June1

If you stretch every other day, what's a realistic amount of time in which you'll be able to do the splits?

I'm trying to remember any Buddhist principle that connects to this, but I can't. I don't get this. Could you or someone please explain?

Oh, man... What a pastor...

Welcome!

Welcome! Hope you enjoy your stay here! You'll find that this is the perfect place to clear up any MA doubts and just learn something new, which you definitely will! Have fun!

At my dojo, it takes anywhere from 4-6 years. I don't understand this, as I was actually given a stripe early, then told I wasn't going to grade for orange belt after all, since I had not put in the minimum requirement of 3 months per higher kyu. What I don't get is that if you have to put in a minimum amount of time, why is it 4-6? Why does it vary? Could it be that as you get closer to black belt, they start looking at your ability more, and judge you based on that? One can only hope, I guess...

I pretty much agree with what everyone here said. I actually began learning Heian Nidan off the internet and when the time came to actually perform it, I was the most advanced in the class. However, a classmate later came up to me and casually asked, "So where'd you learn Nidan?" BUSTED. But it was alright because he had been doing the same thing and we ended up exchanging URLs. I had the urge to begin learning Heian Sandan the same way, but I've actually found that I should be trying to master Heian Shodan, my first kata, instead. Just focus on one thing at a time, it's much better in the long run.

Ooooookay. Is there supposed to be some sort of dirty insinuation behind it?

I find that caffinated beverages give me a little boost before class, but I HAVE to have a bottle of water with me during class or I will gag from dry mouth.

Nike makes skipping ropes?? *sigh* All these cooperations... what is our world coming to?

I wash my uniform once a week (I have to, with the way I sweat!), but not my belt. I don't because of the tradition that the early karatekas practiced of not doing so.

I'd like to be a bit more "aware," but there's a limit to being that and becoming obsessive and paranoid.

Land and shuto block, then strike at a 45 degree angle.

Karate= empty hand

I like the last one. I've never heard any of those infamous bar jokes, believe it or not! I've heard of references made to them, but no complete jokes. Does anyone know what the joke about the so-called, "12-inch pianist" is about?

ROFL!!! Great!

I have one that I heard today, but it might be inappropriate. If you'd like to hear it, pm me.

*cough* Don't look at me! You know you're obsessed when you consistently have karate-related dreams.

LOL! Those were good! My favourite ones would have to be Freud, Barbara Walters, Einstein, Bill Clinton, and Colonel Sanders!

Hello, and welcome! Glad to have you here!

Does anyone else have any stories to add?

LOL! Wow! I've only ever seen little clips of it, barely 2 seconds. There was some creepy-looking dude (Tim Curry?) lying on a couch wearing a big, black wig and lots of make-up. Looks... interesting.

I found The Grudge to be very similar to The Ring in terms of the whole curse idea. It does have some jolts and extremely freaky moments, but I found it to be less scary than The Ring (maybe because I watched like, half of it while covering my eyes...). I love The Ring, and would like to see Saw. I've heard good things about it. I'd also like to watch The Ring Two, of course.

I offer my condolences. Your friend is in my prayers. I recently found out that my close friend's cousin has an advanced cancer, and that his family has decided not to proceed with treatment; it's just too late. I can only imagine how you feel. Let's hope that Kevin is in a better place.

LOL! Oh, man! In the middle of a kata! My my! Didn't your instructor notice?