quinteros1963

Great posts! If we are to evolve what does that say about governing bodies that are dogmatic in teaching only traditional techniques?

I'm late but for the next five months my goals are: 1. Incorporate weight training to increase strength (so far so good) 2. Improve kicking techniques 3. Obtain grant funding for my elementary school karate club (this will the 3rd year) 4. Improve kumite

I'll quote one of my instructors..."always continue to train!"

I don't think so.

If we are to evolve as artist, doesn't that imply that the Arts evolve as well? If we do then at some point we would out grow our particular style.

Congrats and good job!

RIP I enjoyed his movies; especially his lines. "Man you come straight out of a comic book!" The Last Dragon.

I hope it went well

What's your take on promotions from multiple instructors? I was awarded my black belt from a previous instructor that I train with him whenever I am back home. I am a brown belt where I currently train, but am asked frequently by higher ranks when am going to be a black belt? (No one knows that I have rank in Goju). How will my current instructor see this? Is it a sign of disrespect?

What are your thoughts on tradition vs evolution? Read the excerpt below and share your thoughts. In the 1920′s, Okinawans arrived in Japan and were fully ready to adapt their Karate to the needs of the Japanese. They had come from a personalized, individualist approach which emphasized learning many different methods from various sources and synthesizing them into one’s own way of doing things. This made them adaptable and flexible in the face of a changing environment.

I agree!

MMA has become its own art. I think it's best to train in an MMA gym at this point. Say you become a black belt in Goju and BJJ. What about transitions from one to another? What about Muy Thai and wrestling? There is so much involved with the sport that its best to train in an MMA gym. If this were 2000 your plan would be feasible, but the game has evolved beyond this style vs that style.

San kyu

Just plain black. I may get one with kanj on the left side- Okinawa Karate Do.

Go for it!!! You'll have fun. Tell us how it goes.

10 year old blackbelts should not exist! Its a marketing ploy to make money. At 10, a kid still lacks the motor skills to be a true blackbelt. Then again if a group wants to do it, thats up to said group.

Both are earned, but for me I don't thing either is important. I train out of enjoyment for learning and staying in shape. Rank and titles will follow as result of training.

Awesome bro!!!

I would say treat it like you were training for fight. Get into the best shape of your life by running, weight training, sparring and kata. This is my opinion of course. Can you run three miles? Defend yourself for 8 rounds? Perform kata adequately? Then you are ready.

I think white, yellow, and orange belts(9-12 months) are good for varying levels of beginners (primarily to motivate new comers). Green to denote intermediate(1-2 years), brown for advanced(1-2 years) and finally black.

Add Evans to the list. This kid is good. Who else does he need to fight at 205?

my instructor would say the point is: how do you react under stress? Basics are easier when you are fresh. you should display some level of improved fitness. Kata will come after 10 rounds of sparring. Sanchin is 10 times as hard when you are exhausted.

Check out usankf.org and usakf.org

I like that way, but here is how it happened for me: I changed styles almost 3 years ago. I came in with the rank I earned and continued to wear that rank. Started from scratch and it took nearly 2 years before I was promoted to the next rank which was brown belt. The closer I get the more I don't "sweat" rank as for the past 3 years it meant nothing to me. I was the highest ranking student in a beginner and intermediate class and knew the least. Now that I'm caught up (but not yet yudansa) I regularly compete and train with yudansa and hold my own. My personal experience has taught me that rank does not matter, but this is MY experience. You must have you own. As we all should.

IMHO you should retain your grade as you have earned it. Keep in mind it will take a while before you can progress to the next level while you "reboot", but it should all come back to you. As you can see we all have differing opinions, so it will depend on what your instructor says.