Sohan

Menjo, I was not aware that Musashi picked and chose his battles. Not much different than today's professional fighters, I suppose. And I stand corrected. My translation says precisely, "More than 60 battles." I used Victor Harris' 5 Rings translation as my source. Thanks for the clarification. However, I find it interesting that by the time Musashi was in his late 20's, he had become so unbeatable that he had stopped using real swords in duels, and could embarrass his opponents with a wooden one instead. A fellow I would rather have on my side, to be certain. Respectfully, Sohan

I will admit that when I began MA I was somewhat of a belt hound. I craved the next level and missed the point of why I was training. Therefore my initial experience with Tang Soo Do was less than satisfying. Even when I began Shorin-ryu/Shudokan I was probably too focused on achieving my next belt, and often was mostly interested in the material needed for that next strip of cloth. It took a layoff and an examining of my priorities to realize that being a black, brown, green belt, etc, is not about rank, ego, or power, but rather about responsibility, personal achievement, and devotion to the art. My focus dramatically shifted and today I feel I have more integrity as a martial artist because my rewards are intrinsic, not externally gained by a strip of cotton around my waist. Respectfully, Sohan

My dojo is very friendly and open, and we respect each other's right to privacy. We do communicate with each other what is going on in our lives because it brings us closer together as dojo mates and makes for a more enriching training experience. I believe the culture of our dojo is such that we know where the line is between publicly sharable and personal information. I feel fortunate to have this experience, because it did not exist in my former TSD school. Respectfully, Sohan

It is better to ask when you would use each punch as opposed to which is better. It is like asking which MA is better---it all depends on what you are using it for. I like elbow strikes myself. Respectfully, Sohan

It is always better to evade than to parry. It is better to parry than to block. It is better to block than be hit. With regards to "dynamics", I think three of the most important principles to fighting, sparring, etc, are timing, balance, and distancing. Develop these three and everything else will follow. Respectfully, Sohan

While I don't believe violence is a preferred answer to conflict, I do have a school experience to relate that may be helpful. I attended a middle school here in the US that had its share of bullies patrolling the halls, and I had been terrorized by these merciless creeps since elementary school. The last straw was when I found myself apologizing, Marty McFly style, to one bully who delighted in torturing me. I went home that day resolving never to let myself be pushed around like that again. So at the age of 13, I began lifting weights and hitting the heavy bag every morning before school, practicing kicks and blocks I learned from a library book. After a few months of quietly preparing myself, I selected one of worst offenders of the school's lowlifes, who was at that moment picking on another helpless kid, and told him I was going to meet him after the last bell behind the school gym. That afternoon in front of at least 50+ of my classmates I gave him the beating of his life. I was never harrassed again for the rest of my school career. That being said, today's thugs fearlessly carry weapons which they have no qualms about using, which makes my scenario less likely in 2006. But bullies in the end are really just cowards with inflated egos who gain strength in numbers, and if more people stood up to them rather than turning the cheek every time, these lowlifes likely would look elsewhere for their prey. Remember, most bullies are simply career criminals in training. Respectfully, Sohan

Aikido may be easier to justify if you have to go to court afterwards. If you can end a conflict by controlling your attacker rather than injuring them severely, all the better in the eyes of the legal system. All the arts you mentioned are wonderful for self defense. It's like using a gun, you can either aim for the heart, aim for a limb, or shoot in the air. All three can end a conflict, with differing results. Respectfully, Sohan

60-0 lifetime. Killed every opponent. His first was a renowned samarai that he defeated when he was only 13. Most feared warrior in Japan. Miyamoto Musashi. Respectfully, Sohan

I have indeed visited that website before. Thank you! I assume Patusai be the same as the Passai forms in Shorin-ryu. Our school also do Kusanku, Chinto, Wansu, Seisan and the Pinan katas, which seem to be what your style refers to as Pian. Fascinating. Seems there is a slight difference in spelling/pronunciation (s for sh). Would be interested to know how that was derived. Respectfully, Sohan

Depending on what it was that "fried" your computer, I would be wary of transferring data from your old PC to the new. If you had a virus in the old that ruined your machine, you might transfer the virus to your new one. Respectfully, Sohan

When I first began making meditation a regular part of my daily routine, I noticed at first small changes in my ability to concentrate and focus, especially in karate class. When I performed long chamber or other controlled sparring, things would actually slow down around me (no Matrix jokes, please ). Gradually my concentration became such that I could command focus at will that I never imagined possible. And I still have a long way to go. Also, I enjoy puzzles of all sorts, including crossword, sudoku, and Jumbles. If I puzzle after a meditation session, I am joyfully amazed at how clear and easy everything is. Respectfully, Sohan

No worries--I like them, too! Used to live in NY. I'd love to see a Braves/Yankees series again someday. Not going to say who I'd root for in order to stay in good graces with the admin Respectfully, Sohan

