equaninimus

The older versions of Jitte, such as those in Shito ryu, do not have the "bo" maneuvers in them. Many of the examples given as anti-bo bunkai in shotokan kata are ludicrous. Is there a Tsuruoka dojo on Prince Edward's Island? I think they have incorporated kobudo into a Shotokan-oid curriculum.

That isn't unusual. Have you tried getting some sort of counseling? The first time I was mugged, I went to campus the next day and just sat in the UC, never leaving the table. Missed my classes, including the ones I was TA'ing, and was afraid to go home that night, becaase I would have to take the same bus route and walk the same block where I had been mugged. I had trouble sleeping, and was turning into a basket case. I finally went to the counseling centre and got some help.

I would have begun with an Okinawan style, instead of Wado or SHotokan.

Ideally one should tense only at the moment of impact (see the all important "Orange Book" by Nakayama.), however, relaxing doesn't mean going all jello-like as I have seen some of the bouncy people do.

Still studying and practicing.

Does anyone do usagi tobi (bunny hops)? they used to be punishment in my old Wado dojo. I blame them for my knee problems.

I see nothing wrong with alcohol. Why else would there be a "drunken step" in Gojushiho?

I don't know about you guys, but I become quite offended when life interferes with my karate!

What's wrong with Seattle? I visited the town and looks very nice. Maybe he's referring to the unemployment and cost of living?

WTF will likely follow the led of the post-Nakayama JKA. Just how many "JKA's" are there now? 50? 100? What may hold them together is the auticratic mentality of the Korean government. Remember, they are an official governmental beaurocracy. Someone similar to Kim will probably be placed in charge.

Some of us try to avoid fighting.

And decor that resembles a cheesey chinese restaurant!

I never broke outside of demos.

My head hurts now.

I've been a soldier, I am now a teacher. I have to say proper English and the military are two subjects that rarely belong in the same sentence!

WHo are the four? I know of Choi's son, his antagonist whith Nothern ties, and Sereff, but who is the fourth?

Never went to ESPN or to Planet Hollywood, which both flank the Barnes and Noble. I would avoid using the ATM in fromnt of PH, though, since it is sort of a trouble magnet. If you want the true 'Bawl'mer" experience, eat breakfast at Jimmy's, in Fells Point. Hash browns, sausage, pancakes, bacon, scrapple (everything but the oink!) and 'aigsowverreezey' washed down by a nice cold Natty Bo! Ahhh...I miss civilization!

Similarly, I have a degree in molecular bio from 1989. I would likely start a fire if let loose in a lab today!

No. I lived in the Patterson Park area, on Patterson Park Ave. off of Lombard. I worked at Hopkins, and would often just walk home from work (worked nights in the ED). Once (the baseball bat incident) was a sunny Sunday morning at abour 0830. The other times, the actual muggings, were: -Coming back fromt the Safeway in Canton at about four in the afternoon. -Walking from Baltimore Street after getting off of the number 20 bus (Went to UMBC, took the bus to UMAB,then the shuttle to and from campus) around nine p.m.. -Walking from the dojo in Mount Vernon to downtown to catch a bus about eight thirty on a Tuesday. I actually never had any problem in the Inner Harbour, and in fact used to study at the Barnes and Noble there until they closed around eleven. I did the same thing at Daily grind in Fells Point.

Some of us consider rugby relaxing!

Did your dojo do much in the way of kata applications training? None of the Shoto schools I have trained at did before the least three or four years.

I'm quite sure I can talk my way out of most confrontations. Does that count?

I agree with Tal (what is the world coming to?). A good tournament will likely allow you to see how far you have actually progressed,as well as perhaps re-stimulating your interest in MA in general by being exposed to other styles. Lastly,as far as the sparring goes, if you are doing Goju, then the lessons leaned form sparring are not likely to be as important as those learned from Kata. Try delveing into bunkai and oyo with your instructor.

You are probably in "brown belt slump." It is a common occurrance. People either shake it off and progress, or leave. No real advice, just push through it.

My girlfriend was a competitive figure skater, and she smoked for ten years. She just quit last year. She smoked for the same reason many dancers and models and actresses smoke...to keep her weight down.