jay46

Be prepared to pay an extra $5 -$20 on top of normal shipping. Karate Depot seems to have the price with shipping. That's the only reason we took the family on a 90 minute drive to AWMA retail store in order to get a couple of bo for the kids (damn, they grown too fast). The savings on shipping for just the bo more than made up for the gas and tolls.

The info page for the Nagle AOKA event has links to registration (though you could register at the door), rules, divisions and the driving directions to the venue (Marist HS). $40 for kata, weapons and kumite. It's $10 less than it was last year.

AS far as I know, anyone can compete as long as you pay the entrance fee. Info page: http://www.aokainc.com/AOKA2005/Events/eventdetails/AOKA2006tourn.html My family has been to and competed in the past two. It's a well run event. If we can clear a prior commitment we might even make it this year. There are some other events held regularly throughout the year. BKG tournament in Lincroft, NJ in early June. Golden Rule Tournament Oxford, NJ in February. Sensei Hughes School of Isshinryu Tournament in April . Though he's running the World Tourney end of June in Princeton so there might not be the April tournament.

On Sept 30th there is the Nagle AOKA tournament in Bayonne. I heard that Gary Alexander may be having a benefit seminar in the near future. Next June in Princeton the Isshinryu WKA Championship.

Ah, the vertical fist with capped thumb. It makes the wrist less likely to bend with contact. Black Belt magazine had an article on that very concept a couple of issues ago but strangely enough didn't mention that it's one of the main concepts that makes Isshinryu the style that it is.

Can you explain what it is you need if not pants to spar in? You could try either Tokon Dynamic (http://www.tokon.com/shop/shop/category.asp?catid=10) or Century Ironman. I believe that they both have elastic waistbands. Otherwise just get yourself a nylon sweatsuit.

There are 10 in our school, 6 open hand and 4 weapons.

Interesting. You say "instant coffee grinds". Do you mean instant coffee or do you mean grinds from a pot of brewed coffee? I would guess the former since it would dissolve but who knows with 'Heloise' type hints. Does the brand/type of coffee matter?

I've been a vegetarian for 16 years. Some are vegans for ethical reasons. I orginally stopped eating meat and cheese to reduce my blood cholesterol levels which were in the high 300s. I still need to take statins to reduce it even further. But one side effect from my diet is that I eat way too many simple carbohydrates. This, in turn, raised my triglycerides to borderline unhealthy levels. It's been so long that I have lost the taste for meat. In fact, some times the smell of cooking meat (especially chicken) turns my stomach.

How about if your 9 year old soon-to-be nikyu is in the same dojo as his older sister, mom and dad? My kids are one rank above us. I'm sure it helps that the wife and I are kohei. Most times his stances are sloppy. Sometimes his kata is ragged. Nevertheless, he almost always shows spirt, intensity and focus when executing. His technique might be wanting but he tries. He seems to enjoy being there and that is what is important. During the kids class in our dojo the serious stuff has some fun and games is interspersed with it. Remember that play is an important part of learning grown up tasks. Like in kata there are hidden messages in some of games we play. OP, just remember your son is only 9. He might not be able to perfectly translate what he sees and what he knows into what he does. If he's not enjoying himself at all then try finding out why. The pressure to grade may be a bit much on him. You should talk to your sensei privately about the situation. It's tough coaching 3rd graders and even tougher when the athlete is your own kid. Remember at 9 they think they know everything.

I think "the mouse" is kind of cute. I blame Brandi Chastain for the sports bra look. Unless it's the pants you think are tacky.

http://www.satori-gi.com/

First, I would have complained to the organizer and anyone else that would listen Could you get your entry fee back? If not, why wouldn't you compete? Just accept the fact that you were robbed of your entrance fee and never think of attending an event by that sponser. And make sure that every one you know hears of your experience. I think it's totally inappropriate for a child to be asked to judge at a competition no matter what the rank.

Gary Alexander was in attendance at a tournament in Hackettstown, NJ this past weekend. You knew when he arrived. His dress uniform like attire was impossible to go unnoticed. And by the way, his traditional boots were replaced by black loafers.He judged weapons kata and was sinban for black belt kumite. He was very liberal with his interpretation of what no-contact meant (it was a no contact tourny). In other rings a simple brush of the helmet earned a DQ. In his ring a mawashi full to the face was the only DQ that I recall seeing. I would have loved to have seen him, Don Nagle and Ralph Passero go at it in their primes.

Are you saying to use the toothpick to build up strength? I think just the opposite. Get the heavier tapered or straight bo. Train with that for a few months. Then go to the lighter toothpick especially if you intend on doing competitions. Your kata will be so much better when you train with the heavy and compete with the light.