nunopicado

It's part of the fun... The best part!

Thank you everyone. My grading exam went well, I was feeling ready, and felt good doing it. The examiner didn't mention any mistakes, and I was aware of none too (although sometimes it's harder to notice our own mistakes than it is for another person). I should be getting the results in a couple of weeks, but I'm confident about it. Now, work for the next stage begins.

Hello martial artists. It's been a bit over two years since I was last here. At the time, I had my belt for 3 months, a 10th kyu fresh out of my first tournament and with so much to learn. Things change... Now I'm a 7th kyu (6th kyu by tomorrow, if everything goes well), and the way I figure, with much more to learn. I've learned a lot, I've practiced a lot, and my motivation only grew. Also, I changed a lot. Since my last post, I was diagnosed with a type 3 herniated disc, and told by my doctor I had to quit karate (all physical activity, really). I was away for 3 months, then managed to slowly but surely get back, knowing now I have some limitations on what I can do, and learning to listen to what my body tells me. I've learned to take it easy, both physically and mentally, and since I came back, I've entered a major national tournament, I've been helping the sensei teaching the youngsters, and overall, I've been an active member of my dojo, helping where I can, and having the time of my life on the process. My last post was about how nervous I got in certain occasions, like a tournament or graduation. I no longer get as nervous, but I'll admit, I still do a bit. In this journey, I'm not alone. My kid has been following the same path and we're having a blast working together on this. So there it is, I took the opportunity to update my presentation on the 20th anniversary of the forum. Congratulations to KarateForuns and everyone involved in its management. By the way, wish me luck for tomorrow! OSS

That's the way I always feel, about basically everything, and did this time also, right until the moment I stepped in the mat. I really can't say why on Earth that happened!

Hi I'm 41 and started practicing Shotokan Karate about 3 months ago to join my 13yo kid who has been practicing since April. Yesterday I had my first tournament (Kata), and I'm not entirely happy with my performance, even though I managed get 1st place in my category. The problem is, even though I was completely cool before the performance, the moment my feet touched the mat, I got nervous as hell, and couldn't get out of there soon enough. I feel my performance fell short of what I can do, in both Heian Shodan and Heian Sandan. Of course this is highly subjective, but do you guys ever experienced the same, and how do you cope with it? Thanks

Yeah, he knows it, and is aware of the consequences... But since when warmed up the pain is less intense (in this particular case, at least), I hope he gives it the necessary attention. I'll keep an eye for any signs, of course.

Thanks, sensei8. Yes, I'll talk to our CI, he is usually the first to dial down the effort requirements whenever something is not perfect, so that will not be a problem. I'll only have to worry about the kid pushing it even if the pain comes back. It's nice to see him show so much enthusiasm about... anything. Up until April, when he began in Karate, he really only cared about video games. No sports, no outside activities! Now... Missing a Karate session would be like being grounded!

Hello Thank you all for your replies... Indeed, he's feeling much better now, having skipped training Thursday and Friday (not really happy about it, but I guess that's a good thing ). Today he's probably going to train, even though he'll do it under advisement to take it easy (not sure how that will turn out - not easy taking it easy it the heat of the moment). Thank you for your help

Hello people My kid was doing flexibility exercises on Tuesday and did a no-no! After spreading his legs for a while, while laying on his back with his butt against the wall, he jumped on his feet just like that. Now he says his legs hurt in between his thighs! Any thoughts on what is the best way to recover? Thanks

Thank you all!

Thank you sensei8. That's my goal, yes! Relax, have fun, but trying to make the most out of each session. Being in this experience with my son is indeed priceless! I told him I would join only if he taught me first the first Kata. This engaged him in the process of taking me in, and indeed he taught me. Yes, I'm learning it now, and yes, taking it very seriously. No point in being there, paying the fee, and not giving it all or getting from it all I can get (with hard work). It's my path to walk in, and no one else will do it for me! Also, what kind of example I would be giving my kid if I would just start slacking? Rank is not something I give much thought. My sensei tries to create union between members, regardless of rank. We do (mostly) the same exercises, and everyone tries to teach and learn with everyone else, when needed. I do ask a lot of questions... If age gave me anything (compared to when I was a kid) was the eagerness to know 'how' and 'why', not just 'what', so each new movement I try to learn exactly how it should be done. Not that I always get it right, of course. But I try. Thank you for your words...

Hello people. Just dropping a line to introduce myself. 41 yo beginner in Shotokan Karate from Portugal. My 13 yo kid started last April, and spent Spring and Summer asking me to join him (guess he was eager for the opportunity to through a few kicks at his dad ). I actually was 30 years overdue, as as a kid I wanted to join (after seeing Karate Kid, of course). Didn't happened then, it happened now. Also, I've been saying for too long I don't have time to hit the gym, so exercise has not been on my book for years now. But I had to make time to take my kid to the dojo, wait for him to finish and bring him back. It was kinda obvious that that time could be better used if I was training as well. I've been on it for a month now, 4 days a week. Loving it so far! The first weeks I was all but dead by the end of each session, now I get to the ending wishing it would be a little longer. That's a good sign, wouldn't you say? Any advice/suggestion? OSS