Jussi Häkkinen

Could you just buy a do-gi of your choice and use it? I mean, good do-gi is a pleasure to train in.

What is the active ingredient in Oxyclean? I don't believe that we have same stuff here in Finland, but I might be able to find something that has the same ingredients. I have a couple of stuck bloodstains to get rid of, as well as some staining in the collar of my old do-gi (which is 8 years old and still looks otherwisely OK - old Shureido really were good do-gi).

Beginning from center, crossing in back, "nose" of the boxknot pointing to left. Belt ends even, embroidery showing outwards.

June1... Hint: Scissors.

Wash it with cold water first. After that, use a brush (nailbrush will do) and detergent to clear the rest. Wash normally. Iron. Wear.

Wait until you get to the applications. I actually tend to believe that - for example - Kusanku-kata would be enough to be an only subject of study and training (including applications, free applications, strategy, movement and free sparring to test, evaluate and get new ideas to the stuff learned from kata) for 10-20 years. It's a way of fighting all by itself. That way it used to be. Masters had one or two kata that they taught to their students - and that way shared their idea of fighting. (And no, I'm not limiting the term of "kata" to solo form only. For me, it covers all in karate - from basics to free fighting).

Check the Kamikaze ( https://www.kamikaze.com ) as well! They're excellent do-gi - especially "America" -model has a killer price/quality -ratio that is widely considered to be a best in market. If your Tokaido-size is under 5.5 (tournament cut sizes, 5'9"), you can also get their KTW -model do-gi for $88 (or under). It's strong uniform with a good material, designed for daily training. Check https://www.tokaidojapan.com for that possibility.

Shureido, Tokaido, Hirota, Satori-gi, Kamikaze, Toyo, Juka, Ki International. You'll be happy with any of the three first mentioned. You won't be disappointed with the last ones, either.

The one who actually understands that what he's actually doing when he's doing those punching excercises. They're just training tools for learning certain principles, not the "final thing". Many don't understand.

We don't have stripes that mark dan-ranks in our style. Basic black belt (with embroidery or not, "basic" in a sense of having no stripes or other rank marks) is used until Renshi-level, which usually can be granted after reaching a grade of 5th dan. Then one "rank stripe" is added. After 7th dan one can be elected to a rank of "kyoshi" with 2 "rank stripes" and after 8th dan the rank of "hanshi" with 3 "rank stripes" can be awarded. We don't have any embroidery colours etc. that would be rank-related. Colour is a matter of personal taste.

Tokaido (be SURE that you don't get that "Tokaido Arashi" -copycrap) is a great do-gi. Other great ones include Hirota and Shureido. From cheaper and still good do-gi, Kamikaze and Arawaza are making great do-gi that look nice and last well. Suggestion: Get 2 Kamikaze do-gi (Europa and America, Europa is a bit lighter and suits for kumite better, America - or Monarch - is great for kata) so you always have a clean spare do-gi. It won't cost much more than one of those high-end do-gi. However, if you want a really nice do-gi, you have no choice - Tokaido, Hirota or Shureido it is. Some addresses: Tokaido: http://www.tokaidojapan.com/ Shureido: http://www.karatedo.co.jp/shureido/english/e_index.html Hirota: http://www.karategi-hirota.co.jp/e-hirota/index.html Kamikaze (for American customers): http://www.kamikaze.com/ Kamikaze (for European customers): http://www.kamikazeweb.com/

No, but still pretty dumb. If you want to learn to use shinai, go to train kendo.

I like stiff, 1 3/4" wide, thick belt that reaches just above my knee. Broken in in the knot area, so it hangs well (but the ends still don't look sloppy) and keeps the knot. I'm currently having a tad bit too short belt that reaches maybe 4" over my knees. Still, a "must" thing is that belt reaches lower than the hem of my jacket. Yep, I have a clear taste about what do I want.

Give it a rest, let it heal. Maybe get some physiotherapy for it. After the muscle has healed properly, you can begin stretching and adding its flexibility. If there's a rupture in your muscle, stretching won't make it better - it will only delay the healing process.

In Shotokan karate? Never. Closest to a flip you get will be in the jump of Unsu-kata. Flips, handsprings and other movements are not a part of the Shotokan curriculum.

http://www.karatedo.co.jp/shureido/english/e_index.html http://www.karategi-hirota.co.jp/e-hirota/index.html http://www.tokaidojapan.com/ http://www.isami.co.jp/english/index2.htm http://www.kamikaze.com/

Depends on jacket. Usually above. However, I've used both ways (depending on jacket) and haven't noticed any difference in my jacket's tendency to stay shut.

Depends on how you train. If you can keep your pace up for 5 minutes, it is a fine cardio workout. Use music.

Muscle mass - unless it's very excess - won't slow you down. Muscles give you speed. Don't worry about gaining some mass with heavy bag training - it won't give you anything that would be excessive. Your body will just adjust to the task - and you will be faster. That's what you need muscles for. Go for a heavy bag, preferably a long one (so you can do low kicks).

I agree. Well, that's a common Shotokan-explanation for kime. Doesn't seem to apply to Okinawan styles. Okinawan styles do have focus, but it's something pretty much more relaxed and plausible.

Actually... Loosen your belt a bit. That way it won't "grab" the do-gi every time you rotate your body. Belt should hang loosely over the hips, not squeeze your waist. Tie the ties of the do-gi properly. That should help.

...and some karate styles use the red belt as a mark of 9th and 10th dan.

Half sleeve (just below my elbows), 3/4 legs. Shureido ones so far. Will try Hirota or Tokaido next, for a change. Heh, Shureido has had an "Okinawa bonus" for me, i.e. the brand is most commonly worn by the traditional karate people.

I use my Shureido 16 oz do-gi (both tournament cut) in daily training. My next ones shall be Tokaido or Hirota, but so far Shureido has been my favourite. Price isn't bad for the quality. I have a strong urge to get a tailor made Tokaido or Hirota. I somehow believe that it'll spoil me forever when it comes to do-gi.

Kick the knee. Should do it.