Fu Man

Shotokan and Isshinryu. I honestly prefer Isshinryu, but after moving to a new state without an Isshinryu dojo nearby, I started studying Shotokan a few years ago.

It is probably old news for most people posting in this thread, but I saw a couple of videos of Capoeira ring fighters a few weeks ago and thought they were very interesting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJTrXxsv2-4&feature=related As a Karateka, I find some of those kicks very sneaky. I would love to spar with some Capoeira practitioners.

I noticed that you are presently studying Tang Soo Do. With that said, if the other Karate style is very similar to Tang Soo Do, such as Shotokan, you might be okay with adapting to both classes as a novice. However, due to the similarities, it would almost be pointless to pursue both martial arts at this time. Conversely, if the other Karate style is drastically different, such as Isshinryu, I would definitely advice against it until later. The differences will hinder your overall development in both martial arts. Either way, you are better off staying with one Karate style until shodan, in my opinion.

The purpose of chart 1 is to learn and practice fundamental blocking and striking techniques, in lieu of basic katas. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

Isshin-ryu Karate

The dojo where I attend offers junior black belts to minors (students under 18 years of age). The belt color is the same as described.

Congrats!!!

For 2008, as well as in the future, my main focus is to take my martial arts training one day at a time and continue to stick with it until it is no longer possible (i.e., illness, injury, death, etc.). Sometimes, I have a tendency to look too far in the future and overlook the baby-steps necessary to achieve the long-term goals. In short, did I achieve my 2008 goals? Yes. I am still training and committed to becoming a better martial artist.

I started a jump rope program about a month ago, and so far, its been a great source for an endurance workout. But, like you Bushido_Man, I not very good at it. The following book, however, has been very helpful to improve my skipping techniques, develop workout routines and gain new ideas: Jump Rope Training.

I agree. Based on the original post, I was under the impression that the younger black belt was teaching the entire class.

The first sentence of my post answers the question under the pretense that there is no separation of ranks between minors and adults. I was merely explaining how the situation is handled at the dojo where I train, as others have done, which I believe adds to the discussion of the topic.

I guess it depends on dojo protocol. The head instructor has the finally say on the matter, as previously mentioned, whether the decision is right or wrong. Overall, I have mixed thoughts about the topic, which is mostly attributed to the separation between junior and adult ranks at the dojos/dojangs where I have studied. For instance, at the present dojo where I train, a black belt under 18 years of age, a junior black belt, is not the same rank as a black belt over 18 years of age, a "true" black belt. Therefore, an adult black belt is technically always a higher rank than a minor with a black belt. All of the classes are taught by adults, by the way.

Sanchin Naihanchi Seiuchin Chinto Sunsu

I started martial arts because "Enter the Dragon" was totally super awesome, and one of the best movies of the 1970's. After trying to teach myself martial arts from Bruce Lee's Fighting Method books, Volumes 1 - 4, from the 3rd grade to the 6th grade, my parents finally allowed me to attend Isshin-ryu Karate classes that were held at the school's church where I attended Jr. High. However, my Isshin-ryu Karate sensei retired a few months after I started attending the classes, as he had been teaching there for years and no longer wanted to teach in his senior years. Aftwards, I joined a Ji Do Kwan TKD dojang, and at that time in my life, I loved the fancy kicks and such. I stayed with the dojang, off and on, for 12 years, and it took me approximately 7 years of training to earn my black belt. The training was very traditional, self-defense focused until TKD become an official Olympic sport in 1988. Afterwards, the dojang became more focused on tournaments. In my early-mid twenties, I started working full-time while also attending college classes to finish my Bachelor's degree. In light of the situation and my fading interest in tournaments, martial arts training took a back seat for several years. However, I still had a desire inside to return to the martial arts one day. It was just a matter of timing, and re-prioritizing my goals. After focusing on building a career and earning two graduate degrees, I decided to return to martial arts after approximately a 12 year layoff. I wanted to train in either Wing Chun or Hung Gar Kung Fu, but Hung Gar is not available in my area and the Wing Chun kwoons were not very good, in my opinion. After searching for weeks for a place to train, I found a dojo that happened to teach my initial martial art, Isshin-ryu Karate, and I could not have been happier. I also cross trained in Judo and a style of Japanese Jujutsu, but later felt that I needed to focus on Isshin-ryu Karate and gain a deep understanding of the system before cross training. I presently train with a different Isshin-ryu Karate head instructor who has more experience and knowledge, and is better suited to help me acheive my martial art goals. In all honesty, the desire to train in martial arts from my younger years has never left. The reason I train today is because I enjoy it, and I view martial arts as a life-time pursuit. Overall, I just want to become the best martial artist I can be in life.

