Shotokan_Tigress

Experience I would say. Others have said all the reasons

Glad to hear you're doing well. Good luck.

Yes, they don't look very shotokan to me either.

It's difficult to change habits so deeply ingrained. I'm not sure 'acting' is a very good idea. It might make the look of your kata better, but will it teach you the principles? Imho you have to empty your cup, i.e. throw away what you have learnt in your previous school. It's not easy but you have to try. I'm not sure how it can be done. That is for you to find out. Sorry if the post was completely useless. You probabbly knew everything I said yourself.

My yellow belt test was approximately 3 years ago. I'd stayed in white belt longer than all those who started at the same time because of a two month long absence ( it wasn't my choice). I was very excited and just as nervous. I remember forgetting the first kiai in Heian Shodan and being unable to keep my balance in one of the mawate. Nevertheless, I passed. It was a memorable day. I had a very special feeling. I was quite certain that nothing but my black belt would make me that happy again.

Hello I thought we could make this a thread for discussing the jumps in our styles and the troubles we have performing them AND sharing tips and advice on how to jump better. All opinions are appreciated. Personally, I find the first jump in Kanku Sho very difficult. I think my problem is with the position of the arms. They quite get in my way!

Wow that is cool. Specially the part where nobody dared contradict the mistaken master. *snigger*

Cheers everyone

Hi I would very much like to learn the Japanese language, but I don't have access to a teacher of any sort and have to manage on my own. I have looked around the internet and found a few useful sites but I could do with some help. Tips, for instant, from those who have experience in the area or even a link you consider useful. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Hi all It just occured to me that it would be a good idea to have a thread for posting stories by which we have been inspired or simply interested. Below is a link to a page containing 16 Zen stories. I particularly liked the ones titled 'It will pass' and 'The Nature of Things' http://goto.bilkent.edu.tr/gunes/ZEN/zenstories.htm Feel free to post any tales you have read or heard or even personal stories. EDIT: I got the idea for the title of the thread from senseikellam's thread 'Great Quotes'

I love tournaments. Do tell us about the result

I see that this thread has been started ages ago, but since it's been brought up again, I'll post a reply. I am a Muslim and my father is a clergyman. Just like Christians, we believe in God and the fact that there are certain ways to tread upon. BUT, it is my humble opinion that there's nothing wrong with taking from other religions the good things that do not oppose your own.

I don't think any judge would consciously look at a competitor's belt to see how low their stance is, but it might make an impression. I would never wear a long belt with the intention of fooling a judge though. I just like them hanging low. Not too low mind you.

I think that question is wrong in essentials. The right one would be 'How to make a kata be better?' or simply 'How to make a kata better?' If a kata IS good it will LOOK good. There are many factors; power, speed and balance are a few. There is also a certain explosive-ness in some kata. You need to be master of your body and in control of every part and like Soheir said, know the Bunkai (application) of every technique. You have to practice and practice and practice. And you have to practice with thought.

I try to advertise for sports and MA in general and I tell people about my training if it comes up, but I don't shout about it or show off. And the ninja outfit is awesome!

Hiya Well I'm pretty confident that the title explains all. Which kata is your favourite and why? I'm not going to answer myself because I believe my knowledge of the kata applications is not nearly enough, but I'd love to hear (well, read to be more precise) others' opinions.

I can't say I've truly experienced that spark yet, but I've had flashes of it. Tiny moments when I seem to be in total control of my body. Only two or three times so far, but I still have a long way to go (it's been only 3 years) and I'm not going to lose hope.

Do not regret being ignored; regret being ignorant. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Black belt -- a white belt who never quit (I think someone else has already posted this one) Train hard, fight easy AND the one in my signature

I believe that he was a martial artist more than an actor and by more I don't mean longer. I mean his martial arts training was dominant.

I had been bullied in primary school which made me grow into a depressed teenager. I trusted nobody and I enjoyed nothing. When I was fourteen one of my classmates went to a karate club. I had always been fascinated by the martial arts, so I asked the address of the dojo and told my parents that I wanted to enrol there, but they wouldn't accept. It took me six months to convince them and I finally started karate in June 2007. It's been amazing. I've never missed a lesson when I've had a choice. I can't remember enjoying anything more. There's also the fact that I've learnt much more than striking and blocking techniques from my sensei. She's taught me how to live. Her advices have helped me more than all the psychologists and psychiatrists in the world could have done together.

Hi all I'm a seventeen year old girl from Iran. I lived in England for a few years when I was a kid and I was badly bullied in school there. When we came back to Iran I was severely depressed and close to suicidal, but then I started karate and it changed my life. I love everything about the martial arts. The techniques, balance, flexibility, strength and most of all the spirit behind the fighting. Three years and three months have passed since the day I started and I am currently a purple belt (kyu 4), but I feel like a complete novice and hope to learn something with every passing day.