italian_guy

Yes, this is what I mean by aggressive... I also do that, I have the advantage to be one of the biggest guy in the class, however I'm not the fastest and the most flexible.... but if I don't do this way the others, which are faster, younger, and more expert would outclass me. By being aggressive I keep them under pressure. Yes me too, there are always up and down in the path.

Welcome to KF.

Thanks for the link.

I'm cross-training two completely different arts: One (karate) is: Okinawan, mostly striking(some grappling), mostly external, the other is (Tai chi chuan) Chinese, mostly grappling (some striking), internal. They are two completely different activity is like playing Soccer and golf, no possibility to get confused. The benefits on physical fitness cumulates. The only problem is the focus, expecially when you are close to belt test... unfortunately both my school have belt test in February and in June so it gets hard to prepare 2 belt tests in the same period. Aside of this I consider cross training in these two arts as beneficial.

Is JKD a purely striking art? I don't think so!

Is it similar to Ba gua chan? The website could not be accessed.

Welcome to KF

Hi carl, are you from Master Jules dojo too? Just joking... there are quite a few people from the NY area studing Goju on this board. Welcome to KF.

How Xie Xie. Welcome to KF.

Oh sorry I thought we were talking about MA in general while I see we are talking about karate specifically.... Ok most of the things I say are still valid anyway....

Yes I agree with SS. In particular you should start about your motivation. Is it for self-defence, competition, as an exercise or just for the fun? You like more to strike or to grapple? You would like to be exposed to full contact or not? Do you have any particular thing you would like to learn? Starting from this questions we may help you to select a set of arts that may fits you then you can see if they are available in your area and take a visit to those dojo...and then you can chose. Wow I elaborated a complete plan....

I have to say, I do not agree about the spectacularity of TKD. I definitly do not like the Olympic version (I prefer Judo if we are talking about MA at the Olympics). But anyhow it is a matter of taste....

I like very much kata... but I prefer to spar. I like also bunkai... but having a real opponent that does unpredictable moves for me is better. Anyway my current approach to karate is taking 2 classes a day. The traditionalist class that does kihon, kata, bunkai, drills, grappling and, time to time also sparring; and the sport class that does mostly sparring drills and free sparring. I can tell that I enjoy both classes.

Karategi Size 6 (I have 3, 2 inexpensive from getfit and 1 from Adidas). Mouth guard, Groin protector(Sphinx), shin guards (Sphinx), and kumite gloves (??? I don't remember the brand).

Congratulations.

It's written in my name and profile......

Hi, welcome to KF. I left kickboxing but I think is a good MA.

I think that another answer is: because boxing has a long tradition, while kickboxing was born 30 years ago boxing was born in the late 800' and even earlier to some extent.

I think it would be fun to watch a Tai chi figher who compete in MMA. Unfortunately I don't have Sky.

What is, in your opinion the most spectacular martial sport? (I mean with fighting not talking about forms). I watched K1 monday on eurosport and saw K1 MMA competitions and as far as spectacularity I was definively not impressed. The best martial sport to watch for me is still kickboxing (K1 or any style).

Osu

Welcome to KF. Good luck for your turnement. Enjoy

Welcome to KF

We also have Shodan ho in my dojo. It is the last exam you take in the dojo, it means you are ready to go for the black belt which is an exam that is held in the Headquarters of the Regional federation FIJLKAM (Not in my town). The same apply for 2nd and 3rd dan, while 4th and 5th dan you have to go to the national HQ in Rome. Inside the dojo the Shodan ho wears a Black belt like shodans but cannot wear it in turnements or official occations. It is a sort of pre-selection of your dojo before attending the official BB. Usually this last for less then 6 months (just before the Shodan exam held twice a year)

No, it is impossible... however books can supplement class training (new exercices, new combos) and give you historical and cultural hints. However you absolutely must follow a class.