Protagonist

I'm thinking of switching martial arts; I've come to realize that karate is not for me and am thinking of switching into Aikido. I was wondering if anyone could recommend excellent dojos in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I did some of my own searches and got a really positive vibe from Pikes Peak Aikido (http://www.pikespeakaikido.com/aikido/index.cfm), but I would like to hear if anyone has gone to this dojo and what it is like, and if anyone could recommend other dojos. Thank you.

My sensei constantly tells me that I need to put more power and force into what I'm doing, either it be in sparring, kata, or whatever. Even though I accept his critique and would love to improve myself, I can't really find his advice very helpful if he doesn't tell me how to put more power into what I do. I have no idea if I'm just not rotating my hips enough, if it's due to low self-esteem and lack of assertiveness, or if I just need to somehow dig deep into my soul and force out the aggressiveness somehow. So, karateforums, what should I do?

I did a search, and I've probably asked this question before, but aside from doing kata, what do you do to practice at home?

Lately, I've been going to the gym with my dad so that I can get into the habit of exercising and staying fit, especially since I'll be going to college soon and want to prevent the infamous "Freshman 15". What I'm still a little confused about though is figuring out how to keep organized and how to establish a routine. How do any of you determine what parts of the body to workout? Are you more general and just do all of the leg exercises, or are you more specific and exercise the legs, but then do certain leg muscles one day, and so on, then move on to a different part of the body? Sorry if this is a little confusing.

Is there anyone who can recommend a great dojo in Colorado, (more specifically in the Colorado Springs area) that teaches karate (any form it doesn't matter)? I'm just not one-hundred percent happy with my sensei's dojo, or with his way of teaching, and I don't really want to give up on karate. I'm also doing my own research of dojos in my area as well. Also, can anyone recommend any great dojos that teach Jujitsu?

It's really, really good. Best superhero movie made probably.

Thanks, this really helps.

I'm sixteen years old, five foot six, and last time I checked, one-hundred and fifteen pounds. I'm also very unfit. I've been searching through past topics in this forum that talk about the types of training you need to do for the martial arts, but I've just been overwhelmed by the amount of information. Plus, I just can't seem to find any information that talks about how you should get into training if you're just unfit, not overweight. I'm not new to the martial arts, but I know that I have a lot to improve on (I'm definitely not a tenth-degree black-belt, so that's obvious). I need to work on my overall technique, balance, flexibility, power, strength, and endurance, but I also need to work on getting fit. So, my obvious question to you is how do I go about starting to get fit and working on what I need to improve on? I know that I just can't go outside and run two miles, I'll need to gradually work up to running a mile first. So how do I start improving my technique, balance, flexibility, power, strength, and endurance, what are some of the things I can do? There are a couple of things that will definitely get in the way though: I severely lack motivation, and because of this lack of motivation I can't go about getting the necessary training equipment because it will more than likely do nothing but collect dust, so how do I go about motivating myself? What are some of the ways that I can improve all of the things I want to in the list above without my parents buying expensive equipment? (I can't buy my own equipment due to not having a job. I'm looking for one though.) I want to do this until I at least get motivated enough to do these exercises on a daily basis without getting discouraged and stopping. Please don't be hesitant to respond, I could use all of the advice. Thank you in advance.

Thanks!

What type of paper did you use?

I would like to do more training at home, but since I'm definitely not the most motivated person in the world, I don't want my parents to spend large amounts of money on training equipment that I may or may not use. So, I was wondering if there was anyway I could make my own training equipment with what I had around our house, or if I could buy some cheap alternatives.

Well, there have been no definite, "Yes this is a McDojo, get out while you still can," just discussions, so I guess this isn't a McDojo and I'm okay.

Well, my sensei's dojo doesn't look overly flashy like a McDojo, and the website seems humble and modest and equally non-flashy. I do have to pay two-hundred dollars per semester if I take it in school, but I think taking martial arts is generally expensive. Sometimes I feel that I am not ready, but I still pass.

Is there anyway possible that your workout can be more convenient for a fifteen-year old?

Ever since I heard of the term "McDojo" on this forum a few months ago, and discovered what it was, I've been paranoid that the sensei that teaches at my school came from a McDojo, even if it seems he didn't. I don't want to make it seem like I have no trust in my sensei, but I'm a bit paranoid that I could not be getting the good quality education in the art of karate that I could be. So I was wondering if any of you could take a peek at the sponsor website and see for me, to put my mind at rest. The one thing that makes me feel iffy is the fact that I have to pay $30.00 for every belt test, and on wikipedia it states that a common trait of a McDojo is having to pay for every belt test. Plus, when my dad and I went to visit the dojo, my sensei said that I had at least a twelve month obligation before I could leave if I wasn't satisfied. Remember, the key word in the thread is PARANOID; I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing so I hope I don't get too much backlash from this. http://www.americanblackbeltacademy.com/contact.htm