JonWal

Good post

Hi guys, just to update this, turns out it wasn't too much of an issue. We're both training in the seperate Dojos' and could possibly do so for the forseeable future. I'm happy that were both in the correct setup at the moment. I've tried many different things with him previously; Rugby, football and gymnastics, but of all those he seems to enjoy Karate the most. The Kids programme that is being run by my sons sensei is excellent. They're being taught basic kicks and punches, im not going to say it all sinks in with him immediately (me neither), but its clear to me that he's getting enjoyment from it. His confidence has come on aswell. The fitness aspect is good too, they do correct warmup and cool down, stretching. but the classes can vary anything from dodgeball to combinations. He had a sort of Kids Class Christmas tournament several weekends ago and came in first place, the Kata was just 3 kicks and a punch with 'Kiai', the kumite was punching and kicking a bag for 1 minute. He did this infront of about 30 other Karate students and 60 odd parents, which would have been unheard of previously. I know that not everyone's a fan of Karate being taught at a young age, but im not planning on pressurising him to attend if he doesnt enjoy. At least if he does chose to continue after he's 5 years old, he should have a good basic foundation.

Show your mate youtube clips that start with ''Karate Vs.......'' rather than ''............. vs Karate'' 99% of the time the first MA in the title wins

Well There will be three gradings between now and this time next year, so hopefully will manage to get through them unscathed. If I do then I'll be in the intermediate class. So first goal, get into intermediate class. Sparring - I'd like to start regularly attending sparring classes. Fitness - Would like to drop some weight, or at least turn what I currently have into muscle. Currently 12st12 (76.9kgs) Work on my balance, I guess this will come with time and practice, but worth mentionning. Dont allow Karate to become a chore and keep enjoying.

Will you be starting a new thread for 2013 goals? Hmm goals... Well There will be three gradings between now and this time next year, so hopefully will manage to get through them unscathed. If I do then I'll be in the intermediate class. So first goal, get into intermediate class. Sparring - I'd like to start regularly attending sparring classes. Fitness - Would like to drop some weight, or at least turn what I currently have into muscle. Currently 12st12 (76.9kgs) I refuse to go over 13st! Work on my balance for kicks, I guess this will come with time and practice, but worth mentionning. Dont allow Karate to become a chore and keep enjoying.

I've watched a few of the higher belts sparring in preperation for passing my first grading end of November. Its not so much the power which scares me, its the quickness of movement and thought, although I dont doubt for a second theyve all got another few levels when it comes to the power aspect of sparring.

No problem doing pushups as punishment.. However, my pet hate is when one or more member of the class (usually the same ones) play up, the whole class gets 20 press ups. I happily get on with my press ups, finish and stand back up ready... then the count starts at 1...

I'm 2 months into my Karate training and managed to break a toe already. My own fault as it happenned rushing my squat thrusts. Taped up and off I went luckily. Not much else that can be done. Stubbornly refusing to miss training though!

Ah Merthyr Mawr, good memories from Rugby training back in the day. Agree that it is physicaly exhausting, the Google maps view is a bit deceiving http://www.arctic-mummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Dune-Running.jpg Am I allowed to link to pics? Please let me know if not and Ill take it down.

One of my Sensei's favorite sayings 'you can rest when your dead'.

Like many others on this post, I've just started Karate at 29 years old. Is it too early for a midlife crisis? Loving all aspects of it at the moment and this is before my gradings. Currently unsure if I am going to compete at all, but the idea is interesting.

Yeah, like i said Im probably thinking too much about it and its not an issue. The only reason we train in different Dojos is the timings of the classes. Mine is in a permanent location about 100 yards away from home during weeknights, my sons is about 5 mins walk in the opposite direction for the Saturday kids class, but switches location to other villages during weeknights. Appreciate the responses, it probably not even an issue, but was wondering if anyone had heard anything similar previously. Cheers again.

Bit of a dilemma, few months ago my 3 year old son and I started Karate. During the week I go to two classes in one dojo and my son attends a Karate Kids class with another dojo on a saturday morning. We both go to different Karate schools, both Wado Ryu, within the same village. I mentionned this to my Sensei last night, and was told that there is a bit of tension between the two Dojos. Both Sensei's used to teach together, but them mine broke off due to difference of opinions in training and started his own, which has attracted some of the higher graded students from the original class, again causing more tension. As the two classes are both under the same affiliation, I will be grading alongside students from my sons class. (he wont be grading until he reaches 5 years old). As I take my son to his class on a saturday morning Im well known to his instructor. I'm just a bit worried how me being a student of the 'local competition' will effect my sons training. I was planning on telling him before Grading as he will no doubt find out when I will turn up in my Dojo's Karate Gi. Is this something Im thinking too much about, or could my sons karate instructor get a bit childish and stop me coming to spectate at my sons classes? Cheers in advance.

Hi everyone, just to introduce myself. Im Jon. Started Karate back in August at 29 years of age, I've never really saw the fascination with martial arts previously, but I'm now hooked. Currently doing Wado Ryu and due for first grading towards the end of November.