Sohan

I brought home Ong Bak with eager anticipation. Unfortunately I found myself disappointed with the silly acting, poor script and over-the-top martial acrobatics. I was hoping it would be a good representation of Thai boxing, and even watched it again just in case I was mistaken, but I found the second viewing equally challenging. I think that Tony Jaa is a fantastic athlete and martial artist who deserves a better film. Respectfully, Sohan

My first quote is from a famous Japanese Zen master who was an amazing artist as well as a Buddhist monk. His calligraphy moves me as did his approach to life. The other two are from Samarai legend and from the founder of Taoism. I find they fit my philosophy of life perfectly. Respectfully, Sohan

I practice anywhere, anytime, under a wide variety of conditions. I have enjoyed training in the alleyway behind my business in a driving rainstorm, as well as practicing kata on the side of a hill behind my home. If I must train at home, due to lack of space I concentrate on balancing movements, superslow kicks and punches for control, and plenty of resistance training and ab work. And I am always ready to do a little light stretching if I have 5 minutes to spare. In short, the world is my dojo. Respectfully, Sohan

If you are trying to choose a fighting art because of its ease of mastery, perhaps MA is not for you. Any martial art worth its salt will require dedication, discipline, and hard work to become proficient. Search your heart and seek a style that truly expresses your goals as a potential martial artist. Respectfully, Sohan

I have heard talk recently that Hughes wants to beat Gracie at his own game--on the ground. I think that would be a mistake on Matt's part; Royce is 39 now and likely doesn't have the stamina nor the chin that he had in his 20's so he might be prime for a standup KO if Hughes can squash his takedowns. Gracie is still a formidable opponent, and I would love to see him do it for the rest of us older fighters, but if Hughes is smart, I don't see Royce defeating him. Respectfully, Sohan

I would like to add that you should seek a Muay Thai instructor with actual ring experience. Seems a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many instructors out there are teaching Thai boxing who have never set foot in a ring for a real bout, amateur or pro. There are no absolutes, but I had a splendid experience here training with a wonderful chap who was a Thai boxing champion and I learned a tremendous amount from him. Respectfully, Sohan

Only the first week and the Atlanta Braves have a team ERA of 7.7; their starters are 11.5 as they endure another beating last night. Might be a long season if things don't settle down over the next few weeks. Leo Mazzone, please come home! Respectfully, Sohan

Try the film "Throw Down". The plot centers around an ex-Judo champ who has lost his way in life and is redeemed by two strangers who help him regain his love for his sport. Billed as a stylistic homage to Kirasawa. Terrible title for a pretty decent movie. Respectfully, Sohan

I personally have found that my Okinawan karate training compliments my boxing and Muay Thai well by providing me with good sources of punching power from my hips, as well as to establish better grounding and balance. Boxing makes me more fluid and gives me great footwork ability, which helps when I spar or do long chamber in karate. Respectfully, Sohan

My dojo practices both the Shobayashi Shorin-ryu and Shudokan styles of Okinawan karate-do. Shudokan was passed down to us from the founder Kanken Toyama* through Sensei Takahashi to Sensei Walter Todd to my current sensei. It involves more circular movements with whipping actions and includes kata such as Empe Iwa, Empe Take, Pempi, Pempo, and Shimpaton. I have found the style a wonderful complement to Shorin-ryu. I was curious if there are other Shudokan students out there? Respectfully, Sohan (*Pat McCarthy credits Shudokan to Toshi Hanaue, one of Toyama's students, but our school recognizes Grandmaster Toyama.)

Wanshu (with its hidden punches), Passai Sho and Dai (many "secret" aspects I am still discovering), and Gojushiho. In that order. Naihanchi forms get honorable mention because I enjoy fighting from horse stance. Lots of bunkei that are not obvious. Respectfully, Sohan

My mind is my favorite weapon. Respectfully, Sohan

To cathal, For the perfect sai fit, measure from the tip of your extended index finger to the end of the bent elbow. Then add 1/2 inch. To the earlier poster: I want to echo the importance of a good teacher for the sai. The weapon is too dangerous and too easy to develop bad habits with to learn technique from videos or books alone. Respectfully, Sohan

I enjoy the bo and jo equally. I derive different benefits which I find complimentary for training with either. Preferably a heavier bo when practicing bo lines. Respectfully, Sohan

