Patrick

Thank you for sharing this with us, Bob (@sensei8)! Your earnest nature is something that I've always appreciated, and it shines through here. I appreciate you.

Hey all, As part of our 25th birthday celebration, I would like to announce the launch of our new Training Logs forum. I went back to try to find when members started to use our forum this way, and I found a training log that @Symphony-x started almost 20 years ago, on November 29, 2006. In January of 2007, @bushido_man96 (Brian) started a thread that was open to all, and many people have used that thread over the years. Although it has 5,674 posts in all, only 1,893 of those belong to Brian. In fact, 7 other members have posted more than 100 times, and the thread has been viewed over 500,000 times. That encouraging environment that Brian created inspired several other threads over the years, including a martial arts technique log from @gzk, and individual training log threads from @Karate4Life (here), @Wayofaswede (here), @DarthPenguin (here), and @camotheman (here). In honor of this interest, we would like to try to give these training logs their own space, which will hopefully encourage continued logging by those who already do it - and new threads from additional members thanks to this fresh burst of encouragement. Ultimately, it could also be good to separate them from more traditional discussion threads, as well. A big thanks to Symphony-x for starting the first one (that I could find) and Brian for building the momentum that helped members to share their regular training habits here with the community, which is really what leads us to starting this new forum. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you for reading. Patrick

In this forum, you can create an ongoing thread where you document your training. The definition of "training" is open-ended. It could be exercise and physical training, your martial arts training, or perhaps some other form of training. For inspiration on what your thread might look like, please see examples by DarthPenguin, Wayofaswede, and camotheman. If you're not quite ready to start your own thread, you can also contribute to bushido_man96's training log, which is open to all. Thank you for reading.

Thank you for the kind words, Brian (@bushido_man96). It's very touching to read, not just what you said about me, but especially how deeply the community has impacted you over the last 20+(!) years. It's such a beautiful thing. In turn, you have played an important role in making this place as special as it is and are one of KarateForums.com's greatest champions. Not in the "I won a tournament" martial arts sense, but in the personal sense, as an unselfish, thoughtful supporter of what this community can be at its very best. I am grateful for all of your efforts on staff, for your contributions here, and for your friendship.

