mazzybear

I would work through it for a while, it may be he just uses all the students at one point or another, I know that's how my instructor does it, it's not just senior students who get up. I'm only 4th Kyu and he uses me a lot (sometimes I think it's just because he enjoys hitting me! ) ask the other students if it bothers them, they may not even realise. M.

It's definitely not bulk I'm trying to achieve, I'm 135lbs and am aiming more for lean muscle. I think women tend to be more lean anyway, unless they are taking some kind of enhancers which I'm not (unless protein powder counts) the weights came today so gonna try my circuit a couple times a week between classes. Also add in some hill walks. Hopefully I'll get the results I'm looking for. Thanks for all the replies guys, as always it's very much appreciated. M.

Ah yeah, we do them in class, didn't realise they had a fancy name we just call them clap push ups M.

Thanks Wastelander, it's definitely conflicting opinions I've been getting from folk at work and in class too, i suppose I won't know for sure unless I try for myself. I think the squat jumps and high knees should be good for explosive power as they are fast exercises. I want to get more running or walking in too, so I'll work them all in to some kind of rota. Thanks for your input. M.

Those electronic cigarettes really helped me, I've been stopped for nearly 2 years now. I still use the e-cig, but that's still got to be better than actually smoking...... Right? I feel better about everything: lung capacity/function, fresh breath, no stinky clothes and a far healthier bank balance, as for my sense of smell....... It's unreal, almost super sensitive, I can smell things other non smokers can't, it great....... Until someone breaks wind Give it a try, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good luck!! M.

Thanks CredoTe! M.

Thanks Harkon, I have a nice hill nearby for walking, possibly running up. My legs are quite skinny or as my mum puts it "there's more meat on a butchers pencil" so I just assumed my lack of power was down to that. I've been kicking the bag in the garage every other day, while it's definitely helping my technique and height, power just won't follow. So my weekly shifts finish tonight, first thing tomorrow I'm gonna tackle that hill. M.

The last part is so true!! Very wisw words indeed! M.

Welcome to KF Spartacus. -Marion.

I'm going to be getting myself a barbell and weights for using to gain more strength and power in my legs for kicks. I have dumbells, a medicine ball and pull up bar for working my upper body but feel I'm neglecting my legs somewhat. I have a circuit worked out with the barbell: 40lb weight 3x20 Squat jumps 3x20 Lunges (both legs) 3x20 1 legged deadlift 3x25 High knees. Does this seem ok? How much weight training do you incorporate into your home workouts? If you have any other leg exercise routines, feel free to share. M.

I'll be sure to give it a try, I'm always looking for new things to throw into my home workout sessions. Looks like one to use the heart rate monitor on. Just one question, what is a plyometric push up and how does it differ from a normal push up? M.

Congratulations!!! M.

When we are practicing Kata we sometimes are made to do it blindfolded so as not to use any part of the hall as reference points, also sometime we have sleighbells wrapped around one ankle to try and make the jingling rythmic and quiet andnot some mass of noise and chaos. These methods can be a lot of fun to watch especially if doing both at the same time. Fun, but also very useful tools. M.

I'm learning Chinto at the moment and think it's fair to say it is becoming a favourite. It was a bit of a nightmare to learn the moves at first, but the more I do it the more I like it. Like most Wado Kata it's quite short, but very technical and when watching the black belts do it, it's a beautiful kata. Of the Pinan Kata, Godan is probably my favourite. M.

Thank you Sensei8 and Tallgeese. M.

Thanks wagnerk! M.

Thanks guys, I thought is been a bit quiet of late so very pleased to be MOTM. M.

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated. I think maybe next time I'll leave it till nearer my allocated time slot to go, I went from the start on Sunday to watch the kids from the club do their thing and could feel the nerves gradually building. I actually meant to take my headphones with me, but realised I'd forgotten them halfway to the venue. Might get a set to keep in my competition bag. I'll need to find some chill out tunes too, most of my musical tastes are not condusive to relaxing. I've never heard that proverb, but I like it!! definitely one to train by. Thanks again guys M.

On Sunday I attended a Kata competition and was almost paralysed with nerves, I was quite surprised by this as my last (also my first as a competitor) competition and the biggest home competition on our association calender I suffered only minor nerves and went on to win. This time round they were so horrendous I actually had the shakes and felt pretty drained due to them. I managed to come 2nd (which I'm still over the moon with) but feel my nerves led me to make silly mistakes I don't normally make. Is there any useful tips you guys have on dealing with nerves? I have another competition at the end of June (the one I won last year) and really don't want to be in the same state as Sunday. Any suggestions would be gratefully recieved. M.

Try looking for Shito Ryu, of which I'm sure you know Shukokai is a direct descendant, and part of the Shito Ryu Shukokai World Karatedo Union. Most cities I would think would have a Shito Ryu club of some sort, also this way you would be more likely allowed to keep your rank, whereas changing styles completely, some clubs may not allow you to keep it. Shotokan would be another choice, being the most practiced style worldwide you would likely have no problem finding a School in any city in the world. Again they may or may not allow you to keep your present rank, if they didn't and made you grade from white in the first Shotokan club you were to attend, then I would think that would would be a grade you could take from Shotokan club to Shotokan club as you would be keeping within the same style. I hope this made some sense to you, I may have rambled on a bit Good luck on your travels and keep us posted on the style you eventually settle on. M.

I be watching it, should make for an interesting encounter. M.

I hate when they mess with the classics, they NEVER turn out as good. I grew up watching The Karate Kid, so was horrified when I heard they were re-making it. I point blank refuse to watch it, mainly because it's not even Karate he learns, it's Kung Fu!! Not that I have a problem with Kung Fu, but when KARATE is in the title, then it's KARATE that should be the focus of the film. I have the same kind of dread for this film although I'll probably give it a chance. Given that it's to be part of a franchise, I don't hold out much hope, sequels/trilogies rarely turn out any good (LOTR aside). I just hope Bloodsport and Enter the Dragon are left well alone and never remade. M.

What a lovely thing for the police to do!! Just when my faith in humanity starts to drop, something like this happens to restore it. A lovely selfless thing to do. As for your neighbour, forget them. Some folk just can't see the goodness in anything without passing some kind of negative comment. I hope your son is enjoyinging being back on two wheels. Thanks for sharing this with us. M.

Are there any Kyokoshin books with the Japanese terminology and pictures of the techniques being performed? This should help, I found Shingo Ohgami's books on Wado Ryu very helpful in learning the Japanese terms as well as the correct technique. If you can find one on Kyokoshin then invest in it, it will be an invaluable learning tool. Unfortunately you can't really use one from another style due to differnces in technique names and execution. I had a quick look online and this book by Mas Oyama seems to be popping up again and again. http://www.amazon.com/Oyamas-Essential-Karate-Masutatsu-Oyama/dp/0806988444/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_1_AEFG?ie=UTF8&refRID=06MWGYJ2RW1261GM6QBH Hope this helps. M.

An excellent point, Patrick. And tbh not one I had considered. Parents can't be too careful these days. M.