June1

I've been told I have really heavy bones. That may be part of what's causing your weight to stay the same. When I started karate, I had a bit of flab here and there. I weighed 125 lbs then. 4 months later, I'm more toned, but I weigh the same. I now think it's the muscle keeping me there, thanks to you guys. But I really don't care how much I weigh. I'd just like to be more toned and healthy.

What are your biggest regrets with respect to the martial arts, if any? Is there anything you wish you had done differently, or not at all? What would you like to change, given the chance?

Q: Are you happy at your current dojo/style? A: Yes/Yes!!!

ROFL!!! Ah... "Copenhagen."

Wow, that's brutal! Although... some parts of it sound a bit made-up... Anyhoo, thanks for the article link, Draven Chen Zhen!

Anyone at all! Step right up and answer my question (see last post)! It's free of charge and will take no more than 2 minutes!

The solar plexus, which I believe is directly under the sternum, is a great place to strike; knocks the wind right out of you. You may even break the xyphoid process, a tiny bone right at the end of the sternum. I love anatomy. P.S. Sorry if someone has already mentioned this. I didn't bother to go through all the posts.

Don't have a particular song yet (would love one), but one time, my sensei played "Relax," by Frankie Goes to Hollywood while we were warming up! I remember trying not to laugh. BTW, HumanTyphoon, I love "Numb!" And The Saint, "We Will Rock You" sounds like a great song to work out to. You can punch along to the rhythm!

He he. I actually do push-ups and sit-ups in my bedroom every other night! It sucks not having enough space to practice techniques. I always have to stop before I hit the wall, back up, and continue. I'd love to have a separate room that would act as a gym/dojo. *sigh* Dare to dream...

Hey, don't worry, I'm totally in agreement with you. In fact, tattoos are forbidden in several religions. It's the main reason that I choose not to get one. I love looking at them, though. Some are so beautiful and intricate.

At my school, we respond with "osu." I've recently started using "HAI!" as a kiai for some techniques.

My sensei becomes annoyed when people ask him when they're getting their next stripe! I can only imagine what he would think if a brown belt were to ask him about bb testing...

Yay! Keep us posted, aefibird!!

He he. Gotcha.

LOL! Guess not. Thanks to all of you for the great advice! I'll keep practicing and keep you posted on my progress, in case you'd like to know. As well, I'll try to find Dynamic Karate! OSU!

Hello! This is a question regarding one of the most basic moves-- the shuto strike. I know how to do this, but the problem is, I have trouble landing in the back stance when I'm doing several consecutive shutos. I also need to "snap" the strike more. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I may be able to improve this?

I wish I had a favourite, but as a yellow belt, all I have is this light, white, cotton gi. I can't wait until I'm a brown belt to get that nice, heavy, black gi. *drool* By the way, Shorinryu Sensei, where did you get the cute icon under your name?

Gah! That's terrible!!! But yes, it does happen. That's why it's always best to go with buddies who can read, write, and speak the language. Just hope they aren't pranksters who'll let the artist write anything on your body... Pictures, people! Post some tattoo pics in the photo album here! We'd all love to see them, I'm sure!

LOL! "Psycho kihap." Thx for answering. I had almost given up... *sniff* Wow... your instructor flipped out just because you were a bit ahead? He he. I'm always ahead. I wouldn't want to be doing that with your instructor there.

Oooh! I'm working on Heian Nidan right now. What techniques would be considered "grappling?"

That's awesome! Congrats! I'm sure it has added to your training in many ways!

I did too! It's amazing how out of shape one can get even while doing some karate at home (Who am I kidding? There's no room here in this apartment! ).

I would imagine things would get too messy if you were to break up. What if the reason for the breakup was so disturbing to one or both of you and you couldn't stand to even see the person around. You might have to resort to finding another dojo. That, I think, would be the worst part of it all. I don't doubt, however, that many people actually find the love of their life in the dojo/dojang, etc. I just think you have to be really careful about how you go about these things.

Don't... walk in wearing nothing but black clothing and looking really shifty-eyed. I know, I know... it's not original. Can't think of any good ones right now, though.

I agree with delli04 100%. Starting MA is one of THE greatest things I could have done for myself. However, my most recent achievement would have to be getting my first stripe on my new yellow belt (got the stripe last Saturday). I have a whole list of great things, but won't get into them right now.