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community. We did this back in 2013, and bushido_man96 was one of the members that participated. Member Profile @bushido_man96 (View Profile) KarateForums.com Sensei Joined: March 31, 2006 Posts: 31,212 KarateForums.com Awards: Community Spirit Award (2025, 2024, 2022, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006), Staff Member of the Year (2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2009, 2007, 2006), Health and Fitness Contributor of the Year (2025, 2024, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013), and Article of the Year (2014, 2007) Interview Where has your martial arts journey taken you, since November 2013? Since 2013, I’ve hit several milestones. I tested for and passed for 4th dan in December 2013. In December 2024, about 11 years later, I tested for and passed my 5th dan. During that time, the Taekwondo school where I assist with teaching changed hands. I also went back to an Aikido dojo where my good friend is the sensei and have been attending regular classes and attaining rank. Incidentally, my hiatus from Aikido also lasted that 11 years. I’ve recently started attending regular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. In addition, I’ve had some opportunities to cross-train. What is your grade or level now? Taekwondo: 5th dan. Aikido: 5th Kyu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: White belt. Combat Hapkido: 4th Gup, but no longer active. When I asked you the highlight of your training back in 2013, you mentioned an ATA instructor certification camp, instructor seminars with Grandmaster Sun Yi, attending a G.R.A.C.I.E. course taught by Royce Gracie, and connecting in-person with @sensei8. Do you have any new highlights to add? I’ve attended several different defensive tactics courses for work and have been building a curriculum for the department I work for. I was excited to achieve the rank of 5th dan in Taekwondo, which I had put off for far too long. I also helped build the curriculum for a women’s self-defense seminar that our Taekwondo school holds every year, and I assist with teaching it as well. My favorite highlight, however, would have to be the cross-training seminars that I’ve been able to be a part of in a teaching capacity over the past few years. In the first cross-training weekend that we had, the seminar consisted of sessions taught by three different Taekwondo instructors (myself, the owner of our school, and another instructor from Colorado Springs, Colrado), two senseis from a Shorin Ryu Karate dojo, my Aikido sensei, my former Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, and my former defensive tactics head coach from our local university. Each instructor was able to present material pertinent to their particular styles and journeys, and it was open to the students of each of the schools, as well. I immensely enjoyed teaching and training in these seminars. I learned a lot, and the best part is that all of the instructors get to sit around and nerd out about martial arts together. Each time we teach, it challenges me to come up with something I feel good about presenting to the group. The last few times we were short a few of these instructors but, by and large, we have a consistent group that meets to cross-train at least a few times a year. Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years? Over the course of the next few years, I plan to continue to consistently train in Taekwondo, Aikido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with a focus on continuing to attain rank in Aikido and hopefully Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. How would you sum up the last 13 years of your life? Boy time flies! Over the past 13 years, I’ve had two children graduate high school and enter college, my youngest started high school, and I’ve become a grandfather three times over. I’ve also had my 20-year work anniversary with the sheriff’s office, along with my 21st wedding anniversary. Chasing kids’ sports and activities, chasing martial arts goals, and life in general has gotten busy! My wife has also pursued new goals in her professional life and has recently attained another degree and started attending graduate school. Things are picking up! Why are you still visiting KarateForums.com? I continue to visit KarateForums.com because it is the constant in my martial arts life. My work schedule throws my training into flux throughout the year, but KarateForums.com is always there for me to go to, even when I can’t train. The community here is supportive and encouraging and I always enjoy dropping in and reading posts, offering some comments when I can, and learning things from the members here. Being a part of KarateForums.com has become a part of my martial arts life. It also keeps me accountable to my own training. If I’ve been lazy, reading posts on training logs or posts that are questions about training, they’ll give me the kick in the pants that I need to get off my butt and get back to work. What’s changed in the community over the last 13 years? Traffic has ebbed and flowed and members come and go (and some come back again). I really think traffic is back on the rise now. The site migration has been a most welcome improvement (I was nervous about the change at first; you know, change and all…). Some things in the forums have been consolidated and renamed, but overall, the experience is still the same. The same quality of community exists here. What do you think it says about the community that we are doing this again, so many years later? It speaks to the quality of the members, the moderators, and the culture that has been developed here. Like training mandates in so many martial arts (but often fails to exemplify when it comes to trying to discuss them), KarateForums.com is built upon respect, humility, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. It honestly goes back to the vision that you, @Patrick, founded the community on; a place where any stylist with any amount of experience could come and express their thoughts, ideas, or questions, in an environment that encourages discussion instead of conflict. There’s no chest pounding, there’s no condescension. The community has been built on respect and courtesy, and it continues to thrive because the members here realize that so much more can be learned and achieved from each other by interacting in this way. When we spoke back in 2013, you were a Sensei, and you are still one today. Why have you remained committed to the community in this way? The simple answer is because I love it. I enjoy the community and being an ambassador for the community. When I found this site, I really fell in love with it and with the interactions in the forums. When I was asked to join the moderation team, I learned more of how and why this community is so great, and being able to continue to foster the culture here and being able to work to maintain such a great community is very rewarding. I’d like to end by repeating the last three questions I asked you previously, as I think these answers can change over time – or not. But they are worth asking for the sake of identifying what makes this community so special. How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training? This is kind of the same answer as last time. I really try to approach my training in different ways depending on the day. It’s affected by conversations I’ve had here at KarateForums.com. Someone might mention something in a post about an approach to a technique, or about a strategy or nuance of sparring, and I’ll think about it and take it into class with me and see if I can use it or try it and see how it works with what I’m doing that particular class. Someone might make a point about something in class, and I’ll compare and contrast that with how someone here might have related to it. It helps me to think of the martial arts on a broader level as a whole and helps me to think outside of my training boxes. Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you? There are so many! Last time I mentioned sensei8, @DWx, @tallgeese, and @ps1, and there were so many more that I interacted with quite a bit that have been gone for some time. Since that time, members like @Wastelander, @aurik, @Spartacus Maximus, @DarthPenguin, and @Wado Heretic have all been influential to me. I know there have been more, and I apologize for leaving anyone out! I’d like to list the entire roster! Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advise or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey? Aside from my previous response, it’s very difficult to recall one particular moment over any others. The support that I’ve received from the community members always go with me when I teach a class, or attempt a grading, or attend a seminar, or teach a seminar. Just knowing I can come back to KarateForums.com after a class or other event and share my thoughts and experiences here affects my martial arts journey.