Benvenuto Maxkarateka! Respectfully, Sohan

The free weights are likely your quickest route to muscular gain. Get a good fitness trainer in your area for an hour or two of instruction in bodybuilding, then subscribe to a publication that will provide good lay info on strength training. If you can't afford a trainer and want an effective exercise to enhance your physique, try the barbell bench press. It specifically trains the muscles you refer to and mimics the motion of a reverse punch. Up your protein intake and get plenty of calories and rest. After a couple months, try creatine supplementation for greater gains. Remember, overtraining kills muscle gains so make sure you recover from all of your workouts. Good luck! Respectfully, Sohan

If you have a good relationship with your sensei, there is probably no better way than to simply ask him. I know you said you are curious about the actual steps you would take to reach 2nd, 3rd level, etc, but I wanted to add that for most asian arts, once you have reached 1st dan or its equivalent, your progression continues based on a decreasing ratio of technical skill to teaching and contribution to the art. Though I also have some limited experience in Tang Soo Do and TKD it was my impression that higher level progression was somewhat similar in the Korean arts as it is in the Okinawan/Japanese. Respectfully, Sohan

My sensei is a 4th dan. He has been practicing for 27 years and deserves higher, IMHO, because he has written a book and created videos (non-commercial) as well. His instruction is precise and correct, and he is keenly aware of everything that is occurring in the dojo no matter how many different activities are taking place. I have watched him perform his kata many times and it is as close to technically perfect as I could imagine. He has an amazing memory for the vast amount of material that we are required to perform and he executes it flawlessly. Sensei is deceptively sharp at his craft and we all consider him our friend as well as our teacher. Because of his solid integrity and quiet moral fortitude in an age of reckless selfishness, we respect and trust him completely. In our hearts, he is 10th dan. Respectfully, Sohan

From a brief internet search I could not find much useful information on Soryu, just information on Koyasu's background. I would be interested in reading more about your art and comparing it to the Shudokan passed down to me. Do you have a website you would recommend? Respectfully, Sohan

"Fighting Power"--- Loren Christensen A best-selling source for developing MA power by a master who has 30-plus years of real street fighting experience. "Zanshin"---Vince Morris Good starting-point introduction to meditation by a British karate champion. The first meditation book I ever purchased. "Buddhism, Plain and Simple"---Steve Hagen Simplified way to better understand a beautiful philosophy and religion. Easy to read without complicated jargon and terminology. "Karate-Do Foundations"---Sensei Mark Moeller A complete white belt level introduction to Okinawan karate-do technique, principles, and history. Respectfully, Sohan

Actually, Karate Kid 1 did not portray Macchio's character Daniel as holding a black belt rank. Daniel had no rank given when he entered the tournament, and only brown belts and above were permitted in the Open division that he was competing in. Mr. Miyagi then registered Daniel as a black belt so he could compete and "borrowed" a belt from another competitor for the matches. The Miyagi character thought nothing of belt rank, saying earlier in the movie that he had a belt to "hold up his pants". BTW my son loves this movie, and like it did for him it has certainly inspired many to take up karate and other MA, just as "Top Gun" inspired thousands to pursue dreams of a Naval career. I believe that the Karate Kid franchise, for better or worse, was likely as much a catalyst for the 80's growth of karate in the US as Bruce Lee was for gung fu in the 70's. Respectfully, Sohan

To understand the way of the dojo we must realize that it is not a democracy, and it is not always fair in the way we might perceive fairness. The way of the dojo is the way of the sensei who operates it. It is his/her school and they have the right to run it the way they choose, but they do have a responsibility to their students and should conduct themselves as such. Whether we like it or not, the sensei has the right to promote students as they please. We have the right to train with them or seek other places to train. In the end, I train for myself with all of my best effort and pay no attention to what goes on around me, knowing that my efforts will produce the results that I deserve. Respectfully, Sohan

Congratulations on your achievement! Respectfully, Sohan

One's first belt test can be just as rewarding, perhaps even more so, than a black belt test. I am sure it is even more gratifying to achieve this with your child. Best wishes to you in your MA journey. Respectfully, Sohan

Stick to a generic multivitamin that provides 100% of the US RDA for vitamins and minerals. Don't waste your money on expensive brand name vitamins--the raw vitamins used for formulations come from the same sources anyway. Supplement with extra vitamin E, C, and Selenium if you need extra antioxidants, but for the most part you should be fine with a balanced diet that includes plenty of complex carbs, complete proteins, vegetables, and fruit. Respectfully, Sohan

Thank you for the kind welcome. It's great to be here. Respectfully, Sohan

Creatine and water pills are a recipe for disaster. Don't manipulate your water balance for a temporary enhancement of muscle definition--you'll feel horrible and risk damaging your kidneys, as the previous poster mentioned. Train hard, do sufficient cardio, rest, and eat properly. The rest depends on how well you chose your parents. BTW Bruce Lee was an amazing martial artist, no doubt. But there is a strong possibility that his training regime may have been his demise. Respectfully, Sohan