Vylrath

Hi, Thanks for the replies. It only took one practice training session for me to fall in love. I'm now in my third week of training, I just received my official uniform, and I'm working towards my first stripe. The official system that we are learning is called Shin-Toshi; it is a relatively new system, and our instructor, Richard Shoffit, is the highest-ranked belt in the United States (7th degree). The class starts with organized practicing of kicks, punches, positions, and movements. It then moves to "one-steps", a series of movements and counters to memorize. Next we work on forms, then self-defense. After that we do weapons training (currently escrima sticks). Finally, we spar, then do minor belt tests. It is one heck of a workout! I'm thoroughly enjoying the class, and can't wait to learn more. So far, it's the perfect blend of martial arts for me. If there's anything you'd like to know about Shin-Toshi, feel free to contact me. I will be starting a weblog in the next week or so detailing my progress there; if anyone cares to know, I will be posting the link here sometime soon. - Brian

Hi ladyj, I haven't gotten a chance to watch a class yet, I've been bogged down with finals coming up. I'll definitely take your advice and check them out as soon as I can. I was looking only in my town (15 mile radius or so), but now I see there are a lot more dojos with more specific schools of thought that I can choose from. Thanks for the help! Hi pineapple, As I said before, I plan to definitely check out some dojos before I choose one. I am interested in weapons, but I'm also interested in competing. I'll ask the sensei when I visit the schools. Good tips, thanks!! - Brian

Hi Orion, Thanks for the kind words. That's awesome that you've been able to change your lifestyle choices. I'm trying really hard to change mine! I've decided the first step is simply not to buy the foods that will get me in trouble. I'm also going to be checking out some dojos as soon as I can get some free time (damned finals). I'm starting a blog with my martial arts and health updates as well, I think writing will be healthy. I'm also going to keep a log of my weight and body fat so I can see my improvement. Thanks for the tips!! - Brian

Heya, I've been playing guitar for about five years now. I play an Eric Clapton Fender Strat inherited from my parents and a crazily downtuned custom Washburn that I got from the guitarist Kai of the band Noise Therapy! I enjoy playing all styles, but my passion is metal. I'm in a band right now, we play rock. Our band is a lot of fun -- the other guy and I play guitar and do the electronics/mixing, and the three girls play bass, drums, and sing/keyboard. It's a good combination, it sounds a lot like Evanescence meets Smashing Pumpkins with crazy guitar solos randomly thrown in for good measure. I have a solo project as well that's straight up metal -- I do everything: guitars, vocals, bass, and a drum machine. Tons of fun ... I don't know what I'd be doing now if I didn't have music in my life! - Brian

Hi all, Thanks for the warm welcomes! I feel at home here. I still haven't chosen a dojo or style -- I've been really bogged down in class lately with finals coming up soon. I'm hoping to visit my first dojo next week and talk to the sensei about what my goals are for training and what to expect. I'll stay in touch! - Brian

Hi pineapple, Well, I'd like to be able to: 1) - Improve my health; lose weight; exercise 2) - Compete in tournaments; spar 3) - Learn to defend myself 4) - Eventually have something to possibly teach someday 5) - Meet people; socialize These are the goals that I could think of off the top of my head. They're ranked in order of immediate to long-term, and most important to least important. Hope that helps a bit. - Brian

Hi, After a ten year or so absence, I'm looking to start learning the martial arts again. I've found a few dojos in my area on the Internet, and have browsed their respective websites. With my extremely limited knowledge of the subject, I've decided to learn a "traditional" style based on kicks and punches, but also to include learning how to use a katana and bo staff. I don't know if I'm allowed to post the dojo that I'm lookin at's web URL here, but here's what they're offering: It's a multi-style system mixing Kendo, Arnis/Kali, Kobudo, Iai-Do, Shin-Toshi. They don't offer any kind of belt guarantees or similar "McDojo"-type qualities, but they do offer a free uniform with enrollment (apparently individualized as well). They're open four days a week and have supposedly been open for twenty-five years. Since I have practically no experience or anything to compare to, could you tell me if this is a possible dojo choice from the above information? Or should I just actually visit the dojo and try it out for a month or two, and see if I like it? Thanks for helping a newbie out! - Brian

Hi, I'm a bit overweight (200 pounds) due to a few bad habits throughout my college career (eating poorly and lack of exercise). Since I took a few of the martial arts when I was a kid (Judo and Tae Kwon Do), and they still greatly interest me, I'm hoping that they will help me to lose some weight. As to my diet, do you have any recommendations? Are there any books or web sites you can recommend? I've been basically living off of pizza and soda for the past few years, so I'm not sure what to eat to stay in shape. I've browsed through the forum archives and have gotten a few tips already, like drinking water instead of soda and cutting the carbohydrates. I'm really hoping this will turn my life around! Thanks for the help! - Brian

Hi, My name is Brian, I'm 23 years old. This is my first time here at KarateForums.com. When I was very young, I studied Judo and Tae Kwon Do, but haven't practiced either one in over ten years. I'm just now getting back into the martial arts, although I can't decide which discipline I should concentrate on. I'm heading to my local dojos this week to see what they are like! I hope to be an active member of this community, and learn something too! See you in the forums! - Brian