Eisho

I think this is a very good point. Belt grades (not just black) have to be seen in context. To me, Shodan means that you have a decent grasp of the basics and are ready to make the style more an expression of yourself rather than strictly mimicking. It doesn't mean the basics are forgotten or no longer practiced, but that the emphasis is more on naturalizing them. Shu Ha Ri.... Cheers, Eisho

The other advantage of having a gym with a training hall is that you can rent out the training hall to teachers of other styles who want space to teach in. Eisho

What I would like to see is a tournament where the fight starts off with the gloves already touching and in a tighter, more confined space. I think this would require the development and use of attributes, skills and strategies that more traditional martial arts are in theory trying to teach. Cheers, Eisho

I think MMA has been a very positive step in helping delineate who and what is on offer. I think anyone nowadays who wants to 'talk tough' has an ideal testing ground for proving themselves...and if you are not willing to prove yourself then don't talk tough. Sure, there are rules, but not too many and the rules prohibit BOTH combatants from certain techniques. Cheers, Eisho

I would go for a gym that includes a dojo / training hall. The people that I have known to be (very) financially successful from teaching martial arts have taken this route. Start up costs are higher but you will have attendees in morning and lunch time gym sessions, as well as in the evening. Plus fees for martial arts classes that include a decent gym are more easily paid by customers (given the current recession, something to consider...) Cheers, Eisho

Thanks for the warm welcome! Nice to meet you all. Cheers, Eisho

MORRISSSSUUUUUU!!!!! Check out Steve Morris. Over 60 and still arguably the greatest martial artist in the world... ...but he left traditional karate behind a while back... Terry O'Neill is a good bet. Cheers, Eisho

Hi to everyone I had read a few threads before signing up and am very impressed with the quality of posts and open-mindedness displayed by all. I am a Brit, currently living in Fukuoka, Japan. I have been in Japan for about 12 years now, married to a Japanese girl and with two children. I originally traveled over here (and to other places in Asia) through my love of martial arts (Shotokan in particular) but now find myself very much settled here and very comfortable. My interests nowadays are primarily in the application of concepts found within martial arts to build a successful life both inside and outside of the dojo. Cheers, Eisho