As previously stated in another post, Isshin-ryu Karate's kubudo weapons consist of the Bo, Sai and Tuifa. However, at the dojo where I train, weapon training is also available for the Kama, Nunchaku and Eku Bo.

Past and present, it's been a problem for me to find the right size gi/dobak. By clicking on the links Fu Man provided, size charts come up. Sure enough, as my height is 5'6", size four is what I get (for 5'6" to 5'11"). But when it comes to the reference of Medium and Large for size four, frankly, all my shirts are large, and T-shirts & sweatshirts are XL. So should I get a size five? Then there's the bodyweight. I'm on the edge, usually 170 lbs, but I can't always stay there (e.g., my present weight is 180 lbs). (BTW, it's all muscle. ) These sizes really seem to go by height, and then you go to the tailor for sleeve and leg lengths. I've wondered if I shouldn't go for size five, and see if the tailor can make it look decent on me (that I'm not wearing a tent). What do others do who might also have a husky (I'm avoiding saying "stocky") build like me? I determine my sizes first by the weight range, then the height range. If a person's weight is greater than the weight range, he or she will not be able to wear the gi. However, if the weight range is appropriate and the height range is at or more than the person's height, he or she can always have the gi tailored. In my opinion and from my experience, for Century gi uniforms, a size 5 is the appropriate choice, based on the information provided. Almost all of my uniforms have been tailored. For me, usually the jackets are fine, but the pants are too long. (I'm a little husky, by the way, too )

My favorite Karate gi is the Century Iron Man. I own two of them, but I mostly wear them for tournaments, testing, seminars, etc. For the price, it is not a bad gi. However, for my regular dojo training, I usually wear a 10 oz. Century brushed cotton gi. I own two of them, as well.

I am not a Wing Chun martial artist, but one of my friends, who practices Wing Chun, thinks highly of the Wing Chun Compendium I own a copy of Mastering Kung Fu, which is a Wing Chun book. I like it a lot. It is a easy to read and follow, in my opinion. I think it is a good book for a beginner.

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Conditioning the hands, and performing the techniques at the right opportunity are critical or else the martial artist can seriously cause damage to himself or herself.

The answer to your question is not style specific, as each club, even within the same style, will have different expectations for rank promotion. The quickest route to earning a black belt is mostly likely via Mcdojos that guarantee rank after a certain period of training. Just show up for class, and you will get promoted as per the contract. The slowest route to earning a black belt is via clubs with high standards and expectations for their students. Most of these clubs are very traditional, but modernized clubs fall into this category as well. Overall, the best option is to choose a club that you enjoy, and a martial art that is suited to your physical attributes and personal training goals.

The dojo I attend is facing the same dilemma, and is presently looking at various options, such as free uniforms, referral discounts on tuition for present members, etc. My personal method to help the situation is to post flyers on the advertisement boards at work. I am planning to pick-up the flyers this week in class. My employer has a large employee base (approximately 275k world-wide), and the office building where I work has approximately 500 workers (mostly engineers). I am hoping to attract 2 or 3 employees, and hopefully they can attract others, as well. If the situation has not been discussed openly with all members, please do so. Some of the best advertisers and attracters of new students are the present students.

For non-martial sport athletes, such as those training for civilian self-defense, I would recommend fully exploring the potential of one martial art system, and becoming somewhat proficient at it before cross training seriously in another martial art. For instance, in my own personal experience, the more I learn about Okinawan Karate, especially the tuite-jutsu and kyusho-jutsu aspects, the less I feel a need to seriously cross train in another martial art at the present time. I still dabble in Judo and Jujutsu every now and then, but it is not a primary focus.

For what it's worth, this is my assessment of Aikido as well. Pretty much all of the very good Aikidoist I know earned black belts in striking systems prior to learning Aikido. The techniques are much easier to apply after the opponent is softened or distracted. With that stated, I reiterate that this is only my opinion based on my personal experience.

At the dojo I attend, the typical Isshin-ryu Karate class follows the format stated below: 1) Formal commencement of class and meditation 2) Warm-ups, stretching and callisthenics 3) 15 upper basics 4) 8 basic kicks 5) Self-defense or technique drills 6) Katas and/or Sparring 7) Meditation and formal dismissal of class The classes are officially one hour long, but an extra half hour is available for additional instruction when required or needed.

Approximately 7 years to reach black belt many, many years ago in Ji Do Kwan TKD. However, I no longer practice TKD.