bluetiger

Very well put, manuelito. I may have to use that one on my wife one day!

The best thing I can tell you is that kids don't want to do the same old thing time after time. That's why at our school they have "traditional days" where we work on katas and our punches, kicks, stances, blocks, etc. They also have sparring days. Basically, from kids to adults (depending on what class) you strap on your sparring gear and get after it. Naturally with the lower belts, you're usually working on certain kicks, punches, blocks or counters when you spar. However, the higher ranks get it on. Maybe you can take the same approach and work on some things on certain days and mix it up for the other days. ***NOTE*** I am NOT saying to have your 11 year old beat up on the others! Just maybe work on kicks one day, stances another, etc.

We signed my youngest son up when he was 6 (he's 7 now). He absolutely loves it, but I think a lot of that has to do with the dojo. We have a program call Lil' Ninjas that is designed for 4-6 year olds. When they are 7 they join the juniors class. There are also several different programs that the kids can get involved with. As long as they are interested and make a good effort, let them go for it.

Man, you guys are a bunch of alcoholics!!! I don't drink alcoholic beverages. Nothing wrong with them, just don't drink. Most of the time I drink tea, water or gatorade. Every once in a while Dr. Pepper.

I'm 6'4" and 235 lbs. I'm out of shape, but that's one of the reasons I decided to take MA. I have exremely long arms and legs, so I'm sure whatever weight I lose around the middle will just be added to arms and legs.

I'm 34 and I'm just starting. We've got a purple belt that's probably 14 or so, but most of the higher ranks are late teens early 20's. You can't worry about what other people think.

I stretch everyday (my wife insists). She's very much into yoga, but has shown me some basic stretching excersizes to help me with getting older and not acting older. I also do at least a small work out everyday. But what do I know - I'm just a beginner also!

Thanks for all the advice! I plan on getting as deep in Shotokan as possible. That being the case I may not want to learn other styles for a long time. The only reason I brought it up is that Shotokan, Aikido and Wing Chun were the three styles I was really interested in before deciding on the obvious. It was a tough decision, but it eventually came down to the instructors. Thanks again.

Me too. My 3 kids started, and I was so interested I couldn't stand it anymore. Oh, and BTW, I have been in for just over a week, and I feel GREAT!. I haven't felt this good in yrs. I'm the same way. You don't realize how good hard work can make you feel sometimes.

Thanks for the advice. Actually the 6 was too short. My shoulders are pretty broad, so that usually screws me up on shirts all the time. When the 7 comes in I hope it doesn't swallow me whole.

is it possible to study 2 different styles of martial arts without sacrificing at either? I'm just a brand new MA student, but I have a thirst for knowledge! Right now I'm taking Shotokan, but I'm also interested in Wing Chun and Aikido. Don't get me wrong, I'm not planning on signing up for all three and I probably won't consider another for quite some time. However, is it feasible at some point in time to start another style? I've also heard that it takes quite some time before you really become profficient(sp?) in Aikido. Is that true?

I'm not even going to tell you guys what it costs for my three boys and myself per month. I will say this. In some areas of the U.S., martial arts is very expensive. It's one of the reasons I've never been able to do it until now.

Hey guys. My three boys all take Shotokan at a local dojo. They talked me into getting back into it. I'm currently a brand new white belt that desperately needs to get back in to shape. I've always loved martial arts, but never had the chance to take formal classes. My friends growing up all took one style or another and taught me enough to get me into trouble. I do have one question, though. I'm a decent size guy (6'4" 235lbs). They told me they had to order my Gi. Is this normal? Or do only little people attend my dojo? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions!