aefibird

Angry White Pyjamas is an excellent book and one that I'd recommend to all Martial Artists, not just those interested in Aikido.

Very well put.

Personally, I don't think so. Only the very expensive Adidas equipment is any good IMO. I prefer Blitz, Firepower, Century or Meijin gear. The only exception to that is the shoes - Adidas shoes are good.

...no, but there is a reason for the red and the blue... Anyway, I'm gonna back up what some of the other members here have said and suggest that you talk with your instructor about it. If you don't need any sparring gear just yet or if you can borrow equipment from the school, then there isn't a great need for you to spend your hard earned $$$ buying your own.

I always prefer to buy uniforms a half-size or a size larger than I actually need. That's to account for shrinkage when washing, and also because I prefer to wear a 'baggy' uniform, i.e. to have plenty of room in it so it is comfortable to wear. If possible, if there is someone at your MA school who has an Adidas uniform in a size 3 or a size 4, then ask them if you can try their uniform on to see which would be the better fit. I'd suggest that you go for the size 4, though.

When teaching my beginners karate class I alternate between counting in Japanese and counting in English to help fix the terminology in the students minds. When stating the techniques we will be working on I usually say the name of the technique in Japanese and repeat it again in English. ie "step forward, Hidari Gedan Barai" is repeated as "step forward, left side downwards groin-level block".

I've never heard of starting out at "no belt" before. In my dojo we start off beginners at white belt. All new starters are allowed 4 weeks worth of training in regular clothes before they have to get a uniform. The 4 weeks is to let them settle in and to decide whether they like it or not. I was a bit of an exception to the "4 week rule", though, as I couldn't afford a gi (uniform) at the time, so my instructor just allowed me to train until I could afford it.

Hi Rick! Welcome to Karate Forums.

Female - Angelina Jolie Male - Alan Rickman

Aspirin can also aggravate asthma and other lung conditions. However, the benefits from taking low-dose aspirin every day are well known and documented. I'd say keep on going with the multi-vits. I take a general multi-vitamin & mineral supplement every day, along with a cod liver oil capsule.

I'd say that jump ropes and speed balls/bags are a good addition to any martial artists training routine. I use a jump rope 3-4 times a week and we have a speed bag set up at my dojo.

I prefer to have no music on when practicing, but if I'm doing a primarily heavy bag workout then I might stick a CD on, usually metal or punk. Eg Rancid, Metallica, Megadeth, Queen, Pennywise.

Good luck!

I think it was Kanazawa Sensei who said that it takes 3 years to learn how to do a basic punch properly and 15 years to learn how to do a basic kick properly.

Good point...

Hi Gene! Welcome to Karate Forums.

Hi Typhoon! Welcome to Karate Forums.

I like grappling, but if I had to choose one over the other (as the question asks!) I'd pick striking.

I like the technique. I'd probably use it in a 'real' fight, but it would depend on the situation and my opponent.

RHF, I totally agree... my karate instructor seems to take Kibadachi (Horse Stance) training to its ultimate level of pain resistance training.

I agree. Where a person comes from shouldn't matter - it's what they've done, who they've trained with and what they can do that are the important factors in being a MA Master. Also, 'Master' means different things to different people, depending on their background and training. As DM keeps on reminding us... the term 'Master' means far different things in Chinese martial arts than it does in the West.

Ditto! Oh well, we can be pitiful at it together...

Well, it was all rubbish of course, but it kept me amused for 5 mins reading the website.

I always buy a half-size or a size too large for me when getting a new gi. That accomodates any shrinkage. Also, I prefer a gi to be too big than too small - gives you more 'breathing space' when doing techniques.

Well, I'd suggest that you go along and try out a few lessons. If you like it, then great! If not... you'll have had experience of another MA. BTW, are you thinking of Escrima training instead of or as well as Karate?