Jeffrey

It should mention skill level. What level should you be at to be successful? It sounds more like a business class on how to promote yourself.

We got the Wii fit for the kids. Since they love video games so much it was a perfect fit. They like the strength challenges and balance games the best. As for a work out on the Wii I would suggest the hula hoop game on the Wii fit. It will give you a little bit of a cardio work out and it gets tougher as you get better. The yoga is good for balance and strength. Over all it is a great family unit. The boxing is ok if you get into to it.

It is interesting to see other peoples choices. Good Topic. A) Which weapon would do the most damage to an opponent? Any type of two handed sword. Katana or any other. B) Which weapon would do the less damage to an opponent? Shuriken does not really penetrate deeply or always get through. C) Which weapon would be the easiest to learn? Knife. Not much too using one IMO. D) Which weapon would be the hardest to learn? 3 section staff E) Which weapon could be made the fastest with what's lying around on the ground? Stick of staff. F) Which weapon do you like the most? Sai would be right up there on the list. Versatility. G) Which weapon do you like the least? Fans.

That sounds like my old Kung Fu school. I loved the Broadsword. Been a fan of all sorts of medevil weapons.

The only weapon I think we train in is a Shindo stick. 36" long x 1 1/4 round.

Imho, this is an inappropriate way for any black belt and/or any instructor to act/react to that type of situation, especially during class. What did that really teach the entire class? One who isn't the instructor has no business taking corrective actions on their own. Matter of fact, the instructor has no business taking corrective actions, and that's what that was imho, in class because instructors have, or should have, other professional methods of disciplining their students. To cause a student, especially a minor student, to cry isn't how we're suppose to help our fellow martial artists. To bully a bully in class would've led me to tell that black belt to go home for that day because this isn't how these type of situations should be dealt with in class; not by any black belt or any rank, and not by the instructor. How would I have handled that situation? It's simple. I would've quitely instructed that bullying student as well as the parent into my office immediately, and then I would've suspended that student for a week minimum for bullying and I would've explained to that student and parent why bullying isn't allowed in my dojo. In that, I would've also explained why bullying isn't an appropriate action for anybody to display, especially for a martial artist. Bullying and the martial arts are a oxymoron, and therefore, they should be treat as such. This is a great example. Getting the parents involed is always the best way to go.

I think that knowing the Kata is a small part. Understanding the drill is why you don't sit out. I have found that there are similar moves and a wide range of Kata from many different systems. You just have to see/find them. Example. Watching a Silat video one night I thought was interesting and went to try it out the next day. I suddenly realized what I was doing was from a part of one of our Kata. HHHhhhmm Interesting.

Check pulse.. it's good so off to Karate Practice. After Practice check pulse again.... safe to go home. That was a good read. I like Tomcat's addition. There are 2 kinds of pain. One you can work through and the other is your body saying stop or it's going to get worse and you'll reget it later.

From what I undersand we as a group of clubs paid to have him come here to visit. This included his stay in Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary. The shotokan Club also helped in getting him to Edmonton as well they we used thier Dojo one night. When you use the word insights it is more of a base for learning then here is what it all means. He has some good free articles on his sight that cover a little of the Pinan/Hinan kata that are very useful. Joesteph you are correct in that learning at lower belts the applications is great way to develope a natural awareness of the techniques. Sure makes kata fun again. Not that it wasn't before... I mean for more fun.. oh what ever LOL!

This week we hosted Iain Abernethy to do a 4 day clinic. I know there was some mention of him a few months ago about weather it was worth it to go see him. After four days of Naihanchi and Chinto Bunkai demonstrations I would recommend it. Iain was great instructor with an easy to follow demonstration than into a live drill. The techniques built on each other. What impressed me the most was that he said these are what he has learned from the Katas and not so much this is the way it is. He presented the Katas with both Wado and Shotokan versions. I was really surprised by the number/lack of lower belts that attended. I felt that the lower ranks could have gotten a lot of beneficial insight as to why we do Kata. As a green belt I learned new ways to look at things mostly. The techniques were great but as lower rank I felt I would have gotten more with a better understanding of the katas. Something to look forward to I guess.

Well you are right 50/50. I was amazed. But I'm still fat according to the Wii. When you figuer out whcih stance solves this problem let me know.

I think I will be trying this tonight. Neat example.

Shintani Wado-Kai Karate 1.5 years Green Belt and not in a rush. Kempo/Kung Fu 6 years (waste of time but got good basics from it.) Also did some Judo as a teenager for a year no rank.

Gloves and Chest protection. Sometimes shin pads depending on what theme I go with.

There will always be losses.

A wise man knows how to apply knowledge and knowledgeable man just knows stuff..... Do I win? Fraid not Fair enough. Thought I would take a crack at it. I would very much like to know your answer to this. I can't remember Yoda's email address.. I enjoy these kinds of thoughts and tend to learn something new every time. At least it puts the brain in a different mode of thinking. I'm way to much a logical thinking most times.

Well put statement. On the other side of the coin bad experience can also bring bad teaching. It is not so much the outside knowledge that one brings to the Dojo but the type of knowledge and experiences.

A wise man knows how to apply knowledge and knowledgeable man just knows stuff..... Do I win?

I agree. It is good to go to gradings even though you are not grading. I enjoy the work out. It's a great a chance to display your skills with out the preasure. Just relax and enjoy it.

I need to add my 2 cents. Keep in mind this is just my opinion. I believe the secrets are ones own path of discovery. Every individual has their own interpretation of Kata Bunkai. But when you really look at it and explore the different Kata we learn you can find something new. It could be just for you because it uses your body mass/size and how you move. It may be different from what you were taught. If you want to really get into it, take a Kata and try to find a grab, throw, and hit in every techniques. You will find something that works just for you. I believe that is the secret in Kata. I have seen many interpretations to the same move from different Sensei. But ….. I do value someone going though a technique and sharing their interpretation. You can not start a path of discovery if you don’t know where the path is to begin. THE BASICS. The best statement ever.

kata done to music. I hate to admit this but I have tried it. It ruins my timing and it doesn't flow the way it is intended too. Sensei8, I like the way you brought this up and I agree 100%. A great topic.

Welcome Evan

Thanks Joesteph. And thanks for the mention on the photo album. Great way to put faces to names.

Congrats on the new rank.

Good Idea. A couple pictures posted.