Jeffrey

I would agree with this. Martial Arts can be a relationship between you an the art itself. Both sides must have a balance.

Gykuzuki = mawatte Gedan bari . turn and block down Gykuzuki = Gedan) GG This is the same for us as well. But Like Chitsu mentioned I would ask your instructor what is required.

I don’t normally discuss my training with any but family and close friends. I had a few friends join up but only one stayed with it. If I’m sore the next day it is easily explained by simply saying it was a tough work out last night. Since I run and work out as part of my routine no one has every questioned it. We have a MMA guy who works in the same building and our conversations have mostly been about work out routines that we follow. Never about our martial art training. Martialart said “How can anything be such a big part of one's life and yet be that which they are ashamed to display openly?” I wish I could answer this. I don’t think the reasons are the same for each individual. I see my wife go to church every Sunday and yet never discuss religion openly among friends. Perhaps for most, it is some private conviction that we train for ourselves and not for the glory or entrainment of others. It is about self accomplishment.

I like to get in 3-4 runs a week. Nomally between 3-6 km right now. I need to work up to 10km again but I have a few months to do that. Problem I have is that I do no running at all durning the winter. I hate tread mills and also running in the freezing cold. I may have to invest in a gym membership for next winter even though I don't like tread mills I hate the start up pain every spring more. Funny running story. Last year I used to run through Kata in my head as I was running till my wife told me I was using my arms in what looked a flailing motion to her. Didn't realize I was doing the arms moves as I was running. I blame it on runners high. Advice for those who suffer from shin problems. Take your foot and wet it and step on a peice of paper. Than go buy a set of shoes that the bottom matches the pattern your foot left on the paper. Sounds goofy but this advice was given to me and it worked.

Welcome Will

Welcome!

Good Job and congratz!

Achive my black belt in Karate. Take up Judo again. and for the final bucket list item... I would like to be able to avoid our Head Instructors left hook just once.

I really like this approach. Well said.

Of course a student will be influenced by the teacher. Children are the best case for this. Every child views the teacher as a mentor and most want to please these mentors. If the school is into the sport/competitive side of martial arts then the students will follow. Adults will be a bit wiser IMO (not all, but most). Some children grow out of this stage once older and they begin to see a different value from all those years training. Some go off to start their own Cobra Kai type school (reference to Karate Kid 1). Everyone will be different. I believe that both values have some kind of reward if mixed well.

I think it is up the individual to decide what is best for them. For some it is a sport and some of us it is a way of life. It can both. On a side note … archery in my book is a martial art.

Well Shaggy, For a Scooby Snack I think I offer some comment. I think Consumers are smart enough to figuer this out. People are becoming wiser and will do a little more research when choosing a MA school. There is more information at the tips of ones fingers then there was a few years ago. I do think this is misleading and not a good way to promote the business. I think listing all instructors and thier years of experience is better. Let the consumer add it up. Beside, those mendling kids will expose the truth.

That was a great read. So true in many ways. Thank you for sharing.

I also agree with Alctaraz on the teacher doing his/her job correctly. But on the flip side I like to ask questions or maybe just clarify something. When it comes to technical questions I will on occasion ask the same question to each Sensei. Usually regarding a Kata. I find I get a different answer but each one blends together. They don't have a problem with this approach and we share the information after class. Everyone learns from everyone idea. I do find the kids often are the ones who have the ridiculous questions. “If I was fighting ten ninja what kick would work the best.” Yes I had this one asked. A smile goes a long way.

Welcome John

I think far too often we take these kinds of isolated incidents to heart. I use the term isolated because if not it puts an entire nation of people in the same group. Where ever you travel you find people of a nation or culture who exhibit the kind of racial/cultural snobbery you are describing. It is not just a, “we invented karate so we are better at it”. It is a cultural thing. I will use hockey as an example. I’m from Canada and in Canada we often feel we are better at hockey because it was a Canadian sport. So we are a bit snobbery about it. It’s something we don’t often mean to do it is just how Canadians are brought up and it is passed on to generation to generation. Karate is the equivalent to Japan as Hockey is to Canada. Don’t take these things to heart. Open your self to those who think they are better because of cultural background and prove yourself through example. Hopefully those who visit can take back your examples and help bring together borders and end racial snobbery.

LOL! "Remember I said I kill you last? .... I lied!" So many great lines came from that movie.

That is a great shot. I would say submit that one in a contest of some kind.

I had a great time at my first tournament. I messed up my Kata because of nerves but still had a big smile once finished. The Kumite was fun also. I did much better in that. I hope to make a few more this year. I think the best part was meeting new people just like me. I like the idea of the team kumite. I have done this before. Good luck on the next one and glad you enjoyed it.

Welcome! There is a great group here.

I think you have hit the nail on the head here. Personal satisfaction or personal best. There are no limites to training and there are always details to work on. I also run and enjoy the runners high that you get. I get a similar feeling from a good martials work out but only better.

WOW! Thank you very much.

Done!

Thanks all!

I think they need to expand this to include the pee Troughs at the stadiums.