delli04

Minimum of 4 years, although i've never seen anyone get it in less than 5, if the student attends classes regularly (3 times a week). We are strict on that and it really does show in the quaility of our blackbelts. Unfortunately, I've seen some schools who mass produce blackbelts and although some are deserving the majority are not. I've even heard of certain teachers taking cash money to boost the promotion process... that is not good....

it is possible

Not intirely true i have seen a video of the shaolin temple and they let a canadian stay and study with them, i think they do this with other people to. I dont know what you have to do in order to study there though. yes i can back this up. a good friend of mine has studied and stayed twice at the shaolin temple. both times for a month.

That is sweet!! its always cool when you can feel the excitement coming through the words on the page, like just now when I read your post.

Yeah that is really great!!! I am happy to hear that for you... Just keep up the hard work and before you know it you'll be one of those dans helping out a lesser student.... Congratulations again.

come on is that really true???

well said delta1. I often use the car example.

Gojushio

I have to say the teacher sounds a little disappointing to me. Reason being, if he notices that the white belts aren't mixing in with the higher ranks then maybe he should appoint the groups.

Unfortunately my dojo is at a local fitness center. I lease it for 3 nights a week hour and half each night. Its tough at times not having my own place to teach at, but at least I have a place to teach.

The only thing I charge is a low fee (5 bucks) that goes to my teacher for taking the time to make the certificate. Its really nice too.

Yeah ever since I started teaching 5 years ago it has very much helped my progress. Alot of people tend to do things without out fully understanding what is happening when they do it. When you teach you really need to look at whats happening and why its happening. The better understanding you have of what your doing the better you can be at doing it. Just be careful all to many people get lazy when the become teachers.

Well said Shorinryu Sensei

Yeah I agree the simpler the better. Fast and effective is what I always say. I hate seeing self defense techniques that are so drawn out. First you do this and then this then this then this then this then this.... you get my idea. Quick and to the point.

I know its crazy isn't it? My student swore though that his former teacher taught it that way. What could I do? I didn't want to bash the teacher so I kindly said that I had never heard of that and I would look into it. The thing is, common sense tells us that is a terrible way to do it. What on earth could that teacher have been thinking? Oh wait, he probably wasn't.

I agree with everyone. Learning soley from a book is not the best thing to do. Its like running forms or kata in your head. Sure it can assist you in your training, but at the end of the day you just got to get up and do it.

I've heard of this. One touch leading to death, pull the trigger at point blank. There is your dim mak.

Sure don't but if you move to Cleveland, OH or Raleigh, NC I know of two. They do Taiji as well of course.

The best stance to use in any situation is simply the one that works at the time you need it.

Did Jesus really exsist?

To a certain degree yes. Martial arts have seemingly become commercialized in China over the years, but where has it not? It is said that there are many good teachers in Taiwan, but its the same everywhere. You must weed through the garbage to get to the glory.

One thing to remember when training in the martial arts is that comparison is individual based. Meaning don't compare your progress on the progress of others. Set individual goals for yourself. All variables aside, everyone learns at a different pace. Just keep your head up and practice. Who cares if it takes you 3 weeks longer then the guy or girl next to you to get promoted.

I don't know of any karate schools or clubs off hand that participate in training for the disabled, but I do know of Tai Ji instructors who teach forms while being seated. Its aimed for people in recovery from certain types of accidents but I guess it could be applied to people in wheelchairs as well.

It would be safe to assume that the style being taught is Matsumura Orthodox Shorin-Ryu. Hence, the use of Matsumura's name in front of the katas. However, contrary to a previous reply, Shorin-ryu never derived from Naha-Te. Although some systems due incorporate a couple of Gojo-Ryu katas (shobayashi).