equaninimus

World Karate Federation (formerly WUKO) sanctioned events. The US affiliate is USA-NKF.

Another thing to consider is that you may never "enjoy" sparring. Many people don't. I've been doing this for two decades, and I can't say I savour the thought of kumite. I can hold my own, and I have won tournaments, but I prefer kata bunkai and oyo practice, partner drills, and things like that to sparring. I had an accident during kumite a few years back that added to my dislike of it. Instead of trying to force yourself to like it, work on gaining proficiency. Drills, half speed partner work, etc... these will increase your proficiency. Your best partner when sparring is a senior student, who is likely to haev better control than a beginner. The best way to guarantee injury is to have two beginners flailing at each other. Remember, sparring is not fighting, and its self-defence value is extremely limited. In fact, at the Rengokai this year in Okinawa, kumite was not even an event. The organizers felt that it did not represent the heart of Okinawan Karate. That says something, I think.

Better than a size three belt on a size six girl!

Shotokan is closer to Kobayashi Shorin ryu, than Matsubayashi, Seibukan, or Matsumura Seito. There is a danger in lumping all Shorin ryu styles together and thinking they are all similar. There is as much variation in technique and emphasis in the "Shorin " family as there is in the "Naha" family (think of the differences between Goju ryu, Ryuei ryu, Uechi ryu, To'on ryu, etc...).

And beware of roomares named "Fat Frank!"

In my brief (3 year) foray into TKD, we mostly used a sort of shortened front stance, rather like we do in Shotokan. It was basically up to the individual to develop a sparring posture he or she felt comfy with. Being short, I tend to use a sort of modifed front stance/horse stance thingy. Perhaps its a "Robert stance?"

It depends. In WKF competition you will see the full chamber of the hikite, and some judges will not award points if the hikite is not chambered. This sort of defeats one of the purposes, which was for the hikite to be the representation of pulling your opponenet into the technique.

Mark Bishop's book is probably your best reference for this question.

5'5 and a whole half inches tall. 160-ish. I have the "Nahate" build. isn't it fortunate I'm doing Shorin ryu?

Cool. What's your favourite event? Foil, epee, or sabre? I like sabre, but have also competed in foil. Epee bores me.

Twiggers book is wonderful. It never fails to cheer me up when I'm a bit down. It is the modern version of "Moving Zen," only without the tone of awe at the mysterious asian martial arts.

Probably a good time to let the sparring issue drop. The more you talk about it, the more it sounds like you were bested and couldn't handle it.

Your Aikido will probably become more comfortable in three or four years. There are many on this board who would never use the adjective "good" to describe Seagal or his technique. As for training in Japan, unless you do an instructor course (usually by invitation only) there is likely to be little difference between training in the US and training in Japan, with the exception of being able to understand the instruction.

I would not go over without a job, unless you are just doing the month long tourist stay. Since you haven't a degree, you might want to look into government employment. The DOD uses civillian contract personell for many things,and you might be able to find work at one of the military facilities. Be warned though, you probably won't be in Tokyo or Kyoto, or Osaka, but in the middle of nowhere. If you can get a job in Okinawa that would be worthwhile. You also should become at least semi proficient in Japanese before you leave. There are very few bilingual street signs anywhere, and even though English is taught in the school system, it won't be like it is in Western Europe where one can ususally find a person who speaks passable English for assistance. Start reading the Japan Times online now, it is a useful resource for ex-pats, from what I understand. Also you might want to read Robert Twigger's Angry White Pyjamas for an interesting take on living in Japan. Lastly, don't expect to walk into a Japanese Dojo without a letter of introduction sporting your shiny black belt. Its very impolite. Expect to start as a white belt again. I hope these bits of info helped.

Why would that "put you off?" It is a new style, you are a beginner. Walking into a different system and demanding to wear one's rank is the utmost of rudeness.

Flags are going up and bells are rigning. I'd have a good second look at your school if the sensei has that kind of attitude. I agree.

Wow! That's pretty stiff. But I guess if you can get that much ... When you consider the cost of rents in the Denver area it is not bad. I would not pay more than what I do. It corresponds with the $60.00 I payed in Baltimore, and the $100.00 in Seattle.

Try applying to the JET program, or to private language schools. I have always gone with a group from the Dojo, so it was more of an organized trip, than a case of moving to Japan, but I know others have done so. Usually ther only requirement for the private language schools is a BA in something, and stable vital signs. Good luck.

If you get kicked hard enough in the stomach, "bockage" wil no longer be a problem.

there is a real shidokan orgnaization, but I doubt this character is affiliated with them in any way. http://www.ihadojo.com/

Considering the number of domestic abuse charges against him, he is likely to continue holding his own...no one else will likely wish to do so for him!

Earlier this year I found dan certs for TKD and Karate, as well as Menkyo Kaiden for Jujutsu on e-bay. Who is more reprehensible.the buyer or the seller?

Possible? Of course.

I tie one on four nights a week!

http://www.milehighkarate.com http://tsk.com