Thank you for being a part of this community, @Drew! I appreciate all of the contributions that you have made. Patrick

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community. Member Profile @Drew (View Profile) Joined: September 28, 2011 Posts: 205 Interview Where are you from? Illinois most of my life, and Tennessee the past four years. Why did you get started in the martial arts? I got started in the martial arts because of a feeling, the type of feeling that says you are meant for something. Why have you continued to practice them? Actually, I’ve been weight training mostly, and restoring mobility from some injuries before I get back to martial arts. Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken. I’ve trained in BJJ for a lot of years, about 20, counter to what my most recent performance would suggest. I’ve also trained Muay Thai in Thailand, boxing, karate, Judo, MMA, and quite a bit of medieval martial arts as well. What is your grade or level? I’m not ranked or graded in anything, but I’ve fought in the ring quite a bit. Tell me about the ring fighting. I think I’ve fought on 5 cards in various sports (MMA, Muay Thai, and boxing). I don’t think I’m forgetting any. The bell has a way of changing reality. The world gains an almost dreamlike quality, invariably, where sounds are muted and where anything you do hear is resoundingly loud. Do you teach? I teach sometimes. What are your first memories from training? My first memories from training are punching my dad's hands when I was about 10. He showed me how to box. What has been the highlight of your training? The highlight of my training has been Thailand. I really enjoyed doing 2-a-days 6 days a week. No one can keep that up for long though. I shrunk a lot and was very fatigued by the time I got home after 3 months. What do you do when you're not training? When I’m not training, I spend a lot of time on Instagram. I also like playing guitar, 3D modeling, painting, coding, and just thinking. What do you do for a living? Currently, I’m recovering from some kind of illness that doctors haven’t been able to explain to me, so not much. It has to do with mobility, and it’s been getting quite a lot better very quickly. When I wasn’t sick, usually something in a warehouse or factory of some kind. Sorry to hear that. Who are or were your martial arts heroes? Everyone who worked on Avatar the Last Airbender, Jack Dempsey, Marcelo Garcia, and Saenchai. What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows? Kill Bill is probably the most extreme martial arts movie that I am aware of, though I find portions of it very hard to watch. Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years? In the next few years? Fighting a lot more. Preferable sooner than later. Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join? I found KarateForums while researching martial arts in a computer lab when I was in middle school. I didn’t join for over six years actually. When I did, it was out of a need for community. Why did you stay? I stayed because I like the people here. You've been a member since September 28, 2011. During this time, how has KarateForums.com changed in your eyes, if at all? KarateForums has grown a bit more silent than it used to be. That makes me sad. How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training? For my training, members have definitely influenced me over the years. A lot of people said some really interesting things that stuck with me from the very beginning when I was in middle school. @DWx, @sensei8, and @bushido_man96 all still cross my mind when I’m working specifically on karate techniques, because they were there when I first developed them, whether they know it or not. Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you? @Wastelander. He has a really cool, traditional yet practical style that I think reflects the environment of the forum. Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey? Of all the advice I’ve received here, this is the best: “The proof is on the floor!” (From sensei8).

Hey all, Thank you for visiting KarateForums.com. We recognize one member every month as the KarateForums.com Member of the Month for their positive contributions to this community. Our honoree this time, during our 25th birthday celebration, is... @camotheman! Beginning in 2004, this marks the 256th time that we have selected a Member of the Month, and the 192nd individual member that has been honored. camotheman, it has been great to see you become more active this year, and I've enjoyed reading your contributions. Thank you for being a part of our community. Patrick

Thank you for being a part of our community and for sharing with us, @Revario. It's great to get to know you better through this interview.