I had heard that Part 2 was the preferred version because it explained more fully the background of The Bride's situation. Personally I enjoy a bit of mystery and ambiguity in the films I watch, which is why I enjoyed Part 1 more. Also, Part 1 was new and fresh and somewhat unexpected for me in its style and humor. Part 2 was wonderful, but no longer virgin territory. Respectfully, Sohan

Did anyone catch this film? I really enjoyed it--it was billed as somewhat of a stylistic tribute to Kirosawa's films, but I enjoyed seeing a movie about judo as a change. It actually made my wife cry, though she is a bit more emotional than I. I thought the title was a terrible choice. I nearly passed it by until I saw it was about judo. The plot involves a former judo champion who was drinking his life away until two strangers came along to help him redeem himself. For a westerner, some of the acting may seem over the top but I thought it was on par with any of the better gung fu/karate/etc films I have seen over the years. Respectfully, Sohan

When I began Shorin-ryu, my sensei and I found we had a shared interest in music. We both play guitar and (attempt to) sing. At every dojo party we usually perform with some other musicians from our dojo who are of much better caliber than we are and do renditions of popular classics. It has been something very enriching to share with my sensei outside of karate. Lyrically challenged or not, it is an added dimension to our relationship as teacher and student. Respectfully, Sohan

I would like to add that it is important (especially considering your layoff) to ensure that you keep your quads and hamstrings as flexible as you can, unless you already have very flexible joints. Most knee pain I have seen in MA is usually due to tight joints as opposed to weak quad/ham muscles---though if you have a muscle strength imbalance that can affect as well. Stretch, ice, and rest. You should be back to normal soon. Good luck. Respectfully, Sohan

I have used creatine for nearly ten years and have experienced great results with it both in MA and weight training. The only issues I have had involve some degree of excess muscle cramping when dehydrated, though I ran the Boston marathon in 2004 when it was 80 degrees and wasn't any worse than usual. I just ensure that I keep my fluid intake at a proper level. I would estimate I have experienced a 5-10% increase in anaerobic power as a result of creatine supplementation. A recent checkup showed my kidneys and liver quite healthy. Respectfully, Sohan

Try PNF stretching. Do a static stretch to your end range of movement; then contract the muscle being stretched for six seconds and relax in position. Try to stretch a bit further, and then repeat. Do this 3-4 times per stretch for 1-2 minutes total. I get great results with this technique. Respectfully, Sohan

Although I have not studied Aikido, we use a significant amount of aikido joint locks and throwing techniques in our karate dojo. My feeling is that Aikido would be wonderful to use in a street confrontation because I could simply say to the police officer afterward, "I barely touched him!" Respectfully, Sohan

My dojo also does not charge for belt exams. I don't, however, hold it against a school that does charge a testing fee. Provided the fee structure is clear, and charges are reasonable for the level and dojo costs incurred, I think a nominal fee can be appropriate. The issue I have is with Grandmasters charging thousands of dollars for "visits" where the visitor leaves with a newly minted Shodan, Nidan, etc. This diminishes the integrity of the system and commoditizes the art. Respectfully, Sohan

Some reputable instructors have found it very lucrative to teach privately in client homes. There are many out there who will pay to have someone come to their home to teach a martial art one on one--because of convenience or less intimidation. Bruce Lee closed his schools to teach privately because he earned more doing so and it was less problematic. I myself teach privately in conjunction with teaching under my sensei at our dojo. Respectfully, Sohan

Depends on where I am going. I sometimes carry a small knife that has a four inch blade or a retractable baton. I prefer pepper spray to disorient--it's less messy legally. Respectfully, Sohan

Hello everyone, I have been wandering this site for quite a while and have finally decided to become an active participant! The info exchanged at karateforums.com has been so helpful to my own training and I greatly appreciate the respect and interest that most everyone here seems to have for the various martial arts. I originally began studying the fighting arts a few decades ago as a teenager and have practiced several different disciplines from boxing to grappling to karate to gung fu over my lifetime. Today I enjoy an MMA philosophy, as I study Muay Thai, grappling, and Okinawan karate-do approximately 20 hours per week. I look forward to hopefully adding to the discussions here as I myself have been enriched. Respectfully, Sohan