Holland

We do full contact sparring with bo's, jos, nunchuku, long swords and shortswords by doing chanbara. We use the actionflex equipment and that allows us to go at it pretty hard. if you have never worked out with their stuff you need to give it a try. You can see a few pictures of it on my site (https://www.capefearisshinryu.com) by looking in the Cape Fear Chanbara secton. I think their homepage is http://https://www.samuraisports.com

New styles are like new churches. Many people start them, but most fold before ever really getting started. Even when the instructor has 30 years or more experience a new style seldom goes anywhere. I have always believed that it is somewhat egotistical to believe that I will someday know enough to create my own system. (of course I have only been training for 15 years....) Now I am not saying that one can not branch out and teach new things in their own system...I teach non isshinryu katas and kobudo at my "isshinryu" school...but to go out and start something "new" is just not an option in my book. Most "new" styles are just adaptations of older styles with a new title put on it. All in all though, 5 years in one style is not nearly enough to start your own gig. Go out and get some significant training, and rank, elsewhere. In a few years when you look back at this and realize what a novice you are.

Out of curiousity, how many years have you been studying?

After getting brown belt (san-kyu) we finish off kusanku sai and teach sanchin for ni-kyu....then we teach Sunsu for Ik-kyu. Most people stay at brown belt at least a year.

Brown Belt Requirements at my school are: Seisan, Seiuchin, Naihanchi, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, Tokumine No Kun, and Kyan no Sai. most brown belt candidates also know kusanku sai. Fighting on the brown belt test is rough as well...usually 20 plus minutes worth. The test is also very bunkai oriented with a goodly amount of time explaining moves. Upper body basics, kicks, and rolls and falls are also included. For more about my place check here https://www.capefearisshinryu.com Also, once you reach brown belt at my school you are eligible to start taking the advanced weapons class (non-isshinryu) where you can learn Eku, kamas, nunte-bo, tekko, jo and more.

Congratulations.

This is certainly true. Sadly, in Isshinryu, there is an abundance of high ranking black belts that have been promoted way too quickly. Since there is no guideline to promotion that anyone is willing to follow we have people handing out rank like candy. Ranks from white to black are very good to inspire friendly competition among kids and to inspire a sense of accomplishment. If you are from a school, or run a school where there are no belts, then you are missing the excitement on a kids face when they successfully test for a new rank. That is one of the best things about being a teacher in my opinion.

Sounds kinda unfriendly to the aging student.

That is one thing that I like about my dojo. Out of like 75 active people, only around 15 are not related to someone. I am a san-dan...older brother is a Ni-dan, Wife is a sho-dan, sister-in-law is a green belt. We have several complete families (mom,dad,and kids) in the dojo. It really adds to the atmosphere.

Back in the old, old days they trained with the thought that they may have to use it to defend themselves on a regular basis too. Of course we are not in that situation. While ranking is fairly new to Martial arts, its been present since before I was born, so why am I going to buck things and go back to the "old ways?" Sometimes change happens, and believe it or not, sometimes it is for the better. These are two changes I am happy about...I like the belt system, and I like the fact that I have only had to truly defend myself once in the 17 years I have been involved in karate.

Apparently mine is defective...

I mostly hit on a wavemaster as well, which requires no gloves. But even when I hit on canvas I do not put them on...if I did it more often though I probably would.

Haha... Yeah, really lends itself to beg the question as to whether or not you could spend your time in a more constructive way. Now, don't get me wrong, having a forearm that can bust up the terminator would be mega-useful, but I think that my katas need some work and I could stand some improvements on my stances. Now if we were talking about an iron groin, then I would understand. Everyone could use an iron groin.

Congratulations. It is always particularly nice to shed the white belt for something with some color!

Ranks are not equivalent for sure...Brown belt requirements are pretty tough at my school, but less so at others. My brown belt may not be equal to yours...but within the same school my brown belt is better than your yellow belt. Its a measure of work and effort. Too many sanctimonious types like to come on here and elsewhere and talk about how unimportant belts are...well good for you. Go train without them. As for me, I like the color rank system and employ it at my school.

I like the belt grading system I believe it inspires a feeling of accomplishment, and if handled right is extremely beneficial. I think a dojo without a ranking system is ludicrous. Just my opinion though.

Seems like just about the time that I get to know all of the titles commonly used in my style, someone new gets promoted to some rank and decides they need to be called something else.

I assume the testing fee includes a team of scantily clad dancing girls which show up to the incredibly well organized mega bash that the instructors must be throwing for you. Several full body messages, a 24 karate gold embroidered black belt, a full set of shureido weapons, and several brand new tailored uniforms must be included as well. Even so, it would be a rip off.

She is athletic and crisp...but like those above me I hardly consider that a kata. That was a gymnastics routine perfomed on a spring loaded gymnastics floor.

I have seen this in the past as well. I would have respectfully decliined to compete. One ten year old is one thing and bad enough, but a pair of them is just comical.

I agree with Sohan. Even if we lived in a utopia where no one ever fought, it would still be worth it to train.

I played in band for years....I write music and have a couple of songs published. I also play in recreational softball and basketball leagues.

Seems so.

Height and weight? That could help?

Long story short....Isshinryu Politics. I was on one side and several 8th-10th dans were on the other. Its all good...I have since been kicked out of the association I was in conflict with, so everyone is happy. I do not play politics well, and I don't follow blindly.