solar_kid

There is an "onion peeling" feeling about the kata for me... As I learn more, I feel that I get a better understanding and/or better performance of all of the katas. Then, from time to time, I'll start to get this feeling like I'm not really improving on the old katas anymore, or I'm not sure what to improve or do differently. Inevitably though, something clicks in my mind and I realize that I'd been doing some aspect of the lower forms incorrectly or poorly, and that I can do better. And, I have to say, I still find heian shodan quite challenging. Easy to learn, but difficult for me to do well.

I love coffee, but I am also a coffee snob... no instant coffee for me please. I grew up around so much BAD coffee, I didn't think I liked it until I bought the equipment to make it at home for guests. The first time I made it fresh, though, I had a cup and loved it. I also have this strange thing.... I don't care for coffee in the morning. I still enjoy the smell of it, but not the taste. But I love coffee right after lunch. I can only drink a cup or two each day, though, or I bounce off the walls.

My dues just went up to $70. Well worth it, IMHO.

I find that bad days bother me much more when I'm tired. Often, a good night's sleep fixes my mood... although the only thing that can fix the problems is, well, fixing the problems. Making a list of things that get to me and figuring out what to do about each sometimes makes me feel better too.

I suspect that would be pretty normal for someone your age. I'd guess that you will find your body reacts more like you expect it to once it is done growing!

Although I'm sure you'll get a lot of ideas about how to quit, the first thing that probably has to happen is that you need to believe that you can quit! So, in that spirit, here's my little story. There are two people I know of (one is my grandmother) that smoked heavily for 50+ years. Both smoked until their smoking landed them in the hospital. Both faced essentially the same choice... stop smoking or it will kill you. However, both of these people managed to quit. I know it must be very difficult, although I am not a smoker, but if people who smoked heavily for 50+ years can quit, I am sure that you can.

Thank you. I enjoyed your post, and it answered some questions I had about the art.

I like the idea of keeping it around as a home training gi. That way you still get to enjoy it but don't have to worry what it looks like to anyone else. I've yet to find a gi that fits right, so I don't think I will ever have to fear liking any of my gis too much.

bock bock bock I love these eggs. I do like the creme eggs, but the caramel eggs are my favorite. I managed to avoid them last year, but I'm not sure my willpower will outlast this year!

I just finished my master's degree. However, we were in class the other day, and Sensei asked me how old I am. I reply, I am 29. He nods, and we continue training. The next day, Sensei approaches me again and asks how old I am again. I again reply that I am 29. 29? he replies. I nod. "I though you were like 19," he says. That made my day.

It was a little creepy. I thought the movie was fairly well made, and it kept me entertained throughout... I saw it on a lark and wasn't disappointed. Made me think a little too.

So, ShotokanKid, what can you tell us about applying zen to life and work? I'm curious if you took away a few key lessons or themes?

Plus, it's considered poor poker etiquette to cause murder and mayem with the cards.

It sounds like you got a lot out of it and kept a good attitude. Well done! Our sensei tells us that we are too sensitive to criticism anyway.

On my first day, I was pulled aside. My instructor and I covered the basic dojo etiquette, front stance, how to move forward, how to make a fist and throw a punch. In any case, new students at our dojo get a week or so of individal instruction like that in all the basic techniques. Sometimes, during that first week, I'd join the class for warm ups or a few basic exercises. It was enjoyable, and non-threatening. I wish I could do it again!

You could also buy a long sleeve gi from any source and have the sleeves altered to the length you want. Usually, it's very inexpensive, and may expand your options considerably. Plus, the sleeves will be exactly the length you want.

Master Jules, I understand what you're saying about belt-washing, and if that is your wish, your students should respect it firmly, but our sensei specifically told us to wash our belts when we first get them, and periodically thereafter. Sounds like our school may be in the minority in that regard, but it sounds like this is a custom that may vary from school to school.

I can see why one might see this practice as disrespectful. I guess I don't see it that way. I just think it's odd, kinda funny, and a bit pretentious. In as much as martial arts can improve one's character, maybe these kids will see things differently as they mature.

I'm often replaying the last exercise in my mind. It's been so bad every now and then that I realize I haven't heard the directions for the next exercise. Beginner students who don't know the Japanese names for the techniques have saved me several times because they need the instructions repeated.

Shotokan here. I started a year ago because I wanted to do something physical. I wanted exercise, which I had been doing on my own, but I also wanted to improve my balance and coordination and general awareness of how my body can move. I thought I would enjoy (and I do) some of the japanese culture that a traditional school would offer. I thought it would be great to have some sense of how to defend myself should it ever be necessary. And, I was just curious about karate ever since I was in elementary school, and realized that I could give it a shot if I wanted to. It's been quite a ride. Hard at times, but very rewarding so far.

I would really recommend Robin Rielly's book Karate Basics. It has a lot of information on what to look for in a school (and I suspect that part of the book is applicable to all MA, not just karate), and it helped me with that same decision. It also can give you a good idea what to expect in a karate training session. That said, I think some instructors really just have a gift for working with kids, and the best way to find out if a prospective school is like this, just go watch one of their kids' classes.

Yep... whichever he likes enough to stick with is gonna be the best. If he likes them all, then go with Shotokan.

I had a problem with tense shoulders too. I just try to do some shoulder rolls before class, and just make a point after each exercise to make sure I haven't tensed up. And, after only a week or two, I pretty much stopped having the problem. Every once in a while I'll still do it, but not nearly as often as before. That said, there are a lot of good exercises for improving upper body strength that, properly done, will only improve your overall conditioning. I'm just skeptical that it will help the shoulder tension. Good luck!

Our dojo offers a monthly test, and there was no prohibition to going the month before I was planning to first test, and observing the test. I still find it valuable each time that I test to observe people taking the more advanced tests, and seeing what they are required to do. Best of luck! I'm sure you'll do fine.

Thanks to all for the replies! In a disappointing denouement, I was actually sick when the test came around in December, so I ended up missing it anyway. That gave me a while longer to train. I ended up taking the test today, and I passed. (Yea!)