Hi everyone,

It’s been a while since we mentioned martial arts on the forums, so I was wondering how all our karateka (and aikidoists, judo-ers, and kung fu-sters) were doing.  I know you’re out there!  I hope everyone’s still planning on going during the holidays!

As for me, after a year and a half at my new dojo, I’m comfortably settled into green belt in Chito Ryu karate.  Though I couldn’t go to the dojo much during October due to scheduling conflicts, I’m now back to going once a week, which will increase to at least twice a week in December.  (At my old dojo, I was more advanced—brown belt in Kyukushinkai karate—but I had differences in philosophy with my sensei, so I left.)

So… how’s everyone else doing?

Cheers,
Julie

Sigh… I would love to get back into martial arts.  It’s been 5 years since I got my black belt, and 4 since I’ve been to my old stomping grounds.  Congrats on getting a green belt, Julie!

Ow. 

So of course I had to have a typical “karate experience” just a day after starting this post, didn’t I?  It’s like karma.

I was in the dojo, practising some moves that I know, but could know better.  The sensei comes up and corrects me on a move: “Do you know why we do it like this?” (ie: the correct way) I had to answer no.  So he had me do the attack on him, and follow up with an elbow-strike to the ribs.  The next thing I knew, I was pinned over forwards and my shoulder was screaming “help, I’m not supposed to be in this position!”

At least it’s the good pain.

Cheers,
Julie

Haha, lol!  Our Taekwando instructor (I got my black belt in Kong Su Do Karate, but took Taekwando for credit for a semester in college) had a thing for taking down the football players in the first day of class when they were taking it for credit

Hope your shoulder feels better!

I’ve started taking Tai Chi Chuan. I love it. I’ve signed up for it again next semester. hopefully I will be able to keep up with it over the next school year. I might start looking into some other forms of martial arts too. Any suggestions?

Jenni, it all depends on what you’re looking for.  Are you looking for a form that’s more focused on power (karate, kung fu) or using your opponent’s momentum against them (judo, aikido)?  Are you looking for a more “showy” style (capoiera) or a more functional one (krav maga)?  There are tons of different martial arts styles, so you can probably find one that will fit your needs… once you know what they are!

Cheers,
Julie