cathal

I wholeheartedly suggest that you refrain from training in that dojo anymore. Requiring students to sign payment-based contracts is a mjoar sign that you have a McDojo on your hands. Please consider moving on to another dojo if they turn out to not allow some flexibility.

Good luck keep us posted.

I'd start with the bo, and then the nunchucku. It would be a good idea to start learning the bo, and of course the nunchuku so that you can get more comfortable with sectioned weapons.

First, welcome to the forum BenefitMC. To help you determine which style you would like to train with check out the school, watch a few classes, and have a chat with the instructor. Be wary of contracts which lock you into paying. Your height and weight don't matter. As for Jet Li, he is trained in Chinese Wushu.

Welcome to the forum, Dan. If you are a member of any dojo which practices this kata the timing is typically provided in a number of ways. First through training classes when the instructor asks you do do the kata "by-the-count" and you learn the basic timing. Second, through the documentation provided (if any) which should contain notations which show you the timing. This usually includes a book (e.g. "Best Karate Series") or a diagram on a sheet of paper. (e.g. http://skkp8.samuraj-cz.com/grafika/kata/Heian%20Shodan.gif ) Lastly, you will definitely learn the timing as you practice the kata, learn the bunkai, and allow for time to pass. If these sources fail I can provide you with a guide of the timings I train with, by the technique. However there is no guarantee that this will be the standard timing your system/dojo trains with.

In my system we wear the same belt when we return, regardless of the absence. After all we did earn it through determination, hard training, and honest effort. When it comes to the gradings, we hold off until we mutually agree with eligibility on a re-grade or a standard grading.

I've changed my mind. I've decided He-Man's sword.

Please let us know how it goes.

The need for security at school sickens me. To think that children need such authority around them in order to maintain...any semblance of sanity is inconceivable.

I had to do a grading by myself once and I thought it was great. There were no others around me and it felt just like class. I didn't have to worry about anyone being too close to me, or making a mistake in the sparring.

I would definitely say that the sword is the superior weapon in conventional hand-to-hand combat. In modern conventional warfare however the sword is greatly outmatched by automatic rifles, artillery, etc.

Hello Syphax, it's always nice to have someone new jump on board.

Welcome to the forum Master Raiden. Remember that to compete as a martial artist is to become only proficient in following the rules of the tournament. It does not dictate your proficiency nor does it act as a judge of it.

I belive the rule came about due to one school being sued by parents. I can't find the newspaper article but esentially the person who started the fight managed to convince the school that he didn't. So the kid that was beat up was suspended rather than the kid who started the fight. The parents sued the school because they didn't investigate well enough and there you go, a legal precedent was set that parents can sue if the school suspends the wrong student. To save their money they suspend both students.

There are certain things in life that must be dealt with the help of others. You can place yourself in the centre of things as much as possible of course. You can advise whomever you wish to and let them know you are trying to work it out. But the simple fact you're posting here means you feel that this person could follow through with their threats. So definitely go with tufrthanu's advice and let someone know.

Hmm..can't seem to find it either. Maybe looking for budo by itself helps. I'll see what I can find.

I tend to agree with the statement that full contact tournaments are going to have more injuries, just by their very nature. But I would tend to strike harder if the person has protective equipment based on the fact that they'd be alright. It is still my responsibility to ensure that the force I use isn't going to be too much for the pad as well. Regarding #2 I would definitely always go in with the appropriate amount of speed & force. It's the control we exert over our bodies & the techniques we employ which dictate my level of contact. Of course in situations where the opponent does something unexpected, my training is to cut all power like I'm hitting the clutch.

Sadly they have decided not to return. I'm so sorry to say this but I'm thinking it was perhaps for the best. But, the worst maybe for the daughter.

For us we bow our heads slightly and say "osu" as a sign of respect, if it is our sensei, or a master. If it is any other karateka bow our heads slightly and say hello.

To be honest I'm not surprised. Martial arts in general increase a person's self-discipline and practice of etiquette. That ripples out to all of our other aspects of life, and bam: you have yourself suddenly being much more respectful.

I agree with lordtariel, displaying confidence is the key. Even if you don't feel it necessarily, you can definitely put on a show. The big thing is to relax and enjoy yourself, after all it's the whole reason you're there.

I'd love to start playing guitar, I've heard it can be quite challenging.

Something else would be to consider just how dedicated you are to going to the scheduled classes. If so then you may want to steer clear of a job which isn't as helpful in the area of work availability, especially if it rquires you to work some nights.

LOL, welcome to the forum of course. Can you tell us a little bit about your style of Karate-Do?

Welcome to the forum.