Sohan

Great photos. Was this a trip you took? If so, how did you enjoy it? Respectfully, Sohan

I tried to explain "car kata" in my shorin ryu class but was met with this... .................... Respectfully, Sohan

Soonerjohn, How's your neck healing up? Respectfully, Sohan

I have a cast iron stomach, but that's a requisite since my wife cooks those spicy latin dishes... Respectfully, Sohan

That sounds great, drag'n. I definitely want my wife to go with me if possible, maybe even my son. He'll be eight soon and already has decent MT skills. But I'm not a pro fighter who can spend three months there and though it'd be great to train alongside Thai fighters, I know I probably wouldn't get much attention in a regular camp. I just don't want the only fighters in camp to be foreigners like me. I can get that at home with some great coaching here. I'd been to the link already, but I really appreciate you providing it anyway. Respectfully, Sohan

The sarcastic, suspiscious side of me is wondering if this site was being used for something other than MA chat? My Spidey senses are tingling too. The "professional dancing" tipped me off. Respectfully, Sohan

That's really great. I'd love to take some time to train and teach in Japan. I'd love to view Mt Fuji with my own eyes before the snowcaps disappear completely in a few years. Respectfully, Sohan

I'm really not being flippant with this, but it begs the question: Why? Unless you're planning on attacking a six foot robot, I can't see the practicality in spending time training to shatter metal, even if it is possible. If breaking through metal barriers is an issue for you, there are plenty of useful weapons that can do the trick with considerably less effort. With respect, Sohan

If I'm not mistaken, in the old days of bareknuckled boxing, the majority of punches were thrown with a vertical fist to reduce injury to the knuckles. When fights went as long as 90 rounds, this was invaluable. Respectfully, Sohan

The karateka I've always had the most respect for are not the ones who were the most athletic or talented, but the ones who put their fear of failure aside and perservered. With the rise today of quick fix martial arts solutions, persistance has become an underrated virtue in martial arts. Respectfully, Sohan

It would help to know what city(ies) you're going to. It's a long drive from Venice to Rome. Respectfully, SOhan

This is so true. Respectfully, Sohan

Very interesting read! Congratulations on your accomplishments and best of luck to you in your future training in Tang Soo Do. Respectfully, Sohan

You have certainly discovered the essence of martial arts. I bow respectfully to you. Sohan

I enjoy kata mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is meditative and completely engaging for me when performing it. It does indeed make me a better fighter and I would do it if I were stuck on a tropical deserted island knowing that I would never meet another human soul. Between pina coladas, of course. Respectfully, Sohan

Congratulations! Respectfully, Sohan

I hear a lot of people who say "rank doesn't matter" and I think they are not being honest with themselves. Rank does matter, because it is a statement of the work that you've put into your martial arts career. I think we sometimes get TOO caught up in what rank someone has, but to say it is not important at all is as dangerous as saying that a second degree brownbelt is superior to the rank below that. Dojo rank, much like your status in society, is a function of relativity. In the big scheme of things perhaps it's not the most important aspect of life, but it certainly has its place in MA as a motivator and in the maintenance of an orderly dojo. Respectfully, Sohan

We had a lot of fun over at Coolrunning with this question a few years ago. Who here at KarateForums.com would you most like to meet and why? Respectfully, Sohan

Karate is to Kung Fu like you are to your parents. Many similarities, of course, but with your own adaptations to your environment and preferences. As a way of fighting passes generation to generation and across cultural divides, it changes to reflect that culture's needs and values. I have read several masters who say that there is no such thing as fighting styles, just different expressions of the same way of fighting. Respectfully, Sohan

So what's the point? Is it entertainment? Gymnastics? If it's just a form of movement designed to express oneself, such as the other movement arts, then be honest and stop calling it a martial art. It would be like calling a Broadway dancer or Marylou Retton a martial artist--the moves aren't dramatically different. I respect the athletism and skill, but what's the point in demonstrating something you'd never use in a real fight? What would be the purpose of calling it "martial arts"? Respectfully, Sohan

A partial list of the "latest, hottest" supplements I've encountered in the past that aren't worth your money (some may even be harmful): HMB Amino Acids Androstenedione Yohimbe Clenbuterol DHEA Androdiol DMSO Vanadyl Sulfate Pyruvate L-Carnitine Chromium Trioxylan Dymetradrine L-Glutamine OKG There are many others. Spend your money on the food aisles at your local Walmart or Kroger. Respectfully, Sohan

4 posts and out. What has happened to the "Kitten"? Respectfully, Sohan

Here's a thread from last year about this: http://www.karateforums.com/archive/o_t/t_20823/iron_forearm.html Respectfully, Sohan

We added gung fu recently as part of our school. It's been great, though I'm not near ready to use it in real life. I like the low stances and shifting of weight and center of gravity, plus the footwork is challenging. But despite my background in Traditional Okinawan MA and our new study of Chinese MA, though, I think I really enjoy Thai boxing the best. Respectfully, Sohan

I own a couple short swords that my ex picked up on a trip to Japan. Intricate design and sharp as a razor. Beautiful pieces. They're not practical as everyday weapons, but my Sensei has shown me some forms that can utilize them. Respectfully, Sohan