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Well, I don't know much about cocktails and the 'science' of making them, but with a drink like that having "Punch" in the name then it would need to 'pack a punch' when you drank it, so it would have to be strong. Maybe include rum?

No problems. I goof on a regular basis....

Quick note- please copy and paste the previous posters answers and reply on that. That will help people to see what has already been posted. Also, please do not remove previous answers when you post, unless a category already has 10 items listed and you wish to add new items that have not already been posted.

I think he means he was taught by a student of Jimmy Woo, not actually by Jimmy Woo.

That is very true, but a lot of people like getting a 'reward' for their achievements. Also, belts can be useful to monitor progression - both by the teacher and the student.

Thank you for the link.

That alone tells me there is no reason to do it... but if you feel you don't deserve it, it may be better for yourself mentally to do it again. I would take the test again. This way you can remove all doubt. Well, it's not really a case of feeling like I don't deserve it - I worked hard to get it the first time round - it's just that I feel I'd like to be tested by my own sensei and actually achieve the rank from someone I trust and respect, not someone who is simply in it for the £££. I'm still undecided about what to do. I may just keep my own grade and re-test next time Sensei holds a grading. Anyway, thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate them.

I've learned many, many things in my study of MA but one of the biggest lessons for me is that one, above.

I've never seen anyone become demoted, but I am seriously thinking of vouluntarily demoting myself. Currently, I am a Shodan, but because of political reasons in my dojo I have discussed with my instructor about re-testing for blackbelt. This is because my dojo is currently in the process of leaving our parent organisation because of political reasons. The standard within the organisation has deteriorated to such an extent that my Sensei feels that he does not want to be part of such a group. Consequently, it has made me re-examine my own Shodan grade. When I tested it was with the Chief Instructor/Owner of the organisation that my dojo is leaving. I am corrently seriously considering whether to drop down a grade and re-test with my Sensei the first time he conducts his own gradings. That way I would have tested with a person that I highly respect, rather than have my blackbelt tested by someone whom I have lost all respect for. Sensei feels that it is my decision - he is happy for me to remain at my present grade and he would also be happy to re-test me again. I am still undecided about it, but I am leaning more towards 'demoting' myself and taking BB again. If anyone has any advice then I'd be grateful for it! Thanks.

I'm from Wath-upon-Dearne, near Rotherham. Yes, I do tournaments.

Hi Chaos! Welcome to Karate Forums.

What do you do when you wash your gi? Wash it by hand? Use a nachine? Take it to a cleaners? Which type of cleaning agent do you use and do you use any specialist cleaners, such as washing bleach (eg ACE bleach) or Oxy-Clean? Also, do you use fabric conditioner (softener)?

Yes, shipping is expensive for filled bags. I bought mine unfilled, so that Postage and Packing would be cheaper. Then I went to a friend of mine and creeped round her mum to get me some foam and material off-cuts (she works in a haberdashery shop). I chopped them up into little bits and stuffed them in my unfilled bag, along with other scraps of plastic and the like. It needs topping-up fairly often, but it works out way cheaper than buying a filled bag and paying for extra postage costs.

Yes, that would be OK.

I prefer to do situps slow than fast. I feel I've had a better work-out when I do them slowly.

Both my Sifu and my Sensei are great teachers. Great MAists, excellent people and if I ever get to be even as half as good as either of them then I'll be happy.

I usually buy MAI wraps. They cost me about £5 a pair.

Welcome to the forums Kusanagi23!

It really does vary from club to club. My test was difficult, but hearing some people's experience of testing it looks 'easy' at the side of theirs. I know that some people's BB tests have included full weekend of testing, special fitness camp, early morning runs, 1000's of push and sit ups etc etc. Ask your Sensei if you're not sure, but just keep on practicing your techniques and I'm sure you'll be ready. Good luck for when you test!

Paul Law should know. You're right - he seems to have won just about everything there is to win in UK karate. Good luck with Gojushiho Sho. I like it, but it needs working at a lot in order for it to look even half-decent.

Hello Brandon! Welcome to Karate Forums.

Hi there! Welcome to Karate Forums. Nice to se another person from Yorkie-land (Yorkshire!) on here! Good luck with getting your sponsorship - I know how hard that can be.

Hi Steph! Good to have you aboard! Welcome to Karate Forums.

I wouldn't think so. None of the students where I train in WC are humpbacked (either when training or no) and neither is Sifu.

Enjoy the tourney! I hope that your friend likes it too.