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To me the question goes deeper than just saying you train for Tournaments and Self Defense. I train for physical fitness, self confidence, focus skills and just because I find it very interesting.

I got my equipment on Ebay cheap. However this can be a bit risky as you can never tell just how good of shape the stuff is in, until you see it yourself. For me it was a bit more difficult as I have a very large head and very small hands and feet. Luckily I found this combination online but had to settle for Macho (sp) brand instead of the Century C-gear I wanted. Buying through your dojo can be a lot more expensive than ebay or online stores etc, but you usually get some good customer service using your local resourse IMO.

I don't really consider sparring fighting. It does mymic a fight but the intent is never to really hurt your opponent, but to show that your skills are good enough to be used. Now Tournaments allow you to compare these skills with your piers and have some fun while doing it. It also gives you a target to train against helping you with being more motivated.

Many of us deep down would like to think we are learning the "best" MA or that you will be better trained than the next. From what I have seen, each have their own weaknesses. One size does not fit all needs. IMO the key factor in how much you get from a style of MA is how seriously you take it. IE if you train hard in any MA you will get a lot more out of it. Here is what I think about with respect to my MA training: - Do I enjoy doing it? YES - Am I better prepared in self-defense now because of it? YES - Am I benefiting in physical fitness and self-confidence etc from it? YES - Am I ever going to be the best fighter on earth? NO When

My style is Shorin Ryu and is likely different but in the first month we were taught Kihon Uke Waza. (Basic Blocks). Not really a Kata, but the first building block for them. In the next month we learned basic stances and then next was basic kicks. Then our first realish Kata Kihon Ippon. Still more of a training too IMO. At about Orange belt in my school (8 months) you start to learn classic Katas like Shiho Hai etc.

I agree, well said.

Well you might see my daughter and myself there, not 100% sure although I know pre-registration is due by the 13th. If we attend, we will compete in weapons and Kata. It is not very likely we would compete in Kumite because we have not had any chance to practice it yet.

Well there is lots of room for improvement, but she did very well for only 3 weeks of training on the Bo. She seems to have a natural talent for Karate. I have to work at it much harder to learn, but luckily we are both at the same level belt wise and can help each other out. BTW are you going to the Collingwood tournement on the 21st of this month?

[quote="karate_womanCongratulations for her! What belt level is she? She is Gold/Black and about 2 weeks away from her Orange belt test.

BTW my daughter performed this weapons kata in competition this past weekend and took 3rd! She only learned it 3 weeks ago! As you can tell I am very proud

I have competed in a few tournaments, mostly WFMA. I love it. I find it really helps me focus. I currently only do Kata and weapons but hope to add Kumite in the near future.

That is what I am told it will take at the Dojo I train at as well.

I study Shorin Ryu but may be underqualified to make comparisons to other styles. I know our blocks combine a strike with a block. Our dojo stresses speed, power and snap. The comment "one punch one kill" is often referred to.

I see what you are saying. I like the simplicity and that they are not dated. Also one part of my tattoo has very special meaning but I am not at liberty to say any more.

I agree with CheekyMusician, fund raising is done by many Dojos to help offset the costs of expensive trips. At our Dojo all the money goes to the competitors involved. None of it goes to the owners.

Thanks for the feedback and information everyone. It is greatly appreciated.

Exactly. Perfectly summed up.

Nothing too original here. It is an animated GIF of my the karate studio I train at and my picture. I really need to come up with a better nick name than aes though... LOL

As some of you know I am learning my first Weapons Kata (Matsu Higa No Bo). I plan to compete with this kata once I perfect it. In our dojo we have a training bo that we leave at the dojo and a tournament bo that you use at a competition. Tournament bos are relatively expensive IMO for a chunk of hardwood. So what makes a good tournament bo? I figure it has t look good, be very straight etc, but is there something else? Also I see different styles of bos. Some are tapered others are straight, different thicknesses too. Is this just a preference thing?

My answer was a yes but it is a bit more than a friend. I joined because I wanted my daughter to get into it and this was the motivation for me to join. I have wanted to all my life but never seriously looked into it until now.

Thanks. Love the nick nijanurse btw

Yes I have competed. It is a great way for you to get motivated on perfecting Kata, etc.

Saw it yesterday. Loved it and the MA scenes but the story line was a bit confusing near the end.

I love the bo and look forward to continuing to learn this weapons Kata. I also look forward to learning more of its Bunkai. Like what are the 3 pairs of cat stance steps with a shito for at the start?

I am currently learning a Bo Kata called Matsuhiga No Bo. Has anyone heard of this Kata? And I thought it was hard to find room in my house to practice plain old Katas? Now I need room to swing the Bo. Thank goodness summer is here.