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Post by Bob Davis on Sept 14, 2010 21:07:38 GMT
Was asked at the recent B&B course to think about why, after many years of training, I am still studying karate. I have taken the time to think about it and have been through the standard stock answers and rejected them as none of them really apply to me. I tried to think if there were anything deep and meaningful behind my continued efforts (no real joy there as I'm not really a very deep guy ) and have come to the conclusion that, for me, it pretty much comes down to just one thing. It's bl**dy good fun and I thoroughly enjoy it! It some times frustrates me, sometimes annoys me and sometimes nearly kills me but when taken all together I have a really good time in my training. I've met some great people and have had (and continue to have) fun and I can't come up with any better reason to carry on.
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Post by fujicolt on Sept 17, 2010 20:37:52 GMT
Well Bob - you seemed to be having fun on the course - especially on the pad impact work. I think you should be filmed so that young thugs would think again before attacking quiet , gentle spoken grey haired men of an older age.
trust me folks you DO NOT want a whack of this guy! he is an ANIMAL but fun to train with!
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Post by Dod Watt on Sept 17, 2010 20:48:06 GMT
I think we all had fun at the course Steve, but did you notice Bob's wicked smile while using the pads
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Post by Bob Davis on Sept 18, 2010 8:58:52 GMT
What, and spoil the surprise? Seriously though, quiet gentle spoken grey haired gentlemen seem to contsitute the majority of the most dangerous people I know. For those who don't know me that's somewhat along the lines of the Andrex puppy
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Post by Bob Davis on Sept 18, 2010 11:58:26 GMT
I prefer to think of it as a "playful" smile George ;D
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Post by Dod Watt on Sept 18, 2010 13:19:28 GMT
We'll all have to watch for that playful smile then, lol
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Post by fujicolt on Sept 19, 2010 16:36:32 GMT
Bob Davis - Andrex Puppy - yer having a laugh it'd be the size of a teenage Grizzly with anvil sized hands! I was thinking more along the thought of that great big thing in the Star wars films that follows the heroes around and throws people across the room when needed!
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Post by Dod Watt on Sept 19, 2010 18:58:26 GMT
Steve, the name is Chewbacca
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Post by stevie on Sept 19, 2010 19:04:21 GMT
after having to face Bob last week in not just kihon ippon kumite but also jiyu ippon kumite its definitely more chewbacca than lab puppy
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Post by Bob Davis on Sept 20, 2010 8:35:26 GMT
Substantially less hair involved either way ;D I still think "quiet gentle spoken grey haired old gentlemen" is closer to the real me than "animal" but there's always a time for both I guess. Like the man says "don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry" (a quote for our readers of a certain age )
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Post by Dod Watt on Sept 20, 2010 18:46:48 GMT
Are you trying to say you turn green Bob
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Post by Bob Davis on Sept 21, 2010 8:15:28 GMT
It has been known
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Post by Bob Davis on Oct 1, 2010 8:26:06 GMT
Ineteresting thought (to me anyway ) that it occured to me last night that over the course of recent months Karate has once again become an obsession for me (in a good way) rather than just a habbit which is what it had drifted into. I've probably not actually felt this way for a good 5-6 years.
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 1, 2010 9:49:27 GMT
that is great to hear Bob and (at risk of making you blush) I can tell you that you - at such a terribly old age - have inspired others by the way you train and mix it up with them young uns! Seriously though folks Bob is well past his 21st birthday but a clear example of the fact that, with the correct attitude, vigorous karate practice and ongoing development is attainable at any age. What changed things for you Bob - I know for example that you are actively attending various courses - has that helped?
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Post by Bob Davis on Oct 1, 2010 10:39:53 GMT
Hi Steve, Yes, it's what has really made the difference to my current mental approach. Although I've always been aware that there was a lot more out there than we traditionally do in dojo I'd fallen into the trap of becoming "comfortable" and the courses I've been to this year were not only great opportunities to learn but were also the kick in the backside I needed to get out of my comfort zone and stop coasting. I'm actually genuinely excited about my training again rather than just having a bit of fun. Not quite sure what you mean Steve, I thought I WAS one of the young uns (at least in my head). Off now for a nice cup of tea and a sit down
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 1, 2010 14:36:52 GMT
Come on Bob - we all know that apart from Rod Desilva you are the oldest known Karate practitioner south of the north pole
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Post by tomobrien on Oct 3, 2010 1:59:28 GMT
Might as well stop breathing as to stop doing the martial arts.
Thanks, Tom
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 3, 2010 2:56:55 GMT
Come on Tom - the members here would be really interested in your story - I know i was really impressed. So i'll ask - expand your post and give the folks here some more about 'why you are still training' and what you still do on the tournament and teaching/training scene as a mature Karateka. I know it will inspire many here young and old.
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Post by tomobrien on Oct 7, 2010 3:32:42 GMT
OK Steve, Basically I am a daft 'old geezer' who spent his 62nd birthday last night doing ten no kata, yoko geri & defenses against juji gatame in his garage/dojo called the Ronin Martial Arts Club. I was fortunate enough to have gone to the AAU Karate Nationals, 4th of July weekend & took home 3 silver medals (could not buy a gold ). Been doin this for about 40 years now & still love it . Thanks, Tom
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 7, 2010 14:31:39 GMT
way to go Tom - yer get Gold as far as I am concerned for going to the American Nationals and taking 3 Silver Medals at 62 years old.
Total RESPECT mate - well done!
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Post by Paul Bedard on Oct 9, 2010 2:07:49 GMT
Tom; alzheimers can be a blessing for a ` daft old geezer ` in that you forget to stop! LOL Congrats on your success at the nationals. You are a great example to us young ones who are onle in the mis 50`s ( 55 ).... Osu Paul B
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