sensei8

Congrats! Way to go!

Writing in the contract? I'm no lawyer, but, the only thing binding in a contract is your payments to the school. Stop paying, well, the school will get your money one way or another in a court of law and if you still don't pay, then you risk destroying your credit. As far as the contract saying you can't go to any other martial arts school except their's is far-fetched. I could go to any martial arts school I want to because my choice is protected by the Constituton.

How many Aikido "masters" have you seen in action? Aikido runs really beautiful demos in the eyes of people that have no idea what they're watching. The "Uke's" (if I used that word properly...) often run wildly in (aiding in momentum for the "master" to throw them) use unrealistic attacks (large leaping punches that throw them off balance) and also wait their turn to attack during the demo. Over-compliance is the biggest problem I see in Aikido demos- an "attacker" often goes flying through the air without the defender even making contact with him- such as this demo: Over compliant attackers again in this reel- notice how they all attack one at a time, are immobolized after only one counter (be it a punch, wrist lock, throw, etc) and are always running full speed at the demonstrater giving plenty of momentum for a throw that looks easy. Im not knocking aikido- Im simply pointing out how easily it is to see through a demo of any sport- sometimes its better just to watch that style in action against a resisting opponent to see how well it fares I've seen a few...Aikido masters that is. My views on a compliant Uke in any martial arts demo are well known, both here in KF and outside of KF. A compliant Uke is akin to a professional wrestler who goes with the flow and to provide a good show. I'm not easily impressed by someone [Practitioner of any martial art] who's so effortlessly defeats their attacker(s) in demos. Why? In any martial arts demo, the Uke will just stand there while the "master" has his/her way. That's not reality to me. Many martial arts demo's provide a sense of false securities, this isn't for me, and this isn't Shindokan! Therefore, I concur with your post. I've cross-trained with several Aikido instructors over these past many, many, many years. While I might have tried to resist their defenses and the like, I didn't resist long or I was going to pay for it in a very painful way. I wasn't a compliant Uke by any imagination, but, I've been on many receiving ends of their convincing arguments. Why are martial arts demos tailored as they are? I don't know, but, I can't stand to watch them during their choregraphed act.

and monarch butterflies and bats...... ROFL!!!!!!!!!

First of all...Welcome to Karate Forums! 19th century katana swords, imho, are very rare and would be worth thousands...or if they're fakes....worthless. Nonetheless, if I were you, I'd have them appraised by someones who's extremely knowledgeable in this area/field. Two ways to check validity or to know if it would be worth in finding an answer to your question: A distinctive hamon as well as the smith's signature on the tang within the handles, together, these will help an expert identify and value them properly. I wish I could have helped you more.

Congrats Blade96. Very well deserved!

What kyu level are you at in Shotokan? I have never heard of this. There are two side kicks in Shotokan. yoko-geri keage (side snap kick) This is done with the blade of the foot with quick retraction. yoko-geri kekomi (side thrust kick) This is done with the heal, with slower retraction A side snap done with the heal is incorrect, and a side thrust kick done with the blade is incorrect. Neither is correct in all side kicks. Sokuto IS yoko-geri keage and yoko-geri keage IS the side blade kick; ashi-gatana or sokuto. The heel is more suited to hard targets such as the ribs, stomach, jaw, temple and chest. The side blade is more suited to the softer targets such as the knee and neck.

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bunkai isn't something that MUST be known, but, I believe that Bunkai is something that NEEDS to be known. I believe that Bunkai is something that practitioners of the martial arts WANTS to know the unknown and the many untold possibliites that might be encountered; Bunkai allows the practitioner to extrapolate the effectiveness that's in Bunkai. Bringing the muscle memory to bear is the side effect, which is good imho, of Bunkai. When a supposed impossibility rears its ugly head; Bunkai is a beneficial training tool that allows the practitioner an entrance into what's effective/ineffective by having been introduced to 'it' and having 'experienced' something similar to 'it', therefore, our counter/escape/manipulation/etc has a far better chance at being more automatic, without any thought/pause/delay, in our actions. Ed Parker said it best... "He who hesitates, meditates in a horizontal position." I'm very happy that I've had Bunkai as a training tool---I've no regrets! Bunkai is like a book, in that if I don't read it, then how can I know if it's good or bad?---I can't!