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community. Member Profile @Revario (View Profile) Joined: February 26, 2023 Posts: 43 Interview Where are you from? I was born in Haiti. Moved to Gatineau, Quebec, Canada before I could walk. Why did you get started in the martial arts? I started at a very young age. To be quite honest, probably to be a Ninja Turtle. I was 4. Why have you continued to practice them? At first, because it gave me what it promised: I became a Ninja Turtle. I did take a break in my teens and came back to a different art than Karate because I wanted to try something new. I didn't like it. Then took another quick break. I was introduced to another art in my early 20s, and I went because of my lifelong interest in martial arts in general. I simply liked what I saw, and its methodology but mostly the teacher. After deep analysis, I came back to Karate in a new and different way. My time away helped me truly understand it. Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken. As implied before, I did a few. First was Chito Kan Karate. The teen period was a Kung Fu of what I can only assume now was knowledge of mixed origin, not one specific style. Early 20s, I discovered Krav Maga and came back to Karate but Chito Ryu. What is your grade or level? Not high. Official grade is 2nd kyu. I don't train for belts, however, and my sensei knows this. Hence, I get to learn kata from up to 3rd dan. Only and specifically the ones I have interest in. Again, I don't train for belts and promotion but for skills and understanding of movements for purpose of self-defense. Something @sensei8 said has stuck with me: The proof is on the floor. I understood that one's knowledge, understanding, and application is much more important then level or rank. I do sound bitter when it comes to this topic, as I learn in unorthodox ways and have lots of issues with ranking systems. Do you teach? I try to teach. Specifically offering free lessons and seminars to interested people in my area and to dojo in my community. So far, the interest has been quite limited as I am not good at promoting. What are your first memories from training? I started very young, I was 4 years old, so my first memory is learning the rolls on a gym mat. Not spectacular or anything great, just a very far and muddled memory. What has been the highlight of your training? I would have to say that is the moment when it all clicked and made sense as one. When I was able to see, visualise, and understand that kihon, kata, and kumite are truly one. From there, my approach to Karate took a very sharp turn and remained on that path. What do you do when you're not training? Stimulate my mind via movies, readings, and video games. What do you do for a living? I work in Customer Service. It pays the bill. Who are or were your martial arts heroes? The few that stand out are the ones that I follow the teachings of. In no specific order: Tsuyoshi Chitose, Motobu Choki, Mas Oyama, Yamaguchi Gogen, and, of course, my sensei. What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows? The Raid series. Gangs of London. I will answer this by saying action directed by Gareth Edwards. He knows how to make an art shine as well as the artist and brings great brutality to his action. I am quite confident anyone who has seen any of his work can confirm, he changed martial art action cinema and what can come out of it. (I think we all secretly would have wanted a Mortal Kombat done in the same fashion as his Raid movies). Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years? I am quite uncertain to be honest. I would ultimately like to have either an established school or be a travelling teacher giving practical seminars in dojos around America. Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join? Yes, via a simple Google search with those exact words, Karate forum, and it worked. I joined because it was exactly what I was looking for; a community of people into martial arts. People that were not keyboard warriors but true martial artists who had real insight to give with no ego or pretentions. I think people here speak from experience and have nothing to prove to anyone. Such intelligent communities seem to be rare in the midst of all social media. Why did you stay? Despite not having constant updates, pictures, videos and comments like other social media platforms, there is highly educated content and intelligent conversations. How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training? Inspired by peoples comment and methodologies. Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you? @Wastelander. Because when I initially had that spark and idea in regards to practical Karate, he is the first person I found online who was doing it seriously. In all honesty, at the time, I didn't know he was involved here or that his handle was Wastelander but his logo was unmistakable. So not necessarily via here or this site but on other media, he has been an inspiration and beacon when it comes to practical Karate. (There may be others who have also inspired me elsewhere that I simply don't recognize their name/handle here). Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey? In one of my most recent interactions, I figured and understood I may not be as alone as I once thought I was on the path I have chosen. It is good to know and understand that (a.) I'm not that special, lol, and (b.) Others have dealt with similar situations, continued, strived and succeeded in their martial arts path. That there is no reason to give in or give up and as hard as it can be to take a route that is not often taken, it is absolutely rewarding and worth it. That is something that has, does, and will continue to affect me forever. Knowing that this place exists, in and of itself, has had a positive impact on my training, not just one piece of advice.

It is an incredible testament to Bob's contributions to our community. Yes, this has happened one other time, as @Zaine was honored with Member of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Thanks Ken, Bob, and Brian. My pleasure.

Thank you for the kind words, Bob. It means a lot, and it is touching to read about how the community has impacted you and been there to support you in your life over the years. Similarly, you have had a great impact on many martial artists through your contributions here, and the community has a lot of love for you. This is demonstrated through countless posts of appreciation, as well as the KarateForums.com Awards. I am grateful for everything that you have done here, and for all of your kindness and support. Patrick

