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I agree with learning other systems, including animal systems...However, I think there is value in achieving a certain level of profiency in one system before working on another. Adding on other styles can only be benificial if your adding on...but if all your doing is jumbling up one not yet mastered skill with another it can make for one confused sloppy style. Of course this is all just my opinion. In other areas of life you here the phrase "Jack of all trades, Master of none." In the same breath I think if you are in a system you don't like, or doesn't work for you then try another...I don't think that is what your talking about here though.

There is always more to the story (as was in this case)...however I do think the tap to the groin was brilliant and very on par for this young mans personality!

I would like to finish what I started, I know I won't find a school that is just like mine (my instructor blends alot of other arts with Shorin Ryu to establish a new system) My instructor recomended that I start studying other forms of MA when I get my brown belt to go alongside this one. I'd love help finding a dojo! Thank you. As soon as we find out a final date on our departure I'll let you know so you can help me. Thanks again

Hi, I'm 35, or atleast I will be next week. I was a late bloomer for MA. I have been studying Shorin Ryu for two years now and I am a 5th que. I orginally found this website because I was looking up dojo's in Vegas. I live in Dallas now but my husband might be transfered there in the next few months. I really enjoy the style I have been studying and hope to carry it on if we move. If you get a chance check out my Sensei's Pod cast KarateKast.com he's just started it. Cool Forum...thanks to the creaters!

I'm 35 and a woman...not your typical beginner karate student. I've been studying for two years now. I started with my children. 8, 14, and 15. In the beginning it was harder for me, as a traditionally raised female I had a hard time when it came to actually hitting people. (Our style is full contact.) I was at least a decade or two older than the other students and way less flexible (I still am.) In the beginning it was harder for me than it was for my three boys and the other students. It was a new school and every student started without having other karate experience at the same time. I watched others move up before me, I struggled with the combat and conditioning and many times thought I was just too old to start something like this. The younger students inspired me to keep at it though. Two years later, I outrank all of my own children, I'm the third highest rank in class...we are all the same que but the other two tested two weeks before I did. I have no problem fighting and have found that actually my age, and the wisdom that comes with it is an asset. I'm not as flexible, but I'm quicker. I'm not as strong but I've learned to use technique to my favor and have won first in all but my very first competition. Age is a blessing, an advantage! Work hard, and learn how to use your age as part of your skill, not a deterrent. BTW...now my class average age is creeping up to mine. I'm no longer the oldest beginning student, and no longer the only adult female. What you do as an older student is inspiring. At demo's when I do my breaks the reaction is different than when the younger ones do them, people just don't expect it...watching a 35 year old woman do knuckle jumps and punch through boards like their butter can be very inspiring to all ages! Congratulations to you for starting karate at a technically late age for the art, I look forward to hearing about your successes