Chunmonchek

Shizentai, Congratulations!!! It sounds like you have a lot of opportunities opening up for you in the arts. I'm sure you will make the most of them. All the best, Chris

Cahill, I have been training Okinawan Goju Ryu Shoreikan/Toguchi lineage as well as Matayoshi Kobudo for over 30 years. While I can't vouch for this dojo, if I found my self in France, I would try to visit it: Karate Do Goju Ryu D'okinawa Shorei Kan 7 Rue des Deux Ponts, 24000 Périgueux, France Phone: +33 5 53 09 27 16 http://www.karategojuryu.org/ Another option could be: IOGKF https://www.facebook.com/afkgo/ Again, I've no experience with this dojo, but did train Jundokan lineage Goju for over 10 years. I'm clueless about the geography of France, so I don't know if these are close to where you'll be. Good luck on your search, and let us know how it goes. Chris

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Welcome to KarateForum! I study Okinawan Goju Ryu, but have friends that study Shobayashi Shorin Ryu. I look forward to your posts. Chris

Or an embroidered obi.

Happy Birthday!!!

My Congratulations to Zach!!!

It's been my experience that you will find this type of bully/domineering behavior more in the martial arts, than in most other activities. Where else is it accepted behavior for someone to treat another in a condescending manner and get paid for it! Half of my students are female and a majority are older than me. I treat all of my juniors and seniors with respect. Also, I've not seen this type of behavior in any of the dojos that I've visited in Okinawa.

CONGRATS!!!

MBK, where in England are you located? I have a dojo brother in Upminster that I can introduce you to. He's been training for a pretty long time and knows the karate scene in England.

Welcome to the group! I've been training Okinawan Goju for while now, but in the past, had trained Shotokan. I look forward to your posts.

Happy Birthday!!!

Congratulations!!!

I've been training the arts consistently for over 4 decades and thought I was tough and disciplined. Not so much when I consider that my 80 something year old father refuses anesthesia of any kind when getting root canal work.

Happy Birthday!!!

I hike, shoot guns, read a bunch, longboard, snow ski, body surf, dabble in photography, and ride motorcycles

I have no experience with the above sai, and the only Sai that I own and have worked with on a regular basis are various Shureido models and a pair of custom forged Sai, that are very close to Shureido in dimensions. The benefit of Shureido Sai is that they are available in a few different sizes and materials. Depending on how you are taught, size and fit may be very important (it is with us). Additionally, I prefer carbon steel over stainless steel and chrome plated. Carbon steel can be carefully bent for a custom fit. Stainless tends to be slippery if your hands get sweaty, and Chrome can chip on contact, leaving sharp edges.

It's a pleasure to meet you TwistKick Kid. I liked your post and look forward to more of your writings.

Shang Chi Iron Fist Donatello Daredevil

Congrats to All!!!

Happy Holidays to All!!!

It's one of my guilty pleasures

In my dojo, everyone is addressed by their first name. Everyone knows who their seniors and juniors are, and act accordingly. That said, every once in a while members from one of our branch dojos slips up and calls me Sensei. I address my teacher (the head of our organization) by his first name, and always have. My take on this is that no title will make anyone truly respect me, my art or my instruction...and if I earn such respect from someone, the titles are not necessary. As much of the traditions/practices are based on Asian culture, the "traditional" protocols are greatly influenced by Confucianism. See this for an overview https://pascal.iseg.utl.pt/~cesa/Three%20Confucian%20Values.pdf It's been my experience that dojos training Japanese martial arts/budo/koryu arts are more strict in their protocol, and dojos/kwoon training Okinawan or Chinese martial arts are seemingly more laid back. The Dojos that I trained at in Okinawa were strict in their training, but somewhat laid back in their protocol. That said, they were very aware of those who did and those who did not, observe protocol.

Have you considered Cocobolo Hardwood?? It can withstand quite a lot, and it's wood color, orange or red tones, are attractive to the eye. I've had all of my wood weapons made with Cocobolo Hardwood a very long time ago, and I still use them. Cocobolo is great wood also. I've a few sets of cocobolo nunchaku

Aurik, please let us know how your bo turn out. In my experience, red oak bo sourced from Shureido were the most durable for heavy contact. The Purple heart bo that we had were nicely weighted and balanced, but did not hold up to vigorous contact. Historically, our Kai/Eiku bo have been made out of red oak (Shureido) or maple. Recently I obtained a Kai made out of Granadillo and love it so far.