cathal

Thanks for the advice RichardGregory. Sorry guys I'm 6'1''

We went over the procedure today. It's very ordered.

I don't disagree with your opinion necessarily, but I feel that it is easy to generalize that all teens can be like that. I think it can work, as it seems in my dojo's case, but then again that school offers it an optional curriculum. This term it is Karate or Basketball.

That is some good advice, thanks.

I'm headed to a tournament this weekend, and this time there is an option to compete in team kata. Have any of you ever competed like this before? What challenges presented themselves?

You'd be surprised at how quick some can shrink. Just try doing it once and go from there.

Sounds like a plan, thanks!

That must feel fantastic, I'm glad your instructor has you in mind.

I wish to increase my stamina and I've been using my bike, and the "bikes" at the local gym. But I still think I can use some improvement. I still feel winded when I don't think I should be. For example sometimes I feel like I need a break after warm up, especially if we do some running before class. Any suggestions to increase stamina?

A terminology game we play is pretty fun for them. We write down the English language terms for techniques, and on a similar sheet write down the Japanese word. This also is done for our Dojo Kun. So then we give them the english words, and place the Japanese words throughout the dojo. Their goal is run around in teams (or individuals depending upon how many you've got). The team which matches their terms up correctly the fastest wins. At the end of the game, the students still get to have some fun because they can then do a demo of the techniques they've matched up. They decide which techniques to do in the order they want to. If they have a lot of time we let them setup scenarios as well, to make it more entertaining as well as educational.

Something else to consider about fighting is that you're going to see a different level of skill with each person. In my own experience it doesn't matter what a person is trained in, it all boils down to the individual. So don't get locked into the style debate solely.

Not necessarily. It's basically a reverse roundhouse.

My style teaches that you strike with the ball of your foot, or heel, depending upon distance. Knees can be involved if you are defending against an edged weapon and you're attacking their elbow or upper arm.

Here are some images: http://www.jkaecuador.org/patadas_archivos/URAMAWASHIGERI.jpg http://www.icon.fi/~nagai/6.gif http://www.aokdojo.com/Hook_Kick_480x600.jpg I have seen it done in sparring, and when done it is very effective to get around an opponent's guard. In combinations I've seen some rear thrust kicks thrown in before or after this technique. As for tips, etc. make sure you're comfortable with crescent kicks and of course the normal roundhouse before this one. It worked for me when I started trying this technique in competition.

I've done both, didn't stick with boxing though. IMHO I feel I get better power from Karate punches than boxing.

Congratulations.

I am a big fan of this website, the conversations, the people, everything. I'm consistently impressed that this isn't a place for people to simply toot their own horns or argue. The debates, free exchange of information, and the lively conversations are what the internet is really for.

I've noticed that, I see a lot of different timings.

Thank you I will.

I would say it is very similar.

Sounds like you're going to do fine. Something to help build your confidence would be to keep up the practice, prove to yourself you can consistently break two boards. Something else you can do is check into breaking other materials (with the permission of your instructor of course) like thin stones.

I haven't learned Jitte yet but I do like watching it performed, especially by someone who's been doing it for a while.

In fact it is. I agree wholeheartedly.

I'd love to train in Iaido, but there aren't any instructors here.

I tend to agree with what's said so far about Tonfa. They are a very impressive weapon to see in competition. You may also wish to try learning the nunchuku or maybe consider an edged weapon.