cathal

I use these on a regular basis. Our Sensei recommends this at pretty much any level so long as you don't over do it.

Yes, the Dao and Jin.

I am more proficient with the Bo, but I do prefer using the sword.

I think it depends upon what you are fighting against. A broad sword (correct me if I am wrong, folks) is better used against spears and staffs, whereas a straight sword is better against other swords, and linked/roped weapons.

Not in my dojo, but there is one nearby that has a Nidan who is "out". Their system didn't seem to mind at all.

There was a similar story recently about a brown-belt 16 year old girl. A man entered her bedroom through her window and grabbed her. She wrestled him down to the ground as her parents called police. Turns out he was a rapist and was intent on taking her from her home.

My dojo has a few teenagers, we find them to be very energetic and eager. We don't have any major problems with them, except that some of them can be a little eager to "test themselves" against the older students.

Personally I'd speak with the student to learn what their issues are, you may want to have your head instructor there as well. Or go through that person, if they are afraid to speak with you present.

Something I look for is both professionalism and teaching ability. Regardless of the experience that person has, if they can't teach and interact well I tend to avoid that person.

My dojo has one every summer, usually in July or early August. It lasts a weekend, and we train all day from daybreak to supper. Aside from the three K's (Kihon, Kumite, Kata) we participated in a lot of creative bunkai, 5-Kata Kumite, and some reflex games, etc. The only charges were for your own food, gas, etc. We find it successful every year, and receive good feedback. In the evening we get together and socialize by the campfire.

Perhaps already said, but I feel that is can also provide you with muscle memory.

This person, who has been training for years, but not passed 6th kyu...is this person just not trying? Or is it that they have a disorder which halts their progress?

No, which is the strangest thing, just those two words...nothing specific to a part of the anatomy.

You're welcome

I recently heard a Judo practitioner speak about getting an opponent in "the lock". Can someone tell me if this is a technique used in Judo, or just some jargon he was throwing around?

Most likely dojo affiliation. The instructor no doubt is part of that organization and earned his/her credentials with them. My organization is "Japan Karate Association" but I am in atlantic Canada as well.

I have never heard of any complaints toward that style, if you feel good about it you should try it out for a bit.

Not sure if this has been said already, but I routinely get my butt kicked by the older participants in our club. Clean techniques, and life/fight experience seems to be major factors. Another thing I've noticed is that the older fighters don't "move around" so much. They wait for us younger guys to wear ourselves down

I found this site: http://www.blackpoolkarate.com/freeclipart.htm

I'm certain you'll find them through Google or Google image search. But the bset place would be to get them from your instructor. That way there would be no issue with you practicing ahead, but with different techniques.

Something we've done in the past (but not repeated) was a coloured stripe (or design) on one of the sleeves.

What is the worst insult you've ever received, and how did you respond to it? Finally, looking back on it, do you feel you reacted appropriately?

I think it really all depends on what you want to get out of your training.

I tend to be a very close fighter, I don't back off, but if I have to "get away" I'll usually just rotate around the opponent. In the past where I've faught a "charging" oponent I've used my extra weight to stop them...when they're deflected off my body, I tend to get in under their guard.

Is this a documentary, or a story based on the first tournament?