mazzybear

If I had no option but to fight, then I'd first strike with a fast jab to the face mererly as a distraction. While they're reacting to the jab I'd then move with the more powerful technique, whether that's a reverse punch or a kick to the knee to shut them down. I'd prefer not to be in the situation at all, but if needs must, then that'd be my course of action. Hopefully it'd work sufficiently for me to make my exit. M.

Completely agree. M.

Do you all do your dan gradings "in house" at your own Dojo? We are graded in house up to 1st Kyu, but only by Sandan and above (and only if they hold the relevant coaching badges) then for Dan grades we go to Edinburgh and are graded by other members of the federation that aren't involved with our club. My instructor recently had a bit of a beef with the federation over other clubs sending candidates who clearly aren't ready to grade causing high failure rates. We have to be 1st Kyu for 6 months before applying to grade for Shodan, but clearly some instructors are at fault for allowing students to grade when they aren't ready. M.

Why did they make her leave, is there some kind of law preventing practice in public? As long as nobody is getting hurt, then to me there was no harm in what she was doing. Although, I would probably not practice in public. Where I live you're more likely to get hassle from the general public (mostly young neds) seeing what you were doing and try to have a go, all for the entertainment of their friends. M. In her case, the two officers advised her that the park she was practicing had a heavy gang activity, and when the officers advised her, she shrugged them off. So, the two officers, for her safety, instructed her to leave immediately because they couldn't guarantee her safety while she was practicing. One of the officers said that she was in full gi, and that that would just not work should a gang member(s) were to see her. She told me she didn't have anywhere else to practice that day. I told her...FIND A PLACE, any place other than that park, and please don't wear your gi because it invites the wrong elements. Ah, I see now. Yeah doing it with a gi on kind of draws even more attention, and I definitely wouldn't be doing it where there is heavy gang activity. In this case I agree with the police officers actions. M.

I really enjoy the atmosphere in our classes. It's a very welcoming atmosphere with egos left at the door, if you're doing something and it's not quite right all the senior grades are very quick to point you in the right direction in a respectful manner. We have a good laugh, mainly at ourselves when we go wrong (if you can't laugh at yourself then something is wrong) but when it comes to learning then we are very serious about that. I think I'm lucky to belong to such a group, I've heard not so good things about other clubs/styles in our area. I look forward to every class because I never know what to expect. In short, I'm loving my karate life right now! M.

So my round kick is defiitely improving, not sure if it has been the squat challenge or lots of time spent practicing on the bag. Maybe a bit of both along with the other stretching exercises. But it's improving none the less. I'm getting good hip roll and even managing good height, I can comfortably kick jodan level with my right leg, left leg not so good, but still and improvement on before. So thanks for all the advice guys it's definitely helping. M.

Why did they make her leave, is there some kind of law preventing practice in public? As long as nobody is getting hurt, then to me there was no harm in what she was doing. Although, I would probably not practice in public. Where I live you're more likely to get hassle from the general public (mostly young neds) seeing what you were doing and try to have a go, all for the entertainment of their friends. M.

We have a gym at work too, but it's very basic. It's ok for weights but not much else. I've been on at them for months to get a punchbag but no joy as yet. M.

Yep you can be a master in everything you like, but us women are always the boss! I'd like to get more equipment out in the garage but it's just too wee.

How far do you run? I've never been a great runner but feel now is the time to change that. Don't know if I should use the run as more of a warm up before cardio on the bag, or as a seperate cardio session altogether. M.

How often does everybody train at home and what (if any) equipment do you use? I have a free standing punchbag and a floor to ceiling speedball in the garage which I try to use 3 times a week. I also do pull-ups and core work along with techniques and kata practice. I'm also thinking about throwing some jogging into the mix. I just thought it'd be interesting to see what everyone else does outwith the Dojo. M.

8th Kyu- None 7th Kyu- Pinan Nidan 6th Kyu- Pinan Shodan 5th Kyu- Pinan Sandan + Pinan Yodan 4th Kyu- Pinan Yodan + Pinan Godan 3rd Kyu- Kushanku + any Pinan kata 2nd Kyu- Kushanku + any Pinan kata 1st Kyu- Kushanku + any Pinan kata This is according to the syllabus, but we can be leanring any of the black belt katas at the same time from 4th Kyu onwards. From 1st Dan on the SKF (Scottish Karate Federation) pick which two black belt kata will be performed at Dan gradings in the year. They choose from: Bassai, Chinto, Jion, Jitte, Nihanchi, Niseishi, Rohai, Seishan, Wanshu. M.

Good luck, if you've put the work in you'll be fine. Keep us posted!!

Thanks, Bushido_Man

Thanks CredoTe M.

Thanks Hawkmoon, it's a good feeling for sure! Thank you Safroot. The hard work starts tomorrow in my first class as a purple belt M.

Still can't get any more than 5 minutes, but I will persist I was watching one of my favorite movies yesterday and I managed to do 9.5 minutes but not sure if I will be able to do it again or not. I'm impressed!! If you've done it once it'll be easier to do it again. Well done!

Still can't get any more than 5 minutes, but I will persist

Handy articles, definitely some things to remember next time I'm sparring. Thanks for posting. M.

Thanks Tallgeese

Thanks, FangPwnsAll7

Thanks, Jaypo I will definitely focus on being the best I can be. The grading for brown is end of July, but think I'll wait for the November grading. I want a commended this time around M.

I was the same when I started sparring (most folk probably are - nobody likes getting hit) but the more you do it, the more you get used to it, especially if you are doing conditioning work. I like to move in at pace with a junzuki, the opponent tends not expect it, so more often than not it scores. If you're constantly backing away your opponent will sense fear and constantly move in on you, so stand your ground, switch stances and try to get in on their blind side. It's just trial and error until you can find what works for you. Hope you sort it out soon. M.

Thanks Patrick

Thanks guys, yeah it feels pretty damn awesome