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community. We did this back in 2013, and sensei8 was one of the members that participated. Member Profile @sensei8 (View Profile) KarateForums.com Sensei Joined: February 23, 2008 Posts: 17,451 KarateForums.com Awards: Member of the Year (2011, 2010, 2009), Community Spirit Award (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013), Staff Member of the Year (2023, 2019, 2013, 2012), Karate Contributor of the Year (2015, 2014, 2013), Health and Fitness Contributor of the Year (2017), Instructors and School Owners Contributor of the Year (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013), and Article of the Year (2012, 2010) Interview Where has your martial arts journey taken you since our first interview in November 2013? My martial arts journey has been vicissitudes, to say the least. Hierarchical changes; civil war erupted in every seam, crack, and corner that forced every dojo under the SKKA umbrella to break away in totality by canceling their membership from the SKKA for cause. Thereafter, the infrastructure quickly collapsed, and the SKKA and hombu closed permanently. What martial arts do you currently take? Shindokan Saitou-ryu: 1964 to present. Shindokan is an Okinawan martial art that's Shuri-te and Okinawa-te based; 85% hands and 15% feet. Tuite and Tegumi are deeply interwoven into the very conscious fibers of Shindokan. Founded by Fuyuhiko Saito Soke, Judan, in 1950. Yoshinobu Takahashi Dai-Soke, Judan, was my sensei. What is your grade or level now? Shindokan Saitou-ryu karate-do: Kudan (9th dan). Shindokan Saitou-ryu Kobudo: Hachidan (8th dan). Shindokan Shogo title: Hanshi (teacher of teachers). Tae Kwon Do: 6th gup (green belt). When I asked you the highlight of your training back in 2013, you mentioned your students. Do you have any new highlights to add? My students will always be my highlight, and that’ll never change. Without the memories of my students, I’m nothing. In 2014, I celebrated my golden anniversary, 50 years on the floor, training in Shindokan. 61 years so far. I was blessed to be chosen as a KarateForums.com Sensei on June 28, 2016. This highlight means quite a lot to me because just like a Shogo title, you have to have that honor bestowed upon you. Way back in November of 2011, I was chosen as KarateForums.com Sempai. Many here remember that in my earlier KF days, I was nearly banned. I’d be remiss if I don’t remind myself about what happened so long ago in my earlier times at KF. While I have earned @Patrick and the staff's support, friendship, and forgiveness for my unprofessional behavior during my darkest days, I can never take what they did for me lightly then, nor will I ever! Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years? No matter what battles I might be facing with my health problems, I’m a martial artist, and martial artists train! I’ll always embrace that challenge. As a martial artist, personal and skill development is crucial in the hopes of fine tuning my comings and my goings on and off the floor. I suppose I see myself taking my martial arts journey one day at a time; 7 times down, 8 times up! How would you sum up the last 13 years of your life? Earlier, my life was quite promising across the board. The latter part of these 13 years was akin to a roller coaster ride through a never ending nightmare! Why are you still visiting KarateForums.com? What's changed in the community over the last 13 years? KF means everything to me. These are not idle words. At my lowest and highest moments of my life, on and off the floor, this community and its members were right there to strengthen me across the board. Things that have changed at KF in the last 13 years that comes to my mind are the forum reorganization and the migration to new software. KarateForums.com is now much more orderly and much more user friendly. What do you think it says about the community that we are doing this again, so many years later? We're viable! KF has always had a strong community potential for growth and sustainability. The reason for this, in my humble opinion, is because of what Patrick brings to the table. He’s not afraid of change; he’s a proponent of "Who Moved My Cheese." The community encapsulates that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When we come to create something significant, we do it together instead of individually. When we spoke back in 2013, you were a Sempai and later you became a Sensei, which you still are today. Why have you remained committed to the community in this way? Because we are family! At KarateForums.com, there are shared goals and values, along with recognition, contributions, and a sense of belonging. Maybe I just want to see what happens next. I'd like to end by repeating the last three questions I asked you previously, as I think these answers can change over time - or not. But they are worth asking for the sake of identifying what makes this community so special. How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training? Many, many times. There’s a wealth of ideas to garner from the diversity of its members. Not just from senior ranks, but from all walks of martial arts lives. I can’t disregard advice or ideas from a beginner or non-martial artist because of what knowledge and experience they might possess. I take those ideas and apply the pressure tester on the floor to see if it’s effective. Members of KF are my living technical book and the wall to bounce off ideas and the like. Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you? That’s a million dollar question! One way or another, I’ve been influenced and impacted these past 13 years by so many KF members, of which I’m truly proud and grateful for their timeless and effective advice. They’ve continued to awake in me that there’s so many other differing methodologies and ideologies that are away from Shindokan. Then there’s the vast amount of prayers, support, and love that I’ve received from KF members when I was fighting prostate cancer, which is still in complete remission. This compassion still continues as I fight the possibility of a brain tumor. There are no words big enough to express my deepest gratitude. KF members always have my back. To each and every KF member: I’ll never forget you and neither will I ever take your friendship lightly. You all mean the world to me. If this is my last year on God’s green earth, I know that KF and its members have made me a far better person and martial artist. Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey? As far as the floor is concerned, I’ve received a ton of great advice from the plethora of KF members both MAists and non-MAists alike. After all, when it comes to the floor we all have one thing in common: Betterment. We want to be better in every single thing that’s the martial arts; not to be so-so but to be better than we were before. Because of every KF member, I’m better now on the floor than I was before. As mature as I am in my techniques, there’s far more to learn because we MAists are students first, teachers last. If you’ve never had the floor remind you that you’re not all that and a bag of chips, then you’re not going anywhere else effectively. Off the floor, KarateForums.com members have given me great advice at the beginning onslaught of the impending SKKA civil war that finally closed the SKKA permanently. Every time my back was to the wall, every time I didn’t know what was up or down, every time I had to make some critical decisions, every time I was mad with the current administration hierarchy, every time I needed help to shut down the machinery of my mind, every time I needed to find a way to pick up the thread of the past, every time I was at my ropes end, every time I had to fight harder, and every time I made sure that the student body was protected, KF members were there with some remarkable great advice. That gave me the courage to fight to the very end. Congratulations and happy 25th anniversary, KarateForums.com. See you on and off the floor for many years to come!

