Q: I trained for 5 years in Shotokan/Goku Ryu Karate. After the five years, my club closed down. About 6 months later i started Hapkido and did that for 6 months but it really wasn't for me. Now i've been completely out of training for 18months. Its been hard coz i've gone from a national champion to nothing. And I've gotten really out of shape, put weight on and let me fitness go completely....

A: Well I can tell you first off a few things from experience and one is that weight is harder to keep off as you get older. Secondly, sometimes people lose their competitive desire and so they quit or retire earlier than otherwise. For you it is partly because of your club closing so the fact that you are now starting to want to go back should in itself tell you that you have not lost your desire completely.

I would start off gradually and not throw anything faster or harder than half to three fourths speed and power for the first two weeks. That way you will avoid potential...