TAZ

I know what you mean guys. The dude is amazing! It seems to me that from the knockout/knockdowns I've seen, his punches are more of a counter strike, definitely coming from unorthodox angles. Very REactive. What I think of when I see his lead hand just kinda hangout there, is a cobra strike. His opponent almost always gets caught coming in as he plants his feet and strikes.

Depending on what size you are, you can get a KI international 14oz. from between $45-$65. Check out these sites. https://www.heimas.com https://www.ki-international.com https://www.bestbuymas.com Good luck!

Seisan

Here are some stats from the competition. This was on https://www.karatekast.com. WCL Stats Jan. 21, 2006 Miami Force-136 ------------ New York Clash-132 1st half Ben Brotherton-------Tim Lane (winner by ko) Crafton Wallace(winner by ko)------Shand Farley Eric Costanos(winner)---------Lawrence Wray(disqualified for not fighting) Kornelija Numic (11)---------- Jennifer Santiago (16) Antoine Mcrae(winner)---------Carlos Tearney Kelly Leo (11)-----------Derek Panza (15) 2nd half Numic (11) ---------- Santiago (18) Mcrae (14) ------------ Tearney (12) Leo (9)-------------- Panza (15) Mukkadams (14) ----------- Lane (12) Constanos (15) --------------- Madden (11) _______________________________________________ Philadelphia Fire-156 -------------New England Strikers-89 1st half Chris Algieri(winner by ko) ------- Rinat Myrzabekov Jason Bourelly (15) ----------Shannon Hudson (7) Peyton Russell (11) ---------- Joey Greenhaigh (15) Stephen Thompson (15) --------John Marzullo (5) Dan Erickson (winner by ko) -------Dan Lucas Suzie Montaro (10) -----------Christina Rondeau (15) 2nd half Algieri (nose bleed) ----------Manny Reyes jr.(winner by tko) Virginia Baker (14) ----------Rondeau (12) Russell (15) ----------Greenhaigh (10) Erickson(winner by ko) ---------Chuck Jewl Bourelly (15) -------------Hudson ( Thompson(winner by ko)----------Jose?

I would have to disagree with this statement. Only on the fact that I am involved with a martial arts school (approx. 55-60 students strong) that has a very compitent teacher who charges only for the belt (at his cost, $5). And he does this all for "donations". No expectations financially from any of his students. He does it for the love of the art and people. IMO he is a one of a kind and not just because he teaches for free.

I don't have any info or links, but I can tell you that $6000 for a black belt test fee is absolutely ridiculous. I agree that something should have been mentioned along the way. But I guess if they are looking forward to that 6 grand, then they probably would steer clear for the fear that most people would agree that it is WAY too much and would probably not want to continue with that organization. Just my opinion!

Welcome to KF! What part of Washington?

I'm surprised no one has mentioned anything about the Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie fight coming up in I think May. That's going to be awesome!

When and/or why would there ever be a situation where one would need to give up their rank?

Congratulations!

Shorin Ryu

Congratulations! I just want to encourage you to not set yourself up with a "mental block" when you say you are scared that you might get stuck at brown belt. Have the same mentality, determination, and perseverance you did when you achieved each and every one of your past ranks. Keep going!

I don't think you would do wrong by chosing that style, but style shouldn't be the only determining factor. You will want to see if the Instructor(s) are the type of people you would like to learn from. I would suggest sitting in, or even seeing if the Instructor would allow you to participate in a few classes free of charge to see if it is compatible with you. Good luck!

Here's one. When you visit the school, watch to see if when they are executing their kicks, that their hands are in a fighting position, and not down at their sides. IMO, too many TKD schools focus so much on the kicking techniques that they almost forget that they have two more weapons at their disposal. Just my opinion!

Here is one that has a comparison of katas done by shorin ryu and shotokan. Enjoy! https://www.natkd.com/karate_katas.htm