Although the obi that comes with the gi is usually matched the same size. Shizentai came up with hemming to fit. That's a good idea. I've had a few students over the years who have bought 2 Gi's and then had a tailor combine the two to make one. By that, the tailor used SOME of one of the Gi's to MATCH texture and color to add a panel to both the Gi top/pants sides. Bad thing about that is that it cost one of my students $150 to do that...ouch! BTW, my students that did this did it when the largest Gi one could purchase was a size 6. Good luck and let us know what you finally decided.

Yeah, I erred badly on my very last post on this thread. I should've re-read the article before I spoke foolishly and rely on my memory...mistake on my part...SORRY! He was 45 and that's not a mistake of youth. It was in 2006 and that wasn't from a past of many years. He might still be on parole. A changed man? That's not for me to decide...I gave him the benefit of the doubt...dumb of me. I still echo what I said before... Working with children NEEDS the type of actions as demonstrated in the article at hand, no matter how unfair it might be in this case, but, children are involved and protecting children IS paramount!

$499!!! No, I don't think I'll be getting me one. It's pretty cool, but, I'm CHEAP!!!!! Besides, it would be just another electronic gizmo that I'd have to learn and wouldn't be able to because I'm just not wired that way.

NO! I'm not a penquin.

Such a deal!!!!! Thats a deal??? 50 dollars for each belt testing?? that is a ridiculous amount? No, it's Free Enterprise!

I hear what's being said here in that his arrest/conviction was many years in the past from his youth and that he's a changed man from it; it was a mistake. Mistakes that can haunt you for the rest of ones life. When a person has done everything right in their life since the mistake, that should count for something, but, then there for all to see is a record and that's what many focus on. Not the good that's resulted from a lesson learnt, but, the focus bears down on the bad in which one can never avoid under a microscope. Working with children NEEDS the type of actions as demonstrated in the article at hand, no matter how unfair it might be in this case, but, children are involved and protecting children IS paramount!

"Emotional content; not anger!" ~ Bruce Lee What do you think Bruce was saying when he uttered those words? Emotions are good if used properly. What are the contents of your emotions? Anger? Sadness? Frustration? Hatred? Joy? Whatever is the content of the emotion; control it, harness it for positive. In your post you write: "...I may break sb's nose or teeth if I don't stop.", this isn't emotional content; it's anger. Anger isn't needed, especially on the dojo floor. Besides, that emotion can get you kicked out of the dojo! Control your emotions. Don't let your emotions get the best of you. If you can't...then don't do the martial arts until you can. Martial Artists strive to re-channel emotions, like anger, fear and frustration, to amplify the power of a strike or kick, or when breaking a brick or throwing an attacker. Kick harder. Punch faster. “Martial” takes precedence over “art”. Unleashing power is only the first stage on the martial path. The next less traveled stage, is the challenge to control the power. This demands meditation and deep contemplation of the consequences of our actions. First, we must control ourselves and to do this we must know ourselves. It's sometimes much more easier said than done; but, it's doable. If you feel overwhelmed, angry or upset, stop for a few minutes. Take a break, or a walk. Calm down before you respond or react. Move and breathe; use breathing and relaxation techniques to calm you. Remember, just as learning a kick or joint lock requires repetition and practice, emotional content requires practice –- keep practicing. I sincerely hope that things work out for the best!

Check this... http://www.martialartsnewsarticles.com/martial_arts_articles/2009/10/the-dojo-of-karate-packs-powerful-punch-with-successful-first-year-in-business-119483.htm This school, imho, is on the right path in what it is that he's doing for the Dojo and his students. I like that he's taking his time with the different programs. I like the concept of the "2 Weeks For $2" and that he limits the availible spots. Your thoughts?

Check this... http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-c-2010-01-25-65023.113122_Mixed_martial_arts_back_in_the_ring.html This is a very important and needed boost for MMA in New York. Your thoughts?

