Valithor

Perhaps. Although I've had military training, I don't know a lot about the special forces. I agree it does depend on the situation, and I think perhaps the thinking is that in very-high pressure, high-demand situations that the male individuals in those units may have subconscious issues with a female member. Again not necessarily because they aren't as good but because they are different. Our sexuality is an incredibly influencing factor on how we think. There is the issue with physical ability, but again I suspect that the units that have a real need for specific fitness would not have different requirements for men and women. As for the submarine issue, thats a different, yet related issue. Again its not the ability of the woman that in question. Its the effect it may have on the abilities of the men. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with the thinking, just what I suspect it is.

Pretty close. Its very difficult to appreciate the essense of karate-do without having studied AND practiced it for many years. It would be very difficult for a white belt to understand the significance of a particular kata or perhaps a move in a kata. The same can be said for Christianity. Having studied a little theology at university, I have a much greater respect for those people in our society, such as priests, who have spent a large portion of their lives learning about the topic. Its not really possible to explain karate to someone in a few hours so that they become great karateka. The body must develop and learn through practice particular psycho-motor actions. There is little substitute for experience. Likewise, the Christian faith cannot be devalued to a few hours of teaching either. Sure the basics can be explained quickly. But indepth understanding takes years of study AND practice. One of my original Sensei's once said to me: "The more you know, the more you realise you don't know." I think the same can be applied to religion. If you think you know alot about Christianity, I ask you, how much do you really know?

No, only for the last 7 years... But if you mean, have I trained with another style of karate? No.

I would be interested to hear any reasons behind why a combination such as jab, reverse punch is ineffective. I would also like to hear a counter-suggestion.

Kewl... thanks guys.. must be an American slang term. I've never heard it before, but its very appropriate sometimes, sadly.

There are particular roles which women are excluded from in many Armed Forces. Sometimes this is because of the physical demands of the role. However, this is rare. The primary issue is the group's efficiency and ability to bond. Whilst diversity in general is beneficial, in particular military roles the ability of a team to perform as a unit is crucial. Because such military units are created for specific reasons to perform certain tasks it requires each member of the team to be equal both physiologically and psycho-socially. Its not that women are not as good as men. They are just different.

Hi Telsun, I've been training for nearly 7 years now (been Black Belt for three). I'm not sure what subconscious motivations I had for starting, but one of the main reasons I did was to keep fit. I did rugby and athletics at school, and was keen to keep active. Now there's many reasons why I train, including to keep fit. I like learning and practicing kata. My favs would be Kanku Dai, Kururunfa, Unsu, and Seisan. I also like kumite. I train for both points and continuous tournament sparring. I've only trained in karate, but I know a few people who study other styles (Eg: TKD, Akido, Weng Chun). Hope that answers your question

It was at one stage.. But we've learnt a few things since then.. Cricket, Rugby, Tennis.. what else did we beat you at recently.. um.. oh thats right.. Soccer All in good fun!

Diminutionally consuming thermogenic beverages amid erudite edification plausibly effectuate vagrant coordination consequentially inducing epidermal and sub-cranial burning, however deleterious cerebral repercussion requires splendiferous disingenuousness. Hope you've had some coffee

It brings a whole new meaning to the expression: "Looking for a fight"

Very true! It can be a humbling experience to be knowledgeable of stochastic calculus and multivariable optimisation only to be stumped by a high-school geometry question.. Sorta like a 3rd Dan getting a black eye from a 3rd kyu, i guess..

I think the Matrix Reloaded is the only movie I've ever gone to see twice before the opening weekend.. and still considered seeing it again then. It is quite unique because of its appeal on so many levels. The mathematical/scientific concepts are just as "impressive" as the martial arts choreography. The philosophical nature is also typically appealing for our 21st century psycho-social environment. Very hard to pick a fav scene.. Loved the scene with The Architect - quite brilliant! Loved the Neo vs Agent Smith(s) fight sequence! Loved Morpheus' katana scene!

I've only seen UFC1 completely.. it was pretty good. Seeing Royce Gracie up against some pretty big opposition was impressive. I also dislike the concept of adding in rules and weight-divisions. One of my fav fights, though, was from another one.. I remember the commentators giving the standard pre-fight info and general excitment warmup.. only to have the fight last all of 10 sec.. thanks to a hook punch to the face..

Wow, I remember the days of Streetfighter and Mortal Kombat. I think my fav characters were Ryu and Scorpion.. but its been a while.. but THE game is Tekken! I've only played T3, TTT and T4. Tekken Tag Tournament has by far the best range of characters and the 2-on-2 concept is quite good. Surely martial artists with a little computer know-how, like the people who post here, would have at least seen Tekken?? Who is your fav character? or character combination (TTT)? Mine is Heihachi.. with either Hwoarang, Paul or True Ogre.

Yes, this is truly a great movie. Not only did it reduce me (and several of my friends) into fits of laughter at the time of viewing.. but some of the jokes continued for weeks in our conversations. I personally love the "Your clothes are red" jokes.. I think its the last one thats the funniest.

Nice One of my favs is "A closed mouth gathers no feet" ... Hmm, why do I have the feeling someone will remind me of that in the near future??

Hi all, Yes I am a Christian. I have also studied theology at post-graduate level. Just to make a few comments: * Martial arts are many in number and vast in variation. Some do not involve a spiritual side at all.. some do.. and some could be considered as highly religious. * Variations in religious beliefs would easily outnumber the number of differences in martial arts.. and a lot of people take it very seriously. * Around 1/2 of the world's Christians belong to the Roman Catholic Church. There are hundreds of other denominations. * Whilst Karate-Woman's definition of atheist is correct, the word has become socially synonymous with a person who has NO religious beliefs or practices. Many religions do not believe in a "god". Train hard and be true to yourself.

CONGRATULATIONS! Its definately a special feeling when perseverance pays off Keep smiling!

One could argue that playfighting is playfighting and sparring is sparring.. but one could also argue that sparring is sparring and fighting is fighting.. While we're talking translation.. I've managed to deduce the meaning of troll.. but I'm just wondering where that word is used, and by whom?

Hi Lilbigman, To develop better accuracy with your kicks, you need more control. To get more control you need flexibility and balanced strength. It is important to develop all the muscle groups involved in kicking. Whilst some may give you greater power, others can assist you with control. Some training suggestions: * Practise your kicks (in air) in slow-mo and then super-slow-mo, maintaining good technique and control. (At various heights) * Use fixed targets to practice on (from fast to super-slow-mo) * Use moving targets to practice on I like the plastic bag suggestion above. Previously I've used a balloon. Once you've developed greater accuracy, you'll want to keep it. Mark targets on a punching bag or perhaps use a variety of makiwara boards at various heights. Hope you find a method that suits you!

Glad to hear there are some Americans who think about what they say and hear...

Say this really fast: Wine diner pool tyre....

Thank-you all, yes isn't he kewl!

Speaking of sad... That reminds me of the name change of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone... Some people just have no idea..

..not telling But I'm sure someone out there can work it out..