directed in a circular line towards said target. Yet, I can see many techniques falling under a main category instead of some different sub-category. Albeit, the confusion can still be quite confusing. Perhaps the saying applies to this topic..."When in Rome, do as the Romans do"; just train hard and train well. So, yes, there's a lot of fun with MA technique names. What's the preference of any given CI in any given MA regarding this topic?? As wide as the skies and as deep as any oceans. Influences can't be ignored either as a possibility for these occurrences. Within Shindokan, we've had in the past, several CIs within the SKKA network, following the labeling of the techniques of Shotokan for the simplicity for their own students. This was allowed because the SKKA never ever meddled into network dojos operational affairs whatsoever.

If incorporating yoga into one's core MA benefits the practitioner, then that's what matters...to improve one's MA betterment. Hard to say if any student has much of a choice to train in yoga if it's already been incorporated to the curriculum. Only if yoga's a separate entity, away from the main core MA, perhaps then it'd be a choice.

Popcorn time!!

Great weekend for sure with great news. Remember to just relax and allow the Testing Cycle to take care of itself. 3rd Kyu; one of the most exciting tests any student can partake in because it's at the threshold of Shodan...just out of reach. 3rd Kyu...You got this!! Train hard and train well!!

Ages do measure the about of time when teaching anything. Studies have shown that whatever the age of the child, so is their attention span. Once the threshold has passed, then the child has already lost the interest of the subject at matter. So, keep segments short to keep both their interest as well as their attention to subject at matter. Nothing worse than a student who no longer cares due to sheer boredom. Nothing worse that static teaching. Adults do get bored as well, but not as soon as the child. Any student will enjoy any depth of any said subject until boredom sinks in. That IS a balancing act that has a fine line, in which trial and error helps to discover what's the overall time to spend on any one subject for both the child and adult students. Don't forget, this is even more true for the students who have ADHD. ADHD affects both the child as well as the adults. As the CI/Sempai/Instructor, it's imperative to know, understand, and recognize those symptoms; that will benefit all concerned, although, its vitally much more important for the CI/Sempai/Instructors. I've had ADHD my entire life, so if you bore me to tears, then I can no longer hear or care what you're trying to tell/teach me. People around me know when I start repeating the word "Huh?" or "What?" a lot from me that they've lost me to boredom. Rule of thumb...just don't drag out any segment; know when enough is enough. If you like to talk and talk and talk, stay off the floor.

Honorary Dan ranks do have their purpose within any given Governing Body, and the awarding of such are the given rights of the Governing Body. They've there reason(s), no matter what the masses might or might not agree of the honorary appointment. Is this act a slap in the face of the MA?? That's an individuals opinion surrounding said honorary certificate. Personally, I don't care one way or another because once again, imho, the Governing Body has that right to award whatever honorary rank they want to, no matter the varied opinions around the MA world. In the SKKA, we've never given any honorary ranks, and that's mainly because we simply don't believe in the value of it. You want a rank? Then earn it!! Now, we don't pass any judgement on any Governing Bodies that do believe and do award honorary ranks because that's their business. Look over this link... https://itftkd.sport/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ITF-Policy-Honorary-black-belt-20200523.pdf#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20awarding%20an%20honorary%20black%20belt,at%20local%2C%20regional%2C%20national%20or%20international%20level%2C%20or Mr. Trump, according to the ITF Policy over Honorary Black Belt doesn't meet several qualifying criteria whatsoever to receive said Honorary Black Belt. Again, it's the Governing Bodies authority to issue out whatever they want to.

Thought I'd share this with everyone...

Vitality! This one single word is the fruition that not only birthed KarateForums.com, but has sustained it for 20.5 years. Vision embraces KF's very core of existence and, without any meaningful vision, this community becomes stagnant. KF has the state of being strong and active; energetic and alive to create changes that have given renewed vitality to KF. KarateForums.com, in its history, has been the vehicle of what Dr. Spencer Johnson wrote in his book, Who Moved My Cheese?, that change is inevitable and is synonymous with life and growth. Jack Canfield, an author and motivational speaker, said the following quote that runs through KF's veins, providing sustainable life consistently: Some of the behind the scenes here at KarateForums.com are the pulse of what Warren G. Bennis, a pioneer in the field of modern leadership studies meant when he said: With that having been said, please let me speak towards some of the changes that have recently been made here, or that are currently being worked on: 1. Member of the Month: Requirement changed from 100 posts to 25 (November 2020). 2. Forum Reorganization: 6,000+ threads reviewed and organized into a more consolidated structure to better showcase our activity (December 2020). 3. Software Upgrade: A new version of KarateForums.com has been in development for much of this year. This has taken countless hours spread amongst Patrick and a few developers, but we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This exciting upgrade is one of most riveting, fascinating, and captivating changes that I've seen since I've been a member (Launch date TBD). These items are proof that we encourage inevitable changes, not only in ourselves, but also in that which we hold true and valuable for all concerned. We continue to strive far beyond our limitations by not only actively seeking that which improves the betterment of one another. It's not by any mistake that KarateForums.com has reached this unequivocal milestone of 20.5 years. Through painstaking efforts of dedication by not just a small band of individuals, but through the company of everyone - members, staff, and those unseen - all immeasurably indispensable for KF's growth. It takes a team, and there's no "I" in the word "team." Tweaking. That's a word that's fun, yet of great importance. Adjustments here, a nudge there, a stretch this, and a move that, these are the things that are needed from time-to-time. Finetuning can undermine the integrity of any program, however, that's alright because that's how things are accomplished, and here at KF, it's no different. Each and every day, I still see new members joining the KF family, and this is the attraction of KarateForums.com. People are still joining, 20.5 years later, and those members that have already joined sign on to engage in conversations in a friendly manner. At this 20.5 year anniversary that we celebrate together, I wonder what will be the next thing that challenges us, that makes us work harder and go farther for one another and for KF wholeheartedly. Here's to absent friends and the ones that are here now. Happy 20.5 Anniversary KarateForums.com! And many, many more years to come. It's been my honor as well as my privilege to write about this most auspicious occasion.

