Zaine

I chose my style because the we knew the instructor and he was teaching it for free. After joining I liked that we sparred a lot because part of the motivation of me saying "yes" to going was I was getting beat up and I needed a way to defend myself. It evolved into so much more after that and now my favorite part is the philosophy that goes into Martial Arts. However, that wasn't really talked about in class so that was something I thought could have changed.

I don't really remember my first class. I do remember the first year, however. I remember struggling to understand and working hard to get it and feeling that joyous feeling when the Sensei looked at me and said something to the effect of "I can tell that you've been working on that because it looks good now." I loved my first year of Karate and you will too.

Chishi meaning the stick with a stone at the end? (Inelegant explanation I know).

Merry Christmas!

That's an awesome idea. Don't fancy gift shopping on Christmas eve though! We rarely have our Christmas on Christmas so we never shop on Christmas Eve. This year our shopping day will be the 28th.

We do something different. My father gets a generous bonus every Christmas and gives everyone $25 dollars for each person (i.e. I have $25 for my wife, my brother etc). We go out and buy the presents the day before (being that we're all anxious balls of curiosity, although we generally show everybody what we want them to buy us) and we wrap it that night (we are able to do this because we have Christmas when everyone can make it and that is rarely on the day of). After wrapping we make clues to where we are going to hide them and in the morning and every one goes on a scavenging hunt getting one present at a time, we open it as a family, and then get the second one. So the answer to the original question is that it depends on whose clue I grab first.

Great job! Congrats!

Schola Saint George is a system that is based of manuscripts written by Fiore Dei Liberi the main one being Flors Di Battaglia (The Flower of Battle). It is one of the earliest surviving manuscripts for swordplay in the western world and many consider Fiore as a base for which all Italian sword play evolved (I find that difficult to believe but as I have only just started reading the history I can't make any definitive claims). We use the Longsword, Daga, Poleaxe, Sword and Buckler, Rapier, Spear and there is unarmed combat. Just like the Martial Arts that you are used to it is a belted system but I think there are only 5 belts ending in red. Instead of Kata there are plays which is essentially step drills that are made to give us scenarios where if opponent does "X" you can do this. Right now at my level (the base and everyone starts out as unbelted) I am learning the longsword plays (called the Largo plays) although my instructor likes to get ahead a little and so I know so Daga stuff as well. What I can say the most about it is that it is a lot of fun and I enjoy every second of it. If you have anymore questions ask me, this is just a general overview and I'm at work so I'm distracted so specific questions are welcome. I added the link to the website for the school below. https://www.scholasaintgeorge.com

Your hesitation is understandable and from what I can infer from what you say I don't think that he would refund you. Sit on it for a time and think about it and make sure to keep us updated.

To claim that something is the "WORLD'S STRONGEST KARATE" is puffery. I don't think any karate is the world's strongest (although I have some opinions as to which is the weakest but that is neither here nor there). That being said, Kyokushin is a legit system and I have never been disappointed by it's performance. Just like any system it will have bad instructors and good ones and I urge you to try it out so that you can see what you think. Afterwards post your thoughts here.

This is generally the advice that I give. Try it out and tell us what you think. What you liked and didn't like.

You do. A lot of more traditional Dojo/Dojangs have time requirements such as the ones that sensei8 listed. Gaining your Judan (something that many never obtain) is quite literally a life long journey that is earned through one's devotion to not only the martial aspects but to the philosophical and sometimes spiritual aspects as well. I mirror sensei8's sentiment when he says that he cannot respect a mid-30s Judan.

Wow, great story. It's awesome when a student who is as loyal as your friend gets to see how loyal the school is to him.

Awesome video. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go on a karate youtube binge now.

Still, it's better to lose your wallet and phone than your life. No reputable instructor recommends going up against a gun or knife unless you suspect they're not satisfied with your belongings. of course, good on him, good that it worked out, but in general? You're right. If this was a hypothetical situation I would urge my students to comply with the robber. An iPod (at least the ones that I have seen) are not worth your life.

I like traditional Martial Arts. I am a lover of history and all of the work that went into making a system gives it depth and, for me, reason to be around. I love that the first system I learned was a traditional system. This being said I think that staying in our traditional roots without evolution is not in the spirit of our respective founders. I think that a part of the reason the systems that we practice are still around is that the systems evolved and I think that we should, as instructors, continue to practice. Does this mean that we walk away from the traditional root? Absolutely not. It means that while observing our respective lineages we continue to add what is effective to continue improving our system. As far as MMA being to blame I can agree that it certainly doesn't help most times. It's what is out there the most in the public eye so it is what the consumer wants. I would also contribute some the our need for instant gratification.

Wow, that's crazy. I get wanting to be on the corner of the market but that's a little territorial. Besides, competition can breed better growth and better teaching (on the other hand it can create people who hand out black belts so that they can have students).

Agreed.

Basically. You'll get there.

Hands down my favorite quote from the whole video. It really says it all for me.What Mr. LeBell speaks about is solid, however, not all MAists are willing to not criticize, for whatever the reason(s). Sad, but true. As a teacher I had likes to say "They're still on the journey to be a Martial Artist, just like you and me. We're just a little further down the road."

Congrats!

Some clubs like that exclusiveness and they eventually disappear. It harbors an elitism that is really hard to break through. Generally these places end up putting out BBs who know how to fight and have great technique but fail to understand what it is to be a Martial Artist.

Congrats! It's a pretty great feeling!

First thing is first, I understand where the head master is coming from. He's upset and sees it as an afront for the other student to do what he did. That being said, it drives me a little crazy when things like this happen. As a (former) instructor I loved loyal students but I did not feel then need to put any thoughts of loyalty in my students. I was there to teach and they were there to learn. I find it ridiculous that some instructors can't separate a student's personal life, such as the student who got kicked out, from loyalty to this or that club. For me, I would leave (possibly for your friend's school if you want to continue with the style) because it doesn't seem like a healthy place to be. I absolutely understand if you are conflicted about leaving because you've been here awhile and you obviously love the club enough to have legitimate concerns about it but you deserve to train in a place that you feel comfortable in.

I agree with this. I tend not to worry about whether or not what I am learning or teaching is traditional or not. To be honest if it works and is interesting then it is enough for me and if anyone disagrees then let them.