cathal

Our sensei will do that as well, DKizzle. We'll also do it blindfolded to see how accurate our movements are to the kata's imbusen.

That is a reasonable goal of course. To me the right reasons could be different for everyone, but my primary reason would be for self improvement.

OK then, can you describe, say--Levelling the Clouds?

Changing a fighting style in accordance with the opponent's training is one thing...adapting your style to their fighting personality, now that's another thing altogether. Of course, you'd have to fight them at least once.

Hmm, I wonder...anyone do plyometrics...know if that would help train legs for kicking?

I rather fail to see the point of doing it for sport...

Hmm...I'm wondering: Are there any members out there reading this thread that have less than honourable intentions to learning martial arts? If you do, do you have the strength of your convictions to say so? I'm not trying to spark flames or arguments, but to discover some opinions that aren't...well, popular.

Not only that, but it does build up leg muscles.

I agree completely. There is a person who wants you to make an informed decision.

Yes, I'm pretty sure there aren't any kata in JKD. I may be totally off base, but I'm certain Bruce Lee indicated that he felt they didn't work well for training.

Another member of my dojo used it as a throw once...it was very effective though I couldn't describe it properly now.

Story is perhaps the wrong word...what I mean is, do the techniques executed look as though they would work if a person was placed on the receiving end. I guess that is also has the philosophical point of view as well, as you folks have already commented on.

Sparring an adult, definitely not a good idea for repeated sparring. But once in a while, like once a month or once every few weeks...maybe a good training tool against taller/heavier bullies.

I'm sure none of this is what you wanted to hear, Mtal. It is a good idea to pick one and to be very dedicated...if you truly want to be a master first examine why. Is it for prestige? Is it for power? Is it for the fact you want other karateka to look at you with awe? If so, then those are the wrong reasons, I'm afraid.

I may need a fire extinguisher, but I *hate* both shows. None of the acting seems genuine, its either not enough or too over-the top dramatic.

We usually just have groin protection, teeth protection, and a light kuckle-padding for the hands. But, we aren't full contact.

I definitely use them; they are great.

I definitely don't like the long sleeves; opponents can get caught up in them, and they are also easy to grab.

There seems to be a lot out there...what do you use?

I prefer kiba because its easy to move into other stances, and you aren't too low.

In my Shotokan style, affiliated with the ISKF, there is no red belt (other than the designation in kumite/kata competitions). Just black from shodan up.

That's a great satire LOL

He sounds like a good person. My sensei offers 8 classes free to new members, though.

Well how about the brother-sisterhood? Not as catchy.

We have also used it as a double-punch. But it all depends on how your enemy approaches you. The full setup with your wrists to the side can be interpreted as grabbing their punch, and then the double-punch.