Welcome to KF, ronin_bd; glad that you're here!!

Your CI, Chief Instructor, more than likely, will direct you as to what you will be teaching said assigned classes, or at least a guideline. Why?? The CI is ultimately responsible for the overall training of the entire student body. The CI doesn't want their Sempai's/instructors to teach things that aren't appropriate for their student body, i.e., teaching 5th Kyu techniques to the 9th Kyu student body. Stage fright is normal!! Just step on the floor and own it!! As one who's leading any class, you must give both corrections and praises with the same vigor and sincerity. Follow the directions of your CI to the letter and you'll be fine. Rarely does the CI hand over the reigns of any class, especially if said Sempai/instructor is new to leading/teaching a class. Trust me, your CI, and the Sempai's, will be keeping a watchful eye in new instructors, even if that instructor is just leading the warm-ups. Now, if you're not officially an instructor/Sempai, this occurs a lot with warm-ups, well that's a feather in your car because that means the CI trusts you and has faith in your abilities. If you're not a Sempai/instructor, yet, you're leading a class or a section of a class, then by all rights you ARE the instructor-on-duty. In my dojo, an instructor is one who's not officially designated as a Sempai. Yet, often times, the label instructor goes to anyone leading a class/segment that's NOT the CI. Be large and in charge when leading a class/segment, be confident, teach what you've been instructed to teach, relax, be yourself, and don't be cruel. DO NOT treat all students the same way because they're far from being the same. TEACH!! GUIDE!! CORRECT!! PRAISE!! LISTEN!! Nothing else, and don't contradict what the CI is teaching. Point blank...Not all can teach; it takes a special person to teach and make a difference in the world one student at a time. Good luck, hang in there!!

Don't leave when the credits start to roll because there's a short clip buried in the credits.

Welcome to KF, steve_roach@hotmail.com; glad that you're here!! Depends on the fist you're making. There's a regular fist and an old-fashion fist; both are effective, and serve the practitioner quite well. Regular fist: 1) Start with your hand open and all four fingers fully extended 2) Roll your fingers so that your fingertips come to the top of your palm 3) Continue rolling your fingers until your nails dig into your palm 4) Place your thumb across your fingers between the first and second finger joints so it locks the fist tight Repetition is the key; the more done, the easier it becomes. One of the exercises I have my students do is that they put their index finger of the non-punching hand up against their punching hands palm while pointing, THEN follow the 4 steps above, grasping the aforementioned index finger by squeezing. This teaches the hand to close. Once you can close your hand around your index finger tightly, then repeat the 4 steps above without the use of your non-punching index finger. Old-Fashion: 1) Start with your hand fully open and all fingers extended 2) Fold the last 3 fingers in tightly with your fingertips touching your palm like you’re making a pretend handgun 3) Fold your index finger down but – unlike the other fingers – keep it straight and pointing towards your wrist 4) Fold your thumb across your fingers to lock the fist tight While effective, this fist takes more training so that it becomes natural. Griping exercises that strengthen are as simple as wrapping ones hand around things like a towel or a small bar or your index finger or anything that's small enough to grab. Once the hand is trained to understand how to properly make a fist, after all, we train all of our body, that's more than half the battle. Hope this can help you because you do want that 90 degree you were talking about, and remember to keep your fist and forearm on the same straight plane.

I just started to watch it this afternoon. What I've seen thus far makes me want to continue watching it. Don't blink because just when I thought...I was going, "WHOA"; I love the twists and turns...so fresh and inviting.

Yes. I did listen to the audio; I was so touched that I cried. It too, means everything to me; to listen to their heartfelt words brought an awareness to me knowing how they feel about me. Thank you, Patrick, Brian, Noah, Keith, and Ramona; this I'll never forget.

Looks like we're going to the movies. We love the Ghostbusters franchise. Lights, action, and camera. Who you gonna call?? Thanks for the heads up, Patrick.

Imagine if there was no testing whatsoever, no matter the industry. Anarchy? Perhaps, of some degree. Significant tests? Well, have to have recognized authority for said test to be significant. However, without tests, then how can one become recognized? By just an agreed census by the masses? Perhaps or perhaps not. The good thing is that no one's forced to take any test because we're of free will. I respect that. Sure, tests can be quite overwhelming, which can cause fear, and fear brings severe doubt of oneself. Guess what? The Testing Cycle will take care of itself!! Worrying or whatever else one might be feeling about an upcoming test won't make the test go away, nor will it make matters of the test easier. The proof is on the floor, and not in the test. Therefore, the test will take care of itself. Want to remain Shodan?! I respect that; it's the practitioners choice, and no one else. Don't want to test anymore, or at all, I respect that too. That too is the practitioners choice, and no one else. That's the beauty of choices; they're yours alone, just like your MA journey is.