LLLEARNER

Interesting topic. Having been raised in a Baptist Church, and educated in religious schools, however never a professional religious person I have my thoughts on the subject. Traditionally Martial Arts has deep connections to Eastern Religions. Traditionally many aspects of Christianity have deep roots in various pagan practices over the centuries. The Catholic Church in its quest for power would create Saints out of pagan deities to better win allegiance. I am sure they were not the first organized religion to do so either. What sect of Christianity? Most Christian sects cannot agree with each other, not to mention disagreements within single churches. Even a top down power structure like the Catholic church has many variances. Which Catholic, Roman, Eastern/Russian/Greek Orthodox? It is life. While I don't practice Karate to deepen my spiritual connection or practice in any of the Eastern religions, I respect that other do. I am in it for exercise, fun, learning, and time with my daughter. I can see how some fundamentalists or Christian sects that teach non-violence/pacifism would have problems because of the fighting aspect and the connection with Eastern religion. But their beliefs neither break my bones nor pick my pocket. One does not need to subscribe to Buddhist Theology (is it theology, many consider it more a belief system not a religion) to do the forms and enjoy the physicality of Kung Fu. I don't define Christianity as the WBC. I don't define Islam by Isis. I see them as powers that have found a way to maintain or grow. The choices made by the members are committed and owned by those individuals. The leadership in those groups (as in any group) also make and own their choices.

Not a "traditional" martial art, but this kind of skill takes some of the same dedication that other martial arts do.

I have never been one to follow sports. I would like to start following MMA. I don't know where to start. I don't want to have to start by doing pay-per-view. I don't know the fighters other than a few because they are everywhere you look, so I don't have any preconceived notions on who to follow. Where do I start?

Another consideration that was briefly mentioned is national/world diets. With the increase of free trade since WW2 people have gotten bigger. Even in regions that historically had little lean guys. I remember reading (many years ago) that the average height in Japan post WW2 increased dramatically. Mostly due to diet changes. It seems to be support by a study I found. "Just this month came the news that Japan's long-forecast demographic implosion has finally begun to materialize in the form of the smallest class entering elementary school since the statistics were first kept, in 1946. But lost in the gloomy news, and even ignored by many here, is one measurement by which the reputedly diminutive Japanese have been closing the gap impressively with Westerners: height. In 50 years, according to statistics kept by the Ministry of Education, the average height of Japanese 11-year-olds has increased by more than 5 1/2 inches. The height of girls, who grow faster at that age, meanwhile, has increased even more. So far, there has been no definitive explanation for the increased growth, but it is widely believed to be caused by improvements in diet and the elimination of once-common infectious diseases, both expressions of Japan's swift postwar economic rise. According to one recent study, for instance, intake of animal protein has doubled to 60 grams a day since 1960. " http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/01/world/tokyo-journal-the-japanese-it-seems-are-outgrowing-japan.html With the increased availability of high quality foodstuffs worldwide people seem to be reaching their genetic possibilities. Also it is cool to see big beefy guys do explosive things.

I am ok with no belt coming with my gi. I can understand if it was a gi marketed to first time students, but from my limited exposure most first time students don't start in a heavy weight. The Ki belt was not expensive so I am ok with it. I just was not happy with the condition the "new" belt was in. Especially seeing that the same brand makes a high quality gi. I know it is not a custom or really high end product. But I am happy with the quality so far.

No. A belt did not come with my Gi unfortunately. I am not sure if it was because it is an adult size or for some other reason. It is a proforce 14 oz.

Thanks a lot. That Muay Thai bag looks good.

I am new to Martial Arts. I just started Shotokan (White belt). I was just having a tough time finding a decent quality at a decent price. I live in the sticks and there is not much around.

I ordered the Ki belt as the Pro-Force Gladiator was not acceptable to me. I am not trying to dig at Proforce I have a 14 oz gi that is working very well. I think it was just a lemon from the manufacturer and when packaged the defects could not be seen. I am happy I ordered the Ki. It seems to be very well constructed and soft. I will wear it to class this Tuesday.

This is a good topic. I was wondering what would be a better investment. A Heavy bag or something like the Wavemaste r by Century.

Heinan Shodan is my strongest and weakest. I just started a couple of months ago.

Thank you. I just ordered a Pro Force Gladiator through Amazon expecting decent quality. What I received was a threadbare, dirty belt with loose stitching. It appeared to be in manufacturer packaging. needless to say it is going back. I came here to find a recommendation after searching amazon and only finding mediocre reviews. This thread was already here and near the top. So I just ordered a KI. Thank you all for your psychic ability.

Thank you for the welcome

Hello all. I and my 4 year old daughter are just starting out. We live in central maine and learning a martial art is something I have always wanted to do (I am 38). I am finally getting the chance. I joined so I can have another resource in learning Karate.