Follow every thread tied to our 25th birthday celebration in one central spot: https://karateforums.com/topic/52570-kf-25-follow-the-karateforumscom-25th-birthday-celebration/

Hey all, As we continue our month-long celebration of the 25th birthday of KarateForums.com, I wanted to provide a central place where all of the announcements, articles, interviews, and retrospectives can be found, in addition to the threads you can participate in. This is that place! We'll keep it updated throughout our celebration. Announcement Celebrating 25 Years of KarateForums.com Participate 25th Birthday Check-in Answer Our Member Interview Questions Product Updates Our New Training Logs Forum Member Interviews aurik bushido_man96 Drew JazzKicker KarateKen Revario sensei8 Wado Heretic Wastelander Articles How KarateForums.com Has Impacted Me by sensei8 Whether You've Been at KarateForums.com 20 Minutes or 20 Years, You've Had an Impact by bushido_man96 Retrospectives KarateForums.com Awards Retrospective: 24 Years of Award More Member of the Month Once our celebration is complete, this thread will serve as an archive where we can continue to look back in the future! Thanks, Patrick

Hey all, As we celebrate 25 years of KarateForums.com, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at the KarateForums.com Awards, our yearly awards program where members honor their fellow members, through a carefully-considered series of nominations and votes. It's a beautiful and probably my favorite time of year here. Beginning in 2002, we've held the award series 24 times, with our 25th edition coming this October. By the Numbers Iterations: 24 Unique Categories: 14 Current Categories: 7 Total Awards Offered: 183 Total Votes: 2,534 Total Awards Won: 211 (more than 183 due to ties) Members Who Have Won: 69 Members Who Have Been Nominated: 169 Categories Our current categories, how many times they have been awarded, how many different members have won the award, and who has been honored in those categories the most (if there is an honoree that has received it at least twice): Member of the Year: Offered 24 times and won 29 times by 23 different members; most by @Spartacus Maximus, @sensei8, and @Zaine with 3 Community Spirit Award: Offered 22 times and won 24 times by 8 different members; most by @bushido_man96 and @sensei8 with 9 Staff Member of the Year: Offered 24 times and won 29 times by 13 different members; most by @bushido_man96 with 9 Funniest Member of the Year: Offered 24 times and won 31 times by 22 different members; most by @MasterPain with 4 Karate Contributor of the Year: Offered 13 times and won 15 times by 8 different members; most by @sensei8 and @Wastelander with 3 Health and Fitness Contributor of the Year: Offered 13 times and won 17 times by 8 different members; most by @bushido_man96 with 7 Instructors and School Owners Contributor of the Year: Offered 13 times and won 15 times by 6 different members; most by @sensei8 with 6 We have retired the following categories: New Member of the Year: Offered 16 times and won 17 times by 17 different members Equipment Contributor of the Year: Offered 6 times and won 6 times by 5 different members; most by @JR 137 with 2 Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling Martial Arts Contributor of the Year: Offered 5 times and won 5 times by 1 member; all by @tallgeese with 5 Article of the Year: Offered 14 times and won 15 times by 11 different members; most by @tallgeese with 3 Korean Martial Arts Contributor of the Year: Offered 2 times and won 2 times by 1 member; all by @DWx with 2 Thread of the Year: Offered 3 times and won 3 times by 3 different members Funniest Thread of the Year: Offered 3 times and won 3 times by 3 different members Top 10 Members by Number of KarateForums.com Awards Wins 1. @sensei8, 28 wins 2. @bushido_man96, 27 3. @tallgeese, 15 4. @DWx, 12 5. @Wastelander, 11 6. @JR 137, 8 7. @Spartacus Maximus, 6 8t. @DarthPenguin, 5 8t. @Zaine, 5 8t. @MasterPain, 5 Top 10 Members by Number of KarateForums.com Awards Nominations 1. @bushido_man96, 68 nominations 2. @sensei8, 54 3. @DWx, 32 4t. @Wastelander, 24 4t. @tallgeese, 24 6. @Spartacus Maximus, 22 7. @JR 137, 21 8. @Zaine, 14 9t. @aurik, 13 9t. @Nidan Melbourne, 13 For a full list of all previous nominations, nominees, and winners, please see our awards page. Special Thanks One final note: The KarateForums.com Awards would not be fun without the members who take the time to nominate and vote. It's your nominations that lead to our ballots, and it's your votes that determine the winners. Some of the people who participate in this way are never nominated for our award themselves. The entries that are submitted during the nominations period are the backbone of these awards. When you nominate, you convey to a fellow member a special honor. If you have ever been nominated, that means that another member, when faced with a blank screen and asked to think of a name, thought of you first. That really speaks to how they value the contributions that you have made to this community. Thank you to everyone who has played this role.

