June1

Welcome to the forums!!! (Weird fact: I'm wearing a shirt right now that says New York 76! )

Don't run with sai! your quote, on your sig is from Adam Savage, of the MythBusters Side note: I LOVE the Mythbusters! Feel free to pm me to discuss them!

Elvis's old sensei (forgot his name! ) came to my dojo about 2 weeks ago for sparring lessons. He didn't spar any students, but he did beat the senseis! He is unbeatable. I would have gone (it was about 2 hours long), but I had too much work to finish. Apparently, he travels around, holding seminars around the world, but mostly in North America. I hope to see him again at my dojo someday!

Good luck, Sparkey! Let us know how it goes! "Daft old mare..." LOL, AngelaG!

Oooooh! I can't wait to see a picture of her!! I love it when cats are fat! Unless they're obese, of course... then it's just cruel! Uh oh... lighten the mood, lighten the mood... FLUFFY KITTIES!

Oooh! You should post a picture in the photo album here, if you can! I'm sure we'd all love to see it.

Welcome to the forums, [NoFear]! I don't know a thing about shidokan karate, but it sounds similar to shotokan, my style. Do you know if it is? (By the way, you're never too old to start karate training! )

I think it's very unique; it gives you some perspective on the way other cultures think and look at humanity.

LOL! Couldn't have said it better myself, Patrick! Does anyone here like the Naruto series? A few of my friends love it, and one of them lent me 5 DVDs of the episodes (which I haven't gotten around to watching because of schoolwork).

Ditto! Well... more like 7-8 months. Karate is my therapy, no doubt about it.

Wonderful story. You seem very wise. Kudos on getting your friend out of that bad place.

Awww. That's great, congrats! I'm happy to hear it was a good experience for you. Prom is, after all, once in a lifetime!

Omigosh! That's awful! Man... that'll stay with me for some time...

I think that in addition to all the other non-MA factors (e.g., family), one's metabolism changes with age, making it more difficult to lose weight. The owner of my dojo, a 4th Dan, is pretty "round" himself! I can only wonder what the cause is, though.

That sounds amazing. From all that, I would say he is definitely up there! Another person who I would nominate is Terry Fox (though I'm not sure he's an athlete, exactly). Very brave and courageous. Great soul.

The problem with this is that people are influenced by TV and movies, such as American Pie, where a group of boys makes a pact to lose their virginity by Prom. This makes it seem like it's "cool" to leave high school with some experience in that area. Personally, I think it's sexier when a guy tries not to fall into that sort of mindset, and decides for himself when the time is right. Sorry if I offend anyone; it's just my opinion.

I've only sparred a few times, and I used to be TERRIFIED! You have no idea. I found, though, that if you kind of laugh with your partner, as well as compliment certain techniques he/she does right, it really lightens the mood and puts you both at ease. This would be more for class, though. In competitions, I assume it would be more competitive. Not having been in any to date, I can't help you there. But just try to relax and take things easy. Have fun with your partner!

Guilty... LOL!!!!!!

Hello, and welcome!

Impressive post, Sauzin!! To keep it short and sweet, I think everything is useful. One may think a certain technique is just a waste, but you really never know when you may need to use it. Chances are, you never will (if you're lucky), but you never will know for sure.

Good point! Thanks, aefibird! Yeah, I had actually been thinking of doing that, the wearing of the guard everyday for a while. Haven't gotten around to it...

Oh, Kicks. You always have the most interesting games... I've played this before... did NOT do well. I can't remember my score, but it wasn't amazing.

Good luck, rivergirl! Let us know how it goes!

My problem is that I sometimes slip on our mats. Boy, when I sweat, I SWEAT! I suggest talcum powder. Give your feet a good rub with it.

I'm a little worried. I have the type that you have to mold yourself (provided by my dojo--it came with the sparring equipment), but I haven't used it yet out of fear of gagging... which I know I will. How long does it take to become accustomed to the mouthguard, approximately?