davehale

I've never been hit or hit someone in the throat but I've seen it and ouch. To answer Thief, I haven't had any real injuries beyond bruising but on a few occasions whiling sparring my goju sensei, our reverse punch would mirror each other so well that we would punch each other's fists.

At my first school, everyone failed their shodan exam the first time unless you did exceptional...real exceptional. This was how that school was, if you were going to get a black belt you were going to earn it their way. It developed a certain spirit and determination in the students, taking a test you were going to fail. I remember my first attempt, I was doing my kata in front of the everyone (each tester did kata one at a time). I let the iminent fail get the better of me and my shihan told me to stop. "Is that the best you can do...do it again." I started over, properly this time and he told me to stop, do 50 push ups, and sit down. It was humiliating, but I have never let an iminent failure hinder me ever since, in life and in karate. Thats how it was at that school and at that time. During tests you were given 3 chances. If you lost concentration, scratched your nose, fixed your gi...if you didn't utterly devote yourself to the task at hand you were told to do push ups. If you were told 3 times, you failed the test. You can bet my 2nd attempt I performed to my fullest extent and beyond. Kyu testing was less strict, you only had to do ten push ups if you lost concentration. I didn't fail any kyu tests but I was told to do some push ups a few times in my first few tests.

I agree with what everyone else has said, find a way to comfortably practice. Either through some medical help, your (potential) sensei, ditching the inserts etc. As you've read, many of us have overcome our own physical shortcomings. I have degenerative discs in my spine and dead nerves in my left leg but I still practice. It is your decision though. After years of practice, I could not imagine my life without karate.

Sojobo, I must strongly disagree with your statement that "people can make great sounding music without having to know how to play any musical instruments." I studied music theory and composition and before we ever wrote any music for specific instruments we spent a semester learning how to play it. Bit of a tagent, sorry but the musician in me was just screaming. However, I completely agree with your feelings towards kata and karate. I do love that quote.

I enjoy both consoles and what they have to offer. I feel there is a balance between the online services. PS3 may be free to play online but you do pay for downloads (games, add ons ect.). Xbox 360 you pay for online but unlocking achievements gives you gamer points you can use to purchase those same downloads.

Q. What do you serve at a karate party? A. Reverse Punch.

Q. How many Karatekas does it take to change a lightbulb? A. Indefinite, they all come empty handed.

You know you are doing too much karate if.... •You find yourself casually standing in a half cat stance. •You trip, go into a roll and come up in a fighting stance, in church. •You answer osu, to your boss. •You are introduced to someone and you bow to greet them. •You tie your bathrobe belt in a perfect knot; then check to make sure the ends are exactly even. •You accept change from the cashier using a knife hand with the thumb carefully tucked in. •When you're outside doing gardening you practice with all the neat 'weapons'. •You look for new accommodation based on the amount of practice space it provides (who needs a bedroom?). •You find yourself practicing bo techniques in miniature with your pencil during dull meetings. •You notice you never stand with your arms crossed or your hands in your pockets. •You find yourself practicing stances while standing in lines. Strangely, most people are standing cautiously far, far away from you. •You don't use any tools while splitting firewood.

An old grandmother brought her grandchild to a karate competition. Noting that the organiser seemed understaffed she approached the table. "Good morning," she said to the Director, "you look a little shorthanded. Anything I can do to help?" "Well yes, we are short of fighters for the under 90 kg division," the director replied. "Sorry," the grandmother said, "I don't know anything about karate." "That's OK" said the director. "We need referees, too."

When I practiced Shotokan, my sensei would say to think of the knife hand block as "attacking the attack" while my Goju sensei would say "ensnaring the attack."

I can't say I prefer it but I don't mind it. I do like it when the belt breaks in and the knot holds nicely and if it fades or frays, so be it.

For me, belts only serve two functions: 1. Hold my gi closed 2. Provide a visual approximation of a wearer's skill 3. (If you're a sensei, I'm not) A way to organize one's students. This is just my humble opinion but I think some people, styles, and systems tend to romanticize the martial arts and the belts. I tend to avoid schools that teach the belt is some fancy object with special meaning. For me, a belt is just...a belt. Anything beyond a practical functionality is just hoopla. But don't get me wrong. If this is what a person, style, system wishes to teach, then by all means do it. It's just not for me.

I've had this conversation with my previous sensei. Off the top of my head, I can recall knowing up to 20 kata. But maybe five of those I can barely remember without some practice. Another five I could waddle through with minimal head scratching and another five I could execute just fine. That last five are ones I have ready at competition/grading level. My point is that what is in those slots of five changes from time to time, but thats just how I do it in generalized terms. I think knowing which kata to leave behind and which to practice depends on the person and what they are training for. What I practice for a tournament will be different from what I practice for a test. Then there may be some like me, who on every Sunday, practice every kata they know on their own. This helps me not only with physical stamina, but mental stamina in seeing how much I can remember. The phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none" comes to mind. You raise some interesting points but I think there isn't just one answer. I feel knowing your goals for practicing certain kata must be clear, and when you've completed those goals there's nothing wrong with putting those kata to the side to dedicate time to new goals and kata. But that is just my humble opinion.

Zaine, I did not miss Martial Walrus' point. But we're strangers, I know nothing about this person. I just wanted to give him a friendly, clear reminder that a credible sensei should be number one, especially if you're attempting a different style. Martial Walrus, Gekisai is a good start. Tensho is a personal favorite of mine. I usually start and end my practice with Sanchin and Tensho. Best of luck in your learning!

Martial Walrus, I'm inclined to agree with what andym wrote. Videos and Youtube should never be a primary source for learning kata. You should always seek a credible sensei. However I also understand the difficulties of finding one and credible videos can be helpful, but not a substitute. I would also point out that your about four years of practicing Tae Kwon Do could also be a hindrance in learning a different style. Just a friendly heads up. Since I can't see your skill level and can only go on what you say (about four years of practice), I would recommend the kata Saifa/Saifua. Don't let the simplicity fool you, there are solid techniques in there.