jaymac

Never heard of it. Why don't you just check out the dojo and maybe take a few trial classes. Talk with the instructor and see what his origins are based on.

I never just execute a sweep. I always execute a counter strike to get them off balance, then sweep. Using them almost simultaneously is even more effective.

Scully, it is normal to feel at a testing that you could have done better. You probably could have, but do not be hard on yourself. Who hasn't gone to a testing and gotten so nervous that they have forgotten something that was very familiar to them just yesterday? Everybody makes mistakes. I am sure that your instructor was taking into consideration what type of a student you have been and how much you have grown in the past 3 years. He would not have tested you had he not thought you were ready. Everyday that you train, you will get better. Never stop training, never stop getting better. Congratulations.

mizu, You are very wise.

I do not feel $20.00 is a high fee to pay for a testing.

Allowing muscles to be relaxed before execution of strike, provides quick strikes from point A to point B. If you are tight and muscled through the technique, you will be slower in your execution. Tightening just before impact will still provide a powerful strike, block, kick.

I really think that once you begin to compete, you will not notice flashes of cameras or even others around you. (and unfortunately, there will be cameras) Just go with the mind that you are there to learn, get experience, and have fun. I bet you will do great! Good luck.

Honestly Bushido, Karate is what is painted on our dojo windows and that is it, except for a phone #

younwhadoug, I agree. Martial Arts has made me such a well rounded individual. I incorporate it into all aspects of my life. I feel that it greatly helps me with my temper, especially in the work place. Before MA, I was easily angered and acted on that mood. Now, I think before I react. I still get angry, but I keep it under control.

June1, I do not know what your level is, but I dont think that is necessarily the case for you. I had a friend who was on a business trip in another city and was quite quickley and unexpectedly jumped on the street (get this, on a very populated street, while onlookers were nearby), he said he immediately reacted with a very strong elbow to this persons ribs. He said it worked right now. He said he even kiai'd and onlookers told him he yelled very "LOUD" I was so proud of him because he had never had to use his training before, but when he needed it, it worked for him, and I believe this would be true for many practitioners.

An aspiring young man at our school has perfected a beautiful hook kick over the top of his opponents head making it look like a miss, and then comes back to the head with a roundhouse. Gets his opponents everytime.

That is a ridiculous amount of money per month and to buy out your contract. Don't do it. I doubt he would sue you for the money of that contract. The cost of hiring a lawyer, court cost, etc... are far more expensive than what he feels you owe him. As for not training there and not seeing your boyfriend, what is more important to you?

Nice reply MartialArthur!

We have a whole lot of children and teen. Many 20's to 30's. Gets more scarce after 30 but we are growing. Handful of over 40 and 50.

McDojo or not Pepto, she defended herself effectively against an attacker and isn't that what learning MA is all about?

We do not acknowledge an individual as Master in our style until 6th Dan. But instead of calling him/her Master, we refer to them as Shihan.

We did have a homosexual highschooler at our dojo and he was not afraid to tell people so. I respected him for that. He was professional in his MA career and everyone around him likewise was professional.

I think I agree with all other posters. It is good you have ambition and motivation to keep training on your own. However, only 5 years of experience with an instructor is maybe not enough time, especially if you are thinking about trying to teach this to other people. You are lacking credentials with only 5 years training. Sorry.

Thanks Sohan, that is cool.

If it is true, good for him. If it is not true, nice story.

This is an easy question.... I would absolutely stay with my instructor. It isnt the organization that is training me. Luckily, we arent with any organizition.

It is possible to learn any MA (anymore) online, but it is not realistic and you will not receive the type of training needed in order to be an affective Martial Artist. Online MA is a money scam. All they are looking for is your money. That is it. Why not try learning from an instructor in your area. I mean, I am sure you have thought about this already, but really, if you are interested in true MA, try it at a dojo.

I have trained under a couple of really great instructors, but I think that the instructor that I am with right now is awesome. It would have been awesome to train with any well known MA like Gracie or Lee, but I am very happy with the instructor I have currently.

I love to practice hook kicks, but I tend to favor roundhouse when fighting.

A friend of mine was up there for awhile and she said that she attended a very good JKA Shotokan school. Ask around when you get there. That is how she found this school, by word of mouth. I wish I could remember his name...Definetely Shihan something. Sorry, not much help, but good luck.