Redding Shotokan Karate

Hello Redding Shotokan!!!

I am here in Pollock Pines, CA where we have moved into our new home and are trying to get unpacked and settled in. I have, however, been following the blogs here on the website since I left Redding in October.

First off, Lynette...You are such an AMAZING photographer!!! I already knew that, but your photos from the Year End Practice are so spectacular. You have a way of capturing expressions that I would probably miss even if I were standing there in person! » read the entire item »

It seems like I have always got a few half-composed blog entries floating around the recesses of my mind (I know, I am WIDE open with that one, so go for it - I can take it!). This one however, is the one I have been facing with a heavy heart and a strong sense of dread.
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I love to read the morning paper over coffee each day. It is one of my rituals (I should probably read it while doing kiba-dachi, now that would be a much more impressive ritual!). The sports page however, is not usually part of that morning read (except when the comics are attached). It's not that I don't care for sports, it's just that I don't follow teams unless I have a close relative playing - then I am following - live. Wednesday morning though, a headline caught my eye that connected me with both my past and my present with respect to karate. » read the entire item »

Today I am thinking about weakness. Like most humans, I have many weaknesses and I have occasionally been chided for my candor in confessing them. » read the entire item »

I first began to practice in 1983. Now, we've all had to endure the inevitable "HI-YAH" / knife hand thing from people upon learning that one practices a martial art. In 1984 however, that expression temporarily changed to "Wax on, wax off", based on a line in the movie "The Karate Kid". I know it sounds like I am reminiscing and being rather cliche at that, but I found myself thinking about "The Karate Kid" and the whole "wax on, wax off" thing during practice last night. » read the entire item »

I think everyone should teach a kid's class.

I know that's a pretty generalized statement. Regardless, it is a great experience. The challenge, of course, is to keep their attention and keep them interested. The great thing is that children make no secrets about their interest level. They will stretch your mental abilities in unexpected directions. » read the entire item »

Ok, so it has been 5 (ugh) - count them - 5 practices now that I have been forced to miss due to one thing or another. It started with an excessive load of computer work (exacerbated by a blond moment which resulted in a necessary clean install of my system). After that, I felt it was more important to spend some time with the family (I am not the most pleasant or involved family member when dealing with computer issues). Then, my long time prediction that we would put in a lawn right around the time we got ready to sell the house came true. » read the entire item »

Last night's practice.....Awesome!

 Last night we did lots of kata.  Possibly the most I have done in one class.  We all did Taikyoku and Heians 1-4, then split off into groups.  One group focused on Heian katas 3 & 4, the other Bassai and Kank » read the entire item »u.