A. Orstrom

To me the black belt symbolises years of hard training and accomplishment. I think of the black belt as the end of a long trial period and the start of a new beginning. I do not have a black belt yet, but I disagree with the people saying that it all starts with the black belt. The road to becoming a black belt is just as important; if not technically then mentally. Just my 2 (euro)cents

Hello fellow karateka and others. I have heard that there is a superstition in karate that if you wash your belt all of your sweat, hard work and ability will be washed out with the water and you will lose your karate skills. What is your take on this? Do you wash your belt? If you don't wash your belt is it because of respect for the tradition or because you are afraid that there is a hint of truth in the story? Also, is this a karate-only superstition or is it shared by other MAs? Osu! (Please accept my apologies if this has been covered before.)

In Aikido my belt is white (7 kyu) In Kyokushin I just received my orange belt (10 kyu) after my first grading last Thursday.

The roll is performed just like the kneeling ukemi. When doing a roll bend over and get as close to the floor as possible, the first thing that should hit the floor is your supporting arm/hand (as in a kneeling roll). Next you tuck your arm (right arm if your are rolling over right shoulder and vice versa) in under the supporting arm, tilt your head, and roll over the shoulder and back. (again just as in the kneeling roll.) The trick, especially when you are starting out is to do it slowly and to try to get as close to the floor as possible before your feet lets go of the floor. I hope it helps

I agree with White Warlock. The Victor Harris version is great, and it looks good too.

I realise that this question has probably been asked before, but bear with with me. As it is I train Kyokushinkai Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Aikido Wednesday and when I am done with the three days I am usually knackered. Is it alright to train several days in a row or will that hamper my prgress?

I agree with most people here. The atmosphere in the dojo is of paramount importance, and if you don't feel comfortable there you won't learn as fast and you will be miserable in the long run. You are better off finding a new dojo. I hope you find a good place. Good luck!

In my Aikido dojo we use 'Hai' when the sempai/sensei address us. In my Kyokushinkai dojo we use osu. As far as I understand the 'hai' is more of a respectful 'yes sir' than just yes. I have no problem with people using both.