Jiffy

Very wise idea! Get a good basis in one art first, then once you have a fair grasp on that, start to expand your reach!

Reply with "Would you like me to demonstrate?"

Given that you have a bad back, I would probably rule out straight away Aikido and Judo. While these are fantastic arts and will give you the culture and the other things you are looking for, the rolls, breakfalls and loading up may not do your back any good. (by that I mean it will be LESS DANGEROUS than the other arts.... not safe). Tae Kwon Do and Karate are not that different except for TKD's extensive use of kicks. But, if you are particularly interest in JAPANESE culture, that only leaves Karate because TKD is Korean. Personally, I would say, if you enjoyed Karate, stick with it.

Pointers: Be as open minded as possible. Do what you are told in class. Help others where you can, keep your mouth shut when you can't. Always try your best. If you feel great, go to training and enjoy. If you feel terrible, go to training and sweat it out. Most of all.... ENJOY YOURSELF.

Looks a little bit hard to believe. Has anyone seen this in person?

All you can really do is try the different dojos. Obviously, dojo's that are affiliated with a governing organisation or dojo's that have been in good standing for a long time are generally going to be more reliable, but there are still no guarantees.

Personally, I can understand that you would be upset, but responce would have just been "Yeah, right mate, whatever"

I don't know about you, but when people find out I do martial arts, I always get one of the following resonces. "What belt are you?" "Geez, I wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley" "My brothers, mothers, uncle used to do Jo-Blo's TKD" "I've always wanted to do something like that, but never go around to it" Invariably, these are the only responce I get. Does anyone else find this? If not, what are the responces you get?

I couldn't agree more. For me, it was more about interest than conditioning. The idea for me is not to go in breaking knuckles or wrists but just something with a bit of resistance but still a bit of give to allow some target work. If I wanted one to absoloutly belt, I would do a ground mounted one or just move over to the punch bag.

most of the replies here sum it up, but thought I should also comment. I have been training in shotokan for about 18 years now and would like to think that my kicks are quite effective. As previously stated, it takes a long time to master any Shotokan techniques. There are many reasons that Shotokan kicks are done the way they are, so it really depends what difference in particular you are talking about. As to the effectiveness, anyone who has stood infront of a kick from an experienced Shotokan practitioner will have no questions about it's effectiveness, and for their purpose I believe they are as effective as any other, but if what you are after is smashing someone's leg or hip, then go to the best in the business.... Muay Thai

do you mean their jaw?

Because it looks like they have had their black belt for a long time.

Having read you're post, I have to say.... it make sence. You're right.

time to call up the quack!

A lot of people ask the question "Am I too old?" My answer is always "too old for what?" Are you too old to go out and win that world championships.... yes, you will have more of a struggle then a fit 20 year old. Are you too old to learn something new and have a good time.... certainly not. Go for it!

How'd you do it? What's it made of? Can you post a picture? I'd like one! I got some 16mm MDF. I then attached to that some carpet under-lay and then a thin layer of rubber (about 3mm). I then stapled vinyl to the board and then attached the whole thing to a back board that I can mount to the wall. email me for pictures at jiffbox@hotmail.com (not sure where to host them)

I completely disagree. The Makiwara has been around for many years for a reason. They serve to increase bone and skin density, but also work distance and target.

thanks for the great reply. Yes, I breifly studdied the IKCA Kenpo, but am not training in it at the moment.

I currently study ICHF combat hapkido as created by Grandmaster John Pallegrini

I went from doing only Shotokan Karate for about 9 years, to doing Jiu Jitsu as well. I found it a bit of a difficult transition because they are soooo different, but boy did I learn heaps, and it got easier. Best thing I ever did for my Martial Arts!!!

It really doesn't make a whole lot of difference. For me, I prefer it be kept up higher because it is just that slight bit less distance to travel for a straight punch, but really, it doesn't make much difference.

While you all have some very valid points that I agree with, there is something that no-one has mentioned yet..... you may not know it all. Sometimes, a student may appear to have been given the grade, but as a student, you don't know the whole story, there may be something just between the student and the instructor. Having said that, if it is happening with multiple students, then the grades are probably just being given out for alterior motive.

The simple answer is these things are not comparable... apples and oranges. Because there is different measures for success, there is no way to pitch them up against eachother.

I would have to say, do it. A bit of training in something is better than nothing. That is why I go to just about every seminar I can, regardless of the art. Even if you just learn one principle, it was well worth it.

It's not a brand I have come across personally, but just have a look around your local MA shops, they should usually offer a variety of brands with a variety of quality.