Fairfax_Uechi

Uechi-Ryu

I totaly agree. For me, I'm not a fan. Do you know of any publications that have some Uechi in them. I know of Mattson's website, but I don't know of anything in print. The closest thing I found was a traditional karate publication that had a mention of Gusshi Sensei in it (along with an ad featuring him)

Well said. It's scary isn't it. Everyone has an excuse. Personally, I just try my best and work as hard as I can. I don't try to hurt anyone and I expect not to be hurt. Mistakes happen and getting hit is part of the game, but if it happens more than once or twice, I can help them remember waht it feels like to be on the receiving end of a powerful technique. In my case, I'm decent sized. Some folks are bigger than me, others much smaller. I try to work folks as hard as possible, and expect to be pushed hard. But I don't want to hurt folks. So I try and talk with them as much as possible. Communication is critical to working well with others.

Well, I'd strongly suggest that someone going to a new area (or starting out) NOT go to the phone book, or other commercial sources as their initial place to look. Instead, I'd highly suggest going to the local rec center, YMCA, gyms, etc and find the folks who train outside of a commercial dojo. I'd also do research on the web, and talk to as many folks as possible. To me it takes a lot of work, but you can often find some excellent folks. Now don't get me wrong. There are some great commercial dojos, I just don't recommend looking at commercial ones first. If a commercial dojo is good, you'll find them by doing research. You'll also learn who the McDojo's are.

That sounds about right. Now training with us is defenatly worth the effort but even I have to admit that 5 or 6 hours is a bit much FYI, I replied to your private message and gave you a little description on our conditioning. You might be very intrested in the differences of what we do vs what you did.

True, but a Shodan is really just a beginner. (look up the translation) So yes, you need a great deal of skill to earn the rank, but while it's a big achievement it's also just the beginning of your martial arts training if you're serious. I do agree like anything worthwhile, it shouldn't be easy, and it is a major accomplishment, but it's not an end point contrary to popular opinion.

I try to keep my head level and straight. Eyes become part of the chest is what I've been taught. Like others said, I let my vision do what it needs to do. In other words, if I can't see it looking forward in a one on one situation, I don't need to see it.

I try to avoid them. If you have to work with them, tell them you're not intrested in roughness. If they don't stop, talk to the Sensei. In our dojo this sort of behavior isn't accepted, and either the instructor or a senior student will resolve the issue.

I've thought about subscribing, but like others said, most of the articles are fluff or pitches for ads. Every once in awhile, I'll buy it on the newsstand. If I find I'm spending more than a subscription, I'll subscribe, otherwise, I might suggest you do what I'm doing to see if it's worth the subscription cost.

Let it shrink then if the arms are too long roll them up (if your dojo allows it). And roll up the pants. You can use safety pins or sew them up and then adjust as you grow. (just rip out the stitches) This isn't the best way but if you can't afford another gi then this is the way to go. If not, get it adjusted by a tailor so it fits right now, then get a new one when you grow.

I would say too long is if someone is ready to test and they are not invited. Too short is when they aren't ready. Some folks work hard, and want to earn their belts as fast as possible. Others don't care. What matters is what's right for you.

West Virginia and Virginia are both big states. When they were one, it was the largest state. If you'll be in Martinsbug or any place near I-66 and I-81 it's about an hour. Otherwise it will be more to Fairfax. If you'll be in south eastern West Virginia there are a few Uechi folks in southwest Virginia who I can refer you to. I don't know of anyone in West Virginia but that doesn't mean that they don't exist.

I have seen references to both. The most common is refrence is Empty Hand, but there are many well documented references to Chinese hand. The reasons are as Shorin Ryuu cites. In your case, I'd follow what you are taught in class, but know that there are many things in martial arts that aren't as clear as some folks say. Also you might want to do more research, and read as much as possible. I once had a test board member comment that I knew quite a bit of history after being questioned on the history section of one of my tests. So knowing more than what's expected can be a very good thing.

5)plays games during class. This depends on the games. I've seen some races, competitions, and other things done that were games used to work a specific technique. Especially with kids sometimes you need to break up a class and make it really fun for them. Granted this shouldn't be done often, but it can be useful from time to time. Overall though, I agree with most of the other comments.

Congrats on the weight that you have lost. Special K has been marketing itself as a healthy breakfast food for years. My view is that you should have a balanced diet, exercise, and rest. From what I know of weight watchers they seem to follow most of this. My feeling is that if you like cereal and it fits into your calories, carbs, etc. Then have some, but it's not a "perfect" food, and eating lots of it will only get your diet out of balance.

