quinteros1963

So far so good. I'm on pace for most except for boxing and BJJ. I just can't find the time for them. I'm on pace for everything else though.

Did you see the fights last night (UFC 128)? Jones completly destroyed Rua. But what do you make of the youngest champ in UFC history? He has only been in the sport 3 years and dominated a legend in his prime. The kid is scary!

Is that why we train, to get a black belt? I have one in my closet. a belt is relative. I know of guys that have black belts after training 1.5 years. I know of 9 year old black belts. Are they black belts? Some may say yes, others no. The question should be around skill. You have a black belt; great so do I - anyone can buy one. Do you have the skill of a black belt? or to quote Sensei8 "the proof is on the floor". Show me what you got. I'd love to be a black belt someday, but its not the end of the road, instead its the begining. So lets continue to train! Belts will come with time and skill.

Wondering what your thoughts were on Anderson's last to fights? I still don't see where or when he has been disrespectful. His last two outings have shown that he is a great mixed martial artist. Some of his actions are purely promotional in nature.

Take a look at some of the more sucessful fighters in the UFC. Machida, Silva, St. Pierre, and Jon jones. These guys balance multiple styes; some even have black belts in these styles. Therefore I say it is very possible. A very good friend of mine is an instructor and has black belts in various styles. He teaches all of them combined in one system (submissions, karate, weapons and hand to hand combat. I say it is very possible to learn more than one style.

Let's continue to train!

I understand the respect factor and I always show respect to my seniors, as well as other MA's, but at the same time seniors should also exhibit respect as well. We are taught to respect others, to endeavor, to seek perfection of character. We say that after every training, but it does not seem to be lived by all. If you look at the history of Shotokan, Funakoshi Sensei did not name his style, referring to it only as karate. He also encouraged his students to learn from others outside his dojo. Why should we be any different today? This is why I tell people I study Okinawan Karate; I don't want to placed in a box. Bruce lee was on to something.

Do you know of anyone that feels that you should only train and compete within thier own style? Whats your opinion on training or competing with various styles? Most of the people, including the chief instructor, at my club think that you should only train with those within our own style. I have even heard other style berated in favor or our own. I think this is terrible. How good are you if you are reluctant to go outside of what you know to test yourself?

I was working on this the other day in training with a black belt. I have trouble with this and one other basic. I have been taught that you should protect yourself at all times. If you constantly practice pulling to increase hip rotation you leave your chin vunerable. When we practice this, its natural to me to keep my hand near my face to defend against counters. Is there another way to practice the hip rotation? After all isn't karate about defending first then countering? On another note I also tuck my chin, which is also wrong for basics. He also told me I need to correct this and look him in his eyes, which if done in conjunction with the pulling hand is a recipe for a knock out. Help me out Sensei8.

A lot of people seem to think that the day Karate becomes an Olympic sport we will say good by to the Traditional Classes and it will die a death. I think it will lift karate to new levels. Sure some schools will concentrate on the sport aspect, but you will still have your hardcore traditionalists as well.

The only real affiliation or rank is what you can show and prove. If you can stand under the heat of a black belt, then you are a black belt! If you can't you are not! Show me the money!

So I won a championship in sparring this year!

Your hands should protect your chin. Your chin should be tucked. Unless you are fond of being KO'd!

Great job! Continue to train!!!

Sanchin Taikyoku shodan Taikyoku dai Kosho Seiha Gekisai Ichi Gekisai Ni Sei Ha Senki Dai Sanseiru Saifa Seienchin Anaku Shisochin Sanchin Heian shodan Heian nidan Heian sandan Heian Yondan Heian Godan Tekki Shodan Bassai Dai Enpi

Why not its only a belt. If it will motivate you try it on and see how it looks. I don't see any harm in it.

Welcome to KF. You'll love it here.

I use on OTC pain killer and flaxseed oil. Give that a try and if it gets too bad see a doctor.

Congrats, wear it with honor.

I'd love to see more effective karate-ka in MMA. The problem is the most popular choice of the day is Wrestling, BJJ and Muy Tai. They are taking talented athletes and training them in those styles. Many are already coming in with a wrestling base. Its the quickest route to being a good MMA fighter, not the only way though.

JKA (Shotokan) and SKIF practice the same kata. There are some minor differences, but the 26 kata are about the same.

Sensei8 said it best "the proof is on the floor". Skill backs rank not an organization. If your instructor is good then train with him. Organizations are great as they serve a purpose, but I'd choose a good instructor without any affiliation over a not so good instructor with one.

White Yellow Orange Green Blue Purple Brown Brown 1 Brown 2 Black

Good job! Always continue to train!!! Good things will result.

We are allowed to test twice per year. When testing comes up you are able to ask if you are able to test. You get a yes or a no, fill out the application, pay the fee and test. Dan gradings are once per year when seniors are in town for seminars, or if you are willing to travel to seminars in other cities.