alex673

Ossu! My name is Alex, and I have studied Karate (and Tae Kwon Do) on and off for about the last 18 years. I started off in Tae Kwon Do as a 7 or 8 year old, and reached my green belt, before giving up for a few years. I then commenced training in Renshinkai Karate under Martyn Evans Sensei and reached 3rd Kyu, before moving to Yoseikan Ryu under Branko Bratich Sensei for a few months and injuring my knee, resulting in about 8 years off, during which time I got married and had 2 kids. As a matter of fact, my 7 year old son, Liam, has just commenced Tae Kwon Do training under Master Ross Hartnett 7th Dan. Now that my knee injury is more stable, I have now joined the local Shotokan school in Kelmscott, under Tim Stephenson Sensei, and am still on my 3rd kyu. Last week I commenced training under Tim Sensei, but believe it or not, during my first session rolled my left ankle! I turned up to the following session, but could only train for half of it before the pain got too much and I had to rest. Anyway, I am looking forward to many more years of training and learning. Cheers Alex

Hi all I made my makiwara out of a 7' length of 3"x2" pine, and set it into the ground with concrete, so the top of the pole is at my head height. I wrapped the top (Jodan) section in nylon rope, and until my hands are a little more calloused, have zip tied some high density foam over the rope, and also at the stomach/chest (chudan) level. The foam at the chudan level is also good for my son, who is training in Tae Kwon Do, as it is at his jodan level. Cheers Alex

I do mine in my head. I just visualise all the moves, and that way I can do them anywhere, anytime, without anyone even knowing what I'm doing!!! Cheers Alex