[ot]Any Martial Artists out there?

[Gnome Berzerker]

I've recently taken up Karate (called San Ken Ryu, a combination os Shorin Ryu, Goju, and Shotokan), and I'm loving it.

I feel better, more confident, and I'm getting a great workout 3 times a week.

Anyway, I just wanted to know if there are any other martial artists out there on en world! I also have a few questions:

1)How easy is it to go to a new school? I'm planning on moving in about 10 months, and I hope my skills translate well, since it will be too difficult for me to travel back to the dojo I'm currently using.

2)How many times is recommended to go per week? The most I can go is four, but it's difficult for me. Three seems to be working out ok.

3)When will I start "getting" japanese? Much of the class is taught in japanese, and it's tough on me. I'm just trying to keep up, and the sensei says I'm doing a pretty good job at it.

4)Is it ok to diet while doing Karate? I've been on the South Beach diet for about 3 months now, and I'd hate to get off of it.

5)What about other physical activities? Is there anything I should or should not do?

6)When am I going to get this whole "belt tying" thing down? It's a lot harder than it looks!

 

[Umbran]

I think you'll find a number of martial artists on EN World. I, for example, am a somwhat lapsed Shotokan person.

As to your questions:

1)How hard it is to change schools really depends upon where you are going. The biggest issue is finding a teacher you like in a style you like. In some places this is easy, in others it is impossible.

2)I've been told that if you are already in shape, 2 times per week is enough to maintain your level of skill and fitness. 3 times or more per week will bring improvement over time, in general.

3)You'll pick up the vocabulary you need soon enough, don't worry about it

4)If you're going in for three 2-hour or more workouts each week, you probably don't really need to "diet" in order to lose weight. Simply eating sensible amounts will suffice. Whether or not the diet you're on will be harmful will depend on specifics. The Atkins diet, for example, would likely be a very bad thing, especially if you're just starting out.

5)Other physical activities? I can't think of anything specific that'll hurt you in combination with martial arts. If you're just starting out, you may want to not also pick up, say, marathon running, or super-heavy lifting to avoid really over-stressing your body.

6)You'll figure out the belt soone enough, just like the vocabulary.