quinteros1963

I watched a fight last night that featured a guy who was a black belt in BJJ and sandan in Shotokan losing via submission to a guy with a purple belt in BJJ and ZERO rank in karate. What does that mean? I've said it before if you can roll with a blackbelt then in my eyes you are. Who cares if he doesn't have a certicate from association X?

Testing for shodan in January and again later in the year. Its been a long road, but its here. I've been in blackbelt divisions in tournaments and held my own so I know I'm ready. In my eyes its just a formality.

The event is during the holiday season this December in California (which is not a huge problem, but is a hike) and I have some nagging injuries that need to heal. I'll be back at it (NBL, USA-KF and USA-NKF) hard for 2012!

I got an invitation to compete in the NBL Grandnationals this December by finishing in the top five in my region, but I am not going to attend. Just sharing...

What is your opinion on grading in more than one style or organization in the same or similar styles? For example grading in a style that combines two styles and also grading in one of those two styles separately as well or grading in Shotokan through JKA and a small group that lacks national/ international status. I am nearing a promotion in the smaller organization to shodan, but I know my friends in JKA will frown upon it.

Rank of course, is relative. As you have said "The proof is on the floor". I place more importance on Knowledge and Experience. I believe that with them comes true recognition of your ability (more important to how many bars are on your belt). Knowledge is usually manifested my your experience which should produce rank.

Well said

He looked very good versus Okami!!!!

How did it go?

About a year ago I was exposed to my first "national" sport karate tournament. I was surprised to see many world champions in one place. The experience led me to wonder what it takes to become a world champion? So I started competing in several tournaments to find out first hand. The season is not over yet but I'm well on my way to qualifying to compete for a "world title." I fall somewhere in the middle between traditional and sport karate. Competition is fun, you meet new people and there are very few injuries. Still it seems to take away from why I believe karate was created. What do you think of circuits like the NBL and what they are doing to or for karate?

I like Bushido. You can pick up a 14 oz for about $60. I really like the uniforms. Check them out at Budomas.com.

Could not have said it better. I agree 100%

Flash is taking over at many tournaments in my area. I think martial arts are way to commercial, which is why we see these flashy tournaments and "black belts" where you ask..."is this effective?" People want to see karate that looks like the movies- high flying flips, jumps and such. I go to both and stick to the basics, to show that you can do well with basics. I like to have fun and meet artists from all styles, which cant be done at the traditional tournaments that cater to the major okinawan styles.

Well said, but I think it should be preserved, but it should not be a focal point, application should.

I learned how to throw a kick in second grade, but how effective was it? Is it possible that Seagal who is a 7th or 8th Dan refined it? Anderson said he helped him so....regardless of style he used a solid basic technique. I think he represents the evolution of martial arts; taking TKD, Muy Thai, Boxing and BJJ and making it work for him. I say it helps Karate because he used a martial arts technique and karate is one of many martial arts. There is only one way to fight, but many ways to train how to fight.

Kingwood is about an hour away from me. Try this place: https://www.samuraibudokan.com It may be about 35-45 minutes away from you. The others are alot further away.

There are a few, but depending on how far you are willing to drive. Houston is a huge city. I've been to a club at Texas Southern University, one in Sugar Land, and I heard about one in Mossouri City. I have been training at a Shotokan Club though. I'll forward the address if you like.

It means that I reached a goal I set for myself years ago. A goal that back then meant everything, but now does not. Why? Its just a belt. I have been a brown belt for nearly two years. Mentally I am already a black belt so when I get the certification it will not mean as much as I thought. Karate is becoming more mental to me than anything else. Where I train it takes about 18 months from 3rd kyu to 1st Dan.

I have a few made by Bushido; 16oz and 14oz that I paid less than $65. You can't find them that low. I love them! Check out budomas.com

Its a blended style of Shotokan, Isshin Ryu, and TKD. Check it out and see if you like it. Be careful though, my experience is that in some cases an instructor may have low ranks in several styles and suddenly become 5th dans in a "new" style. But you'll never know until you check it out.

Knowledge must be cumulative. What we learn as 9th an 8th kyu should be what we are learning as 1st kyu or shodan, but at a higher level of understanding. Shodan is only a master of the basics; therefore what is learned at lower levels must be built upon and perfected.

Welcome

I believe in competition from time to time. What sports practices and doesn't play a game? I'd say go to 3 or 4 tournaments a year; its a great way to track progress, meet other MA's, and have fun.

Congrats, enjoy the journey.

Great job, Congrats!!!!