gheinisch

Welcome to the boards.

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to reading all those posts.

I'll be different, I like the elastic.

When I first started karate I was very uncomfortable with the movements I was trying too make my body do. Many of the techniques are not natural movements of the body so it takes time and many hours of training for your body to become accustomed to the motion. Oyama explained it well in his book "This is Karate" as Muso-Uchi, to strike without premeditation or thought. I too had a time where it clicked.

Congrats on the new karateka! Does he have his first Gi yet? Don't worry things are hectic with a new little one for a while. They'll settle and you'll be back training before you know it. Enjoy your time with the new Mommy and Baby.

Many ways to tie a belt. The illustration is the way I tie mine as well. If ever in doubt ask your Sensei. He my have a way he perfers.

Congratulations! Wishing you both the very best!

Very nice article Doug. The world could use more people that hold ethics and morals to a higher standard. Our Hanshi takes the time to relate stories from personnel experience as well as the more traditional stories to hopefully plant some moral seeds into our students, especially the younger ones. I hope more there are more schools that do the same.

Welcome!

Welcome, glad you like the site. Look forward too your posts.

Shizentai or Yoi Dachi translates into "Natural or Ready Stance" -Feet shoulder width apart -Feet parallel to each other -Hands on sides slightly (approx. 1 fist distance) forward and away from body -Body straight -Hips slightly tucked under Your Sensei is right. It is the stance you should be in at the beginning of your kata, so it does have something to do with kata.

I'm sorry but I just don't get the "New Age point of view" angle on Martial Arts. I guess I'm just missing it in class. Does anyone here get into the New Age stuff in class?

That question comes up a lot here, and the answer is that you're never to old to start. I started when I was 34 and have loved every minute of it. I'm also in the best shape since I was 17. There may be some things the youngsters can do better but I hold my own. I think you're at the perfect age right now. Go for it!

Welcome to the boards!

Welcome to KF. I'm sure you can add lots of good info to the discussions.

Don't let age get in the way. I was 34 when I started, it took a while to get the old joints loose but now I'm in the best shape since I was 17. Great to hear you are starting back. Welcome to the forum. You should say "Hello" to everyone in our Intro section.

Very nice article! I think some schools today may forget how important the time that someone is a white belt truely is. Why rush when we have the opportunity to learn!

Anando, there is a couple of books written by Masutatsu Oyama that my Hanshi has let me borrow. I think they were published in '73. The first book is called "This is Karate" and the second book is "Advanced Karate". They are large hard back books that are very informative about many techniques, especially the first one for beginners. I know you can find them on Amazon, they are expensive however. A good used one runs around 100.00 dollars (US). I believe there is even a mint condition one signed by Oyama himself for 2400.00 if you want to go all out. Ask around and see if your Sensei or other students may have these books to take a look at. I was lucky that my Hanshi has a great collection of books for me to borrow. Hope this helps you out. Greg

Merry Christmas everyone! Let's all be safe and spend some quality time with the ones we love!

Just got back from seeing it myself. I thought it was great! The movie was long but it flowed very well and didn't seem as long as it was. The action scenes were incredible. A must for the DVD collection.

Our Hanshi takes no one under the age of twelve. He charges nothing for the lessons and doesn't want to become a day care for parents who want a night out on the town. He also believes as G95 stated that they don't really learn that much. They can do the moves but how much do they really absorb? Another thing to consider is the parents of these young students. Our Hanshi at one time had five schools and said the parents will put tremendous pressure on you to promote their son or daughter to the next rank even if they are not ready. The feel they are paying for color of the belt their son/daughter is wearing. Some of the Sensei's here may be able to tell you more on that. I'm sure they have had some experience with this. Kids are great and some are like sponges, just feed them knowledge and they learn very quickly. But no younger then twelve. IMHO

Merry Christmas to all. I hope everyone has a safe and joyous Holiday!

Welcome to KF. Lots of good folks here with lots of knowledge.

Welcome to the boards

Hello and Welcome to the forums.