strangepair03

If I could, I would have trained with Joen Nakazato of Shorinji Ryu. But I do consider myself lucky that I have had the opportunity to have trained repeatedly with AJ Advincula Sensei and Walt Van Gilson Sensei. Both 1st generation students, so even though Shimabuku Sensei died the year I was born, I'm as close as possible to the source. I'll take it!!!

Not a problem, remember to take the time to enjoy our training too. Even the stuff you don't care for!!

When I was younger, till my mid teens I hated kata!!! I would have to buckle down to make it thru kata so I could fight at the end of class. From around my mid/late teens to now, I'm in my 40's, it is the polar opposite!!!! I love kata, bunkai, tearing the individual kata down to small pieces and playing with different applications. The more I repeat them the more I want to get to the smallest details. Perhaps you will find that at some point in the future you will actually come to love them too. All the best in your journey!

RJCKarate, I definitely will. Thanks!

We never use it. Most of the time "Hi" will suffice.

In our dojo we use the Japanese terms for the techniques and for counting. I think it helps the student feel more connected(if thats the right word) to the homeland of Karate. I don't think it is a necessary thing to do, but I do prefer it.

My son and I are going to Okinawa in April for 10 days!!!! Can't wait for the chance to visit all of the places, see the sights, and experience the culture 1st hand. Just wanted to put that out there!!! Also, any hints, tips, warnings etc; are welcome from all who have been before.

If I am not being impolite, may I ask what the cost is? ShureidoUSA does not seem to post the prices. I think it was around $125-135 or so. I bought it years ago.

Whoops!! Wastelander, great video!

I didn't have the chance to use it before so can I ask how ?! Well, I can't say I'm an expert, but I did put together this video a while back on some basics of working with the makiwara: Excellent video Sensei8. Thanks for sharing it.

Very true.

I have one of the Shureido ones, to me it is worth the money. http://www.shureidousa.com/training/makiwara.html

I had my son enrolled in a local dojo when he was 7, he really didn't like it much so after about 4 months he asked to stop. I said no problem. Now at 12 he is back and really loving it.....Thankfully, because I can't teach him!!!

Any instructor in this day and age that would knowingly knock a student out is a few sandwiches short of a picnic . Not only from the medical standpoint, but the legal and financial repercussions could and should be substantial. As for the dillman school of "no touch knockouts".....That's just plain silly. I was a corrections officer in a pretty rough jail and from my experiences pressure points stuff doesn't work. Just IMHO.

My Sensei helped explain it to me saying sanchin kata as an example of "prolonged chinkuchi", using the kata as a tool to feel when and how to relax/tense your body. How to flow till the second of impact then using the dynamic tension of the whole body to release the power thru the strike. Don't know if that helps, I didn't realize how hard it is to put it in words till just now!!!

I personally love training on the makiwara. I try not to let a day go by without at least 50 punches on each side. I know a lot of guys that like the big calloused knuckles, but that's not for me. I also find hitting it is the best stress reliever I know!!!

Outstanding!! enjoy!

No problem Patrick, lad to help out!

Welcome!

Sure thing- http://www.itkaratedo.com/ Isshinryu Traditional Karate Do on Rt 183 in Stanhope, NJ Sensei is Scott LaPalusa, have know Scott personally for 15 years and he is a great guy as well as a dynamite Sensei. My Sensei teaches out of his garage dojo (3 bays, plenty of room and equipment) NJ Academy of Isshin Ryu Karate. No website but his number is (201) 935-6467 Hope this helps anyone in the area who is looking for stand up guys teaching good Karate.

Hi Dave, I'm in Northern NJ and have a great suggestion if your still looking.

Thank you Gents.

Anyone else here heard that Shureido are not making sai anymore??

Thanks everyone for your responses, I am even more excited about getting back.

Hi all, I have been out of training for about 4 years due to an ankle injury and repeated surgeries and will finally be getting back on the floor. The only thing that is bothering me is that I have ballooned up in weight. But it has been far too long and I need to get back. My question is how many here have had a serious joint injury and how have you modified your training to accommodate it? Thanks all! [/b]