Philx123

Oh, that's a shame. I was half hoping it was some mythical gi fashioned in the wilds of Okinawa by the aged fingers of a master seamster. "Made in England". I bet it will be somewhere like Barnsley. Still, £3.50. Can't complain. Thanks for the help. One last one, do you think the black trim on the lapel denotes it should only be worn by a black belt? Is there a convention for that?

I started when I was 49. Only been doing it a year and three months, but love it. I was always active and, I think, more importantly, I'm not overweight. That wasn't always the case though. After seeing myself drifting towards middle age with ever increasing girth, I said, "hell no, I won't go." and shed three stone in three years through a lot of physical activity and careful diet. I think this really helps in my karate class (and everything else), as it means I don't have to haul a lot of excess bulk to haul across the floor. Also, I think the lightness adds to speed, which at present makes up for a lot. I was lucky, I suppose, in that I'd done some boxing when younger, so knew how to move and throw a punch. I can't profess to being in anyway good (just a yellow belt), my side kicks and roundhouse being hampered by impinged hips, which I've always had, and tight aductor tendons from a lot of cycling, but I've done and still do, a lot of yoga, also, which gives me flexibility certainly in forward kicks. Our group is small, six or seven, and I'm the oldest one there, but I have to say, I get a certain guilty satisfaction in not breaking a sweat where everyone else is, especially two teenage boys. We did 500 kicks last night, and I was the only one not huffing and puffing at the end, instructor and a black belt included. Another thing, though, is that I take it seriously. I train twice a week with the club, and then at home, at night after the kids and my wife are in bed, go through my gradings in the garage, from first to up and coming (it actually only takes about three quarters of an hour at the moment, and seems to level my mind and help me sleep). I also like to slip in some kata when I've got a bit of time, space and momentum (I do love kata). I think most people in our club, turn up, train, then leave it be until next week. I don't want it to come across as bragging (thought I suspect it does). There's nothing special about me. But I enjoy it so much, and really want to progress for nothing other than the satisfaction of knowing I did my best. I guess what I'm saying is that age isn't a barrier. If you enjoy it, and you want it, you can do it. And injury aside. You're as old as you let yourself get.

got it off ebay for £3.50. It's got no manufacturer name, but looks really good quality. It's heavyweight cotton, crisp and makes a great noise. It's got a really short skirt, but long sleeves (down to my wrists). There's a club badge (I think), though I guess this has nothing to do with the manufacturer. Here are some images: Just curious, really. But it would be nice to think I scored a bargain. Thanks.

As a bit of aside, it always amuses me when I hear the term "It is what it is" used, as if it is a great zen insight into the actuality of things. If I have learned anything, it is that it is actually what it isn't. Everything we encounter is filtered through our own limited experience and prejudice. When seeing the tree we remember the trees of our past. We may touch the bark and use terms like rough or smooth. We may see the the scenes from all those films, or those passages in all those books. The tree is indeed, just the tree, but we cannot help but see it through our, and others, experience. For the tree to be the tree it requires us to abandon ourselves, and the majority of people who use the term "it is what it is" have no actual understanding, nor any real inclination, to do this. I suppose what I'm saying is that there is a danger that the more zen is absorbed by the west, the more it becomes window dressing for a society absorbed by itself and its relentless drive to have it all. Which is not to suggest the discussion here falls into that category, just more a general observation. If any of that is at all relevant.