Harkon72

The ball foot/ instep debate can have a target specific solution; also if I'm wearing boots in a real defense situation; there is no question that I would use the toe. As for height; Again this is a situation specific argument; jaw or ankle? The choice may or may not be yours.

I understand how you feel, some of my friends train in 3 styles now; I feel they should concentrate on one and do it right. But that's only my opinion.

I have my Belt! 3rd Kyu! A grueling grading! Killer Kata! Osu!

To think these kicks are high risk is an understatement. Effective if you are new to receiving them though.

As a good friend says; the proof is on the floor. It's a sad time when someone has to be demoted after joining us; but if they are not up to standard; you can't let them stand in the line next to existing students and have the same rank; it's not fair.

I've just sent for a new weapon; a frontier style tomahawk. Its design is that of a 18th century axe weapon as used in combat in 18th century America. Has anyone ever trained with one?

In contrast; this is how we fight Kumite; Osu!

When someone transfers to our club from another association, we grade them for free and it HAS to be Shukokai. I transferred from Shorin Ryu and Shotokan; so I was a white belt again. I was a 2nd Dan before. If a child from another Shukokai school joins us; we don't take their belt off them, but it could be a long time before they grade. An adult is graded and must accept their new grade. But if for example you were a Kayokoshin 5th Dan, your style is different, so WHITE BELT!

I watched the first video; I admit, even though my head tells me it's a mad system; my heart goes to confirm that these karateka are some of the toughest on the planet. Enough said.

Happy Birthday; enjoy your day!

I find Kayokoshinkai Kumite strange looking at the best of times; it seems that they hit eachother with no attempt to block until one falls over; that's a simplistic over view; and I know there are better examples of the Kayokoshin style. The JKA example is something I relate more to and the second video by Sensei8 is a classic. You can argue that it's each to their own; but standing and taking it is a strange way to fight.

Our Sensei doesn't mind where you get your Gi, as long as it is neat and tidy. He can advise on a supplier and he can usually offer a discount from the company he uses. I was given my black gi from my sensei, but I opted not to have the club embroidery and back print included on it; that was my choice. I have bought several weapons for our club members from the best value and most authentic supplier I can find. My Sensei trusts my judgment on quality as I have been studying Kobudo for longer than he has. Safety is our priority and all students and staff are responsible for the up keep of their weapons.

I noticed four gi's on sale at a local second hand shop. Unfortunately, they were too small for me. I saw a lady with a child from a rival club; I quite like her so I told her about them. She said that the Renshi that runs the club would never allow his students to wear gis in his club other than the ones that he sold them. I expect that he makes a tidy profit on them too; has anyone else seen such rules as this?

It looks spectacular; but I must admit, this is the first time I have heard of it.

With our school of Karate, it usually takes 4 to 7 years to attain shodan. We tend to spend longer between 3rd kyu and shodan than most, 3 to 4 years at times.

There was a spate of Bartitsu ads on FB a few months ago; I believe that there is an academy in London. They use Sherlock Holmes as a figure in their advertising; I find them curious to say the least old bean.

A local instructor was foolish enough to accept a challenge from a stranger at his Dojo. The situation evolved from an innocent looking strangle defence into a real life threatening situation. He did survive; but only just. There is a lesson here I think.

These are the ones I use; http://www.ninecircles.co.uk/Cache/A4DC0475-9383-4D40-BCC4-F28FF10A0D79_550_90.jpg I replaced the cord with a hemp rope and of course it is now shorter than the cord in the picture; these are the best I've ever had.

I've never used heavy nunchaku, the best design for me is light and fast in a good hard wood. I also always use the cord linked ones as chain linked ball bearing types have the balance of weight in the wrong place. There are plenty about and price doesn't always reflect quality. Good Luck

Sensei Mallalieu is my Sensei's Teacher! I think you may know of our Dojo Andy!

I have practiced both; they are Okinawan Karate, so they have similarities. They are on opposite branches of the style tree; so they have fundamental differences. These are too many to list here either way. But with experience, you should be able to identify both styles. That said; the greatest factor is the Sensei and the way he teaches. Both styles have the good, the bad and the ugly. Some Shukokai Sensei are very poor. Some Shotokan Sensei are a poor representation of what they once were. But some excel at Karate in both camps. I admire our local Shotokan club, they are JKA and hold some of the best black belts in Wales. My Sensei who is a Kickboxer and a Shukokai master is a humble genius; and I consider him like a brother. Good Luck in your search, may your choice be worthy of you. Your gut instinct is never wrong.

In many indigenous tribes; only the warriors ate meat.

This is the best I can find; there are several clubs under this umbrella; Cobra Martial Arts Association Head Office: 24 Corporation Road, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5LP. Tel: 07909 673894. Several clubs around Manchester, visit their website at http://www.cobramartialarts.info.

We have the pre-Dan grade; it must be held for at least a year.

What the gullible don't realize is that the Master Ken character is taking the mike out of them! You can have a seminar with this guy for £45 an hour! All he does is ridicule YOU! If I want a laugh, I'd rather watch Billy Connelly! Lol