wagnerk

Welcome... Back

It does depend on the association itself. When I did Shotokan, Wankan was the association kata and was taught from 3rd Kyu onwards and while it wasn't on any grading syllabus you could be asked to do it from 2nd Kyu onwards (as part of your grading)

Congrats mate, onwards and upwards

I can't comment on the practice or the standard of Shotokan karate at the club you visited (or the instructor). However to assume that you have to kick head height because of your rank otherwise your kick isn't "proper" shows, perhaps, a poor understanding of karate techniques. Everyone is born with a particular range of motion for each joint in their body. In addition to that there are generally three factors that can affect flexibility: Occupational demands, movement demands and training oversights. This includes factors like injuries, age, etc...

Sweet, congrats

Welcome to our corner of the internet

They've got very good reviews An up and coming association that I've also heard good reviews about is BMABA -Ken

Well, I've been training since 1998 and having problems, however found out that I have Sjogren's Syndrome. So not sure what is due to MA training and what is due to SS.

Another German onboard, welcome to KF

The belt or grade that your son has received is valid within the current organisation that he practices with. If he (or you) wants to leave the current organisation and join another one, then it's up to the future organisation whether or not to accept his current grade. This is irrespective of your current situation, this happens within other arts and styles. Eg going from one established Shotokan association to another, they may do any of the following: 1. Accept the grade 2. Not accept the grade 3. Accept the grade for a test before a retest, where they may demote you, keep the same grade or promote you. Back to the instructor... You've received news that: He's not a black belt... Ok, in some organisations you are allowed to teach and grade (up to a certain grade) once you get your 3rd kyu (this would be the first brown belt). Does not have a license to teach... How to they know? Do they speak for every martial art association? Has joined and then left many organizations... That's nothing really to be that concerned about, lots of people move between different associations due to fees, politics, etc...

I'm inclined to agree, that martial arts are not best learnt that way. However there is always an exception, there's one program that I have come across that has peeked my interest and if I couldn't train with my current association (for whatever reason) and or if I wanted to augment my current training, I would join this: TKD from Master Woo I know it's not Seon Mu do or Sonmudo, but Tae Kwon Do is still a Korean Martial Art. Anyway, hope this helps

Let us know how it goes

I grew up watching the characters that he played. He will be missed a lot...

Cool, sounds good

Happy birthday mate

Who??? Just joking, well done mate - great contributions

Everyone has different viewpoints on this, but I would say also take into consideration the students performance during lessons (and not just during the gradings). No end of people get very nervous during examinations and gradings aren't an exception - it's just human nature

Death? Seriously, while I have seen things that have made me walk away from a particular style, for something to make to walk away from the martial arts world (as a whole), I would have to say "no". Having sjogren's I was attempted to leave TSD for a gentler martial art like Tai Chi, but thankfully I've got the support from my instructor

Funny, I just keep my old belts in a bag (apart from my black belt and midnight blue belt), I let others use my old belts when they forget theirs

I now do Tang Soo Do, so my ideal Gi would be one that is priced and has the same cut as the Arawaza Gi's but with the ventilation of the adidas Gi's (the one that had the air vents down the back and under the arms). Added to that the midnight blue trim around the edges.

Cool, welcome (back) to martial art training and welcome to our corner of the internet

Welcome to KF and congrats on your BB. "legitimacy" is a fuzzy term, so is a set age to receive a black belt (or midnight blue belt). As if it's done on age, is it right to set a limit on physical age if someone young is more mature? To be honest, imo, it's great that you are questioning but I would say listen to your instructor. If he has awarded you a full BB, be pleased and accept his judgement. And don't worry about not being as good as other shodans, they have the experience, plus they are closer to their Nidan. You're not there to compare yourself to them, you're there to improve yourself

Personally, I would say go and train in Shotokan as going by what you've said re the kata's they are more aligned with it. Fukyugatas, I believe are the Taikyoko kata's (most Shotokan school's really only teach the first one) and the Pinans are the Heian kata's. However just be aware that there will be differences between the two arts, especially the implementation of the forms.

Is this any good for you? -Ken

Same here, I've trained in and hear of various different Shotokan associations. Each one is different in their training and what they concentrate on.