JoiH

That was funny! Ewww to the blue french fries. Seriously- if your fries are that color of blue you probably shouldn't eat them!

We have jigsaw mats, but I prefer hardwood floors. Our mats are in good shape and fit snug so we haven't had problems yet, but they are expensive and, in my opinion, not the best for training. I like the mats when we are doing takedowns, but not for regular training. Although, in the winter the mats are so much warmer on bare feet then hardwood or tile!

Patrick I agree. Music while training can really be a motivator. The right kind can pump you up and make the training much more intense.

Sensei8; I will join you in the Dumbest Martial Artist awards. I was moving myself, and doing it alone. I am pretty small (5'2, 135) and I was attempting to get my Wavemaster freestanding heavy bag out of my training room and outside where I could dump out the water in the base. Being the stubborn woman that I am I could not bring myself to ask for help. Well....this bag probably weighs 300 lbs. The base rolls, but that is a lot of weight for me to handle. So (this is the brilliant part) I decide to take the bag off the stand and just roll the stand outside. I was going along pretty good, until I hit the threshold of the door. The stand tipped forward, then all that weight swung back and the top of the base hit me dead between the eyes. It knocked me out for at least a few minutes. I woke up on the floor, with a headache and two swollen eyes. If I would have kept the bag on the stand I would at least have had some cushioning from the impact, but I took the hit from the hard palstic base. So basically, the bag I beat up every week hit me back and knocked me down! I hope that makes you feel better!

I am motivated by my love for my art. I love the history, I love the moves, I love the Katas and I love how I feel when I train. When I get stuck I am motivated by my daughter. She is going to be very pretty- I need to keep sharp so I can beat up all of her potential boyfriends!

I started Karate when I was 18 because I vowed never to be a victim again. I have stuck with it for all these years (I am 35) because I love the sense of self confidence it gives me. Plus, I really love to hit my punching bag. A lot.

I generally focus on the abdomen/chest area, because many moves are telegraphed from there. I totally agree with the other posters- you focus on that area, but use your perephial sight to see everything.

Hi Sperki! You are not too far from me- I am in Idaho. SLC is a very nice town, you will really enjoy your time there.

Traditional Shotokan is a good pick, and you stated that there was a dojo near you. I prefer the traditional type dojos, but that is just my opinion. I am also very short (but I have you beat- I am only 5'2) and very stocky. I prefer the term "athletic" LOL. Shotokan works great for those of us with this type build. One of the main focuses of Shotokan is developing power, and it is well suited to stocky body types. I am also over 30 (I am 35) and karate is definately a great, well balanced workout that has benefits that far surpass just physical fitness. Most Shotokan dojos train katas, kihon (basics) and controlled kumite (sparring) so it is a very balanced workout.

My turning point was when I discovered complex hip action and how it relates to not only power but to each and every move. Once I figured out the body dynamics of hip rotation and vibration it opened up a whole new world for my Shotokan.

Very well written post and very well stated.

Wow! Way to use every weapon at your disposal! Glad he made it out ok.

LOL are any of us as good as we would like to be? I really think that people will have a personal favorite kata(s) that they excell at.....and some kata(s) that they do not. I know that many of my katas need work- especially after having the baby. I need to work on Jitte especially- I hardly remember any moves anymore! And Tekki Sandan hates me.....But Empi is one of my faves so if you ever need any tips just let me know. I have never done Gojushiho, or seen it, so I would be very interested in a link that shows the kata in action. Thanks for replying!

NinjaNurse- Well stated!

I had to know: All of the Heian katas- Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan. The Tekki katas- Shodan, Nidan and Sandan. Kanku Dai Kanku Sho (which I suck at LOL) Empi Jion Jitte Bassai Dai Bassai Sho Hangetsu Sochin Gankaku Chinte (I didn't technically have to know this one, but learned it anyway because I like the moves). I really want to learn Unsu but no one at my current dojo knows it. My personal favorite is actually Heian Nidan even though it is a lower level kata.

Grion kicks can be useful in both sparring and street self defense. In a purely self defense mode a good technique is groin kick done at the same time as a front punch to the face, followed by a horizontal elbow strike to the temple or side of neck, then a nice reverse punch to the solar plexus (simply because I love the reverse punch- simple, powerful and quick to sneak in). The forward momentum from the kick/punch combo puts you in good distance for the elbow strike. The torque from the rotation of the hips on the elbow strike sets up the reverse punce beautifully.

Ok- I am a woman who has been training for 17 years. I do NOT think that kicking to the groin is a fight winner- to think that all women naturally go for the groin is a bit insulting. Men naturally protect that area, so if you really want to win a fight go for the throat (I am obviously quite comfortable with my violent side LOL). BUT....a groin kick is a valuable and viable technique that should be allowed in sparring. Like any technique, it must be trained and MUST be controlled. If the individual has trouble using control then they need to brush up on their technique before they go into the ring. We all take the chance of getting hurt when we spar, and getting hurt by a groin kick is just as likely as getting hit in the nose. I am pretty small (5'2) but take the chance of getting hurt by my much larger (and male) sparring partners. Any technique should be allowed in sparring as long as there is control. I will not use a technique in the ring if I am unsure of my control. And I do not auomatically go for the groin- my personal fave is a nice reverse punch to the solar plexus

Thanks for the welcome all! Joe- hoping to get the t-shirt soon for my baby girl LOL. Ninjanurse- yep...corn and beans....but don't forget the potatoes!

I totally agree. I was always taught that Bunkai is the individual's interpretation of the moves. Just my 2 cents

Kuma The Tick was my absolute favorite show that was cancled way to soon. Spoon!!!! (you have to be a Tick fan to get that) I really like the Oblongs- it is a very "different" cartoon that only had a few episodes, but it was a great show.

Of all the things to be known for I would not choose that LOL. Funny though....

I love to listen to music while training alone. I prefer heavy metal, like Dio or Monster Magnet when I am hitting the bag. I have a playlist on my mp3 player made for training sessions. I enjoy listening to music while I train, it tends to pump me up.

Hi! Just wanted to give you some encouragement. I also train in Shotokan. I just had a beautiful baby girl 6 months ago, and I am 35 years old. With regular training I bounced back into shape in no time. I even managed to train (carefully) while pregnant. If I can do it after a baby, so can you!

Hello from Idaho!

Hi! I am new here. I have been looking for a place to talk about Karate for a long time and am glad to have stumbled upon this site. My name is Joi and I have been training for 17 years in traditional Shotokan karate. I am currently an instructor at Chikara Martial Arts here in Idaho and I hold the rank of nidan (second degree blackbelt). I am a full time mom with a beautiful 6 month old girl, and I am lucky enough to be able to train in a traditional dojo three nights a week. I look forward to chatting about techniques and learning a lot of new things. I am happy to meet everyone!