Kaminari

Congrats!

Wow. Well said. I don't know what else to say besides, very well put.

I also use the Met-Rx long range whey. It's called long range bevause it is meant for a long period of time to be digested in. Taking it in the morning on a day you work out, and taking it again right after your workout would be best for both energy during the workout and for recovery. However, this is not the most ideal for muscle growth/recovery, as it is long range, meaning it's not specifically meant for recovery. However, it can still be very beneficial. If you are looking for more of an ideal muscle recovery shake, Met-Rx also makes a thing called Pro-Recovery, which contains helpful amino acids to support muscle repair. I use this in addition to the Met-Rx Whey, using the long range whey before a workout and on days when I'm not working out. I use the Pro-Recovery right after my workout, though, as it's faster-acting than the long range whey. Hope this was helpful.

I'm not testing for Shodan, but good luck on the tenth!

Flips? Not likely to be useful in a street fight. I can't see any use in them aside from looking cool. Although, one of my instructors from a previous dojo I attended did say he was able to perform a flip over a tall obstacle (couldn't remember what it was) when running from a big dog. Otherwise, stick to the ground in fights, and you'll be fine.

Good job! Congrats!

My sensei tests people when he believes they are ready to test, know the material, etc. Ask your instructor, as every school's testing frequencies are different.

Exactly. Try getting some friends together, or others you know, and have them watch you. After time, performing in front of people shouldn't be as nerve-racking, and it'll be much easier to do. I think almost every karateka, if not all of them, get nervous. I still get nervous, but I don't let it affect my performance. Patience and practice will be helpful in solving your problem.

Well, we know that, despite the nasty stench of the skunk, the lion would win physically, no doubt. Knowing this, put yourself in the position of the lion. A smaller, weaker person calls for your attention, but you, not knowing them, don't respond. They get angry and challenge you to a fight. Do you smite your newfound enemy? Or do you do the mature and right thing, and walk away? I think the lion is doing what most of us would do in a siuation like this: leave the stranger to his shouting and go about your business. Just my 2 cents.

Well, the amount of bowing depends on the style, school, instructor, etc, so my advice would be to just bow when everyone else bows, and soon you'll know the appropriate times. As for counting, it goes like this: 1- Ichi 2- Ni 3- San 4- Shi (or Yon) 5- Go 6- Roku 7- Shichi (or nana) 8- Hachi 9- Kyu (or Ku) 10- Ju All of these are pronounced like they are spelled. Also, a technicality: When someone before you has counted to ten, and it is your turn to count for the second set of the same exercise, you could go through the list above. However, some prefer to count Ni, Ni, San Shi...for the second set, San, Ni, San, Shi for the third....etc, like counting 1, 2, 3, 4....10, 2, 2, 3, 4....10, 3, 2, 3, 4.....10....you get the picture. The thing you want to avoid is this: If choosing to count Ni, Ni, San....San, Ni, San, etc. for repeating sets, and yours is the fourth set of ten, do not use Shi, but Yon. The reasoning for this is that you would count Shi, Ni, San...., etc, but Shi Ni in Japanese means, "to die." By the Japanese it is considered bad to do this. Instead, you would start with Yon, then Ni, San, etc. Or, as another option, you could avoid this whole mess and make this rambling pointless by counting the first way, 1-10 for each set (it's so much simpler, but I thought I'd give you that little nugget of knowledge just in case you decided to do that, or were curious). Sorry if this seems rambly, it does to me, but I couldn't find another way to explain it with text.

Welcome.

Good job! Congratulations!

I think he means "inverse," the opposite.

Welcome Shinjin Kiitsu!

Welcome [NoFear].

I've been taught either 70/30 for stability in the stance, or 90/10 in preparation for a fast front kick. I've never thought about those other applications you posted Shorin. Hmmmm....interesting.

Welcome BMmonk.

Yes, surprise testings would be better. I would rather not know I'm being tested and do well than ruin the test being nervous.

Welcome Skyhawk!

Congrats!

I once had some sort of stomach bug, and thought I was about to throw up, and another time I had thrown my back out the day before the test, but I didn't want to miss it .

Happy Birthday!

What is this "stone" a measure of? How do you determine this number?

I'm sure that your instructor would not allow you to test unless you were well prepared, so I think you probably know all that's going to be tested on.

Like others have said: Welcome to the forums!