I started training in Shotokan Karate in September 1993, and up until January of 1997 when I took a break. I have recently (just september past) restarted training again, and I have refound a new love of the art. I am 3rd Kyu (first brown) and will be tested in 3 weeks for 2nd Kyu; to follow that if all goes well, to be tested for 1st kyu in June 2005. The dojo I started out in was under the ITKF , and now train in a dojo under ISKF. I have found some minor differences in the teachings of both lineages. I train 3-4 hours weekly in the structered classes, and I also train on my own or with other like-colored belts 1-3 hours weekly on the side. For my build (6 feet tall, 230lbs) I have found that Shotokan karate offers powerful techniques.
