June1

What would be a realistic goal in terms of number of kicks within a certain time? How many did you start off with, and where are you now? This is an interesting topic!

Not too many so far. So far I have: Pulled what felt like all the muscles on the superior side of my left leg, pulled my groin on the right side, snapped something in my neck and felt a sensation similar to that of warm liquid running down my neck (has anyone else had this happen??), had a myriad of very sore muscles, and I think I may have scraped one of my knuckles from punching pads. They've all been worth it!

How is it black magic? Please explain, as I still don't even know what it is. Also, how does your priest feel about you practicing martial arts? Just curious.

When is Christ's birthday, then? I heard it is supposed to be sometime in the spring. April?

Why not ask your sensei if he/she has ever used ki or thought about teaching it?

Out of the few I have learned so far, I would have to say that I like the cat stance because it just looks beautiful, graceful, and controlled, and the horse stance because it is extremely stable and gives your legs a great workout.

Turn left and low block. Punch, then roundhouse kick. KIAI!

With regards to punching, kicking, and... well, everything, really, I've been taught over and over again (and I agree) that the power should originate from the hips. Keep practicing those rotations! It'll make all the difference!

Thank you so much!!! LOL. Yeah, they are tricky. Kovacs is Hungarian, Rahman is, I believe, Middle Eastern, Lai is Chinese, and Sherwood is Anglosaxon. I agree with Rich67 about the idea of setting up a little business for yourself! As for my new translated surname, I think I may write it on my gi somewhere. Thanks again!!!

That's exactly what happens at my dojo. For example, you get your white belt, then two black stripes, and a final red stripe in between those, which signify that you are ready for grading. You are not alone!

Oh, wow! Could you please translate the following surnames, IF you can: Kovacs Rahman Lai Sherwood

Thank you very much!!!

I was just wondering if it is considered inappropriate to give your sensei a gift (e.g., for Christmas or Chanukah). I want to get my sensei something as both a token of gratitude for the great teaching and as a holiday gift, but don't want it to seem... weird. What are your opinions? I'm really conflicted! (I should have asked this earlier as Tuesday is my last class before holiday break and the only chance I have to get him something is either tomorrow afternoon or last minute Tuesday afternoon!)

LOL! Nice save!

He he. That's great!

"Yes!" That, my fellow karatekas, is the triumphant sound of an ex-white belt student leaving it all behind and delving into the new realms of the yellow belt. LOL. That's my dramatic way of saying I passed! Yay! It was an absolutely awesome day! The basics weren't so bad to get though, and we performed our kata 3 times! The first time was the best one, as I thought it would be the only time I would do it. It took a little while to get pumped up again to perform the other ones, but all in all, I think I did well. As I knelt down next to my fellow students, I thought ahead to the other gradings I would surely experience, and the only thing going through my mind was that I wanted to jump into learning the next kata.... now! Can't wait for the next grading! Once again, thank you all so much for your reassuring words. I DID remember you as I was getting ready in the changeroom.

Can anyone suggest a book that contains only stories like these?

Eeeeeeeee! The big day is tomorrow! I can't wait! I no longer feel worried about what's going to happen. Aside from reading your great posts, I had a talk with 2 senseis, a sempai, AND a secretary! They all assured me that I would do fine, and the only thing that I should really focus on doing is my best. I want to thank all of you for your words of advice and for your experiences. I'll try to remember all of it tomorrow. I just have to make room in my apartment to practice some Heian Shodan and I'm practically set!

LOL! That sounds awesome! I'd love to do that at my dojo!

Well said!

For me, I think the real question is... when DON'T I practice this kind of stuff? I'm constantly going through full katas in my head while sitting in class. Sometimes when I go to the washroom in school, I'll go to the handicap stall (which is much bigger than the rest) and actually start to practice the forms. I love it! It just makes me want to be in the dojo more, though.

Wouldn't it just be simpler if you just tell the student to stop his/her behaviour immediately, for if he doesn't, he will not be able to attend class for some time or face suspension? However, if the student is crazy and is coming at you full speed or whatnot, then I think some force should be used--just enough to disable him.

*blush* I used to trip on my pant legs, so when I put them on now, I just tie the string, then roll up the waist once. Problem solved!

Hello! Just wondering... has anyone here trained, or is currently training at Summit Karate in Toronto?

Awww. Thank you! By the way, how did you break your fibula??