Thank you for joining us for this interview series, JazzKicker. Always happy to see a post for you and great to have the chance to get to know you better. I appreciate all of the contributions that you have made over the years.

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community. Member Profile @JazzKicker (View Profile) Joined: August 7, 2017 Posts: 222 Where are you from? Central New Jersey, USA. Why did you get started in the martial arts? I was in high school, Kung Fu was on TV, and my brother was trying Chun Do Kwan in college. Why have you continued to practice them? All the usual reasons. Health, fitness, self-discipline, confidence, a sense of personal power. Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken. Judo, Shito-Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, MMA, Jeet Kune Do, Tai Chi, Ryu Kyu Kempo, and boxing. What is your grade or level? 4th Dan Hapkido, 3rd Dan Tang Soo Do, and senior level JKD. Do you teach? Not currently. I did teach a TSD class in the past. What are your first memories from training? Being sore from karate and being slammed in Judo! What has been the highlight of your training? I have been fortunate to learn from many notable masters and teachers, both in regular classes and seminars. What do you do when you're not training? I play jazz guitar and trumpet. I cross-train with cycling, running, and yoga. I'm a parent. What do you do for a living? I'm a retired electrical engineer. Who are or were your martial arts heroes? Among movie stars: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan. Among the "not famous:" my Hapkido instructor, Frank Woolford, my first karate instructor, Yoshisada Yonezuka, and Tim Tackett from JKD Wednesday Night Group. What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows? My favorite current series is Warrior. Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years? The biggest goal as I get older is to keep training with the club I'm with, staying mobile and healthy. It would be nice to get to 5th Dan before I'm done! Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join? Probably a web search. I like forums like this more than Facebook because people here are more mature and respectful. Why did you stay? There's a nice and diverse group of contributors here. You've been a member since August 7, 2017. During this time, how has KarateForums.com changed in your eyes, if at all? It seems the same, except people have left. How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training? It's good to have an external community that reminds me of the commonality of the martial arts. I can bring up a topic, and there will be people here who "get it." Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you? I would say all the currently active contributors. Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey? I would say not so much a moment as a period of time in my life, where I did not have a regular group outlet for training, and I struggled with life issues like work and parenting. Being able to connect with others on a shared passion was a support.

Thank you for sharing, Ken, and for all of the contributions that you have made here, both as a member and staff member. Congrats again on making Sandan!

