Solo

On average, I'd say 8 hours a week. Hopefully this year I can spend more time there.

My club (Goju Ryu) teaches Gekisai Ichi to White Belts and Gekisai Ni to Yellow Belts.

I focus on helping not only myself learn to read the body properly and attack without conscious thought but I focus on also helping my partner. I help by purposely leaving an area open and such hoping my partner picks up on it. My partner does the same. No fighter is flawless and that's why we train to do our best and not to try and achieve perfection. But..If you're speaking technical, I guess I'd say hand blocking..I'm not sure haha I try not to concentrate on one specific thing, more of a variety

Thanks everyone. I agree makiwaraman, that's what our dojo has started this year. Instead of 'block' gradings where the whole class gets graded, if you're ready they'll tell you/test you. They only did 'block' grading with the younger white/yellow belt classes but.. It's changed now..

Thanks Conqueror. It's quite a shock to the system isn't it? I can't wait to talk with them tomorrow night..I was so nervous, dumbfounded..All emotions were on high at that moment lol

Thanks guys, I appreciate it..It's finally sunk in and I'm honored to have made it this far. Hearing my Sensei say "Welcome to the Family.." made me think. It really is my second family, I can't imagine my life without them. Once again, Thanks everyone I appreciate it. *bows*

This morning I was surprised with a Shodan Grading. My Sensei presented me with my diplomas and my belt right after the kids, whom I've taught all year, were graded. The grading was a complete shock because I hadn't been 'officially' tested as were the other Senseis. He explained that grading me was easy, he had watched and evaluated me all year and thought that I deserved it. I'm still speechless, I don't know what to say or think at this point. I'm terribly honored to have been recognized as a Sensei. I know this simply means that I have taken on the responsibility of continuing to learn and understand the art which I have grown to love, and I intend to do so with honor. Anyway, I just thought I'd share a little bit of my Shodan Grading..I feel so..Honored right now that they chose to accept me into their 'family'. Like I said, I'm speechless..

What does a Black Belt mean...Hm…From what I’ve gathered, it signifies the beginning of an endless journey towards the mastering of your art; physically, spiritually, mentally, and philosophically. However, I believe the definition of a Black Belt will vary even if an 'official' definition for it exist. Different styles, different personalities, and different factors influence every person's definition.

It would be either one of these two men whom my Sensei has met/trained with before. He only had amazing things to say about both and it would certainly be an honor to have trained with either of them. Hanshi Richard Kim http://www.fightingarts.com/content02/graphics/kim_mem_05.jpg Master Morio Higaonna http://members.aol.com/iogkf/higaonna.jpeg

Ah boy..I've hit myself quite a few times and ended up with nice little bruises everywhere. It only made me want to learn and train harder than ever..

I'm a little late but Congratulations! I agree, there are many responsibilities attached to such an honor and I'm glad you recognize that. It proves that you deserve it. Once again, Congrats

I am currently a College Student in the Police Foundations Program here in Ontario...Oh, and I'm a first year =P

Van Helsing on DVD lol The movie was awesome...Anyone else liked it?

You're not alone. I do this in class when the teacher is boring us to death, who knew College would be so...good for helping improve my techniques

My apologies for such a late response. By the sounds of it, his strength, devotion, and faith will pull him through. I will however keep him in my prayers.

I also want to wish you Congratulations, I'm sure you've passed as well...Oh, and I hope you get better soon. I know how uncomfortable back pains are.

Congrats zuluking, it is well-deserved.

Gekisai Dai Ichi..followed by Kihon (Set 1) and then ShiponIdo (sp?)

Timmins Ontario, Canada

It's always fun trying to come up with your own kata. I'm sure many have tried this but we give a young karateka 30 seconds to a minute in front of the class to create his own kata. Everyone else just watches more or less. It's interesting to see what some of them come up with. Some add breakfalls, fancy kicks and just about anything else you can imagine. The only catch it they must open and close their kata as if they were really performing one that we've taught them. They enjoy it almost as much as we do I believe it teaches them to move without thinking, without hesitating on what move to perform next but to rather focus on just throwing anything that feels right.

Adding to what stl_karateka described, I hope this diagram helps. But as others have pointed out, there are many ways to tie your belt. http://www.georgiakenpo.net/info_pages/belt_tie.htm

I wear a White GeneSport Karate Gi...Made in Montreal Canada

I'd have to say Squid..Nothing against people who like it but it's just so...rubbery I'm never eating it again The worst part about it all is my cousins sliced it up into small rings and lied about what it was until I ate it

I'm not sure if this would be the same kind of Security as you're doing, but I was a Security Guard at a Hospital (Co-op lol) for a whole semester. I can tell you from the experience that making sure doors are locked and basically doing nothing but walking around is nothing compared to what you do in a Hospital..Everytime a panic alarm goes off you race to MHU (Mental Health Unit), making sure everything is fine or taking care of fire drills/lost patients... You have to restrain patients (2 point, 4 point restraints on a bed or straight jackets of some sort). You also have to bring bodies to the Hospital morgue when there is no one around, you assist Police Officers when they need you, escort nurses/doctors to their vehicles at night, give out parking tickets, cash pick-ups (meters/ticket machines). I guess this job isn't for most people but it's alright, I didn't mind it. I think one of the best things about it was meeting alot of people and being able to go anywhere in the Hospital, restrictions or not. We also took care of chemical spills, making sure no one was in danger..Stuff like that lol I enjoyed it

Thanks for the advice everyone. I imagine it's a slum like many of you have pointed out. I know for a fact students from all levels feel the same. Basics are very important, I can't disagree. I like doing Basics, but not for 45 minutes every class. I find it a little long, but I guess to get better it is necessary. I want to talk to my Sensei, but a friend of mine who expressed his concerns was somewhat "shuned" from class. He's moved on to other Dojos and feels he's much better than he was and is improving alot faster. I will give it a try though. I love my Dojo and I love teaching the young karateka. I don't want to give that up. As for competitions and tournaments, we barely have 1 a year. We have a few seminars, but they are out of town and not everyone can really go. Once again, Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it very much. I'll give it a try Thursday if the Head Instructor is on town. Solo