Everybody knows the saying about that first step... this blog is to document the travel.
I practice kyokushin again after 20 years; I was once 3rd kyu & opted to start at white belt.
The first milestone is to re-earn my rank, then, of course to attain shodan. Let's see where this will take us in the end.
Expect much frustration hand in hand with a study in humility as the inner battles have but a clear outcome...
I entered the dojo in June of 2009 on crutches; we are now in November and I have mostly regained use of my legs: time to get cracking!

The Making Of The Perfect Wall Mounted Makiwara – Part 1: Using The Right Materials Posted 02-17-2010 at 06:17 AM by FredInChina Updated 02-17-2010 at 06:29 AM by FredInChina In spite of the incessant harassment from the mosquitoes inside the thicket, and the nagging pains in his wrists, the ancient master thought that all this time spent over the years hitting large tree trunks with his bare fists like a madman had been well spent; the neighboring clan leader sitting across him and stuffing himself with nuts and berries, was visibly cowed and reluctant to fight: no sense aggravating these “iron hands” that could penetrate between the 2nd and 3rd rib of an opponent to... Continue reading... FredInChina Apprentice

Posted in Old stories Comments 5

Throwing Things Away Terrifies Me Posted 02-12-2010 at 06:33 AM by FredInChina Updated 02-12-2010 at 06:37 AM by FredInChina I am in the process of decluttering my life - yes, my whole life, but this is not the point here - I am actually following through on my goal number 4- Simplify, clean up the clutter, remove distractions from my life to be able to focus. In fact, for the last hour, I have been moving things around; sure, I threw a few papers, used paper napkins and flat batteries that were in the space, but I am far from having filled up even one modest size paper basket; things that were on the... Continue reading... FredInChina Apprentice

Posted in Goals & Milestones., Unexpected Challenges Comments 4

2010 01 - Workouts Planned vs. Accomplished Posted 02-08-2010 at 10:36 PM by FredInChina Nothing was formally planned and that was a mistake --- I pay it now by not being able to measure & compare. Let's see what was in my mind and what happened: - Enjoy a ski vacation: - Check! - Continue fixing the legs: F17s started it, then some sprints in Paris; I was ready for a month on skis, it worked; I feel my legs are stronger than at any time in the last few years - knee problems seem fixed too - Achilles is (crossing fingers) a bad memory.... Continue reading... FredInChina Apprentice

Posted in Goals & Milestones. Comments 3

MedGuy Abs Routine Posted 01-28-2010 at 05:16 PM by FredInChina Updated 01-28-2010 at 05:24 PM by FredInChina (add hyperlinks) This abs routine was proposed by MedGuy: my abs routine. I actually have a set routine that lasts 10 mins total. Each set of exercises equals 2 mins when done in succession, with a 30 secs rest in between sets. It is the sequence of exercises that is the key, not the exercises themselves. At any rate, each is 10 reps each: ... Continue reading... FredInChina Apprentice

Posted in Training, Routines Comments 2

Goals 2010 - The big picture, overview - 11+1 Goals. Posted 01-25-2010 at 07:46 PM by FredInChina Updated 02-12-2010 at 06:34 AM by FredInChina I've been doing quite a bit of homework that includes thinking about directions, ideas and possibilities for now and the future; time outs for me have always been privileged moments for planning and introspection; it is time to put it all together before calling the holidays a wrap. My idea at first was to set up goals and post here those related to karate and training - it so happens that most are karate centric and I decided to list it all here: 1- Stay, remain injury... Continue reading... FredInChina Apprentice

Posted in Goals & Milestones. Comments 5