Pacificshore

Funny...I emailed the company regarding info on this product, and they couldn't give me any other than they don't have it in stock, and if I want, they can order me a pair of Shureido Sai. I was wondering if it was in the same category as the Shureido made Sai. Bummer for lack of info on their behalf

repetition

You got a box coming. I PM'd you the details.

Kicks, I just PM'd you

Out of curiosity does anyone have any info on the $195 Sai made by Mitsuboshi? http://www.hondamartialarts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=1060

When you continue to train and advance in your martial arts studies, it should be your goal to transend(sp) beyond your self defense sets in that you're no longer thinking about this number or that number. That is where your self-expression or knowledge should be kickin in. Remember what you learn at the lower ranks is just a base to build upon

Here's my take.....when performing any bunkai of a kata, it does not have to stop at the block and counter attack. It should be more along the lines of blocking whatever the attack, countering the attack, and then continuing on with your attack. Many times when I have seen bunkai performed, your given maybe 2 applications at best. These applications tend to stop after the first attack, whether it is an arm break or a punch to a "vital" area, or maybe even a takedown. I'm always looking at what I can do after the initial counter whether the uki is still standing or on the ground. This helps me to better understand my options, or at the very least if I have more options. Plus it adds to my economy of motion in working multiple strikes. Could learning a kata help you on the street?? I like the way IW put it...you break off what you need

Good call Sai

Laurie, I'm not 100% sure, but I'm thinking it won't bleach it. However, you can try some on a similar material of color to see what happens.

Its designed to keep you dry from all the heavy sweating you do while working out. As for the knee pads, tight enough where they stay in place, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or restricts the range of motion around your knee joints.

Put your belt in the freezer overnight and then try to peel it off, or try rubbing alcohol see it that'll work.

Hey Chris, It sounds like that you have a certain level of expectations from your experience with your former dojo. If you feel that the TKD club is not up to your expectations, nothing against the art of TKD, then you should keep shopping around. From the other arts you listed, sounds like Shotokan or Aikido may present more of what you are looking for. However each club will have their own etiquette as to how formal or informal they want to hold class. Maybe give the other places a look, and see what feels right for you at the time. In the meantime work on the things you've learned from your former dojo. Good luck

Consider using the soft vinyl sparring pads instead of the foam.

Its all part of your journey in martial arts....never ending lessons in life

Usually your name is put on the lapel of the gi jacket, while your dojo or organization is on the left side of the chest. When I was in Shotokan, a close friend of mine bought me a new Meijin Gi with gold embroidery on it. It came out nice looking, but black on white or red on white would look better. If its a black gi, then gold is best, followed by red embroidery

clarify please

http://www.shureidousa.com/kobudo/sai.html

Welcome

Welcome aboard!

In my opinion...even though I'm not Ninjanurse ....is I think your on the right track with doing your own program with the mixture, especially of you see them once a week. Plus with kids, maturity is always a factor when seeing how much information they can absorb, plus the time of day, etc. If your program will meet your goal of simply keeping the kids interested in a regular program down the road, then that will equal success...don't you think?

Welcome Mary In regards to teaching pre-school age kids, my buddy who teaches them that young would start out by giving them 5 chores to do at home to "earn" their white belt that came with their uniform. He would give them a piece of paper with 5 blank lines and just have their parents write in the 5 things they did at home, like clean up their toys, brush their teeth, feed the pet, etc. The next class time, they bring back their paper and if its all filled out, they get their belt. Next he would have everyone sit in a circle with him, and introduce themselves. Next he goes over the "karate" rules.....raise you hand to ask a question, bow in/out of mat, no horse playing. Once he goes over the rules, he'll start the next class the same way and start to ask the kids if they can remember any of the rules. Suprisingly it works great. He will then give them a word for the month, explain the meaning of the word, and give an example...pretty soon the kids are picking up on the meaning of the word, and then they have to provide an example. As for the karate part, he keeps it simple, he calls punching, karate punches, kicks-karate kicks, and so forth. He plays games of balance and coordination with them. For example, one is to lay out an old belt, and have the kids hop back and forth over the belt moving forward. At the end of the line if you have someone helping out, they kick a pad or punch a pad....and run back to the end of the line and do it all over. I hope these examples will be of help to you and Ninjanurse

Shorin Ryuu, Thanks for the review on the custom sai. This will make my decision a bit easier

Finally, someone who actually has a custom made pair ....So how is the weight on your pair? Heavy, Light, inbetween? I think I read somewhere that the Agena Sai were heavy weight wise. I'm still in the market for a custom pair myself Bammm #1500 too

Kicks, There simply are no words to say, just know that you and all the Gulf States are in our thoughts and prayers.

I second Jussi's recommendation of eosin panther. I recently had my original belt replaced by one of there's, and its top notch