NewLevel

If I may ask, what things are you using to hang up your weapons? It looks very nice and clean. I need some of those wall stands!

I attend a local community college and my Information Technology professor (and my Sensei) teaches MA classes there once a week in the evening. I love it! But unfortunately they don't offer credit for the class. And it's free!

I echo unknownstyle's reply. I practice Kenshin Kan from a great teacher and from what I can tell you it's Matsumara Shorin Ryu Seito. Kise completely switched over to it under Grandmaster Soken Hohan. I really love what I'm learning so far and the deep heritage and true spirit of Karate is really deep in everything you practice. And from what I heard and read Kise is the only true living sole heir to teaching Matsumara Orthodox Karate passed down from Grandmaster Soken Hohan. All that is reported by the Government of Japan for accuracy. Here's some history: Master Kise became a shihan ("master")on January 1, 1965, when he passed the 7th dan examination under Grandmaster Nakamura. At that time, Master Kise taught and practiced Shorinji-ryu karate-do. During this time, he continued studying Shorin-ryu under Grandmaster Soken. On January 1, 1957, Master Kise switched completely over to Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu. On January 3, 1972, Master Kise qualified for the hanshi title by passing the 8th dan examination held by Grandmaster Soken and Master Makabe. Sep 1st 1976 Master Kise qualified for his 9th Dan by Grand Master Hohan Soken. In 1977 Master Kise founded the Shorin Ryu Karate Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Federation.

What is the proper way to practice? Thanks guys.

Just figured I would share my love for movies especially the genre I love the most: martial arts. Plus, this is for those who don't keep up with the movies coming out soon. Ninja Assassin (Nov. 25 in theaters, looks amazingly awesome!): Ninja Assassin trailer in LEGO! (hilarious but awesome!): Ninja (coming out Nov. 23 on DVD in the UK...not sure when it's released to the US, what I've seen of this looks very good!): Teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTOMS-zaXXU Fight scene clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU1DaMeNZBU Enjoy!

That's just insane. It sounds like some fraternity pledge. I'm a beginner right now and if I seen that in the requirements I would leave immediately. Humility is replaced by spotlight fueled egos these days. I agree with sensei8, the martial arts wasn't founded on the bizarre.

wow...chocolate milk!? Is this like 2% milk or just in terms ANY chocolate milk is good for a person?

A question about breathing (since I don't want to start a new thread): Is kiai just a shout combined with breathing from the abdominal muscles? My sensei corrected me tonight when I was practicing techniques. He said I was using the kiai simultaneously when I threw a punch, kick or technique and that will cause the wind to get knocked out of me if I don't use it correctly. Is this correct or should I just breathe through my nose and mouth and just use the kiai at the right time?

Hey guys...is it completely normal to have soreness without stretching? I was showing a family member some techniques this week like kicks, punches, stances, etc. I was learning. I noticed after I performed the technique I felt slight soreness in my joints...like my knees, shoulders, and elbows. Is this my body adjusting? It's true also that soreness follows class or practice time? Thanks.

Anyone know of good movies that use or showcase Okinawan Karate? A few of my favs: Kuro-Obi (Black Belt) The Karate Kid 1-3 The Next Karate Kid Fighter In The Wind

The style and curriculum we practice is Kenshin Kan Shorin Ryu... Is the step over kick similar to a round kick?

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=57093 This article says it's a remake of the very awesome, iconic, inspiring The Karate Kid...but I seriously hope not. Hopefully, they don't mess with the classic at all.

He did mention it was the first kata taught to Funakoshi in the past. Something too about it was originally taught as if your back was against a wall or in a tight place like a small hallway. The senior student is also a brown belt, so he was going over the form with him and wanted to teach me as well. He's half traditionist/non-traditionalist and I'm sure he will teach me the other basic katas as well. After all that, we're going to apply the forms to bunkai. I thought it was amazing when they showed me some of how the kata is applied to bunkai. The old masters were geniuses! Our class size is 6+ people, so basically we get an intimate learning experience which is great.

Hey guys...do katas vary from school to school? Like for example...this week in my class my instructor showed me my first kata which was Naihanchi...which he told me was really a brown belt level but he said he would teach more since we have a small class. Since Naihanchi is brown belt level....and I'm a white belt...is this possible since it's a different school and each dojo is unique to teach higher ranked forms on a lower level? Not having any doubts about my teacher cause he's humble, very knowledgable and teaching for free...I'm just trying to wrap my head around everything since I'm new. Thanks!

Since I'm at the beginning stages...it's safe to say to practice technique first then speed and accuracy will follow?

I haven't found anything particular on the net for a video to show this...but its starts from a front stance, you then twist the lead leg foot and kick with the back. So it sounds definitely like a round kick? It can be used to take out a knee, the side of the shin or sweep...etc.

Hey guys... My sensei taught us a new kick this week which is a low in-step kick to the legs...inside or outside. Is this only part of bunkai or are there certain katas that include this? Does these low leg kicks exist in Shorin Ryu? Thanks!

Hey guys...I'm 6'0" and a tad bit overweight (working on that!) around 270 lbs. Can a bigger guy like me have speed and accuracy? My sensei and senior student always remind me of the force = mass x acceleration formula. Thanks!

thanks! yeah I'm trying to find one for use with sparring/striking. A grip would be nice since I tend to get sweaty hands!

meh...I think it should have been: 1. Lex Luthor 2. Joker 3. Magneto 4. Brainiac 5. Green Goblin I'm more of a DC guy than Marvel...but both has their ups and downs. But there's no one greater than the World's Finest...Superman and Batman!

Hey guys...I'm looking for bokkens with scabbards that won't easily break. It would be nice to get the covers for the swords as well. Can you point me to any good websites to get these? Thanks!

The best thing to do is to ask your instructor for a written list of the moves and explainations on how to perform them. He should be able to help you in every way possible. These days instructors will modify curriculum slightly. That's what he's there for. So use your instructor as your main resource. I just started also and have been practicing only for a month. It's difficult at first and I'm progressing slowly...keyword: slowly! Start off slow and just keep going...no matter if you think you'll never get there...because you will get there! Keep your head up bro, I'm with you!

Matsumura Shorin Ryu !

I use a wall for helping with balance in every kata, technique, etc. A wall is VERY effective and really works. There are walls everywhere so you can train just about anywhere you want all the time!

I'm being taught traditionally right now by a traditional sensei in Shorin Ryu. In martial arts, there's some things you keep and now these days some things need to be updated, (ex: self-defense, techniques, etc.) But your sensei dislocating your shoulder is not only disrespecting YOU...but himself as well! Any Master would tell you that you do not do that to a student who is under you learning the art. My sensei who trained under a 2nd generation Master (80 yrs old) in Tang Soo Do and Shorin Ryu told me his master would scorn him but never hurt him in that manner. I'm sorry for disrespecting your sensei but that entirely is wrong and could possibly keep you from becoming a good martial artist. You better think this over and not just be passive.