beginner

They had to be some sort of spirited for the environment that the early Vikings had to live in...ewww brutual weather and conditions. In either case, I'm sure after MJ begins teaching his gf, she is sure to be able to kick some major bootay lol

Thanks for the support folks! I am so pumped to whip my body into shape now and really get into this Goju ryu karate. The sensei even told me specficially that he hopes I come back, so I defintely wont disappoint. Jules, hopefully you can help me set up a workout plan soon. Btw, sensei used the word "Sempai" alot - does that just mean student or something? Thanks and can someone post how to count to 10 in Japanese so I can memorize it by Sunday? Or maybe I will just look it up. Thanks again guys

Trust me I do, he is pretty much my mentor

I wouldnt want to mess with Jason Bourne (Bourne Identity and Supremacy...he is bad * lol) But for real, probably my new Sensei and Master Jules from this forum...he is insane lol (in a good way tho)

Well folks! My first class is over and I must say it was a great learning experience. We started off by warming up with jumping jacks and other exercises. I got winded a few times even to the point of nearly passing out, but thats probably because my body isnt conditioned and I wasnt breathing properly...and I didnt eat much and get hydrated before I went there...yeah not a good combination but hey, I know better now and will prepare better for this sunday. I was actually surprised and honored that the sensei chose my quite a few times to help him demonstrate moves and techniques. Gotta memorize how to count to ten in Japanese too...awesome stuff!

Is there any point to stretching even if you did not exercise such as in the morning and evening before going to bed?

Dont think the corridors are tall enough down here in the basement rooms unfortunately But I have access to the gym and I'm about to get help in setting up a routine LET IT BEGIN!!!

I have a small empty room in the room next my own down here in the basement that I was thinking of using for a speed bag. I will have to see how large the heavy bags are. Thanks for the info! I will definitely be practicing when I get back home. Oh yeah! I think the ninjas are on sale at Wal Mart, although they only come in polka dot and khaki uniforms...dont think they will be effective.

Hey folks! Well I'm really excited, I signed up for the Okinawan Goju Ryu karate class on campus...so I'm officially in! Next class is on Thursday, so im pumped Are there any pieces of equipment I should wanna look into to supplement my training at home? I was thinking of getting a speed bag and some grip strengtheners...just for the fun of it

Does anyone think the use of speed bags and jumping rope is an effective practice for MA training? Just a thought that occurred to me after I was in Sports Authority the other day

Ooops! Thats what I get for checkin the forum too fast before class - I get it now Jules, sorry about that.

Hey Brit, I'm actually extremely new to karate as I still have to begin my real classes next week on campus. I never actually really thought about doing practices at home, I thought I would pick up bad habits as well, but it makes sense now that I think about it to do some things. Jules, what can be done to prevent mushin? Because I think I would definitely fall prey to that, being I dont want to look like an idiot in class if I forget a stance or move. I'm actually doing Goju ryu karate for those that dont know and I'm already getting frustated that I dont seem to be getting the semicircular footwork down, its probably because I havent practiced it in class yet but doing it on my own. In any case, thanks for all the advice! (Jules - lovin the signature bro )

Sorry to insert a bit of novice in here but I cant wait to learn more about all this stuff. School starts back up on Monday but my class doesnt start practicing again until the 9th of Sept I believe. So I'm sitting here eager to start training!! lol Oh yeah, I have some books on the way Jules! Thanks again for the heads up on some good titles

Vertical separation of half black and half white. For some...odd reason lol

Always wanted to do something with martial arts for self defense intially and now its something I want to focus on for enrichment as well as physical fitness. I also enjoy the historical aspect of martial arts such as the life and times of feudal japan. And after talking to some people here on the forum, namely Master Jules, my interest has skyrocketed and I'm ready to really delve deep into the MA

Doug, great post (I know I'm a little late). Re inspired me to continue my ways of honor and respect for myself as well as for others. The mere fact that you chose to write about it shows that you are genuine.

Doug, great post (I know I'm a little late). Re inspired me to continue my ways of honor and respect for myself as well as for others. The mere fact that you chose to write about it shows that you are genuine.

6'1 220lbs, definitely can lose weight but im working on it. I will soon be able to see my muscles too

Well since im all pretty new to the wonderful martial arts, I cant really put up a good argument for either options. From what I can tell however, the belt ranking system seems to work in regards to showing how far people have come in their training. Interesting question though!

Good to know I'm not the only one with the martial arts flu lol

I have to say this thread has been increasing my knowledge on a variety of levels in the wonderful art of Goju! My class got shut down for remodeling of the gym that we practice in until the semester begins again on the 30th. So in the time between then and now, I will be doing a considerable amount of research of the martial art, historically as well as practically for how I will go about learning it. I cannot remember being so emphatically interested in a subject in a long time so its definitely refreshing for me. Anyone know of literature that I can read about concerning Okinawan martial arts or Goju in particular? My first REAL day of practice wont occur for another 2-3 weeks I believe. I think I will visit the section on the forum that has tips for health and conditioning in preparation, as well as trying to mentally prepare myself for something I really want to do. Thanks again and in advance folks and also to Master Jules for being a huge influence!

I would agree with Jet Li, Bruce and Jackie is just all around awesome and great to watch. I'm sure he would definitely know how to defend himself. Speaking of Jet, I'm highly anticipating this "Hero" movie that is coming out later this month. Looks very nice! Anyone else see the previews?

As an extreme beginner to Goju, of course this thread caught my eye. I was just wondering where I could learn more about sanchin - also, is it something practiced later on in training or can beginners do the technique as well? Thanks very much!

I was curious about Kenpo - is that an actual MA that teaches self defense? I didnt see it on the list of the first few threads. Thanks!

Hi Master Jules - as you can see I'm new to the whole MA thing but right now I am learning Goju, maybe we can talk because I would like to know more about it as well. Thanks!