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community. Member Profile @aurik (View Profile) KarateForums.com Sempai Joined: November 8, 2016 Posts: 709 KarateForums.com Awards: Member of the Year (2022), Funniest Member of the Year (2023), and Karate Contributor of the Year (2023, 2022) Interview Where are you from? Erie, Colorado (just north of Denver). Why did you get started in the martial arts? The original Karate Kid movie sparked my interest. And then when I was in high school, a friend had been training in karate and Aiki-jujutsu. I checked it out. It looked like a lot of fun, so I signed up. Why have you continued to practice them? Now that I'm a few years older, I continue to practice because they help keep my body moving the way it should. I also have met quite a few friends at the dojo. And I want to continue to be an example to my son. Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken. Juko-Ryu Shorinji Kempo, Juko-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu, Shuri-Ryu Karate, Judo, Uechi-Ryu Karate, and Matayoshi Kobudo. What is your grade or level? Uechi-Ryu Nidan (I will be testing for Sandan before this is published). I just earned my Yonkyu in Matayoshi Kobudo Do you teach? Yes. I am currently training for (and will be testing for, prior to this being published) my Shihan-Dai (apprentice instructor) license. What are your first memories from training? I remember one time when I was 17 or 18 and a cocky kid asked my 5th degree instructor to spar with me. He looked at me and called me out. Another time, we were hosting our soke for a seminar. He asked me to be his uke (demonstration partner) for a demonstration - I felt like my feet were going to hit the ceiling from some of those throws! What has been the highlight of your training? There are many of them. Passing my Shodan test in Uechi-Ryu was a big one. Watching my son earn his Shodan-sho (junior first degree) was another one. What do you do when you're not training? Work, spend time with family, video games (I just started back on Diablo 2), blacksmithing/bladesmithing, traveling (we're heading to do some off-roading near Badlands National Park over Memorial Day). What do you do for a living? I'm a software engineer for a large company. Who are or were your martial arts heroes? Two of my instructors - my current instructor (Richard Bennett) and one of my past instructors (Joe Walker). I look up to them because they continue to train and teach and evolve their karate every day. Richard makes a point to visit other senior instructors a couple times a year to refine his karate and "cross-pollinate" with other senior Uechi-Ryu instructors. What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows? Oh, there are too many to list. Bloodsport, Hard to Kill, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, Cobra Kai (and the rest of the Karate Kid series). Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years? I hope to remain injury-free and continue training regularly. My next two goals are to earn my Sandan in Uechi-Ryu [editor's note: Sandan earned] and Shodan in Matayoshi Kobudo. I would also like to take my son to Okinawa over spring break before he graduates high school. Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join? I remember Googling around and found it when I was just getting started back into the martial arts. There was a lot of good information on here so I signed up. Why did you stay? The sense of community; the sense of mutual respect and camaraderie. I appreciate how when one of us shares the highs or lows on here others will join in to support and/or congratulate them. You've been a member since November 8, 2016. During this time, how has KarateForums.com changed in your eyes, if at all? I think over the years the quantity of material shared on here has gone down somewhat. However, the quality of those contributions continues to excel. How did becoming a staff member change how you viewed the site? It pulled back the curtain somewhat and let me see how some of the decisions were made. It also made me feel more responsible for keeping up the high standards here. How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training? Every so often I'll come across a particularly insightful post about the meaning or interpretation of a technique that will sometimes make me re-evaluate it. It may not necessarily result in a huge change to how I do something, but it helps me reinterpret the meaning behind that technique and possibly present new ways of applying it. Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you? I've found Noah (@Wastelander) and Bob (@sensei8) to have particularly insightful information. However, the number of members who have positively influenced me is far too many to list in a single post. Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey? I don't have any one specific moment. However, the members here have been a continuous source of encouragement, feedback, and information over the years.

Congrats Ken! Happy for you.

When I mentioned this initially at the time of posting this announcement, this thread was not yet up. Now it is! Would love to have you participate if you are not already part of the interview series we are publishing: https://karateforums.com/topic/52556-kf25-answer-our-member-interview-questions/. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing that with us, @camotheman! Good to get to know you a bit better.

Hey all, As you read the interviews that we publish this month for our 25th birthday celebration, you'll learn a lot about your fellow members. Even if you weren't included in the list of interviewees, you can absolutely answer these questions, too. We'd love to hear more about your background. If you're up for it, please reply to this thread and answer the questions below! You can simply copy-and-paste them from the text block below. Thank you for taking the time. I look forward to reading your responses. Patrick Where are you from? Why did you get started in the martial arts? Why have you continued to practice them? Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken. What is your grade or level? Do you teach? What are your first memories from training? What has been the highlight of your training? What do you do when you're not training? What do you do for a living? Who are or were your martial arts heroes? What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows? Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years? Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join? Why did you stay? You've been a member since November 11, 2021. During this time, how has KarateForums.com changed in your eyes, if at all? How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training? Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you? Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey?