June1

Yes... Yes, I do! Even "off" days can sometimes turn around unexpectedly.

My name is very, very easy to understand. Not much of a story behind it... I was born in June (no, not on the first), and I added the 1 there because whenever I would try to join things on the 'Net, such as forums and the like, someone else would always have the name, "June." By adding the 1, I was able to create memberships and join things since no one seemed to have it. Simple, but it's me! P.S. Sorry if this double-posts. It sometimes happens when I edit.

Hello! Well, let's see... I've been training for about 3 months, and loving every minute of it! I go to the dojo 3 times a week, but not at the moment, as it is closed for the holidays. So far, I think that getting into this art has been one of the greatest things I have done. I plan to study other forms of karate in the coming years, but right now, I think that Shotokan is very powerful and graceful at the same time. I can't explain it, but even before my sensei told us what style we were practicing, I knew it was Shotokan (I had been reading a book on karate before I found out, and somehow, my eyes kept glancing at that word. Shotokan. *gaze dreamily into nothingness*) I think this is perfect for me right now. It may sound stupid, but I feel that this style is absolutely "me." I dunno... perhaps that will change with the next art I try. As for its use in self-defense... Luckily, I have not had to use it, but I'm sure it would work well. Well, that's my 2 cents! Thanks for posting this question!

Don't I know it! One time, I walked into my dojo beyond miserable, and by the time class was over, I couldn't stop smiling. But I can't go to the dojo for another week. (See original post)

That makes sense! Thank you! Does anyone else have a creative way they use to rid themselves of unnecessary stress?

I tend to look at the chest area, but notice my gaze drifting up towards the eyes. I guess I want to see the person's expressions as he/she fights me. Dunno why.

Oooh! Great reply! Thanks! Nick_UKWC, I'm thinking of working my biceps and triceps for now.

Hey, guys! This may be a stupid question, but it's something I'm not always so sure of. Does anyone have a description or, better yet, a picture of what a proper push-up position looks like. I'm never sure that I'm doing them right, and I want to work my arms out properly. Thank you!

Awwww. I'm sorry to hear that. But don't get discouraged. You can do nothing but learn from this experience. Just work hard, follow our advice here , and your next grading will go much better! Good luck!

Thank you!

Kane! Thank you for that great post. Yes, I think I will make my 3-kata-a-day plan one of my new year's resolutions. As for what you said about it not being amazing... After thinking about it, I think you're absolutely right. But 1000 sure is a good start! Good luck to you on reaching 5000. Hope the last one is one of your very, very best! Finally, with regards to the "practice makes perfect" comment (and this is also directed to Osu No Seichin), I definitely agree that the kata must be correct in order to begin regular practice. In no way was I trying to imply that no matter what your kata looks like, you should practice it anyway. Thanks to you both for your insight!

Very nice article! I feel like I can really relate to you in some of what you're saying. Although I don't have asthma, I have had some breathing problems (being unfit leads to much panting and gasping for breath!), so I know how frustrating it can be. In fact, my first month of karate was really difficult on account of my stopping to catch my breath every so often. I'm still trying to improve. I'm glad that you've been so transformed by the martial arts. I only hope that I can reach that kind of level someday. I'm loving karate more than I ever thought possible. *hugs everything in dojo* Thanks for a great read!

This is a loaded question because, as aefibird mentioned, the goju fans will most likely stand behind their art, and vice versa. I'm only studying shotokan right now, so I don't have any knowledge of goju ryu, but I like what I've heard about it for the most part. Your best bet is to check them both out, do some research. You may even choose to practice both forms, one after the other. Double your knowledge and the fun!

Osu No Seichin! I totally agree with what you said. Doing a kata 3 times a day for a year is a great idea. Just think about how amazing it'll be at the end of that year. I think I may try that starting January 1. Thanks for the idea! As for learning a kata, it depends on the person. Sure, you can learn the movements in a few hours, but it will take months to begin to perfect it. As with everything, practice makes perfect.

Hang on... I hope you're not trying to say that Shotokan is easy.

Congrats on joining a great sport/activity/hobby! Good luck with your training!

Thank you all for your replies!

Hello! I've been under a ton of stress lately, and I need a more spiritual outlet for it. Normally, karate is my way of release, but my dojo is closed for 2 weeks for the holidays. Yes, I can practice some at home, but it's not the same. I don't meditate and was wondering if someone has a technique to share that will help me to calm down quickly when I start to feel awful. Thank you very much!

Yes, I think only one person practices it.... Must track him/her down...

I think that maturity will determine how well a person will do in the martial arts. It is through this that an understanding of the art and a dedication to it will help make the artist. The younger the student is, the more difficult it could be to develop proper skills. One of my senseis actually pulled his son out of karate for now because he just couldn't concentrate. I believe he is about 5 or 6. There you have it!

Yay! I finally (almost) had an embarrassing moment involving karate outside of the dojo! It happened on Wednesday in my writer's craft class. My teacher was explaining something to us and as he was finishing his sentence, he looked at me and said, "Right?" I nodded and was *this* close to saying, "Osu!" I said it in my head and caught myself just in time to shut my mouth. It's official--I'm karate-krazy!

Oh, man... that's great! Unfortunately, I have no stories to tell, as my senseis are usually all quite serious. The most that has happened is that one of my favourite senseis sometimes kiais in falsetto when giving examples of what not to do. He's the best!

What a disaster!!! Glad you passed, though!

Does anyone know what trodai karate is? I think it is an Irish form, but do not know anything about it. Any info would be great. Thank you!

Awww! Well, work extra hard, and you'll do great!! Good luck!