sensei8

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.

Thank you, MAD Mike; means a lot to me. Please PM me his/her name and where?? I live in Houston, TX. I'll speak with my Urologist about this.

Sounds like ego there, but MAD Mike's right...be careful!! You could end up on the bad ending of a roll as some type of punishment...you could.

Yes. I've carried liability insurance for as long as I can remember; have to protect my students as well as my business.

Thank you, Danielle; means a lot to me!!

Sounds great. Though over time I've come to the mindset that workouts don't always have to be physically exhausting to be beneficial. I'd have probably preferred the first trainer myself but then I spend a lot of time with my guys doing muscle activation and stability and mobility exercises. Sounds the the fight gym guy is going to work you hard though which is also good if you want to improve general fitness and strength. Best of luck Solid posts, both.

Well, I'd try just about anything once, especially if I see value in it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I mean, I'd try it but not with just a notion, I'd work the tar out of it before I kicked it right to the curb.

All ranks, and not just for Dan ranks, are subjective only to that style and/or dojo and/or CI [Chief Instructor] and/or Governing Body; Ranks are pretty much valid within those parameters, one way or another, and not valid anywhere else. Those identifiers differ as well from dojo to CI to Governing Body. Some insist and require identifiers placed on Dan Ranks, yet others forbid them, nonetheless, it's as varied as the wind is. Yes, and it depends on varying factors across the board. Your MA journey is your business, including ranks, and therefore private; albeit, share your information or not, that is yours to decide. After all, knowledge and experience is what any and all MAists should seek after, and never rank. Anyone and everyone within your dojo will know each others knowledge and experience, as well as ranks, almost impossible to keep to yourself within the four walls of your dojo. Yes, it's considered a no-no to address a Godan or anyone else, for that fact, incorrectly. However, new students will be able to get away with that mistake faster than the other students who know better, but you will be corrected quite quickly, and might get to do some push-ups for that infraction. Everything depends on that dojo's CI; best to learn that dojo's Kun [Rules] and Etiquette soon. Train hard and train well.

Completed my Bone Scan today. 730am: Arrived and checked-in 8am: Interview with the Nurse. My wife, Linda, is with me during this. Then she has to wait in the waiting room the whole time. 815am: Shot given. Shot has the tracer/dye. 815am - 1045am: I watch some TV to allow the tracer to flow throughout my body 1045am - 1220pm: 1st scan is of my pelvic area. 2nd scan is of my head; that should reveal quite a lot about me. 3rd scan, I turn my head to the right and place my right arm right to my right side, a scan is made across my entire shoulder area looking from my left side. 4th Scan is my entire body from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet; this scan takes the longest. 5th Scan was of my body where the scan works its way clockwise; this scan takes 20 minutes. At the end of this scan I was put in a tunnel for the longest 30 seconds of my life...I'm quite claustrophobic. No pain...no discomfort to speak about. Results on August 28, 2020. Next is CT Scan on August 26, 2020.

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

Is what you're saying for being a LEO, and not pertaining to MA rank/regulations?? Perhaps bushido_man96 and/or tallgeese, who are LEO's, can help me understand better.

So if one manufacturer's heavyweight is 11 oz, and another brand's middleweight is 11 oz... they're both more or less the same, correct? Yes, that's why I prefer to only pay attention to the ounces, and pay no attention to any other weight descriptions; much easier for my brain to wrap around.

Welcome to KF, MAD Mike; glad you're here!! Through law enforcement?? How so and in what way??