nanook660

Back in December I had another Grading. Grading for 5th Kyu (2nd Green Belt) and I struggled on the both Katas (Pinan Shodan and Pinan Sandan). Sensei half passed me then but I had to re-test Kata at the end of January. Here it is the end of January and I am pleased to report that I am now a true blue 5th Kyu. I passed Kata.

I do Wado Ryu Karate and so far the injuries I sustained were: A Sprained Big Toe ( I was doing a Maegeri and I kicked someone's shin with my big toe Recently I pulled my groin muscle and was out for a week and then when I went back to Karate I aggravated the injury again so I was out for another week. Now am back Training and everything is okay.

Our Dojo was closed over Christmas. First day back on January 5 and what do I go and do? I pulled a groin muscle. I was off for a week with this injury. Go back in and I've aggravated the injury again.

I too was scared of starting Karate (at 42) but I just walked in there and gave it a try. And I fell in love with Wado Ryu Karate. My advice is this. Take you time and not rush to advance. It's not all about "the Belt" or the next Level. Just go and have fun.

Let's see for me...... I took a great hit at Kagami Biraki last year. I was Sparring with this person who has no control and he gave me such a hit to the shoulder that it nearly made me cry. I could not raise my arm for a week. I was Sparring with someone and I kicked their Shin Bone with my toe and sprained my big toe. And my latest injury is, a pulled Groin Muscle. I pulled it over a week ago and it's healing.

Wood Floors (Gym Floor) and we sometimes do things on Mats.

Mine is this one http://www.arawaza.com/kamikaze_chestguard_guard_sports_bras.html http://www.arawaza.com/chest_guard.html

Tradition wise "Never wash the Obi" is what I've been told as you are washing away all that you've thus far achieved.

White Belts Grade every three months. Once you hit the Coloured Belts it is every 6 months. You can only Grade if your Attendance is good.

I do Wado Ryu and I know Kihon Kata Pinan Nidan Pinan Shodan Pinan Sandan Pinan Yondan Pinan Godan (still learning this one)

I am a student of Wado Ryu and I am in Toronto Ontario Canada. I take it at the North York YMCA. And I love it. http://www.wadoryu.ca/

Today I achieved my First Green Belt (6th Kyu). Goodbye White Belt Hello Green Belt. I am so happy. I've been Training hard for this and have been getting help from a Black Belt in my Class. He's always willing to help a Lower Belt. He is so nice. Fran

I know the following Kihon Kata Pinan Nidan Pinan Shodan And am learning right now Pinan Sandan

I have never tried the cool guard one. The one I use is the Kamikaze Chest Protector with Sport Bra. I find it provides more protection then the ones that just have these cup inserts. With the Chest Plate your sternum is protector as well from hits. Comfort wise it is not that bad. http://www.kamikaze.com/securestore/c52666p16454646.2.html

Ooops I have not been here for awhile. I am not sure if I told anyone here or not but I did pass my 7th Grading Test back in December. Now my belt as 2 Black Stripes. Next stop GREEN BELT, that Grading is in June

I like my left. Then I can come in with a Right Gyakazuki. Left side is more comfortable for me. Funny though I am right handed.

Before I Grade I like to do a bit of Meditation Breathing. When I am called to do my Test I go up there take a few breaths, close my eyes for a second and center myself and then I just do it. All you can do is your best and not worry about it. Just go up there and do it. Good Luck on your future Gradings.

My Style WADO RYU KARATE 10th Kyu Starter 9th Kyu First White Belt 8th Kyu White Belt (One Black Stripe) 7th Kyu White Belt (Two Black Stripes) 6th Kyu Green Belt 5th Kyu Green Belt 4th Kyu Green Belt 3rd Kyu Brown Belt 2nd Kyu Brown Belt 1st Kyu Brown Belt Then after it's Black Belt

When I was Grading for 9, 8, and 7th Kyu the wait to Grade was 3-4 Months. But to Grade for a new Colour Belt (I am going for 6th Kyu 1st Green Belt) the wait is 6 months.

I am there three times a week. Tuesday I do the Early class 6:45-7:45 then I do my regular longer class 7:45-9:45PM and then I do the same on Thursday. and on Saturday I do my regular class from 2:15-3:30PM.

For my Gloves I measured from the wrist to the tip of my longest finger about 8 inches and my Gloves are SIZE L. As for my Shin Guards with the Instep Pad they are X LARGE I actually went into a store and bought them. I held them up against my shins and picked them out that way. I suggest before you actually buy them you ask the place you are buying them from. Ask questions. Never heard about the T-Shirt rule. Fran

Today was our New Years Training Day and it was fun. What a workout. Biraki training literally means, “to open the mirror”. It is also called “Kagami Wari” meaning “break mirror”. The mirror represents the soul or conscience. This heavy and grueling training is seen as a way to clarify your thoughts and strengthen your dedication in the coming year. All Belt Levels do the same thing. Now I have to wait a whole year to do it again. We did an intense warm up and then we did intense drills. One Drill I have trouble with is Maegeri when Sensei calls out the directions and we change direction. It is different then what I am used to we just do up and down. Pair works is not my favourite due to the fact that I am now at George's Level and he is bigger, stronger and does not seem to have his control down yet. His hits hurt. He does not do light taps. We did a lot of sparring. I love sparring and am getting better at it. I like faking and am getting a handle on that. I am still classified as a Beginner with Sparring and when I Spar with the guys I can attack and they just defend my hits. That is only when I go up against a higher Belt. Today I learned Pinan Yondan. That is Brown Belt Level Kata. It was a great training Session and I felt good after. I really like Karate. Well gang this Karate Student is tired she had a busy day so I am heading to bed. OYASUMINASAI Fran

I achieved 7th Kyu. It was a hard test. Next Test is Green Belt.

Up until August I was only going twice a week. But since then I have been going three times a week. Tuesday, and Thursday Nights and Saturday afternoon. So far I have perfect attendance and Sensei knows that and that is added to my Grading. He has commented and complimented me on that several times. I also Participate in Extra Training Sessions and Extra Help Classes when they occur.

I only know three. Actually I only know two am still learning Pinan Shodan. Kihon Kata, Pinan Nidan, and Pinan Shodan. I really like KIHON KATA, it's the first one I learned.