hayashishodan

We teach "Oyo" as the application of the kata. I tell students when doing application that 2 things must happen. It must resemble the part of the kata so I know they grasp what they are doing and 2 it must work in a practical way.

First off.What do you mean by abuse? Is this in class or before/after and are the instructors aware? What was the setting like when you first joined...Has it changed? If so is there a turning point? I would not want to give any advice yet until you give a more detailed explanation. Thanks

Based on the info that means they only have one hand on you . I would grab the arm (the one with hand on throat) push above the wrist and pull below elbow(opposite directions) and try and roll out of it.

You are right about the tea. Some are good (green etc.) I should have said sweetened teas of certain types. Good advice on the canned goods with the salt etc.

Is your watch area sectioned off? I would at least maybe put up some sort of ropes with signs saying students only beyond this point . Put out a general notice to the parents asking them to please respect the classes or you may not be able to have them come in the dojo as it is too disruptive.

First look at your food intake. How you eat is important in addition to what you eat. Smaller potions 4 to 5 times per day. Make sure you drink a lot of water. try and avoid sodas , tea, coffee. Weight loss should be gradual to give your body time to adjust.Mix in some type of resistance training in addition to sprinting, weights,bowflex, total gym etc. Resistance training has been proven to continue burning calories long after you stop the workout. it will compliment sprinting. Be patient. You will hit flat spots here and there. You may not shed a pound at times. Don't worry keep up the training as you are getting stronger and more fit. You will find your stamina will increase. Be consistent. Good luck

Well I instruct so I am there 5 nights per week and sat. We like our students to go 3 times per week,this is also because of the way the classes are structured Each of three has a different emphasis, 1 is kata,1 is sparring and 1 is weapons. If you can only go once make sure you tell your sensei your situation. You are still way ahead of the people that try and learn from books or videos. You have someone to correct your mistakes and reinforce the good things you are doing.

I agree with the above posts. If you want more flexibility I do suggest a book by Bill "Superfoot " Wallace entitled"Dynamic Stretching and Kicking" it is a good all around book for stretching. Be patient it will come in time. Also remember it is also about muscle control. Try practicing your kicks in slow motion. You won't be able to kick high(not important) but you will have great control and technique. Good luck