whitedragond

ya, don't worry about trying to execute this 200 mph the first time. I'd work on slowing it down and making sure the technique is pretty then gradually increase the speed.

http://www.ikakarate.com/ is the website one of his students run. Some of our blackbelts had the pleasure of visiting/training for a week at his dojo. Soke Takayuki Kubota's dojo is in Glendale, California, also the Headquarters for the organization. He was also training people for the movie The Last Samurai, Perl Harbour, and many other movies. I'd say it's a modified version of Shotokan, but I think his students would say it's a style with Shotokan roots. He also developed the Kubotan weapon that a lot of people use today. During our stay, he made sure we had a nice hard workout to remember him by. They are also VERY disciplined.. No talking unless being spoken to, lined up properly, cleaning dojo after every class and not just at the end of the day, continual practice until you get it right, etc. I'm sure if you emailed info@ikakarate.com, he'd be happy to answer your questions. It may be a few days before he replies, but has answered all my questions I have sent him.

How do you think a real katana w/ a trained user would fare against a bear?

Keep it simple and to the point. In some styles, they have the philosphy of starting off with a some simple movements to express a point. Then they are 'harder' the more you learn and advance. I know of a Tai Chi kata where they would have about 10 separate 'sets' of movements each set had a name then it was combined to make one beautiful 'dance'.

Agreed. If you are really interested in one specific training, I'd try to find a school that teaches what you are looking for. If they teach one aspect each week, you aren't going to be happy if you only get to learn 1 out of 4 weeks of the month what you are most interested in.

We have all our upper belts and instructors wear full uniform. During the summer, we would let some of the beginners wear a tshirt that was an official dojo screened shirt. Those days they would most likely get a Cardio workout as opposed to learning something that would require a gi to be worn.

Stretch the muscles that deal with kicking.. hips, legs, etc. Also holding them while extended will help improve the power of flexibility. Simple/slow exercises like Leg lifts to the front and side. Try to do 10 on each side 2 times and see how your leg muscles feel and stretch when you are done.

Try to find ways to relax while stretching. You muscles will try to work against you if you try to over stress them.

Wouldn't it be nice to see how you compare with 1,000 other people? Make sure thank him for his suggestion and explain that you have made prior commitments but would love the chance to go next time!

I try to look at how much have they improved compared with how they are now. If someone weights 300 pounds and are down to 250, then it's a good thing they are working out, compared to just seeing someone for the first time and judging them based upon first view. They'll also come to the point of either getting fit to pass the tests or giving up because they think they'll never make it. They may also see you doing all those pushups and get inspiration knowing that it can be done if you work for it.

The law enforcement around here will usually understand if you are taking them to work out or driving to the dojo as long as you are honest with them and they fell like it's ok to let you go. I keep some of my "weapons" in my car because I drove to the dojo almost everyday. I think in some places they would be more strict because they have more crime, IE Los Angeles.

We too use the large balls, they help out alot when dealing with the younger/older crowd. They also give you an idea on what it feels like to do a roll so you can have an idea of what to work for.

In your combos, make sure you try to strike at different areas with different strikes. It will be easier to score a point on your opponent if you are attacking different areas. For example, Back fist to the head then reverse punch to the chest. You are using two different strikes to two different areas, making them harder to block.

Some advice I would give is to 1) Write down what you can remember in class for each day you went. 2) Practice everyday what you are being taught. I know some people have an easier time advancing when they are studying/practicing what they are being taught.