quinteros1963

Just wondering what the requirements were in different schools? Ive been to several and they are all different. Teno Kata, Sanchin, Gekisai 1 and 2, Saifa, Seiunchin, Sanseru, Sisochin.

So why not work on defence and counter attack.

His base is Karate, but he also has a black belt in BJJ. He also trains in other fighting arts. So karate is his claim, but he like all MMA's train in many arts. Also there are many guys that have karate as their first art, but cross train to become solid fighters. Bruce Lee called it JKD

I had a simular problem. The way I improved was to stop relying on what I did well(punching), and working on what I did not do well(kicking). Sure I got my butt kicked for a while, but it did not stay that way. After a while I was ok at kicking. Adding that improved kicking to good punches made me better overall and harder to deal with. A chain is strong only as its weakest link. So you are only as good as your worst aspect of fighting. Work on what needs the most work. Its not fun at first but you'll love the end result.

I'm wondering what you all think of the many associations that exist. What is the point, all the seem to do is create and generate strife amoung its members. I mean what does it really mean if one is certified by this or that association? There are so many claiming to be the one true (pick your style). This is the right way to do it or our way is the best way to do it! I go back to Japan is what I one Sensei told me recently. Who cares! Can you teach me how to fight and do kata? Thats all I want anyway. Sorry just venting.

Good luck! Continue to train hard, and the black belt test will be a breeze. Everything you do right now is preparation for shodan. At my school we had to be able to run 5miles, spar 10 rounds and perform kata (not on the same day). But we were conditioned for all this during our training. I have not tested for black belt but have witnessed and sparred with folks during black belt testing.

So visited a MMA gym the other day and I must say it was very nice. It looked like the training studio at the Ultimate fighter. I was ready to join until I heard the word 6 month contract @ 180 per month. Are they crazy? Or is that about what MMA schools charge.

So I am starting a new school now and will be able to grade at the next testing. My old school taught Kata in a different order as well as some other Okinawan Froms. As a result I will be able to test for 1st kyu to Shodan. I'm not sure how I feel about this. It is taking all of the excitment of belt progression I had when I started. I thought I would be so much better when I was ready for the BB. Is this what everone means when they say rank is no big deal? The whole thing seems rather anti-climatic.

I'd be boxing, or kick boxing, wich was what i was doing prior to Goju.

Find a good boxing gym and try a 6 week training camp. Boxing is my primary background and I can tell you form experience that there is nothing like it. I mix in running (track and field workouts) including, sprinting,long runs and plyometrics for fast twitch muscles and cardio. Sparring is also very good as well as bag and pad work. After 6weeks you will feel like you never have before. Its a great supplement to MA.

I'm getting ready for my brown belt testing. 3 mile run in less than 24 min followed by kata, and basics. Day two is 8 rounds of sparring followed by kata. Time to turn up the heat with the training. I'll let you all know how it goes. I have a month to prepare, hopefully I will be ready.

Have any off you heard of this association? http:// www.OGKKA.com.

Mark Coleman vs. Randy Couture - Coleman Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen - Marquart Mike Swick vs. Paulo Thiago - Thiago Demian Maia vs. Dan Miller - Maia Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg - Serra Justin Buchholz vs. Mac Danzig - Danzig Melvin Guillard vs. Ronnys Torres - Guillard Rob Emerson vs. Phillipe Nover - Nover Phil Davis vs. Brian Stann - Davis Tim Hague vs. Chris Tuchscherer - Hague Rolles Gracie vs. Mostapha Al Turk - Gracie

Bushido Gear makes a nice gi 12 and 14oz cotton canvas for about 50-60 bucks. i have one and love it.

Anyone know of a good gym in houston tx?

No, it gets in the way. Plus in could be used as a weapon, ala Gracie vs Shamrock.

He was good, thats for sure. He fought most of the big name fighters in his day. Not many do that anymore.

Well after a month of Shotokan, I'm starting to like it. I still miss Goju though. Besides that fact that I'm almost a brown belt. I'm thinking of still grading in Goju at a school a ways out, but still going to Shotokan because of location and its a good workout. Its only 5 minutes drive versus 50 minutes. So I'll only be able to go once a week for Goju. What do you think and what do you think my Shotokan Sensei will think of this.

After many years of boxing, I never questioned it. I will say that turning the punch over or "corkscrew" does in fact give more power. What you are doing is creating a snap at the end, almost like a whip.

Those are the rules. One person may be a shodan after 2 years and others may be a 3rd kyu or less in 3 years. Is it fair? Of course not! you could join a McDojo and get your BB quick or tough it out and earn it and become a judge in due time. You'll feel better with the later.

Why have any indicator of rank at all, unless you are the instructor that is?

Seems like a traditional school. I have seen some with only white, green, brown, and black.

The best thing to do is try it out for a few weeks to a month and take a look at the students. You can tell a tree by the fruit it bears.

One of my instructors once told me to observe a dojo before you even try a training session. Look at the instructor, but more importantly, look at his people/students. You can tell a tree by the fruit it bears! The point of the thread, however is that some of the early American Masters of karate had limited exposure to the arts, yet came back to the US as "Masters".