aefibird

Good article!

Sorry, I can't help you with a Shotokan wallpaper. I've been searching for good karate wallpapers myself, but I can't seem to find any. However... KarateForums has its own desktop wallpaper that you may wish to use. KF Desktop Wallpaper

I agree. I feel that there is a general "brotherhood" of martial artists - most martial artists are interested when they come across a fellow MA practicioner, even if it is only to exchange smiles, let alone to swop training stories and compare bruises. Although there are some eejits about on the net who delight in bashing other styles, most martial artists tend to 'stick together'. The martial arts can get a lot of bad press and many martial artists feel that they should defend an art that is being attacked by 'outsiders' (i.e. those that don't train in MA), even if they don't practice that art or agree with it. Talking to someone becomes easier if you have common ground - even if the person you're talking to has never practied your art, MA is still a good reference point to get a conversation going and most practicioners are mature enough to be able to have a civilised discussion with someone in person about the pros and cons of their chosen arts.

Maybe, maybe not... but it's not my decision. She wants to give our instructor a prezzie, it's not up to me to stop here - just to try and come up with suggestions of apropriate gifts.

Congrats on your move, hope you get settled into your new place soon.

I like most styles of music, but my favourites are rock, metal and punk. Current choice of listening (this week) is Morbid Angel, Zyklon, Black Sabbath, Nightwish, Cradle of Filth, Iron Maiden, The Ramones, Iggy & the Stooges, Mudvayne and an advance copy of the new Green Day album "American Idiot". Some non-metal related music that has been for a spin on my stereo is The Blues Brothers, Elton John, Michael Buble, Pink, Anastasia, Dido, REM and a collection of African music called "African Chill".

...only the guys that have the same amount of money that he has. It's 'amazing' how a previously unattractive guy can suddenly become Mr Hunky to some girls as soon as they find out he's loaded.

Well, keep on practicing your karate but train with another style if that is all that is available to you. It could even enhance your karate techniques...

ah, but sometimes a long shot can pay off!!

...just because a person has trained in karate doesn't mean that they won't like Korean arts. There are several people on these forums who have trained in a Korean martial art, such as TKD and who have also trained in a Japanese martial art, such as Karate. The best thing for you to do is to go to a place and try it out. However, if you go with the mindset that "it's not karate, I'm gonna hate it" then, yes, you WILL hate it. However, go with an open mind and accept that there will be differences between Shotokan and any other art. Heck, there are differences between one Shotokan club and another... If you do decide to take up another martial art, then try not to keep comparing your old style with your new. Even if you find another Shotokan club, it isn't going to be exactly like the club you left. There are differences everywhere; you need to accept them before you can start to properly train again. Anyway, I hope that you manage to find a martial arts club that you like. Try out a few styles and see which one you prefer. Even if you think you won't like TKD, then give it a go - you may be surprised... Good luck!

That's the best advice to give. As Mr Miyagi say... "karate here" (points to head) "karate here" (points to heart) "karate no here" (points to belt)

Still, whether it's just an AK trait or not, it is nice to hear TKD being praised by a non-practicioner (even if it is because you're too busy with the in-fighting to see what other stylists are doing)

Yay! I always knew I was a geek...

I agree, I like that stance too. IMO we don't use Sochin stance (rooted stance) enough However, my 'favourite' stance is the one that I need at that particular minute and which will suit me the best at that time.

If you're into martial arts then combine your training with instructing and try and earn money from teaching martial arts to people. Or, you could work for a full-time MA club and be paid that way. Alternatively... try and fit in a part-time job around training. However, it depends how you want to live. If you're willing to grow your own food, live in a small house without any heating (no fuel bills to pay!), walk everywhere and wear clothing from charity shops then you'll not actually need much money anyway. But, if you like your comforts in life then you're gonna have to get a job to pay for them.

I agree! *drools along with angelica*

Yes, I know. I wish I had the money to be able to afford a decent katana. Until I get one I'll have to keep on practicing with the bread knife . *sigh* but it's not the same, and neither is practicing with a bokken. My katana is one of those really cheap jobbies that you see on sale on ebay for about £15... Still, it looks good hung on the wall above my PC and that's all I bought it for, so it does its job!

Wet noodles for a start.... Also, things like whips, chains and ropes are other flexible weapons.

I was told to shout "fire" on a self defence course that they ran for the students when I was in school. According to the instructor (who was also a full-time JJ instructor), shouting "fire" is more effective than shouting "help".

To make a couple of light, simple weights fill a strong sock with stones/pebbles and tie the top. It'll be quite a light weight (unless you have very big socks) but even light weights can be useful for toning up. For other simple hand-held weights, try using objects that you have in your house, eg tins of food. Another excercise you could try would be to lie on your front on the floor, legs together and arms straight out in front of you. Raise your arms and legs up (so that you are laying with just your stomach on the ground) and hold for a couple of seconds. That is a good excercise for back muscles as well as stomach, although, you have to build up with them slowly or you could injure yourself.

I'd say that if you like fast kicking styles...then TKD is the way to go. Try out a club near you and see what you think. Good luck!

Congratulations delta1! I always enjoy reading your posts, you have some very informative and insightful things to say. Keep up the good work!!

Congratulations on getting 1st place in Forms! Good luck for the sparring.

Thank you for the links, Kicks!

Darn, that's my training down the drain, then! I was hoping to do a 'Karate Kid 3' thing if I ever got into a real fight and do a kata on my opponent... lol, j/k. I love kata and I think it has a place in MA training. However, that's another matter... Parkerlineage, thank you for your thoughts on TKD. It is always nice to be able to have martial artists that can point out the PRO's of another style, as well as the negatives. Too often Martial Artists can get wrapped up in the whole 'my style is the best, yours is just rubbish' way of thinking and miss the fact that other arts DO have a lot to offer.