Check this... http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10025/1030989-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml I agree with the decision made by Northside Leadership Conference, especially when the director said...."But the plain and simple truth is, he does not have the necessary clearances presently." Your thoughts?

I'm complete in my totality! Bruce Lee once said..."Any technique, however worthy and desirable, becomes a disease when the mind is obsessed with it."--- I echo his words sincerely exactly! Sure, there are things that I've learnt over the countless years in my style that I'd not even do in the streets for reasons that are personal to me. Every style of the martial arts has things of it that are simply just "stuff" and in that, the true martial arts aspect doesn't even exist. Believing in myself, and I do, must be first and foremost in my being able to defend myself/family/friends. Believeing in my style, and I do, is secondary in that I must be aware of who I am. I must be honest with myself...at all times...about everything! Will I 'win' every situation on the streets...NO! I'm a falable person and in that I can't 'win' all of the time. I don't bring my rank/title to a fight! I bring my heart and my will to survive, but, I also bring my knowledge and experience to bear positive fruits. After all is said and done...I just don't worry about 'it', whatever 'it' might be!

Danielle, You've hit the two main nerve pulses by pointing out "speed"and "strength". Speed of that kick is important to balance, maintained stance 'height', posture, and returning back to the floor. Strength of the supporting leg is important to eliminating the excessive sine wave, maintain balance/posture in the duration of the entire kick, and stabilizing the supporting legs' knee. Also, lets not forget that completely stretching allows that kick to travel to its correct position, which is in front of the supporting legs thigh. If the leg that's doing the kick isn't stretched entirely, then how can the kick reach its final conclusion? It can't! There are many drills/exercises of developing and improving speed and strength for this kick. Here are TWO of my most FAVORITE drills/exercises for these two things. They're my favorite because they both get right to the core of what's being sought after. 1) Speed = Ankle weights!!!! It's just that simple. Work the weights up from 3 pounds to 20 pounds....yes...20 pounds! Once a particular weight becomes to 'light' for you, then go up to the next weight. Continue to do this until you can reach the 20 pound weight and then keep doing that weight until it becomes as though it's not even there. 2) Strength = Buddy method!!!! Buddy method is having someone stand on your thighs and hold onto your shoulders for your Buddy's balance while you're maintaining the Kiba-dachi (Horse Riding Stance) stance. While your Buddy (Another student) is STANDING on your thighs for as long as you can tolerate it, then keep increasing the time of having your Buddy standing on your thighs. THEN, while your Buddy is standing on your thighs, WALK forward, side to side, backwards the entire length of the floor no matter where you're doing this exercise at. If you don't have a "Buddy" FIND one! There are drills/exercises that I do when I'm by myself, but, NOTHING works better than HAVING your BUDDY!!!! For by myself...STAY IN YOUR HORSE RIDING STANCE FOR 1 HOUR MINIMUM!!!! Wear something like a weight vest or a back pack full of large disc weights or something that will provide a tasking weight like sand, rocks, or bricks. Remember this one thing...POSTURE! Maintain your posture during these and any drills/exercises at all times! Try these exercises/drills and in a short time you'll see a noticeable improvement for the best! Don't laugh at them or discount them because they work as barbaric as they might sound.

Feel it! Our eyes can be tricked into seeing something that's not real. Whether it's with a stare or peripheral vision or watching the hips or watching the shoulders/body or whatever; I've used them all from time to time, some more often than others but for me....FEEL IT! Bruce said...."Feel it! It's like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all of that heavenly glory!" Don't concentrate on one body part over another because you might be tricked/deceived, therefore, FEEL IT!

Congrats and way to go!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh....don't tell anybody, but, when I was much younger, my friends and I would wear our lightweight Gi's and just before we'd compete in Kata, we'd wet down the very ends of our Gi pants/tops to get that nice "POP" sound. Being younger and poorer, we couldn't afford the heavywieght Gi's, so we'd "trick-up" our Gi's as mentioned here. Is this "trick" still being done today? I don't know! As a judge, power can be seen through the technique, not by the sound of a mere "POP", but, when I was younger I thought it would help.

...as well as it being a mobile sauna...very hot...but I love it! I like WireFrame's break down....very nice!