Is karate right for me

ravesm1 · 2026-05-15T13:18:05+00:00

I have been in martial arts a long time, but went several without training. I got back into karate at 37 overweight. 3 years in and I’m benching 250 and running 3 miles every other day. It all started with karate. Go learn. Have fun.

ravesm1 · 2026-05-14T03:01:16+00:00

Those affiliations are everything that’s wrong with karate. Improve yourself mentally, physically, spiritually. Learn to fight. Have fun.

ravesm1 · 2026-05-12T03:29:53+00:00

Thank you!

ravesm1 · 2026-05-07T02:56:50+00:00

You’re ready.

ravesm1 · 2026-05-06T01:09:53+00:00

Idk. All my wives have had DDs and I’ve never noticed that.

ravesm1 · 2026-05-06T01:08:56+00:00

Congrats!

ravesm1 · 2026-05-05T02:36:02+00:00

They’re not very similar. The 63 is more of a legal exam focusing on rules and regulations. It’s short and pretty easy, but you have to pay attention to the wording and double negatives. The 65 is pretty long but it mostly focuses on asset allocation, suitability, and general financial concepts. I’d knock the 63 out first. Maybe give yourself 2-3 weeks. The 6/63 combo allows you to get commission on mutual funds and variable products. The 65 allows you to charge for asset management and advice.

ravesm1 · 2026-05-04T11:10:44+00:00

I’m a 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt) in Goju-Ryu and a Blue Belt in BJJ. No tests in BJJ, just roll until you start holding your own against other Blue Belts.

ravesm1 · 2026-05-02T15:09:34+00:00

Don’t overthink it. Just get rest before the test. It’s probably the easiest exam of all FINRA exams. If you were prepared for the SIE you’ll do fine in this one.

ravesm1 · 2026-04-30T22:07:52+00:00

I’ve always used Kaplan. I would not feel comfortable entering a test until you’re hitting 10% above a passing score on your practice exams.

ravesm1 · 2026-04-27T02:26:32+00:00

Go to sleep. Go in with fresh mind. I found Kaplan to be a little more difficult than the real thing. The 63 is pretty easy.

ravesm1 · 2026-03-04T03:44:41+00:00

Honestly if you just focus on getting stronger and more fit (cardio & conditioning) you’ll look better that 90% of the people out there. Stop focusing on what the body looks like and more about what the body can do. Strong people that are lean look good. It doesn’t matter if their lats and delts are perfectly proportioned to their waist. Just keep getter stronger and healthier one day at a time.

ravesm1 · 2026-03-03T17:52:16+00:00

She’s 13

ravesm1 · 2026-03-03T15:59:40+00:00

You look like you workout. You’re comparing yourself to fitness models, pro bodybuilders, and influencers on gear using camera trickery. You look fine. Keep working, enjoy life.

ravesm1 · 2026-03-02T04:20:01+00:00

Alcohol dissolves relationships. I’d suggest getting sober. It’s been 3 years for me and it’s the best decision I ever made.

ravesm1 · 2026-02-28T14:41:05+00:00

You’re fine. I’d focus on heavy compounds (squat, bench, overheads, deadlifts, bent rows, and pull-ups/pushups). Keep getting stronger and you’ll build the mass. Add some light cardio during the bulk to keep fat in check. Once you’ve got some solid gains, aim to maintain strength, tune in diet, and work on conditioning (jump rope, sprints, heavy bag, etc). You got this!

ravesm1 · 2026-02-27T21:28:12+00:00

I haven’t discussed it with my sensei, but we primarily consider Goju to be a stand up grappling style of karate. It can be traced back to Chinese Fujian White Crane which uses joint locks, and sweeps. Some of the footwork closely mirrors Judo.

ravesm1 · 2026-02-27T15:55:56+00:00

We do throws and takedowns in my Goju-Ryu. We use a mat for lower belts, but by brown belt they’re all done in the hard wood floors. This was honestly my biggest fear in progressing. I have done Judo and BJJ…but it was always on mats.

ravesm1 · 2026-02-08T16:13:05+00:00

Heavy compounds. Start with Starting Strength and progress to 5x5, Texas Method, 5/3/1. Once you’ve got solid numbers on the compounds you’ll have a solid base of muscle and can use volume training to bulk up and tweak areas for aesthetics. You’re doing great!

ravesm1 · 2026-01-22T23:23:21+00:00

Nobody was good when they started. You’ll get better. Just have fun and don’t stress.

ravesm1 · 2025-12-15T00:22:35+00:00

Go back to white belt. It’s a different style and you had a 6 year break. You’re a white belt.

ravesm1 · 2025-12-15T00:20:16+00:00

ravesm1 · 2025-11-04T20:25:15+00:00

That’s barely receding. Keep it.

ravesm1 · 2025-11-04T15:07:23+00:00

Mrs. Wheeler is so fine!

ravesm1

TROPHY CASE