jaymac

In the beginning of my training in Shotokan, I thought some of the strict rules my instructor had were over the top. As the years have past and talking to others and hearing stories like kez is discussing, I have come to respect my instructors opinions in regards to training and being a Martial Artist. He tells new students and all students, "do not brag or talk out loud about being a Martial Artist, it may cause you problems down the road when someone tries to test your ability." He tells us, if someone tries to approach us in school or work place about our abilities, invite them to take a few classes and try it out themselves. He does not allow classes to be viewed by onlookers. The students are not able to see outside of the dojo, and little kids unable to see mom or dad. The training area is enclosed and only training students are allowed entry. Mom, dad, and others can view the training from a private area on t.v. All training areas are on camera. At the end of children's classes, a black belt student supervises the dismissal of all the kids, so potenitial harrassers outside are deterred.

How did you do in that tournament? I was up in Buffalo and noticed the large advertisement for it the night before it was to take place. I wish I would have known about it sooner because I would have loved to attend and compete. What was it like?

My worst was when I was messing around with another black belt who was about 6 inches taller than me. I gave him a choke hold and he flipped me over his shoulder. Instead of landing on the floor on my back, I landed standing up, ultimately jamming my knee so bad that I collapsed to the ground. My gosh that hurt. To this day, I still have to be careful with that knee. Luckily there were no ligament tears.

Nice job!

My question would be, have you ever witnessed a black belt testing? Our Dan testings are nothing like the kyu testings, and until I actually tested for Shodan, I didn't feel my grading had been overly challenging. Thought much different after my shodan and nidan gradings.

I know how you feel. You are being spread thin right now because of the many responsibilities you have in your life. I doubt it is lack of motivation. Maybe you are just plain tired. I work a full time night job, teach 3 days a week at the dojo, I am married and trying to keep peace between the 2 of us (the significant other is not in love with Karate ). I at one time was going to the dojo 5 nights a week and Saturday morning. I had to make a compromise, plus I was so tired all the time and getting stressed out. I thought I was losing my passion to train. When I pulled back a little, I found out is wasn't the lack of motivation or passion at all. I just needed a rest.

I think you have a great and a mature attitude DWx. I think most kids with your maturity can gain respect from anyone of any age in a dojo.

Any career that allows you to keep training in Martial Arts is a good career.

Anything that is really sour!

I really enjoy General Chat the most. Everyone has such great opinions, great posts, and responses.

Really Patrick, I would not have guessed. I would want to own the Buffalo Bills, because they are at risk for moving and Ralph Wilson (owner) is approximatlely 210 year old and threatening the NFL and entire area that Buffalo is at risk for leaving area.

The meaning of Life is individual. Life changes everyday, sometimes for worse, sometimes for better. Thank goodness, cause if we all shared the same meaning, it would be a boring life! Right now, my life consists of karate, hockey, football!! Now isn't that a great life?

Ah man, I am figure skater. I wanted to be hockey. I love hockey!!! Go Sabres!!

Brain, did you just have a gastro virus? Right now it is going around bad and from my experience lately at the hospital, it is very contagious. Take a rest and don't over do anything right now. A 15lb weight loss from illness is going to make you very weak and intolerable to cold temps. Gain your strength and some weight back and you will feel better.

I haven't gone in awhile. I think the last one I saw was Borat. I thought it was funny, but not for children at all. There should be strict warnings about people under 18 seeing that. I did watch Fearless last night on DVD. I liked it, but chose to watch it in English instead of reading subtitles. Wish I hadn't. I think the voices dubbed dumbs the characters a little. I am going to watch it again with the subtitles and listen to the actual voices of the actors.

Just start off with a friendly conversation. Don't use any of those dumb old pick up lines. Once you have her trust in you that you are a good guy, then ask her if you can have her number.

I loved 'Million Dollar Baby', Harry Potter movies (all), 'War of the Worlds'(even though I am not a Cruise fan), 'Tommy Boy' and almost any movie with Chris Farley, 'Dumb and Dumber', 'Home Alone 1 and 2' and I am sure there are others, but these are the ones I can watch over and over ad never get sick of them.

More now than in the past I have had that feeling. I think it is because I teach alot and do not get to work on my own training very much. Don't get me wrong, I am constantly fine tuning my techniques from white belt on up because I teach ( and that is great ), but just once in awhile, I wish my instructor would take 10 - 15 minutes to work with me on my Nidan to Sandan requirements. As with everyone else though, once I get to class, I usually have a great time.

I have always enjoyed the oh so famous "Sure I know Karate and 18 other japanese words," also the "I have a black belt - I bought it at Kmart for $9.99." My favorite is watching people on t.v. portray the image that they know Martial Arts with the fast Tai Chi hand movements and the "WHAAAAAA!" type noise that they make while performing said movements.

Out of interest with Patrick's topic "How old where you when you started Martial Arts?" I thought I would ask your age when you received your first Black Belt. Reading through so many posts about how many individuals oppose a child earning a Black Belt, I thought it would be insightful to see how many Martial Artist were actually a child Shodan at one time. I was 13 when I first ranked to Black Belt in a Kung-fu style. It was quite awhile ago, but I believe it really set the basis for me in learning and understanding future Martial Arts styles that I have taken.

Even with builiding muscle, you should not slow down speed of movements unless you are muscling through the strike. Blocks, punches, kicks should be done with a relaxed technique and then a snap at the end. Doesn't matter how muscular you are if you are doing technique correctly.

That is awesome! What an accomplishment!

Thank goodness she wasnt in that vehicle. A drunk driver was driving the wrong way on an off ramp and ran head on into a man and killed him just the other day here. How sad that people just don't learn.

OOPS! Thanks everyone. Hey Sohan, thanks for the double congrats. I feel extra special!

1000th post. Congratulations, jaymac! With respect, Sohan Thanks Sohan!