Pacificshore

welcome Aboard

I use the Discipline brand when I train with shoes on. Check them out, they have a website I believe.

When I practiced Shotokan, I really enjoyed doing Nijushiho kata. Others I enjoyed were Jion and Jitte kata. In my old Kenpo days, I had katas like Golden Crane, Blue Willow, and Mountain Giant. By the way, if you have Laurie as your inspiration for joining karate, then you can't go wrong!!

Kensai, As everyone said Karate/Kempo-Kenpo are related in the sense that it is derived from Chinese Chuan-Fa and then brought to Okinawa back in the day. Many of the Kempo/Kenpo systems has many katas that are similar in name/looks as that of the Japanese or Okinawan systems. Some schools of Kempo/Kenpo are different in the sense that they tend to lean more towards the chinese side of martial arts. The one thing that I know, at least in the Kenpo system I was in, we had more self defense sets, unlike many or the traditional karate systems. Although kata was part of our training, it was the self defense that was largely emphasized over kata training. I've learn throughout the years tho that kata is a very important aspect of my training and I try to do both equally. Well hope this was of some help.

Glad to have a family that trains together on board

Anyone who chooses to take up the martial arts and has any disabilities, whether physical or mental should be able to earn their BB just like anyone else. They may not be able able to perform all the physical aspect of training, however if they stick to their training, have heart, and understand the basic underlining principles of their training, then I say they've earned their status as a BB.

I recently completed a bali-song kata as a requirement for my next ranking. I was fortunate to find a trainer bali-song so I still have all my fingers . Anyway, I finally bought the Benchmade 40T bali-song trainer, and I must say that it is one fine training knife. It' balanced, opens and closes like a real one, and the pin is spring loaded so as not to get in your way as you learn how to manipulate the knife. The down side to the trainer is that it is expensive, but if you shop around like I did you can find it for alot less than what the company is selling it for, which is $120.00. I actually found mine for $79.00 plus S&H, and tax since it was within the same state. Anyone looking to take up the bali-song I recommend the investment in the benchmade trainer. The taping of a live blade is always suggested, however, I find it to cause a problem during maipulation excercises.

I don't mind my gi getting dirty, and since I wear a black one you can't tell anyway. I usually stick to the 10 oz. cotton for the summer, and 12oz. for the winter. Plus I like when my gi starts to fade to that gray look.

Well you can always work on what you have learned so far. It'll keep your memory sharp and keep you focused. Once you've established yourself there in the town with no martial arts, get to know someone who will be interested in training or learning. You may be able to establish a satellite club for your dojo.

Looks good

RL, You can do a search for Okinawan weapons on the internet, and you will find several sites that offer custom made weapons. They can be expensive however. There is a site http://www.dojowear.com that carries custom nunchucks or nunchucks made by Shureido. They come direct from Okinawa and cost about $45.00. Take a look at the site and see if that is what you are looking for. Hope this helps.

Hey Laurie, Funny thing when I read your post......I took it as asking for advice, and not a challenge to fight the senior student. I see no problem with asking for advice on any aspect of your training, so long as it is appropriate, and I can see that you do that anyway. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding or a mis communication on the part of the student/instructor. At any rate, I believe by mere discussion this issue can be put to rest so long as everyone is willing to have a 2 way conversation. Just my thoughts on the matter. Take care

Welcome Aboard

Welcome Aboard

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome Aboard, by the way what art do and the kids train in?

Way to go MonkeyNinja

Hello and Welcome aboard

Hello, Since there are several methods of Kajukenbo, Emperado method, Gaylord Method, etc.. Has your friend attempted an internet search? If your friend knows of his instructor's instructor, then he can search under the instructor's name, for example Aleju Reyes, Tony Ramos, or Joe Halbuna. This could probably take him to what he's looking for. Hope this was of some help.

I probably wouldn't creat my own style, but I will have my own interpretation of my style and how it'll work for me.

Welcome Aboard, and glad to hear you and your son has decided to take up the journey together.

Welcome Aboard

Shuriken_Girl, Stay strong, Stay focused!!! Follow your Doc's advice, rest properly and heal up to 100%. In the end everything will work out. You have your friends and family for immediate support, and then you have your forum family for extended support. Take care

I tend to execute my high kicks after I've "chopped" them down to size