June1

Wow, great responses, guys! Thanks!

LOL! I was just about to comment on that. That's so cute. Kind of dangerous if it's sai, though.

While performing a kata or form, what do you guys picture or think about? Are you picturing an opponent, or just thinking about the moves? One sensei actually suggested to me picturing having to save someone you love while doing the kata to make it stronger. I normally just think about the movements I'm doing, but maybe I'll add that to the mix.

Ever try some Rammstein? Hardcore stuff!

This is exactly my situation. I decided that I would take the kickboxing/cardio class my dojo offers twice a week from now on, for more endurance, but also to help me drop the pounds I gained over the past couple of months. I've done one class so far, and it was soooo exhausting. I'm planning on going tomorrow morning, even though I am so sore from karate and my own little workout I did at home. No matter how tired I am, though, I just can't resist a little more MA. I hope you do try the class(es), regardless of how easy it/they may be. The cardio is great.

I still don't get it. LOL. Nah, this is great. All sports should be explained in a simplified way, not necessarily always using girly shopping examples, though.

I just like it when he yells, "WHAT?!" or "OKAY!" If you've ever watched Dave Chappelle, he does a hilarious impression of 'Lil Jon.

Good to hear. Thanks, everyone!

Lately, after class, I've been having these insane cravings for pineapple! So for the past few days, after class, I'll go to the local supermarket where they sell prepackaged fresh fruit salads, and get one of those, which I eat on the bus ride home. It's so refreshing!

I don't think I would be able to eat anything before that; I'd be too nervous and would risk throwing up. I would try, however, to eat some grains like in a cereal or a granola bar. That baby food sounds very interesting, though, Aodhan!

What about Ken Shamrock? He always seems so uptight.

That... was... awesome. Except, in my opinion, for the stuff at the end.

I think I have to agree with Whitefeather about learning to play a musical instrument. I used to play the violin, but gave it up when I hit high school. Maybe I should have taken up the guitar or the drums, or something. I still can, but it's harder than it seems, making time for it all.

I have a knack for languages, and know many songs in different languages just by learning them phonetically. I can sing whole songs in Hindi and Romanian, for example, even though I don't speak those languages. What I do speak is English, Spanish, and I'm still learning French. I also count karate as a talent. I love the looks on people's faces when they find out I'm a karateka. Muah ha ha!

Hello, all! I just started kickboxing a few days ago, and I was blown away by the intensity of the class. As you can see under my name, I also practice karate. For a while, I've had some trouble building up my resistance to fatigue, as I get tired pretty easily. I was wondering if, from your experience, kickboxing will be able to help speed that build-up at all. Thanks.

Would the force of trying to bring a body overtop of you cause some blood vessels to burst, say, in your face or eyes?

I think that I would probably strike with my forearm, just to increase surface area for the blow, but I know that you can actually lacerate a person with your elbow if it's hard enough.

That sounds really good. I might look into that sometime. Thanks for the help, everyone.

Wow... an elbow to the ribs, eh? AND he remembered the kiai. That's very impressive. Good for him.

Strange... Lately, I've been thinking about what I would do if I were ever held up, or something, with the level of karate I know now. The sad part is, I think I'd be too paralyzed with fear to remember any technique. Wild punches and kicks would probably end up coming out. Because of this, I have an urge to train more and train harder, just to condition my body to become used to the same techniques again and again so it would be automatic. It would also help if my partner or instructor would be a little more rough to add to the feeling of realness.

When starting this style of karate, do they just make you jump in and fight, or are you eased into it? The full contact stuff sounds a little to me like no holds barred, which sounds kind of intimidating.

LOL! Sadly, that's probably what would have to happen. Oh, well. You never know. Canada has an amazing girls soccer team. Perhaps... one day... *looks wistfully into distance*

That's true; I agree. Sometimes, though, taking that first step is probably more difficult than the journey itself. C'est la vie!

In general, especially for katas, wherever a fist is to be made, it should be tight. For other techniques, however, it's not necessary, like when you're shadowboxing or something, where you're in more of a natural stance and therefore, more relaxed overall.

Salut! Welcome to the forums!