wagnerk

Welcome to KF, glad you could join

Welcome to KF and welcome back to Shotokan

So true, lots of schools teach forms as a dance - showing movements but not what the movement are for or the context of why you are doing what you're doing. That's why I'm appreciative of instructors like my one as well as people like Iain Abernethy.

Agree with Spartacus Maximus, can be anywhere from (approx.) 1/3 to (almost) 100% (and your interpretation of what is the % of kata/forms). I would say that our association (for example) is more on the 100% kata (or form) based, as our one steps (and sparring) are based on the applications of the forms (this includes punches, kicks, locks throws, etc), the basics are all movements that can be seen in the forms and of course the forms itself... But as always, it is very dependant on the association and instructor and their implementation of the art. And to be honest, it's the same with a lot of other arts & styles...

Welcome to KF MAfreak, from another German

Hi All, Here in England we have a program called "Fake Britain" which reports on fake goods. Recently came across an . Thought that it would be interesting to a few... Especially from the aspects of safety.-Ken

Welcome back to the "fold". Even after doing the MA for a "few" years I still have flexibility issues -Ken

Thanks mate... The physical symptoms annoy me, but the "mental" symptoms is what really gets me. The only way I can describe it is as if you're walking around in fog... Sometimes you can see where you're going, sometime you can't... But replace see with think and/or remember... Oh well... The good thing is that the MA training does help alleviate some of the physical symptoms...

Congrats mate, well done

Hi All, Following on from my thread here, I thought that I'd: 1. Apologise for not being around a lot in the past year and 2. Update you... Well since my last post (above) I've seen the Rhuemy and I've been given hydroxychloroquine which the dose was increased after a few months. However after my last Rhuemy appointment, it was agreed that my symptoms weren't under enough control (even though it has been reduced), so I've been placed on a steroid trial for 6 weeks (I'm currently on week 5, with the meds being reduced every two weeks). I can already feel the effects of not having the higher dose - a lot of my symptoms have been returning (fatigue, dryness, issues with memory/clarity, etc)... Now I got to wait until March to discuss what happens next. Anyway, in-between all of that, I've also been diagnosed with Hypertension - at times my blood pressure was almost reaching 190/120 and put on meds for that as well as being diagnosed with Raynaud's (a blood circulation condition). However I am still training (my instructor is supporting me in my training which is great) and work has made extra allowances for me (which is great again). Overall, while I may not be the picture of health, things could be a lot worse... So I'm am very grateful for that. -Ken

How did you get on?

Congrats on the surprised Christmas grading and the nice new shiney belt -Ken

Congrats mate, well done -Ken

Welcome to the group, hope that you enjoy it here

Sounds like you had a blast.

Our TSD association uses Playwell, looking on their site, they do the Red trim as well as Green and midnight blue. https://www.playwell.co.uk/uniforms-tang-soo-do-uniforms-and-equipment-c-2_51.html?zenid=0309d45982bee2abc0a6aa74d95f47c8 -Ken

Congrats on passing the grading and good luck for the next one

Different clubs/associations have different grading systems. For the larger associations, yes it is more common for the gradings to occur like this, I guess in a way, it's to ensure that everyone is graded the same way and at the same time. What do I think of them? Personally I don't have any strong views either way. I've graded both ways...

Styles that I've trained in: To black belt: Shotokan karate - First style (saw an ad and wanted to try it) Freestyle Karate - Second style (due to moving and work schedules) Tang Soo Do (Korean karate) - Current style (atmosphere and standards, tried a variety of different styles and arts after Freestyle and this association was fit what I was looking for). Not including the ones under BB.

Congrats on the pass, next stop 4th kyu

I did Shotokan then incorporated kickboxing into my training. 1. The licence that you get from your Shotokan association is a combination of your yearly membership to that association and your insurance. So yes, you will have to get another one for your kickboxing training/association, as you may/will not be covered by your insurance if anything happens. For the first couple of lessons, you may be covered under the new associations insurance policy (but this is dependant on their policy). 2. Do both then, cross train 3. I would recommend that if you can, train in both, as both will help you. Kata/forms while at your level, may not seem to be "exciting" (especially when it comes to sparring), it does cover stuff like locks, throws and self defence techniques. 4. As for approaching your sensei, just be honest with him/her. But 5. Training in both isn't for everyone but it can be rewarding, I've done it in the past and I know others that do it. However it will take it's toll if you are not prepared for the work. Good luck

Sweet -Ken

Congrats on the pass, a big achievement. However now you are at the beginning Have fun

Won't wish you luck, as it's skill However will wish you all the best and let us know when you pass

Same here, plus I didn't have alot of confidence. I also had an interest in the martial arts thanks to the likes of Jackie Chan and to a lesser extent Bruce Lee