Congrats. I know it's a great feeling to earn a new belt.

Sauzin, I agree with what you said, but 2 years is a long time. Even a year is a long time. Many things can happen in that time frame. Again, personal opinion, but I would pencil something like this in a calendar, but wouldn't tell someone "you will be testing" at the event. My wording would be different. Something like, if you're ready.... Maybe I missed something but just a different view.

Well this really doesn't seem fair since it's really a loaded question. Thoughts that come to mind are that the style is a very popular style of karate. With this in mind, as a style becomes popular there is tendency for the style to get "watered down". Now, I'm not saying that this is or isn't the case, but it does happen. So I'm sure that there are many bad instructors and many good ones. It just gets harder to find the good ones when a style gets very big. As far as techniques, for me, the little bit I know about the style it really isn't a good style FOR ME. The stances just don't work well with my body shape and size. Also the movements don't look natural to me, and don't seem like things that I would use in a real fight. Hence the reason that I study Uechi. The style works well for me, and is right for me. Now, the opposite may be true to others, but this is my opinion.

Wow, That seems a little strange to me. Now I know different styles and dojo's do things differently, but having a hard set date doesn't seem right to me. My thoughts are as follows, what if you're ready sooner, isn't it unfair to you to not be able to test sooner if a test is available. And what if you're not ready, then his statements imply that you will test anyway, again not fair. Now maybe this is the way that your system works, and please excuse me if my comments are off base. I agree that between now and your test time, you need to work hard. Practice all you have learned, learn to work every move to perfection (or as close as you can get). Learn to visualize things. By this I mean to practice in your head with your eyes shut. This way when you do test, you'll be relaxed.

I'm in Fairfax not far from PW county. How about sending me a private message and I'll give you some info.

I know that I am much faster, and aware of things when I am practicing to my full potential. Little things like dropping my keys. When I'm practicing, I usually catch them like nothing. But when I"m taking time off, I feel slow and they usually are just beyond my reach. And as other said, my mental state is just better when I train hard. I feel calm, and relaxed. Thoughts are clearer, and I'm just happier.

Menjo, It sounds like you're in the process of some soul searching. I personally think that this is good. But I'd suggest you take a little time and not be so hard on yourself. First off how long have you been studying GoJu? If it is for less that 5 years, I'd suggest you realize that you're just a beginner and that it will take time to master techniques. If it's longer, realize that you're probably at a stage where you're perfecting your art. This can be long and hard, and it's why so many folks quit. So if you're in this group feel good about yourself, and know that you're one of the rare few. Try to use this to get yourself motivated. I don't know about your Sensei, but mine is someone who I can talk to at any time about anything. If you have a good relationship, I'd strongly suggest that you talk about how your feeling. I'm willing to bet that he has been there and that knows about this sort of thing. Also remember your commitment to your art is a relationship between you and yourself. In the end, if you feel it's time to leave then it's your decision and you don't owe anyone anything. Now with this said, you SHOULD talk to your Sensei and those that you're close to in the dojo before you make a decision. In other words don't make rash decisions. (BTW, I don't get the impression that this is really an issue, but thought I'd mention it just incase you are seriously thinking of leaving) As far as other arts and learning techniques outside of your style. Again talk to your Sensei. You might find that he will encourage you to learn other things if he feels that you can handle it. If he says no. RESPECTFULLY ask him why. Then work with him to understand his logic.

Well you've probablfy figured it out by now, but the words groin and injury should make you almost faint. Probably one of the worst injuries you can have as they take SO LONG to heal and hurt so much. Now don't get me wrong, there are many much more serious injuires, but as far as pain and the amount of time to heal Groin injuries are probably the worst. All you can do is try to limit the amount of time you spend on your legs and take it easy. The more you try to push yourself the longer it will take to heal. And if it's a serious injury it will take forever. BTW, I'd suggest getting a second opinion. It seems like your current Dr. isn't give you much help.

Well that sounds a little more resonable! You're other post just sounded extreme. Either I don't know you very well yet, or missed the jest. In any case, I really think each case is different and you need to do what is right. But I agree in that you should try to keep everyone as equal as possible especially in discipline issues.

How long have you been studying? And what types of blocks are you talking about? For instance if it's a circular block those are harder to master than a simple down block or a pushing block.