sensei8

I plan on riding around my apartment complex, around my immediate neighborhood, and around east Houston, TX. To my knowledge there's nothing around that has trails and the like.

Men's Cruiser Bike?? OR Men's Mountain Bike?? I'm 6ft tall...what size bike?? 26"...29"?? Doctors, all of them, are pushing me to get a bike seeing that swimming pools are closed where I live; public or gym pools. Last bike I had was a Schwinn Road Bike...some 10 years or more ago. What do you all think?? Thank you!!

Thanks for your words of support across the board; they mean everything to me!! I'm staying positive, even though I've shed a ton of tears yesterday with the news of stage 4; I'm strong willed, but also human, and emotions will come and go during this fight!! I WILL WIN THIS FIGHT!!!!!!!!

This message spoke to me. I usually hate internet message boards. There is so much hostility and trolling. You guys are such a nice, civilized, and mature (yet friendly) community. And most important to me, you make me feel comfortable enough to ask the martial arts questions I don't trust anyone enough in real life to ask (e.g. like how I dislike some schools that teach made up kata). Funny story, I found this place years ago out of pure chance. I forgot what I wanted to ask, but I assumed that "there must be an online forum (now called message boards!) for karate... a... karate forum? let me enter that as a URL!) I've been able to share my martial arts journey in a way with all of you, and that is something quite special. How did karateforums.com start, anyway? It must be such an intertesting story. To the bold type... That question I believe would be best answered by KF's Founder and Administrator, Patrick.

For the time being while I fight Prostate Cancer, I've decided to turn my dojo over to my most Senior Dan Student. Having slowly reopened my dojo during this Covid-19 pandemic, we've all gone through some classes on how to better protect all concerned whenever they come into either my dojo and/or my retail store. I purchased four sanitizer fogger machines, which we use before and after each class. We've spaced the classes so that there's 30 minutes between classes for sanitizing the dojo. The foggers sanitize all contact areas imaginable. So, 2 foggers for the dojo, 1 for the restroom areas, and 1 for my retail store. We've temporarily closed both the men's and women's locker rooms. However, within those locker rooms the restrooms area are still open. I'm big time OCD whenever it comes to being clean, so I believe that we'll be protected during this pandemic. All coming into either business are screened for their temperatures. Anyone with temperatures above 100.4 are instructed to go home, and we hold up a list and we ask them if any of these pertain to them at all...any yes, they are instructed to go home. Yes, I've 2 instructors manning the doors of the dojo and 1 at my retail store for this process. All entering must wear a mask at all times; no mask...no entry. I do have masks to provide should they not have a mask. Those in class do not have to wear a mask, except myself and my instructors while teaching/assisting. While I'm not on the floor right now, I still walk around the dojo wherever necessary. I'm mainly now in my retail store. I've got to be extra careful right now because my doctors advise me that while I'm fighting this cancer, and it has spread, my bone MIGHT become brittle. I WILL WIN THIS FIGHT, God willing!! Well, that's what we do to protect our students and everyone else concerned during this pandemic!! Please be safe!! Train hard and train well!!

I sincerely doubt that there are many, if any, Uchi-deshi programs around the Karate world. Albeit, give this a look over... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uchi-deshi Getting accepted might be quite difficult, depending on the program/CI. Still, I'd approach any Uchi-deshi program with a grain of salt because one never knows what the program/CI sole intent(s) are; money driven or pure and true MA training. With that, I'd visit said program with a fine tooth investigation. Good luck, and please, let us know what you find out and decide.

