cathal

That's a pretty thick bo isn't it? Mine's a 1 1/4" bo made out of white oak and it's about as thick and heavy as I would want to ever use. Just remember, a dowel like that is probably going to be made out of something like pine so it's not going to be as heavy, or as high of quality, although it is considerably cheaper and will be free of varinsh. Ugh, yes I meant to put in 1 1/4" not 1 1/2".

That's a pretty thick bo isn't it? Mine's a 1 1/4" bo made out of white oak and it's about as thick and heavy as I would want to ever use. Just remember, a dowel like that is probably going to be made out of something like pine so it's not going to be as heavy, or as high of quality, although it is considerably cheaper and will be free of varinsh. Ugh, yes I meant to put in 1 1/4" not 1 1/2".

The only thing I'd add to Sohan's excellent advice is to make sure you work out regularly as well. The added protein will definitely help your muscle growth.

Recently a mother & her daughter visited our dojo and while sensei taught the class I chatted with them about us. She seeemed...well passionate about it. She barraged me with questions and I got the distinct impression she wanted to make sure we taught a well-rounded curriculum. I explained what we taught, when we taught it, and gave a (very) basic introduction to our style (Traditional Shotokan). She said her daughter had trained in two other dojos and none of them had what it takes. This is where I became concerned and asked why she had chosen to move on. She explained the other dojos were all about Karate, and not teaching culture, etiquette, and history. I was surprised because I had believed this was a normal part of any martial art, regardless of the originating culture. So I explained yes those things were a part of our training, wrote down the website URL so they can check it out online, and invited them to train with us. So she said they'd check out the website and come back later. As I don't have a lot of experience interacting with parents directly, can you tell me if this is a typical conversation? I felt as though I were being interrogated at one point.

Hm for me durability. When I practice it is full contact weapons, the thicker they are the longer they tend to last when you and your partner are striking their bos together.

It sounds like you have a lot of experience, we're glad to have you here. Welcome to the forum.

In situations where we can't run away this is pretty good advice. One of our training exercises is where multiple opponents (at least 3) have cornered you. Our first attack is aimed at the largest or the most intimidating. Once they realize you're up for a fight and you've taken out their friend they're less likely to come at you. Once you've taken that person out (if all goes well) you take the place of that person, almost exactly where they were stasnding if possible. This lets you maintain a mobile position to help you ensure you aren't surrounded if at all possible.

That's pretty good advice, you can tell that to anyone in the martial arts.

BAM. I'm batting 300 today

Working in a correctional facility I imagine you have a thick skin already.

My sensei's sister is a gym teacher, they've been doing a regular unit on Karate for the past two years. I've been thinking it is a good foot-in-the-door method. When you chat with the school board try starting off slow by going with one school in each category of elementary, middle, and High school. Ask that they go for this pilot project for one school year, and then do an evaluation with the students, teachers, & the parents. When you draft your proposal bring a lot of copies so everyone in the panel has a full copy of your information. Stress that you won't be worrying about full contact for the young kids (or none at all depending on your style). Also stress the other benefits like: danger awareness, staying in school, keeping away from drugs & alcohol, etc etc etc. Basically speak to the audience, and engage their interest by getting to what they feel is important in their lives.

Moreover he paints a picture of old Karate masters as refusing students and implying they wanted to keep the training exclusive. This is erroneous as back when the old masters refused potential students it was to make sure the classes were small so as to not attract the attention of the law. Because back then it was illegal to practice, learn, or teach Karate. Those in control of Okinawa did not want the Okinawan people to be able to defend themselves. Please keep in mind that a man's opinion expressed through writing is just that: a man's opinion. It's up to yourself to decide whether or not you believe it but you must be open-minded enough to take a step back and play devil's advocate. You've also got to be wary of the difference in reading a man's opinion on history versus history itself. *edit*: Fixed spelling

Ah, this explains why I've seen a few films with a hero with the same name then.

We don't have many practitioners from that style, tell all your friends. Welcome

Well you've come to the right place, welcome

Actually it's Geek not Greek. here's your first lesson: C:\DOS C:\DOS\RUN RUN\DOS\RUN!

This is where the weaponsmiths & armourers shined. They weren't simply expected to make a sword which would last the test of time & be effective. They were also responsible for maintenance.

Good job, they obviously thought your error wasn't major.

For practicing you would probably be happier with a 1 1/2" dowel. That you can purchase at Home Hardware, or a building supply store, for a few bucks. For gradings & tournaments then I'd suggest a full out bo. But as for purchasing those you can get them anywhere but keep in mind that in tournaments bos will be breaking so don't spend too much money.

I am INCREDIBLY nervous. What do you do in order to deal?

Bring back some photos and post them

Welcome to KarateForums.com I'm sorry to hear of the grandmaster's death. I'm glad to hear that even though there seems to have been some issues there you are reaching out.

I'm a fan of a no-frills gi. Colour doesn't seem to matter to me.

I can't check out the video until later, but for now based on the initial posts I would have to agree that applications to kata & basic technqiues do have weapons options. The kata Jitte is an excellent example.

Someone drifted through my town a while back, but moved a few months later after lack of popularity. I'm afraid I know just that is exists. :/