aefibird

*Hugs back* Glad you like the site!

Sorry, no I don't know. Have you tried searching on google for how to join a clan?

I like the fact that so many martial artists from many different backgrounds can all get together and have (usually!) intelligent and thoughtful conversations. Between all the members of KF there is soooo much knowledge and experience, so it's a great place to hang out and learn new things. Plus, generally speaking, people here are polite and willing to listen to others. There's the odd exception, but the vast majority of members on KF are willing to contribute positively to discussions and to listen to the opinions of others. Good job to Patrick for creating such a great site!

Yeah, not bad, especially for a campera phone. The avatar that I have at the moment (my cockatiel) was taken with the camera phone. It's not great quality as an avatar because it's so small, but it looks quite decent as a larger pic.

That's great aes! keep up the good work! If you have some pics of you with your 'winnings' then it'd be good to see them - that's what the Karate Forums Photo Album is there for!

If anyone has any info on Karate competitions that are happening in England then I'd be grateful if you'd let me know. Thanks!

If they do, then they'll be well worth having, especially Martial Arts Illustrated. It's a lot better than BB... plus my Wing Chun Sifu writes occasional articles for MAI!

Yes, as far as I know. Go to Martial Arts Illustrated to find out more. Try also Martial Arts In Print. They publish Traditional Karate, Combat and TKD & Korean Martial Arts magazines.

It's the same for me. I've trained using double strikes in both Karate and Tai Chi, but have (thankfully) never had to use any of my MA training in a real-life defense situation. I've also used Po Pai - double handed puch technique - in Wing Chun.

I am very happy with both my martial arts schools. I have two excellent instructors and there's a great set of people go to each school. The only downside with my Wing Chun and TCC school is that I can only train once a week in each MA. :-/

I read it very very rarely. I dislike the adverts in it - far too many than necessary. I also dislike all the advertising in Kung Fu Magazine, but I tend to read that more often because I enjoy some of the articles and regular features in that, especially Sifu Henry Look's column. As for UK magazines, I usually read Martial Arts Illustrated and Traditional Karate - I was bought both of those as subscription gifts. I sometimes read Combat too and I subscribe to Shotokan Karate International too, although that's been getting more and more adverts in it recently. I know that advertising is an important source of income for magazines, especially the smaller, specialist titles, but too many adverts just darn well annoy me!

I'd go for the double weave - it'll be worth it in the long run. I'd prefer a bleached, but it's really down to personal (or Sensei!) preference. Make sure that if you buy an unbleached gi that you'll be able to wear it in your dojo - my old Aikido instructor would only allow people to wear bleached do-gi.

Buy a red gi.... I find that washing in cold water removes any bloodsatins. Also, using an oxygen-based cleaner (e.g OxyMagic) will do the trick if there's any residual staining.

Centrury tend to sell many different gi in various colour combinations - they'd probably be able to accomodate you.

I've always found that, for me, lightweight gi tend to move about more than heavy or medium weight ones. That's one of the reasons that I won't go back to wearing a lightweight gi (unless Britain is having one of its very very very rare hot days!).

I have a Kamikaze gi that is excellent quality and was quite good value for money too. If you're thinking of buying online then try https://www.mawarehouse.com for internet purchase.

I love all holidays - means I get a day off! My faves are Easter and August (there's a holiday weekend in the UK).

I'm with Orange and have a Motorola V220 camera phone. I'm on Pay-As-You-Go, not a monthly contract.

Thanks! Guess what I have... My deam guy (for looks) = Alan Rickman. The epitome of gorgeousness!! :D

Kicks, you always manage to come up with cool videos. Thanks! I love this one - very entertaining.

I use incense, because I like my house to smell nice. I usually use sandalwood, cedar or spiced apple, although eucalyptus is good if you have a cold. I've also used "anti-mosquito" incense when I've been in Africa - but I haven't noticed that it truly worked. I think the mozzies in Ghana must like the smell of it!!

Hi there! Welcome to Karate Forums. Good to have you on board. When I passed my first dan black belt I recieved a huge certificate (I'm not kiddin' - you could paper a wall with the thing...) and an embroudered black belt. I also recieved many many congratulatory drinks in the bar afterwards, but they weren't an official part of the grading reward for passing...

Hi Ian! Welcome to Karate Forums. Good luck for your tournament! Try to stay calm and remember what your instructor has told you. Above all, have FUN and enjoy it!

Sorry to hear that. I hope your friend gets his belongings back.

Definately!