martyn413

My fav guy is Sammo Hung and fav girl is Cynthia Rothrock.

Hi there, I wear glasses and wondered if they get in the way while training? I have worn contacts in the past but never got on with them when wearing them full time. May see about daily wear. Also, if anyone does wear contacts, are they soft or rpg? I would be more suited to rgp but I think they would ping out. Regards, Martyn

No problem, and don't worry about how long it takes you to learn things--karate instructors are accustomed to teaching people with absolutely no martial arts experience, so the fact that you trained in the past (even if you don't remember most of it or know any new material) is helpful. You'll pick things up faster than more people would. Besides, you're only 4 years older than me--I don't think we're allowed to claim "older" as an excuse for stuff for a while Haha - last year when I tried out in shotokan, I wasn't getting it but I wasn't sleeping well either. Now that's sorted with a better routine I think I can give Wado Ryu a better shot. Regards, Martyn

Thanks for that. Since I've got older, it takes longer for me to learn things I have to remember that it was 13 years ago when I got to 3rd kyu in Higashi Katate when I was 15. Higashi Karate is based on wado ryu. They have 4 of their own kata's. Unfortunately I don't live in the area to attend a Higashi club.

Hi everyone, I attempted to return to Karate last year but my abductors and hamstrings were so tight. I have finally got help from an osteopath, so hopefully I'll be able to go back to Karate soon. I have decided to go to a Wado Ryu however, I had a look at their syllabus comparing it to my old wado club and noticed they have a block called mawashi uke. I've not done that block so I had a nose on youtube. I can see a block called mawashi uke but for goju ryu. Is the block the same in wado? Sorry for the long post. Regards, Martyn

I have now attended the Shotokan club and really enjoyed training. I have to say, there are quite a few differences between shotokan and wado ryu. I will get use to them in time - there is no rush. The instructor is really good and the club is really close (only 1 mile away). I am now hurting from training. Haven't exercised like that for almost a year. My hamstrings were tight before but now they're feeling a but sore. I need to research some tips on streaching for tight hamstrings. Oh and maybe move a bit more. Since I passed my driving test, I don't walk as much as I use to.

Hi there, Tomorrow I am attending a class at a new club (same style). I haven't properly trained for about 8 years. I got to Brown Belt when I was 15 (now 26.5). I'm a bit nervous about going back, different people, trying to fit in etc. The main thing I'm worried about is my fitness left me when I got a car. My hamstrings are tight when kicking. I cannot kick high like I use to but that's probably due to lack of movement. I'm not over weigh, 5"10 and 165 pounds. Hopefully I'll tone up my belly. Hate that. I hope I haven't forgotten too much. Still know the wado ryu kata's. My old club has 4 of their own. I still remember one of them (only learned one). I was told that I can keep my 3rd Kyu but will need to attend the lower grade class. I have to go through their syllabus (I hope that doesn't mean I have to wear the brown belt but have to grade from white to brown). If that's the case, I would just prefer to go and try out in a different style. I wish I hadn't left it so late to return to Karate. Anyone else had a long break then returned to Karate. Stories would be nice to read. Martyn

There is a wado ryu club not to far. My only concern is training is only for 1 hour. Having said that, my fitness is shot so I think one hour is plenty. Thanks for your replies. Regards, Martyn

Hi Everyone, I'm new to this forum and don't want to start a wado ryu vs shotokan debate. I want to return to Karate after a long break of about 8 years. I use to train at a local club that tought Wado Ryu but slightly adapted. I gained 3rd Kyu. I had a few lessons this year but my fitness was terrible. I remembered some of the basics and katas but I was knackered after 1 hour. I think after about 3-6 months, I'd be at an ok level. I want to start training again however, there aren't many wado ryu clubs in my area. The closest one is 13 miles away. However, there is a shotokan club that is walking distance from my home. What I would like to know is: Would I loose my brown belt in wado if I started shotokan? - Even if i didn't, should I work my way up the grades? Would I get confused during the katas/stances as they're slightly different? Should I continue with wado ryu and drive the 13 miles? Has anyone gone from wado ryu to shotokan or vice versa? If so, how did you find it? To be honest, I think I'm just nervous going to any club as an adult out of my comfort zone. Also, I'm not settled in my current location, I could either move closer to the wado club (not just for karate) or stay where I am. Any advise will be appreciated Regards, Martyn