KarateK

Ahem - Let me just say am glad they introduced "womens" press ups in our club!!

Thanks patusai x Ooo just noticed got my yellow belt - who's gonna throw me a party?!?!

Hmm slightly worrying!!

Thanks for the advice x

Nope - all freaks of nature together!! Have posted this recently but my knee is causing me so much pain its really putting a strain on me when I am training

Am going to be a typical girl now - I am usually thinking during stretching that I hope I look semi-decent!! And I try not to let anyone stand behind me or else they will get a total eclipse lol!! Am quite competitive as well - so tend to be hoping that my techniques look as good as/better than the women stood next to me.

Thats exactly the same as me Orion - although am nearly 24 and 5.11. Surely I cant still be growing!!

Thanks bluetulip I did consider kickboxing. Am slightly worried however as I have a long term knee complaint that I cant do anything about. Not sure how this will affect me with kickboxing? Even at karate I find some of the stances etc difficult to master - purely because of the pain I tend to go through! Where is it you study?

From one KF virgin to another - Welcome x

Hi there Kihonkai Am not from Scotland but a little further down - Lancashire, you are more than welcome to visit our Dojo any time!! Enjoy x

Welcome fello newbie x

Am in need of some advice. Are there any female boxers out there to give me a perspective? I am interested in trying out boxing. Whether for purely fitness or trying a totally different art form I am not sure yet. How are you finding it - does anyone know of any clubs that are in the N/West of England area?

red dawn how does your promotion system work? We have to do a grading that involves passing or failing on that day - we are judged by 6/7 Sensei and given marks out of 10, usually 5/6's. I sometimes think that if you are of a nervous disposition (especially the cadets) then your results on that day are disappointing. If we were judged based on the way we train etc I can't help thinking that might be fairer.

CONGRATULATIONS!! Blimey on my grading - granted with Shukokai kumite is not as vital - I sparred with 2 people and felt ready to drop!! Hmm... maybe shouldnt have admitted that!

Am a 4th Kyu Purple belt, but as it has been a few years since I practised I decided to go back through the grades, starting at 9th kyu white belt. Have just re-taken my 6th Kyu Green belt - and was awarded the club achievement trophy for the highest score through the grading. Was really chuffed - it means a hell of a lot more to me this time around. You don't quite feel the passion when you are a kid. My daughter also graded and did fantastic - she has been coming to the club for the past 2 years since she was five - have finally got her out of her white belt!! Has anyone else recently taken a Shukokai Grading??

4th Kyu Purple - Shukokai

9 times out of ten I am in agony with my knee joint. It seriously affects my training. Have had mri scan, x-ray etc etc. They say nothing is wrong and its a sports injury. Basically I either give up karate or suffer the pain!! The only way they will help is if I give up karate, if it still hurts then they MAY inject me with steroids. I will start looking like She-Ra at this rate!!

Childish as this may sound I find it hard not to laugh at some kiai at times. As a woman I think my kiai is quite aggressive, it certainly surprises people!

Cheers I cant wait now - the Shaolin Monks sounds interesting. Will have to watch out for that

Oh now BlueTulip you have surpassed yourself - hotel room and ticket already booked!! My aren't we organised!! AngelaG you say you went last year? Any tips, advice, things I should look out for?

Thanks all x

I think it must be hereditary (is that spelt right?). Mine sounds an awful lot like my mum's, its like an eeeeeessssss. Then again my daughter actually says Kiai, possibly an age thing though!!

In Karate there is no first attack. I come to you only with karate, empty hands. I have no weapons. But should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honour, Should it be a matter of life or death, right or wrong. Then here are my weapons, karate, Hi all, K here, a Shukokai student from Lancashire, England. Started karate when I was 7, gave up at 14 and am now back again for a re-try. Enjoying it a zillion times more than when I was younger. Drop me a hi there anytime

Did anyone attend? Any thoughts, views on the day? Our club went and came away with 4 trophies. As a Shukokai club was fascinating to watch the Shotokan competitors.

I am going to try to drive!! God help me, can imagine its hectic around there during these events!! Am really interested in attending a classical seminars but am not sure which is right for my level. Am 4th Kyu (Purple) but not quite sure am up there just yet.