patusai

Shotokan...my vote

the concept of Shodan is that the student has learned enough so that one can really start learning. It's a beginning. Not a middle or an end. Each style is a bit different in what they expect. In Japan the Shodan rank is no big deal at all. As for worthyness that is for the instructor to decide I would think. You are right on target when you said that the test is a formality. I know some who have never formally taken a Shodan test. When your there your there. As for physical vs mental ability and the importance of each when compared with the other...there probably needs to be a mix of both and a minimum level of ability. 100% of one and 0% of the other is not a pass.

Welcome, welcome, welcome

Welcome one and all

I think that they are a Shito-ryu type style

All styles....whatever name they may be they are all karate (at its most general level)

Top quality fighters if they survive the beating

Maybe I got the wrong site. They have a home study course. That might be interesting

Q: I heard that ninjas are always cruel or mean. What's their problem? A: Whoever told you that is a total liar. Just like other mammals, ninjas can be mean OR totally awesome. I am confused as to the definition (as pulled from the attached web site) of totally awesome is. I didn't know that real ninja advertised their art..espcially showing the face. Must be a modern day version of the ninja My understanding of ninja's is that they are assissins. These guys don't strike me as assissins though I may be incorrect

From what I heard Goju and Shorin were for specific body types. I imagine others work better for certain body types too. Now I need to find a style that specifically adapts to and old and fat man's body...unless I can get off this computer and actually do some real exercise. Slowing down on food intake wouldn't hurt me either!

I never knew that about the Shimabuku movies. Thanks

Interesting.

Oh, Batman! You're my hero!!

I dont think that should change your aditude towards your physical capabilities, I entend to not let my age effect my training or habits, except for obvious things. I guess I should get over my stubborness because I realize this is easier for me to say. Well, I'd like to take the stick away from him and put it somewhere where it would not be able to harm me but...maybe I can get one good one in and...

I have know schools that allow the wearing of the earned black belt although the style is different. I think that it is normal. Some black belt students in the new style chose to wear a white belt out of respect until such time that they learned the kata, techniques and such and were tested. In many cases it did not take the normal period of training

I'm not a doctor but I would suggest that you talk to yours

Contrats on the test

I saw the Shimabuku super 8 MM and they were not spectacular either however when you consider the age...now that I am 50+ I better understand that there is young man's karate and not so young man's karate

My goal is to remember the one kata that I forgot

I like this idea. Although not the attacker one must learn to...walk away either that or stay away from areas that will put yoiu in a position that you need to fight

I think that it would take several decades of training not several year but that's just my opinion

To each style their own I suppose. If his students recognize the 14th dan more power to him. Someday, he may make it to 20th dan

Karate Kid

I'm old. I'd never survive

Trophies are just something to polish. Some have a great deal of trophies. I knew an instructor, since deseased, who only displayed the trophies of his students and not one of his own.