aruder

For Shodan: Tai Kyoku Kumi (a blend of the traditional Tai Kyoku ich, ni, and san) Wansu Anaku Nihanchi Sho Empi Sho San Chin Bassai Dai Tsue Sho (a basic bo form) Go Pei Sho Dan Enn Sho so thats 10 forms and (deep breath...) Three levels for each form perfected (performance, bunkai, and with attackers) 35 Wazas (similar to one steps): 10 Tae Tsues (speed) 15 Ippons (power) 10 Kihons (power and speed) with and without attackers 26 Judo Techniques perfected 5 Animal forms 24 Self Defenses (against wrist grabs, lapel grabs, knife thrust, etc) with variations 35 sparring combinations 4 minutues Form sparring and stance focus sparring Judo matches, opponent lighter, same weight, and heavier (Sensei usually says he's the same weight, no matter what size you are,) Sparring matches, same as above Development of personal kata Written exam Oral exam Black Belt Thesis (What does Shodan mean to me? or the like) Fitness Requirements In all, Shodan tests usually take about 6 hours and gallons of blood, sweat, tears, and vomit.

If you look online, be sure that it is your style's particular version of the kata. Katas like the Bassai and Naihanchi series are common to several styles, but they have many individual diffrences

It depends very much on your instructor. If your instructor is the type that says "our style is the best, there is no reason to train in another style" don't ask. (I, for one, wouldn't train under such a close minded teacher) If I told my Sensei I was thinking about cross training, he would probably say, "Cool. Can I come with you to a class? Maybe you can show my class some of the things you learn."

For Shodan: Tai Kyoku Kumi (a blend of the traditional Tai Kyoku ich, ni, and san) Wansu Anaku Nihanchi Sho Empi Sho San Chin Bassai Dai Tsue Sho (a basic bo form) Go Pei Sho Dan Enn Sho so thats 10 forms and (deep breath...) Three levels for each form perfected (performance, bunkai, and with attackers) 35 Wazas (similar to one steps): 10 Tae Tsues (speed) 15 Ippons (power) 10 Kihons (power and speed) with and without attackers 26 Judo Techniques perfected 5 Animal forms 24 Self Defenses (against wrist grabs, lapel grabs, knife thrust, etc) with variations 35 sparring combinations 4 minutues Form sparring and stance focus sparring Judo matches, opponent lighter, same weight, and heavier (Sensei usually says he's the same weight, no matter what size you are,) Sparring matches, same as above Development of personal kata Written exam Oral exam Black Belt Thesis (What does Shodan mean to me? or the like) Fitness Requirements In all, Shodan tests usually take about 6 hours and gallons of blood, sweat, tears, and vomit

I used to always do "Zoot" or just "Zoo" Now I vary it up, usually two syllables. "OoSa" is a good one "Suehap" for a high pitched One Shodan at my school always says "Yes!" or something that mysteriously sounds like profanity...

at my school, the head Karate instructors are both Sensei, the TKD instructor is master. The first degree assitant instructors are Joshu... is anyone else familiar with that title? or is that unique to our stlye? also, Sensei names a high ranking kyu as Sempei, usually the next in line for Shodan testing

Funny story about my sensei... his dog attacked his karte bag one night and ripped up a gi and his black belt... almost ripped in half at the point that ends up in the middle of the back. Blue and white cotton held it together for a few months until some of the top students bought him a new belt with his name and rank and such embroidered in english and kanji. another high degree I know... his belt is more gray than black, but only slightly frayed... I think it looks really cool.

Any where online for information on the han-bo or three foot staff?

I think in some areas you can't carry a blade over a certain size concealed in a pocket or bag... a katana is a bit difficult to conceal though. I know of many conventions and rennaisance fairs that ask anyone carry a sword to "peace tie" it, tying the tsuba or handguards to the saya or scabbards so it can't me drawn.

For Shodan: Tai Kyoku Kumi (a blend of the traditional Tai Kyoku ich, ni, and san) Wansu Anaku Nihanchi Sho Empi Sho San Chin Bassai Dai Tsue Sho (a basic bo form) Go Pei Sho Dan Enn Sho so thats 10 forms and (deep breath...) Three levels for each form perfected (performance, bunkai, and with attackers) 35 Wazas (similar to one steps): 10 Tae Tsues (speed) 15 Ippons (power) 10 Kihons (power and speed) with and without attackers 26 Judo Techniques perfected 5 Animal forms 24 Self Defenses (against wrist grabs, lapel grabs, knife thrust, etc) with variations 35 sparring combinations 4 minutues Form sparring and stance focus sparring Judo matches, opponent lighter, same weight, and heavier (Sensei usually says he's the same weight, no matter what size you are,) Sparring matches, same as above Development of personal kata Written exam Oral exam Black Belt Thesis (What does Shodan mean to me? or the like) Fitness Requirements In all, Shodan tests usually take about 6 hours and gallons of blood, sweat, tears, and vomit.

You will develop coordination... When I started (and many others) I was tripping over my own feet and having trouble blocking and punching or kicking at the same time. Stick with it, you'll be surprised how soon will come the day when it first all "clicks" There is the theory of multiple intelligences: besides the mental and social, there is the "body kinesthetic" Just like mental and social intelligences, you can learn "body kinestheticly. At this point, as I was, you may be body kinesthetic ignorant. Some people are considered naturally talented are body kinesthetic gifted. You will learn, my friend, you will learn, with patience, determination, and discipline

Also... In Japan, Judo is taught as part of PE classes

Martial Arts in schools is a great idea Read about my school here It is an afterschool club rather than a class, but high school students get a PE credit. We now have 120 students across the entire school district in three grade schools and the high school. coralreefer, Consider going back to your school system and show them our webpage. If you're really serious about starting a school club email Sensei- his email is on the page.

I have been told master is 7th degree, and Grandmaster is tenth... That's just what I've been told, don't shoot the messenger if I'm wrong or maybe master is 3rd, Grandmaster is 7th? I have no clue

I commend you on your self control... I have yet to come to the point where I could control myself to that degree... If I was in the same situation, I would have had a corpse on my hands, and an even more traumatized daughter... Do not feel any guilt for your actions. The martial arts is for the defense of yourself, your friends and loved ones. your country, and the innocent. Please never give up on your sister. If she has the mentality that abuse is love, she needs all the help and support she can get to be able to change that mentality. Never, never give up on her. Eventually she will let you help her. There may be something in her past that has affected her emotionally that even you as her brother do not know about (I have seen similar situations in my own family) It may unfortunately come to the point where she comes to a complete breakdown before she can be built up again to a person that believes and knows that she deserves real love, not abuse. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.