lordtariel

It depends on what's available where you live. When we were living on the coast, my girlfriend and I spent a lot of time wandering on the beach and storm watching. Since we've moved more into the mountains we do a lot of hiking and camping. One of the best things to do is for the two of you to pick a new hobbie you can do together. Try dancing lessons or some kind of craft.

I agree that it's not necessary. Even the most untrained person can get a lucky shot in. However, being physically fit will improve those odds dramatically. Even if it's just to give you the ability to run away.

I'm of the opinion that any technique is usable in the right situation. Leading leg kicks are faster, but you can usually generate more power with the back leg. I find it easier to catch back leg kicks though. I guess it just depends on who you're fighting.

I just say my girlfriend beats me up Just kidding... Usually people don't notice my bruises and such as generally choose outfits that hide them if I can help it. I get tired of people asking me what happened. You'd think by now they'd realize I'm in Karate and put two and two together.

As long as they aren't asserting that this sort of thing will save you in the event of an attack, I don't think it's a big deal. It's just another exercise fad.

Hehe, my first one was so badly mangled, it looked like a piece of badly melted plastic.

Hm, I tend to like learning the Japanese terms. For one thing, using the terms is a more precise way of identifying techniques. For another, I'm in it for the cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects as well, so it only makes sense to learn the proper terms and such. But if I was solely learning for self defense, I don't think it would be necessary.

Congratulations!

The Blackbelt Gnomes! Step 1: Open Dojo Step 2: ??? Step 3: Profit! Sorry, bad South Park humor. It's really sad to see the students of these people. They honestly think they're doing good when they're really being taken advantage of.

$65 a month for unlimited classes(5 days a week) and all belt fees up to black covered.

I love the part where Harry casts the dreaded Chuck Norris curse, grows a beard and starts roundhouse kicking everything Just kidding, think it's a pretty decent book.

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out. We're kinda nosy like that

I ran cross country and track and I swear by Saucony. I've never had a bad pair. Are you running around a track? If so, try running part way one direction, then about halfway, turn around and run the other direction. That sometimes helps. The types of surfaces you run on can have an influence as well. PS, those are some great stretches.

I think it was meant as time outside of training. You know, like karaoke parties and stuff, not literally right after class. I swear, what is it about martial artists and karaoke?

Don't think it's better for self defense, but at the same time I don't feel it's detrimental either. I'd say it's more important to train with street shoes than in different clothing.

Hey, welcome back.

Welcome to the forums.

Happy Birthday! I'm approaching the dreaded 3-0 myself in April. Don't worry about it though, you're as young as you feel. Have you ever played with that real age website?(think it's realage.com) It takes in environmental and habitual factors and determines your physical age as opposed to your calendar age. Kind of fun.

Interesting. I could see this law easily abused in some instances and at the same time, beneficial in others.

I love the tonfa, but they take a little while to get the hang of. You can strike, punch or hook with them. You can also use them as a leverage tool for grappling. As for the kama, I wouldn't put much stock into the flashy "twirl and toss" katas, but they still look like a lot of fun.

The fans they used for self defense were were quite heavy. Worked quite well for clubbing when it was closed up. I've seen them made out of metal. Wouldn't want to take an open one across the face.

Loved it! Even my girlfriend liked it. There were some little things that bugged me(Product placement comes to mind), but overall, they did a really good job. Good story, giant robot combat, what's not to love?

Congrats!

While it might still be around, I'm not sure if it's going to be as pronounced as it is now. Something new always comes along.

Are these actual sensei or are they senior students? It doesn't seem like a 4th kyu would wind up surpassing the a 2nd+ dan instructor unless the quality of the school was really shoddy and the student had background in other arts.