June1

Everyone has had this happen to them at some point: You're sitting or standing facing Sensei seemingly listening to him/her... but as you gaze at your teacher, your mind drifts off somewhere possibly outside the walls of the dojo. Just what are you thinking about?

You know what?? I sometimes find that! Moving from stance to stance smoothly is sometimes really tricky! I'm still trying to improve it!

*sniff* I'm not a sempai... not even close (yellowbelt*cough*), but hopefully, one day I will be.

Well, let's see... This could take a while. -a karate gi -a yellow belt ( ) -a punching bag *whew* LOL. I know it's not impressive, but it's what I've got so far!

Wooooo! Happy New Year 2005! Another year, another adventure!

I don't think I'm familiar with those, krzychicano. Is it where you do them very forcefully and fast? Please elaborate! P.S. If this double-posts, I'm sorry!

LOL! Yes... chocolate really is one of the greatest things found on the Earth. Do you think sempais get gifts often?

I've definitely been there! The first time I saw my sensei demonstrate Heian Shodan for us when I was a white belt... *whew* My mouth dropped open and stayed that way through the whole thing. He did it with such power and control... I would have been terrified to be standing in his path right then. Just thinking about it makes me feel... I dunno! *shiver* I think confidence is that something which gives a kata that extra OOMPH! By the way, great question, Hawkeye!

Alright... has anyone even heard of it? *sweat*

Wow! A coal miner, huh? That's craziness. But it's great that you worked through the pain. What a trooper!

LOL! Never!!!

It may be that you're doing the exercise incorrectly. The position your arm is in might be awkward, which leads to the popping noise.

This topic comes up constantly around here. Many have their own opinions about it and may disagree with me, but I just can't see how it is a religion. I've studied world religions and there are several characteristics that a religion must have in order to be a religion (God/gods, rituals, sacred text, myths, etc.). Although martial arts may have some of these, let us not forget that many of these aspects are merely cultural, such as bowing, and we follow this out of respect and also because it is an integral part of the martial art. I am Christian (Catholic, specifically) and though I practice karate, I, in no way, feel that it interferes with my religion. In fact, I pray during meditation at the beginning of class! My god is my god and that's that. To me, karate is an art, and I don't think there is anything wrong with practicing an art.

Nice!! Thank you all very much for your great replies. I'll probably try all of them... just not at the same time. *insert forced laugh to lame joke*

Oh, man! Aefibird, 2 questions: -the sparring competition where you won but didn't have to fight, was it because you kept dodging or blocking the whole time? -what happened after your instructor chipped a bone in your ankle?

Thanks very much to both of you!

Hello! Can anyone post a link to a site that will give one a whole map of the pressure points on the human body, as well as what happens when you strike each one? If so, much appreciated!

Keep 'em coming, guys!!! These are good!

I know this post is a bit old, but there is one (I think it's pretty new) on Augusta Ave. in Kensington Market.

*sigh* Guess I'm not as innocent or pure as I thought...

Hello, all! As this year comes to a close, it is natural to reflect on the past 365 days of our lives. I thought it would be very interesting to ask... what are your best memories of 2004 when it comes to martial arts? I think that in my case, aside from awesome classes, my grading for yellow belt would have to be up there. What about you?

Consider it done. I hope he's alright.

Kiaing might help, combined with an MA technique. Maybe just punching air or kicking might help expell excess energy. I know how you feel. When confronted or when thinking about things that make me really, really angry, I tend to become very dizzy. I hope karate can help me be more prepared to handle things like this. Good luck! Hope the comments help!

To do my best each and every class, no matter what, and to keep practicing at home and not fall behind in katas, techniques, etc.

Sounds like you've taken quite a battering! I don't know what this is called, but I do think that you should get it checked out by a doctor, just as a precaution. Hope it heals well!