WadoGuy

Just so I can get this straight, is Shotokan considered Okinawan or Japanese?

YES!!!!!! I agree with what ya'll (i'm from TN) are saying. DON'T tell an attacker you have martial arts experience. What's the point? Might as well tell a trouble maker "Hey, I'm willing to fight if you are". If someone starts trouble, let them know you want no part of it, if they persist, wax 'em. They deserve it. A side note here, I've heard it's a good idea to make it known LOUDLY that you don't want to fight...as in yelling this. This can set up potential witnesses to verify your story if the authorities are involved. ANother side note, in TN, a person can use a gun to "neutralize the threat" of life threatening danger. WOnder how or if that applies to martial arts as well?

Registering is a scary idea to me. Is anyone familiar with their local laws concerning the use of martial arts? Around here, it's v e r y vague. A bunch of "good ol' boy" lawyers and cops run this area.

What are your thoughts on the legal implications of having to use your martial arts training?

From my experience so far, I feel belts can be a means by which technical progress is measured. Now, do they mean *anything*....well....I guess out on the street they mean squat. I'm sure there have been high ranking individuals who have been totally waxed outside of the dojo.

Um...not that I'm supposed to condone or encourage file sharing but I tried Limewire...it's ok. the times I've used it, it was kind of slow, but it's ok I guess.

I listen to alot of everything. Working in the music industry, you kinda have to. Rock, blues, classical, house, trance, salsa, bluegrass....you name it....it's all good.

Hi. I'm 27 years old and have been studying Wado Ryu karate almost four years. I am a San Kyu (brown belt). I really enjoy the benefits that the martial arts have brought to my life and I like the idea of artists coming together to exchange ideas. This board is great. I look forward to spending quality time here