disarm

Hehe:) Tried that. All I get is a stubborn "I'm not into that!" *changes subject* I think she's just going to have to get used to it.

She has her own hobbies too (she makes jewrellery and cards etc) and goes out with her friends, etc. Also we don't live together (thankfully!) allthough she keeps asking me to, and saying that I am more comitted to MA than she is! Hell, its not like I've moved into the dojo. Damn, now it really sounds like a rant:(

I think as a couple we need to find something else to do together, that doesn't involve sitting in the pub or watching mindless TV. A few years ago she used to go Aerobics a few times a week but dropped out when friends dropped out (had to rely on their transport at the time). I think she just needs a bit of motivation and inspiration. A couple of weeks ago she expressed an interest in a local running club and was going to make some enquires. I said at the time I would be interested in joining with her, as I think it would be good to do a bit of running during the week inbetween training days. I think I'll remind her, that could be beneficial to both of us I reckon.

I know a club (well, a whole family owned group of clubs) that I've heard do that. Very commercial and money orientated, they grade people very quickly just to keep them interested. Even if they're not ready for the grade. As a result you have people with the belt but without the skills/strength/etc to match. I wonder how they would fare in a tournament? The club where I train hold a grading every 4 months or so. If a student is not ready then they are told, otherwise its a case of "you're grading". I think they have got it just right. With regular training over four months most people can get to the required standard for grading. There is sometimes a seperate grading date set, 4-6 weeks after, for people not quite ready the first time.

Cheers for the advice and support everyone, much appreciated. She says that MA is not for her, but she did a bit of Judo when she was younger. I think she's probably forgotten the benefits. I also think Jealousy has something to do with it. She spends her nights watching TV and reading * celebrity magazines. Doesn't really get much exercise. I reckon she can see how I've improved and have changed for the better. I think its also down to a lack of understanding. Once when we had a big argument she claimed that people who practice MA only do so because they are interested in violence! I must be one of those people then! Whenever I mention the subject she starts sighing and says that she isn't interested in MA so why talk about it? So communication isn't great She's about to start a OU (open university) course which is going to take up some 20 hours a week in study time. Which I think is a good thing, doing something that you're interested in. So I've always supported her and not complained that it will eat up our time together. Hmm, double standards? Sorry, it sounds like a rant again.

Hi all. I started Shotokan Karate about six months ago, and after the first few rough months (I could have given up on a number of occaions but PERSEVERANCE) I now love every minute! I now train 2 hours, three times a week. I soon discovered that you can't practice Karate with a poor diet, it just doesn't work. So I've had to improve my diet and cut down on alcohol consumption, etc. For which I feel better for, regardless of training. Not only that, I feel better in myself. More confident and healthy. Now my long term girlfriend says that Karate is taking over my life! She says that I will be happy to train every day (of course I would, well at least 5 days a week). I just can't sit in the pub with her drinking (on a regular basis at least) as It's just a waste and detrimental to my fitness. She can't see the benefits and thinks that I'm turning into a boring fitness freak. I mentioned it to someone at training this afternoon and he said it would only get worse, and she'd end up a Karate Widow! Hell, the club is only open (for Shotokan) 3 times a week. A couple of hours at a time. It's hardly taking up my whole life is it? So what do you reckon? I recognise that you have to keep work and play balanced. It's not like I'm always training and never see her. Anyone else had resistance from partner, etc? Sorry if it sounds like too much of a rant...

Where I train there are people of all ages. Including some old guy with white hair, he must be at least 50. Of course, some people just use age as an excuse, like my father who complains about walking up the stairs!

Hi. Thanks for all the replys, they have been very encouraging. I've now had...9 lessons, and recently purchased more appropiate clothing so I fit in with the class more. Guess I'm here to stay

Hi. Hope you're still enjoying it. I've been training for about 4 weeks now. Purchased a uniform at the weekend, feels quite stiff (heavyweight made in pakistan) but I should imagine it will loosen up after a few washes. The jacket feels a bit long but then again I'm not used to wearing jackets longer than waist height. We'll see tonight.

Thanks. 4th lesson last night - went quite well. I felt good afterwards. Had a chat with a few more students, becoming more at ease, etc. Yep, I'm enjoying this. More!

Update! Went for my 3rd lesson last night and it was much more enjoyable. Some of the co-ordination started-to-fall-into-place quite nicely. I was quite aprehensive entering the dojo again but started to feel calmer after 10 minutes or so. Yeah, a result I would say. Spoke to a fellow beginner who told me he was just the same for the first four lessons or so, was going to give up (like me) but decided to stick it out. Probably wouldn't have gone back if it wasn't for the replies on this very forum:) Thanks all.

Thanks All.

Hi, Can anyone please explain to me the difference (if any) between Karate and Kata? I ask because I've been looking at books on Shotokan Karate, found this one http://www.mawarehouse.com/096690480X/25_Shoto_Kan_Kata.html which looks alright and might help me as a mere beginner. But is this the same thing? Probably sounds dumb I know! Thanks

Thanks for the replys everyone, much appreciated.

Hello all. Would you agree with the following statement: To practice Karate you need to be naturally co-ordinated. I've just started Shotokan karate. The first lesson was great. Allthough I struggled towards the end (blocks) with co-ordinating both hands & feet at the same time. I have little co-ordination! I can drive, use a PC, but that is as far as it goes. I don't dance! etc etc But anyway, after the lesson I felt good. A real confidence and energy boost. Anyway, just came back from lesson #2. First half hour went ok, then the lesson turned into a bit of a nightmare when it started to get more complicated with steps + punches + blocks (both hands at the same time, eek!). Then it got worse, in my mind I started to give up. The sensai wouldn't let me (git! but then I didn't expect him to). Finally the lesson ended. Confidence well and truely rocked, I left the dojo probably 90% certain that it probably wasn't for me and that I wouldn't be coming back. I didn't even bow.. After a while I started feeling a bit better and now there is a part of me that wants to go back, persevere, improve. I must be crazy! Maybe it's a bit like learning to drive - when you have a really bad lesson, bad test, etc. It can rock you and make you feel like throwing it all away, etc. I love the physical side to it, it's a fantastic workout. The discipline doesn't bother me. It's inexpensive at £4 a lesson, with no silly contracts to sign or montly direct debits. It's a small class (newly started beginners class) of only about 8 people. It's not the first time I've tried martial arts. About 6 years ago I did a few lessons in TaeKwonDoe, which I mostly enjoyed but remember struggling with the co-ordination back then. I left for different reasons though - high cost and a contract to sign. So now I don't know what to do. I have until tuesday to make up my mind if I wish to return. Has anyone else been in this position? Is it worth continuing when the rest of the group seems to have more coordination and doesn't struggle like I do? (allthough I did cope better physically than one or two in the group). Should I persevere and it will eventually fall into place? I don't really want to give up so easily, but if it's going to be a steep learning curve which will lead to more knockbacks, etc, etc.. So please be honest, I'd rather not have people offer encouragement just to make me feel better, of course if you think I'm just being silly then say so! If you agree with the opening statement then also say so! By the way, I'm 29 and not getting any younger! Not that I think that matters much. Cheers!