KarateGeorge

Welcome to KF!

Welcome!

Welcome to KF!

unknownstyle says basically how I would think of it as well. It really all depends on the intention of the stance I'm in at the moment. When the heel is up, it allows more mobility and speed, which is good when I'm on the offensive. However, if I need to go into a defensive stance, I will drop my heels so that my feet are flat, as that gives me a more stable connection to the ground. I think both ways have a time and a place to use. To me, its a matter of knowing when to use them and switching between them as appropriate.

Welcome to the forums!

Welcome to the forums!

I've got a pretty good ridgehand strike and have been informed on multiple occasions of my deceptiveness with it.

Welcome!

Welcome!

If you're worried about starting it because you're afraid you won't like it. The remedy to that is to jump in and find out. First go and watch a couple of classes, if you haven't already done so, and if you have the opportunity to ask questions before or after class, do so. Then start training. If you don't like it, then you can try something else. If you do like it, then you may have found something that can bring you a lifetime of benefits and enjoyment if you let it. As has been said already, you get out of martial arts what you put into it. Best of luck and enjoy!

Welcome to KF! Best of luck as you begin your martial arts studies!

Along the lines of Kuma's advice, I'd add that when doing closed fist techniques, to help with staying relaxed, keep the first loose until just before the moment of impact, tensing it up at that point into a tightly held fist. But yes, definitely work on technique first, the rest comes afterwards.

My school is fairly non-traditional in some regards, with our sensei having thrown gis out and going to workout pants and a school t-shirt, we do wear rank belts however. But as far as how classes are conducted our traditions are fairly similar to those already mentioned: *We bow in at the start and end of class. *If you aren't a black belt and you're late for class, you wait at the sidelines until a black belt turns and bows you in. If you are a black belt and you're late for class, everybody stops what they are doing and turns to face the arriving black belt to bow them in. *Kyu ranks never face a black belt when tying or adjusting their belts. *When bowing in and out of class, students line up in rank order facing the black belts. If you forgot your belt and there are multiple people at your same rank, you line up at the beginning of your rank's spot in line. *Once bowed in and class starts, we are fairly informal as we are all there to train. Everybody is expected to show proper respect in class, but its done within a more casual atmosphere. During tests, however, the members of the testing board are to be addressed by title, such as Shi-Han or Sensei, or as Sir/Ma'am.

Congrats!

Welcome!

Welcome back!

Welcome!

Welcome to KF!

Some of the greatest martial arts instructors teach out of their basements or garages, and some of the worst teach out of state of the art facilities...and on the flip side, other great instructors also have state of the art facilities, and there are bad instructors teaching from their garage or basement. The person teaching is what makes the difference not the facilities.

Welcome! I hope the class went well.

I commend you on your determination and courage to overcome the physical challenges you've faced. It shows the heart and willpower we should all have. Best of luck in your martial arts training, and welcome to the forums!

Welcome!

Padded carpeting. We have mats that we bring out if we're doing something involving throws, takedowns, etc.

Welcome!

Welcome to the forums, and thank you for your military service.