RaidenTB

A little something I want to share. Mostly because if I knew what was waiting to happen, I would have acted differently. So here it goes: I've broken one of my toes three years ago. No big deal, right? Well next year, same injury, same toe broken in the same spot. This year, yes, you've guessed it - broken again. After all the x-rays from the previous years were gathered together and examined, I was told that the fracture actually never healed properly and I've got some cartilage and fibrous tissue where should have been bone. Why? Cause as soon as I could walk normally, I couldn't help myself but to go to the gym and train. I didn't listen to the doctors advice, to avoid any serious activity for at least another week. So instead of giving myself a good 5 weeks off the first time it was broken and never having this injury again - I am now sceduled for surgery to remove the anomalous tissue... So from time to time, it's ok to listen to your doctors advice, he might actually be right...

I like mine around mid thigh and not too "broken in". The one I have now is just perfect, but I hated my white belt. It was just too soft, felt like a piece of ribbon

First, I personally don't feel bad or dissapointed about my instructor making money with teaching us. I actually think it's great that he's got a chance in doing something he loves for a living. I'm happy for him. He's getting his well earned financial reward every month for lessons and twice a year for exams. What bugged me were the cases where instructors charged more money only for the black belt exams and you couldn't figure out from the post wheter they were bringing in sensei from Japan or wherever... If they do it's understandable it costs more then fees for coloured belts. If they don't, then I don't get it. Maybe it's 'cause there are usually fewer candidates, the exam takes more time and therefore a price per person is higher... But so much higher? In the end I think we all know, that quality products/services cost. Some even get suspicious if they don't.

It just doesn't feel right to be paying so much more for the black belt testing... But I guess that things work that way..? I'm happy I don't need to face such situation in our school, even happier that we have a great teacher, that the price is reasonable and the quality on a high level

At our place testing for all coloured belts - including the black belt - costs about $15. The ones who pass the black belt receive a shureido embroided belt for free. Others receive only a certificate. The club has to pay for the hall where the exams take place. The grading takes a whole day. What about the monthly fee you've been paying? You pay to receive knowledge... What you make of it is your hard work. It would make more sense to give back to the dojo in some other way, not moneywise. Exactly. It shouldn't be about money. But $150 makes it about money. At least that's what I think. Unless of course the monthly fee is ridiculusly low.

LOL It's not just the water traning. There are five classes a day. Two mandatory, three are optional So if you really put in some effort, you're bound to improve your technique. Morning sessions include traning in the water (less people up at that hour - more space for us) and it's what everyone looks forward to. There's nothing like water wrestling with your sensei and swallowing some salt water mixed with sand and an occasional mollusc... Kidding about the last one

Our club organizes a summer karate school every year and what everybody looks forward to is training in the sea (in our gi's btw...) It's just soooooo fun! Sparring, practicing punches and kicks - you can easily tell whether your're just slowly "mixing the water" or giving your best. You get tired faster cause of the resistance, but you build up strength. Plus, it's not half as hot as it would be, if you'd be training on the shore Another good idea would be practicing throws in the water. It's easier to learn because it's sort of in slow motion. And the other person doesn't get hurt if you screw up

Well. I voting for Tokaido The gi was a Christmas present for my boyfriend. The staff at Tokaido were really nice, delivery was on time, the quality of the fabric is superb, so is the stitching and the cut.. What can I say. He's really satisfied with it and says he'll stick with this brand now :)

I say go for it. Grab that cup of coffee, talk... If you two really like each other, you'll be able to work something out. Plus - september is a little less than a year away. Huh, thats a lot of time... Give her a chance, she might understand, she might even come up with a solution you haven't tought of. And ask yourself what you want... What is more important to you at the moment?

Huh, I can't imagine how much I'll be shaking for my black belt test! I still have a year and a half - but even thinking about it gives me the creeps. My worst was the testing for the yellow belt, when I had to perform kata for the first time... From then on, I was considerably calmer.

LOL :D I used to hate running... I mean really HATE. But I must have some tiny bit of mazohistic nature hidden inside me that helped me get over it... Now, the first on my least wanted exercises list are ... Pushups! On knuckles! Yupeeee!

Our classes get a little different around the holidays too. Like today, instead of a regular warm up, we played football. We can get away with acting a bit childish during the holiday season

Well, my best friend who was already training for 6 months called me up one day with this crazy idea I should try karate too... It was so early in the morning I was willing to say yes to just about anything just to get her off the phone. I went to the gym to keep the promise I gave her. I tought I'd have a good workout and that would be it. But after the class - well, I was hooked, I fell in love with it. Why do I train? I love working on my katas, kumite. It's an ongoing challenge. Mentally, physically... As someone else put it: it's like competing with yourself. Pushing your limits, working hard or just trying to keep up and not quitting sometimes.

Set the jumpers correctly (there should be a sticker on the hard drive, with a map on how they should be set)

Other. We are taught not to focus on a specific body part but rather try and look at a larger perspective. Sort of "looking at the tree in the distance"

It was supposed to snow today, but it's only raining... I was looking forward to it soooo much...

Got myself a copy of the 'Grave of the fireflies'... I Cried... Gave it to a friend, he cried.. His brother cried.. Go see it. Very sad.. Heartbreaking. I think I'd like to see a happy movie next...

That's why I'm buying one. One of the instructors in our school has had his Tokaido gi like... I'd don't know... Forever? And it's still not showing any real signs of wear... Anyway, I'll let you know when I receive mine. Thanks everyone!

Almost everyone who calls or comes to sign up for classes at our school has already taken a look at our web page. Not just the younger ones, but also kid's parents etc... It's just useful. It helps people to get the info they want right away. I don't think it has much to do with advertising. In most cases anyway. It's more like - being able to provide the information in the media that most people use nowadays. It takes less time to do a web search than to flip trough the phone book (I don't even know where I have mine...) And it's also nice to have a place where you can check for the upcoming events - just in case you forgot the date and time What's important is - what you put on the web... If it's useful info - ok. But if you're like "get your black belt in just ** days" and then maybe even sell DVD black belt courses on the side ... Hmm... Well, that's another story.

White shin guards. The colour of choice for gloves would be BLUE

I started in 2000, so I was... 21. I don't regret starting so late tough. It was a sad year for me and karate helped me to pull trough. It happened at the right time.

Thanx, I'm keeping my fingers crossed too

Hi, I'm finally buying a new gi, but... Has anyone ordered their gi's from http://www.tokaidojapan.com/ ? Any good/bad experiences? How did you pay (I can't use paypal or credit card...) Did anyone use Western Union? Thanks for any reply - it's only my second time buying via the internet and my first experience wasn't a good one - so I'll really appreciate any opinion, comment or advice. Thanks again

Let the Bodies Hit the Floor - nice My favourite is Mystikal Fever. That fight seq in the Kiss of the Dragon does something to me and listening to the music brings it out... .. rip it to pieces, slicin and dicin and icin em right..

Discipline and respect. Honor. Humility.