mkdaggy Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Hi all,I have been lurking since March, and finally decided to introduce myself. I began training in martial arts (TKD) when I was a teenager in the early 80's. In college I was able to start training in Shotokan with a friend from school who was on the USA Junior team. I enjoyed competing in traditional tournaments in both kumite and kata, and attained 1st Kyu rank in the early 90's. I had always loved watching PKA kickboxing on ESPN, and decided to give kickboxing a try. Unfortunately, I stopped my training in Shotokan to pursue kickboxing more aggressively. During the mid '90s I fought 6 amateur kickboxing fights and a couple of boxing exhibitions. My last fight was at the Hampton Beach Casino in October 1995 where I scored a third round TKO, after being dropped in the first round - and getting a pretty cool looking black eye. I had hopes of fighting for an amateur title, but twice the fight was cancelled, and I decided to give up my kickboxing goal of becoming a professional.I started weight training consistently after my wife and I bought a house in '99, and dabbled in judo, BJJ, Uechi Ryu, and Tai Chi for about a year with each style. A little over a year ago I decided to return to Shotokan. Although my first Sensei was no longer teaching, his Sensei was, and he remembered me, as we tested with him. I have been training hard, went back into competing in Kumite and Kata, and even did weapons (Bo) in one competition. Although I often wish I had never stopped training in Shotokan, I know I can only move forward. In my 20's I wanted to do so many different things, now closing in on 50 I feel my Shotokan training has become one of the most important aspects of my life, and I am so happy to be back in the dojo. Thanks for reading! Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR 137 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Welcome aboard, Mark.We can always ask ourselves what if. If I stuck with my original sensei, I’d probably be 5th dan by now. I say that because the guy I tested for shodan with was promoted to godan a little over a year ago, and we were kind of like dojo twins.Life got in the way, and I had other priorities, such as grad school, starting a career, meeting my wife, having our daughters, etc. I’m in a different organization with a different teacher, and started all over again. It’ll be 3 years in February.Your experience seems to be excellent. I’m sure all of that stuff you’ve done makes you far better than if you didn’t do any of it. It’ll give you additional insight into what you’re currently doing and it’ll help you appreciate where you are. Sometimes you’ve got to step away from something to realize what you actually had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaine Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Welcome to KF, Mark! It's great to have you! Martial arts training is 30% classroom training, 70% solo training.https://www.instagram.com/nordic_karate/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wastelander Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Welcome to the forum! Kishimoto-Di | 2014-Present | Sensei: Ulf KarlssonShorin-Ryu/Shinkoten Karate | 2010-Present: Yondan, Renshi | Sensei: Richard Poage (RIP), Jeff Allred (RIP)Shuri-Ryu | 2006-2010: Sankyu | Sensei: Joey Johnston, Joe Walker (RIP)Judo | 2007-2010: Gokyu | Sensei: Joe Walker (RIP), Ramon Rivera (RIP), Adrian RiveraIllinois Practical Karate | International Neoclassical Karate Kobudo Society Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulltahr Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Welcome MKdaggy, you have found a nice corner of the interwebby for MA practitioners.... "We don't have any money, so we will have to think" - Ernest Rutherford Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkdaggy Posted October 25, 2017 Author Share Posted October 25, 2017 Many thanks all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singularity6 Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Welcome, sir! 5th Geup Jidokwan Tae Kwon Do/Hap Ki Do(Never officially tested in aikido, iaido or kendo) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sensei8 Posted October 26, 2017 Share Posted October 26, 2017 Welcome to KF, mkdaggy; glad that you're here!! **Proof is on the floor!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWx Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Welcome Mark "Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it." ~ Confucius Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatsuShinshii Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Welcome to KF. The person who succeeds is not the one who holds back, fearing failure, nor the one who never fails-but the one who moves on in spite of failure. Charles R. Swindoll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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