avril333

So far, excellent advise. You can learn a thing or two from a good Nutritionist! I recently lost 50 lbs by taking into consideration about consuming what type of carbohydrates. I did some research on this issue and what works for me is to ensure that healthy carbs (nothing instant like instant rice, potatoes, etc...) are balanced with your protein intake. Then we can get into good and bad proteins which would be another post. By only lowering your carb intake by which people are not educated correctly about, you can do some serious damage. That is also previously mentioned, and believe me you can read about lots of cases of people loosing their health on the web. Choose your carbs right! Those dark green veggies are great along with those wonderful fruits! Its now a way of life for me (no regrets) and my body now craves them! And for the bad carbs, well I give myself a free day once a week! And even then, I find Im not really abusing that! Good luck!

How about wine gums! I cannot control myself when I buy them (in bulk ofcourse) so that I eat them til my tummy hurts! Talk about self-torture. So needless to say, I think about the pain aspect when starring at them in the grocery store! And ofcourse, don't forget MacDonalds' breakfast bagels (thankgoodness, its a bit of a drive to the nearest one) Lol, I live out in the country!!! Ciao

Having read many of the threads relating to this topic, no one seems to have touched on the fact that Kata is an interelated aspect of Karate or other MA Styles. The relationship between Kata and Kumite teaches us on how to respond to real-life situations. Kata teaches us techniques that can be helpful in Kumite. Fighting from different angles and multi apponents. It teaches you coordination and focus which can then be related to your fight. Don't you think? And besides, Kata is also defined as the "artistic" side to Karate. It's nice to be able to express that side of us too!

Blue Belt, Shotokan I do believe though that the rank you currently possess, is truely a personal one! It is what you do with it and how you behave wearing your current rank.

Wow! I am overwhelmed by this site. Great information. I just happened along to this site just today. I've been reading for hours! I don't usually stay on the internet so long, so this must tell you that you have captured my interest. My name is Avril and live in British Columbia, Canada. I joined Karate (Shotokan) a little over two years ago and I have achieved Blue Belt status. I "stumbled" across Karate via my daughter who wanted to join because her friend had asked her to come. To tell you the truth, I was pretty ignorant to MA. I only joined at the time because I hated sitting down and only watching the class and also I could stand to loose a few pounds (45 lbs) which had crept up on me in the last few years. Now, I am a "total" fanatic and I cannot stop. I train 6 times a week! I truly love the Art. Great site! Glad I joined and hope to chat at you soon (and learn some great info).

I pay $90.00 Canadian per month. But that includes for two people in our family. It also includes our association fees (which are due annually) and it includes your grading fees and a $50.00 (per person) credit towards a new gi or any equipment you wish to purchase. We can train 6-7 days per week.

I train 5-6 times a week, twice on Thursdays, each class being 1 hr to 2 hrs long, depending on the type of class that I am attending. I just can't get enough of it. I guess though it is a good addiction if you are going to have one!