Today was the day for my Scan results at 9am, August 28, 2020. Results: 1) Stage 4 Cancer!! There are 5 stages. 2) Metastatic; Cancer spread in my bones near my spine. 3) No Chemo 4) No surgery Treatment: 1) 1 pill orally per day 2) 1 shot every 3 months Goal: To lower my PSA levels to zero/unreadable!! Prognosis: Doctor indicates that the oral pill is just for 30 days; after that, I've no idea. However, the shot in my arm might take as long as 2-3 years. Next Appointments: 1) November 6, 2020 8:10am 2) November 20, 2020 8am In Closing: Both the pill and the shot will lower my testosterone, however, while the side affects are nothing to be excited about, but, for now, testosterone depends on protein, of which I need to lower my PSA levels to zero. That zero means CANCER FREE!!!! The pill is BICALUTAMIDE 50mg The shot is LEUPROLID Is this curable?? YES!! The cancer is slow moving!! Doctors have great high expectations of becoming cancer free!! Doctors also have great expectations of me living beyond my dad's age...89 years old...I'll take that. Of course, just because I have prostate cancer, it doesn't mean I'll die from prostate cancer. After all, I do have Afib (Atrial fibrillation) as well. I need to do other tests very soon, like, colonoscopy; which seems like a dream come true, but necessary, I'm 12 years overdue for that. Treatments will have its side affects, like, men's menopause, which in itself has its own built in side effects, like, hot flashes. Oh boy!! Treatments started today. I wonder why my PCP didn't advise me to visit a Urologist 5 years ago when my PSA levels were at 7, but advised me recently when my PSA levels hit at 29??!!?? I'll ask him whenever I see him again. I also have to take some Vitamin D and Calcium daily; 2 times per day. I'll keep updating as they come. Time to fight and WIN!!

CT Scan completed today, August 26, 2020. 7:45am: Checked in at the LBJ Hospital in Houston, TX at. 8:40am: Had IV inserted on my left arm halfway down at. Needles and me just don't get along. Having said that, the technician was smooooooth as smooth can be; no pain to speak about. Yeah, Bob the needle baby. 9am: Had CT Scan performed at. This included me lying down on a table/bed apparatus with both of my arms resting above my head. In and out over and over; had to hold my breath whenever the machine instructed me to do so, and then I was instructed to breath normal. Last thing done was the technician inserting through the IV Iodine; this caused me to feel quite warm, but not hot. 9:10am: Yep, the CT Scan took a big total of 10 minutes to perform. I was driving home at 9:15am. Results and visit with my Urologist will be this Friday, August 28, 2020. I'm not going to lie; I'm pretty scared because it's the unknown that drives be crazy. When I'm scared, I read a lot to understand, but the reading causes me even more anxiety; doctors and family tell me all of the time to stop reading; easier said than done. Right now I wish I had a emoticon for a needle pin cushion!!

Congrats, Devin; well deserved!!

Thank you, Mo; means everything to me. Feels great having my KF family in my corner during this fight. 7 times down, 8 times up!!

Imho... There are two different types of maturity in the MA. One is the maturing of tenure. One matures in this regard through ones own time spent on the floor by training hard and training well. Over time, the practitioner matures through familiarity. Sort of like when someone says that they know something like the back of their hand. The other is maturing in techniques. Shu Ha Ri always changes as we mature in techniques. In short, maturing in technique is what Bruce Lee said... "I do not hit, it hits all by itself." That to me is maturing in technique. Thinking about 'it', clouds the mind; can;t think straight at all, Being afraid of 'it', defeats the practitioner before it can be given a chance. All of this robs the practitioner of consistent effectiveness. Mizu No Kokoro = Mind like the moon Tsuki No Kokoro = Mind like the water Some practitioners never mature in their techniques.

Getting back to the dojo is always a great thing; glad that you're able to return to the dojo, especially during this pandemic. Train hard and train well.

To answer your question, I'm complete in my MA totality. It's not ego, just downright to the core confidence of my MA abilities, as well as my MA limitations. I've MA limitations because I'm not perfect. I've had my fair share of altercations throughout my life, but I'll not speak about them; that's not within me to do so. I don't fear anything or anyone; what happens happens; but I'm no push over. Sounds like ego, huh?? It's not because I've no ego to bruise or pump up. I train not for the win or the loss, but for the increased abilities to survive any altercation(s).

--- This is fascinating. Thanks so much guys. I am so intrigued by this kyoku kata. If I search for pinan/heian/tekki, etc videos, you will find hundreds. But Kyoku kata seem almost unknown in the world of youtube? How come? My friend does like in the west coast, by the way. To the bold type above... Perhaps there are not many Shudokan practitioners that aren't interested in posting anything anywhere, including YouTube and/or the lack of how to use YouTube or, well, there might be a lot of varied reasons to your question.

