Pacificshore

If you feel that you are mentally and physically ready then go and give it a shot. If you have any sort of doubt, seek the advice of your instructor and listen to what he/she has to say. Just keep in mind that the type of tournament you are entering. You can go in and make it through alright and learn from it, or you can go in and then get carried out and now have a negative impact on your training. Just playing devil's advocate.

In my opinion it's having a complete understanding of your kata which includes the tempo and bunkai. That way when you practice your kata, you know when and how each movement is to be performed. As for knowing the bunkai, I feel it keeps from just going through the motions of the kata. One last thing is the expression you provide for your kata. Will you kata be exciting, or dull This is my opinion and hope it helps!

Hi KK1975! Fortunately for me I do not do it weekly. It's more like every few months when I go and train usually 3-4hrs. at a time for 3 to 4 days with my head instructor, or sometimes the GM himself. Otherwise I'm teaching. But the point being is that I decided that I wanted to study a particular style and decided to seek them out, learn what they had to offer, met with them informally, and thus made my deicision to train with them, even if it meant driving to where they are located. Now 5hrs. drive time may be extreme for some, but in my case it is fine, and I've chose not to settle which would have a definite impact on my training. Just my opinion. Have a good one!

"Yes I Agree, and I wish I had found this site earlier. Boy, I'm glad I've seen the light!!"

When I was studying Shotokan, my favorite kata was Nijushiho.

First and foremost welcome to the forum. Second, the fee you listed sound reasonable. Have you had an introductory lesson at this school, or did you just drop by to see what was up? You say that you will settle, but 25 miles isn't that far to drive. It may not hurt to check out the other place that your most interested in so as to make a more informed choice for your training needs. Heck, I've traveled as far as 5hrs. to train. Either way you choose, I'm sure you'll have fun once you get going.

Hello!!

The worst martial arts movie that I've seen was Gymkata.......now this was a really bad one. You had Richard Norton as the mean 'ol warlord, chasing an American gymnast, Kurt Thomas I think was his name, trying to pass of his gymnastic skills for martial arts.

I think controlled aggression is fine, but all out excessive aggression is not. With controlled aggression you can keep your emotions in check. Without the control factor, emotions can get whacky on you because we are human after all.

Ahhh! Now that's enlightenment!!

75% Whacked on da road!!!

Currently I wear a medium weight Ronin brand Gi. But I also have a heavy weight Juka brand Gi.

Lau, I agree with SG in developing a base and foundation in one art before starting another. By having a good solid base/foundation and understanding of your primary art, it can only help you excel in another art you are interested in learning.

As far as I know they were used by themselves. However, having an extra one wouldn't hurt!!

Tessone, I study Kempo Karate. In regards to learning weapons. Like Tobias Reece does it he trains weapons separately from everything else. This is how I learn them and teach them as well. Most our weapons are the traditional kobudo type weapons, sais, nunchucks, bo, etc. As such we have katas for each weapon. What has helped me in my training is video taping myself doing a kata whether it's a weapon/or weaponless kata. I then prepare my own notes, and mark in there the stress points of the kata. For example, fast here, slow with breath there, hip rotation for power, whipping motion, etc. As far as your level of training and experience when it comes to weapons training, take it slow until you get comfortable with whatever weapon you start out with. Just food for thought!!

Part of your training will be conditioning the body as well as the mind. Instead of focusing on your pain, just think how much pain the other person is gonna feel once you start laying the "smack" down!!

We start our weapons training at the intermediate level which is at purple belt. However, other styles may start them earlier or much later. I've seen it done both ways.

Welcome and it's never too late to start your journey into the world of Martial Arts!!

Started at age 14........... now I'm gettin' close to running out of the 30 something numbers!!

Welcome!

The Okinawan style of Karate blend both hard and soft together, more yin and yang! The Japanese style of Karate mainly linear and hard. Less yin and more yang, or vice vesa!!

Crazy is as Crazy does!! Hope the Hapkido guy likes ears like Tyson

Pros of weapons training is that it is an added extension of your abilities. In regards to Escrima, also spelled Eskrima, and also known as Kali or Arnis depending on the system or region it came from in the P.I., you use a single stick, double stick, stick & knife, or just a knife or two. The length of sticks can vary from short to long like a bo. It covers the 3 ranges, short, medium and long. With any of the Filipino Eskrima systems, you start training with the weapon first and then take that knowledge and apply it to empty hand. Kobudo works with the traditional weapons of Okinawa. The nunchucks, sais, tonfas, bo, kamas, Eku(oar). All are again extensions of your abilities, however I find that the Filipino system to be more practical. Well this is just my opinion!

First of Welcome to the board. And yes, I was introduced to Kenpo/Kempo by a friend!!

Well there's Fairtex and Aries brand equipment. I've also heard of VUT. All 3 deal/sell Muay Thai equipment. As far as price it'll depend on your budget. You can also check sites like Sakura Martial Arts Supply, Academy of Karate Martial Arts Supply, or any other online MA supply store for the same or similar equipment for perhaps lesser cost. Check EBay for the same equipment and maybe get a deal. Oh and buy leather versus vinyl, it'll last you longer. Hope this is of some help!!