gimmik_3

I have read thru this topic with interest as I have a similar situation with my 9 year old son, although we started our studies at the same time. I think I've come away with this discussion learning a couple things... 1. He's 9. The technique will come with time. 2. I can encourage him and practice with him at home to help him get the techniques & stances, but in the end its his decision as to how much he wants to succeed. 3. I just have to be patient & nurturing, like a dad. Thanks to all of you for showing me I'm not the only one in this situation.

Echoing what Pineapple said, I've learned something from all my instructors whether they were good teachers or not so. Even if its what NOT to do!

What would you guys suggest for a 10 year old? Can you recommend a site to order from?

We have several... 12 katas 7 bunkai 7 weapons kata including bo, tonfa & sai

Echoing what several of you have said, I had several goals from my MA studies. I started for fitness, discipline and just plain coolness-factor for being a MA student! I like to think that I've achieved (at least partially) the first two. My goals are to continue to gain in all of them, as well as gain wisdom from my studites. A black belt would be a nice but not my ultimate goal. As Jay says on his signature, a belt is just a piece of cloth...

I've been studying it for about a year and a half after some reservations at the beginning I'm really getting into it. I agree wholeheartedly.

You might ask your doctor about cycling as a physical therapy. Of course I don't know how extensive the damage is done but I can relate. I've screwed up my knees from trying to run too much too soon. My doctor suggested cycling as an alternative. I never went back to running and cycling has allowed me to start my MA training again. It may take some time but its better than never being able to at all. I've also taken glucosamine tablets for a while and I think that's also had an effect.

It was a combination of things for me as well. I didn't start TKD until I was 27 and like Isshinryu_heart had some self-esteem problems. I dropped a lot of weight and really got into it once I started. I also remember a movie from a looong time ago about a blended family (godchildren or something like that) and the shy nerdy kid defending the other sibling from a couple of bullys using jujitsu. Kind of a cheesy plot to show how the differences of 2 families could come together, but it stuck in my head. Having been bullied myself I think that had appeal. Watching Saturday morning MA movies was fun too!

I'd agree with Hecklerboy. I am a cyclist as well (albeit road) and my climbing has improved due to increased muscle tone in my legs from kicks and stances. Better core fitness helps me stay stable on the bike. Conversely, I think cycling has given me a better sense of balance from when I studied TKD, which was before I started cycling. Most likely they've complemented each other.

I'd have to agree. Watching katas, poomse (sic) from any discipline is fascinating. A comparison between katas from different karate styles is interesting too. Does anyone have links to TKD or Goju-ryu forms demonstrations?

Thanks! I've been researching this and have seen several different lengths from 26" to 26 cm!

I am just getting into Okinawan kobudo and I'm trying to get some more information on the tan bo. Are they like escrima sticks? If I try to make my own, what are the proper dimensions? Thanks in advance!