Perhaps, but please don't quote me, but, I believe that it's of Shudokan linage; and the Kata in question isn't spelled incorrectly, as far as they're concerned. That Kata is also known as Kyoku 4, but not at all Shudokan dojo's. I've trained with several Shudokan Karateka's over the many years in the past, however, the last time I did train in Shudokan was back in 2001 or 2002.

Devin, I echo wholeheartedly what Patrick has already said quite effectively. As far as what Devin's stepping down from being part of staff, another empty chair sits around the KF Staff table. I've always felt in my heart that she was that quintessential part of staff; being that vitally important cog of the KF Staff wheel. I, too, shall miss her here on staff, in which I believe that staff won't be the same. As a member, she's far much more than affable across the board; that extremely genuine trait that can be noticed immediately. She never put on airs with anyone no matter the topic and/or the member. Great knowing that Devin will still be around mean the world to us all. Thank you, Devin for everything you've done for KF and its members all of these many years unselfishly. See you around and I look forward to many more discussions with you, Devin!!

I suppose that the best thing to do before attending any tournament is to fully read and understand the Rules of said tournament. Some tournaments don't allow throws of any type for whatever their reasons might me. Better to know beforehand than finding out the hard way.

...and Uechi-ryu Karate trains to kick with the big toe... and it hurts, I know because I've been kicked with the big toe from a Uechi-ryu practitioner...got my attention quick!!

Solid post!!

After all, it's ones house, and it's ones Dan Certificate; therefore, display it/them however one decides. This is a good topic, thank you for it, Journyman74.

aurik wrote: Those stripes for the most are Shogo Titles. 1 stripe is Renshi. 2 stripes is Kyoshi. 3 stripes is Hanshi. These titles are far and away from Dan stripes because Shogo Titles are bestowed upon whereas Dan stripes are earned through a Testing Cycle; can't earn a Shogo Title through any Testing Cycle. aurik wrote: For the most part, in Okinawa, everyone wears a plain black belt while training, therefore, the other belts are worn only for ceremonial reasons. For the most part.

Wado Heretic wrote: Solid post!! Imagine a tree with real weak roots and soil; not healthy for the tree whatsoever. The roots can be the strengthening and conditioning for the legs, and the soil can be the dynamic stretching, and isometric stretches that Wado Heretic is speaking about. No reason to improve anything if the roots and the soil remains weak; strong tree being supported my weak landscaping.

Out and away of what Goju is and/or isn't and/or compared to, I'd observe many videos/books about Morio Higaonna Sensei; he's a Goju-ryu legend, imho. Your post does give you the basics in a small nutshell, but effective enough to start your research. If there's a Goju dojo near you, you could go watch as many classes as necessary and talk to that CI. You might be able to get on the floor for a trail lesson. Goju Ryu is quite attracted to close distance, strikes to vulnerable points, hardening of palm, fingers, body, misdirection with pain. doesn't do sport Kumite of much notice, probably only at the dojo. It's not about sport. Kumite is medium contact. Shotokan is faster, very solid and quick technique, albeit, movement in Kumite is very linear. Kumite is light or no contact, unless CI decide otherwise. Some strong nods in training towards humility. Oftentimes, to me, they both look quite similar while engaged in Kumite, yet, with the blink of the eye, they no longer have that similarity, and their own Kumite methodology are quite noticeable...and appreciated. Imho.

So you never want to make eye contact with your master/Sensei? Is it seen as disrespectful/threatening? Absolutely you want to make eye contact with anyone and everyone no matter whom they might be. The lack or refusal of any eye contact can be interpreted as fear and/or the like. Depends on the tone of the eye contact. A challenge? A threat? A warning? Insubordinate? Acknowledgement? State and Defend your position with the utmost respect, if it's warranted. Imho.

You're more than welcome, scohen0300. Train hard and train well.