kschilke

I noticed the same thing several years ago when I was shopping for a Karate school. Recently I have not only noticed Tae Kwon Do schools on the rise, but alot of XMA schools. Most advertise themselves as "Karate" schools.

We have a 12 Kyu system. I advanced through the lower belts fairly quickly, about 3-4 months between each, but have slowed as I have become more advanced. It's mainly a way for the instructors to gauge where a person is and what they know. I know that it has helped me as an instructor.

Advanced Brown, I will test for my black in September.

Shin Neko Do GoJu

Pinons 1-5, Geki Sai, Gi Sah Kyu Sho, Tensho, Saifa, Seiunchin, Empi Ha, Sanseiru, Seisan, Yamabushi, and some of the form. I also know several sword and bo/jo katas.

I study Shin Neko Do GoJu, this is derived from Okinawan GoJu, so our Red Belt would be a 10th degree grandmaster. Our brown is equivalent to most red belts (after brown, we promote to black). I am currently studying Senseiru and Seisan; I must know these to pass my black belt test.

There are 17 for 12kyu-5th Dan. We study alot of weapons and have many different kata for each. I would have to pull the manual and count to have the exact number for those. Eventhough we have a required, 17, we will often practice others, just for fun.

Wow, it depends on the organiation hosting the tournament (seems to have different rules for each organization) and what you plan on doing. I've done some sparring in competitions and have noticed that alot of the people I fought, showed very little practical technique and would try to score a point doing some of the most rediculous things I have ever seen. Be on your toes, they love to jump and try to pop you on top of the head, remember the basics and if you can get a head shot, it seems to throw them off.

club: Manchester School of the Martial arts place: Mancheser, GA Sensei: Master Robert Wills, 5th Dan

Yes, we practice the use of many weapons in our style. We practice jo and bo staffs, nunchaka, knives, tonfas, kamas, sais, etc. But we spend most of our time practicing with the katana. We do alot of traditional samurai techniques, etc.

Patches are not required, but most students do wear a Shin Neko Do Goju patch. We are awarded instructor or Sensei badges and we do receive weapons badges, but most of the adults choose to keep their gi's simple.

We charge $20 a month for our kids class and $25 a month for out adult class. We have a 12 kyu system. The testing fee starts at 15$ and increments by $5 for each rank. So, by the time you are ready to test for black belt, the fee is $70. The fee covers the cost of the belt and any breaking materials. We do alot of breaking and wood, brick, etc. can be pretty expensive.

I practice Shin Neko Do GoJu and my favorite kata (for now) is Empi Ha. I think it has to do with the fast hand techniques involved.

If you go to Google, etc. and type the forms name or style, plus the state and city, if possible, then it should come up. For example; if you go to https://www.google.com and do a search for Shin Neko Do GoJu or goju ga, etc. you will find my favorite website!

I've been studying a form of GoJu for quite sometime and think it's great. We do alot of stand-up and ground training (Jiu-Jitsu of course). I really enjoy it, because it is so practical. It is an excellent self-defense art and blends well with other forms.