126barnes

All the best.

We usually start with a warmup , which transessions into dynamic stretching. On with the class and finish with static stretches.

Kinda like a chest protector then.

Somewhat. I'm still learning and close physical contact with strangers (slowly becoming not-strangers) is somewhat discomforting. Mostly though, especially with Kumite (gohon I'm okay with), ippon sparring and even one step, I'm accutely aware of my low skill level, so I know that the red belt, yellow belt, green belt I'm sparring with isn't getting much use from the session. At least, that's what I think.

My boys started at 7 and 5 with wee miss starting just before her 4th birthday (only because she was in the back of class everyday). Started off great, but after a year or so getting out the door for karate was so frustrating with the boys. They never wanted to go to class but once they got there they were all smiles and generally paid attention and completed the class. Here's my story. I joined shortly after they did, and like every thing I pick up, I go full throttle. Basically I don't think they got a break from karate, they were doing it 7 days a week......3 classes and then some sort of practice or talking about it at home every other day for argument sake. Basically looking back at it, I ruined it for them. Once I backed off and just did my own thing and let them do as much as they wanted(short of quitting), they started enjoying it more. As they got older (oldest is now 12) they are the ones asking to go and rushing me out the door.

I think generally speaking people are wimps these days. The avg guy with a labour job from years gone by were more hard core than the avg MA guy of today. Forget body hardening, if dojo trained half as hard as they did even 15-20 years ago they wouldn't have enough students to keep the doors open.

I agree, but sadly that is not the case for me presently.

I hear that, training to beat a guy to the punch gets you a flat nose and bruised ribs, atleast at first. Its great when you get it, but bad when you don't.

I'm right handed and fight LH forward, wondering how effective people think they are when fighting the "wrong way"round. When I'm in a RH forward stance my footwork and hands are off, especially my LH. Although my kicks are stronger they are not as effective, mostly due to my footwork. Currently putting if more time the other way round, trying to even things out. Funny enough I don't seem to have problems while doing kata that that are RH/LH stances and technique, guessing I don't spar enough RH forward.

For me timing is a big part of my game. If your alway coming forward on the same timing good point fighters will figure you out and start setting you up. also point fighting is a game of moving forward. Sure good counter fighters can win, but in my experience if exchanges are close the point goes to the agresser. Got to agree with Spartacus nothing worst than traning for point sparring with a guy who thinks he's in a fight.

Cool event, thanks for sharing.

First of all I have no idea what level you are at. But I think keeping it simple, is the best way to start. A good blitz, reverse punch and side kick will go along way. Speed kills, eliminate the useless movement(loading punches, back leg movement on front leg kicks) in your technique and you well become more effective.

Reverse punch to the body, Usually followed up with downward action back fist from a high block position.

Check out "Chief " Jean guy angell he was a student of the late SGM George Parase (sp) out of New England He is the founder of that style of kenpo in Canada Serveral of his student has opened school all over Quebec and his son runs the Montreal dojo around center city. Probably not close to you but there are serval schools around Montreal.

Invitational Tournament ????

That would be a breath of fresh air around my parts. Congrats on your experience.

I see kenpo listed as your style, have you looked at JGA kenpo or shaolin Kempo?

Thanks for the input. Testing is by invite only, taboo to ask for testing as an adult and the kids are being groomed for the same. Seems as if 99% of the adults just want to be improving and belt color isn't important. I have never heard of anyone failing a test, so its pretty much decided that if your being tested you are ready. Usually given 4-6 weeks notice, which I also think is part of the test to see if you will ramp up your train.

currently training for my brown belt test. Test to include the following : Kicks and punches in air and on bag. Kata, kata by attackers and kata with Attackers. So 10 katas 3 times each 2 on 1 fight against black belts (3) 2 min rounds. Funny enough no shortage of BB volunteers for this one. Physical test. Push up, chin ups, pull overs, crunches, etc. told it will take 4-5 hours. Wondering how this compares to to other brown belt test.

We mostly do point, but by no means is it light. Typically we use good control to the head and to the back, but the body is fair game. Of course depending on the purpose of the sparring session intensity is varied, from fast and light to fast and heavy. Also boxing and kickboxing going on, but I haven’t ventured into that as of yet. Also learned, it’s best not to spar Sensei when he’s training for a fight….lol.

Just a quick note to say hi, looks like I got a ton of reading to do.