vertigo

Now it depends on your definition of kumite. If you mean free-sparring (or even semi-free, most of the time), I have very little practice with this. However, we commonly incorporate one-step (especially!) and three-step (only for our lower belt tests) kumite into our classes. Is it an integral part of karate? To me, I suppose so, as we do so many one-steps; which are nice, because we usually practice different applications of a move during those. Others may disagree and say kata is far more important, but I guess I see a balance between kumite-kata-kihon as pretty essential. Just my thoughts.

Hmm.. a medicine ball. Yeah, I imagine that would be a nice training tool. The only time I've ever used it was in passing drills during high school basketball, but I can see how it would help give you more speed and power in karate (or any other MA).

Welcome to the forums, Shorei_student

Absolutely! Occasionally, I have a "blackout" day... where my technique feels horrendous and everything I learned over the past 7 months has been chucked out the window.. and then the next day I'll have an awesome day, where technique will feel sharp and strong and I'll feel like I'm doing no wrong... just depends on the day :lol:

Welcome to KF, BobsDeli!

Welcome to KF, kenpo_fighter!

Welcome to the forums, KarateChick2009

I'm at a University club right now.. great deal for me, only $50 a semester and great instruction.

I'd have to go with Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs... those are fantastic! (I know, close enough to pb cups, but whatever )

I have only been through one grading... and everyone passed, but it definitely wasn't for lack of ability. So, I'd be a poor judge of whether or not people are handed "free-passes" in my club/dojo. I wouldn't doubt for a second though that our sensei would fail people if they were not up to par.

I think (even though you teach non-violent intervention) that you're being a little hard on yourself. I am not a parent [only 18], but I can easily see why you would react so quickly and harshly to seeing your 8 year old daughter under verbal assault from this man. Even though you don't think you should have "lost it", it's very understandable that you did. Perhaps you think that you should have been more in control than you were, and I can agree with that. IMHO, I would learn from the experience and possibly be prepared should this situation happen again (God willing, it doesn't) Just my thoughts

I don't drink coffee at all (LOVE the smell of it though ... is that odd? ) I might end up starting a bit this summer though, my job has me getting up at 4:45 am and driving for an hour

Probably, wherever we'd do it... however, as baseball season is literally around the corner, this is probably going to fall apart, unless we somehow pull about 4 or so more people (at least!) within this week.

I had spring break two weeks ago... when it was still cold.. when I get back to school? Sure enough, 50's all this week ! (You would think that we would get spring break in spring!)Oh well I had a good break, watched my hometown basketball team in our first ever state tournament (took 6th).

:lol:Nahh, this doesn't really bug me too much. It's more of an eye-roll reaction. If someone really wants to pay $35 for a piece for a worthless piece of paper. Whatever... Kinda sad that there are people who would buy this, but what are you gonna do?

whoa... this is a bit of an old topic We actually have 238,653 posts right now This was also the busiest month ever! 10,000+ and counting! [kudos to Patrick for giving us all a site where we can talk MA with other MAers ]

I see what you're saying, but you know what I mean. If I stayed to fight someone with lots of experience fighting, I must realistically look at my chances, and evaluate my options. So, I suppose it would largely depend on the situation. If a loved one were under attack, I would unleash every once of my fury on attacker. However, if someone just jumped me, and there was the option of getting out of there, that's my first choice.

We are also instructed in english. However, most of the time, our sensei will give the japanese name for a technique along with it's english name. This way (eventually) we'll learn both names to the technique simply through repetition.

..brutally honest! Ahh, I'm in the same place. There is no way on earth I would beat a street fighter with an ounce of experience right now. I have little to know fighting experience and know little to no karate (7 months doesn't seem like much). My best bet would be to either find a way out of the situation, or run. Ask me again in... about 10-15 years or so. I might give you a different answer

Happy Easter to all!

I find it difficult to predict what my future in martial arts will be right now. I've only been in it for 7 months, and I enjoy it immensely and don't forsee quitting at any time. However, after college graduation, I have no clue what will happen to me, where I will go, what I will do, etc. etc... I can't predict the future past that. I would absolutely love to continue my martial arts training as long as I possibly can. It continually challenges me, which I enjoy. As far as ever teaching? I doubt at this point in time that I would ever teach full-time. Part-time I would never rule out, even though that it seems tough enough to get to my next belt level, much less dan level. Eventually though, with enough work, I'm sure I will also hit that mark.

It might throw off a right handed opponent a little... but the same would also go for you (lefty vs. righty).. I doubt there are any signifigant advantages. Just my initial thoughts (could be wrong, but oh well)

Wait! If you're still that young, you'll have high metabolism... I know. I remember being in junior high and eating nearly 24/7 without picking up a pound... (I just grew 10 inches in a year and a half ).. If you really want some more weight, try picking up muscle mass.. how one goes about this, I still haven't figured out.. Karate has done that well enough for me though, I picked up 15 lbs (muscle) this year w/o any lifting or anything like that...

Welcome to the forums, baronbvp

Welcome to the forums, Ted. Good luck in your search for a school.