sensei8

Welcome to KF!!!!!!!!

Solid post!!

I get up off the couch, I walk into the garage, and then I smack the holy beans out of my two hanging bags until they cry uncle!!

Solid post!!

Possibly David Hall wasn't privy to certain facts about Oyama, for one reason or another. Was his information first hand knowledge or second hand knowledge through interviews and the like? I don't know!! Any information I have about Oyama is all second hand knowledge through things I've read and from what some Kyokushinkai practitioners I've exchanged with over the years have said to me in a passing mention.

There is this bit of info, towards the end of the 2nd paragraph of this link... http://uskyokushin.com/sosai.htm

YES!! I love it!!

In addition to my original post here... I joined KF because I needed a credible outlet that was OUTSIDE of the Shindokan circle. I can talk/discuss a many things with my fellow Shindokanists anytime that I desire, but I need and want the stimulation that's unbridled across the board from other MAists from other MA/Styles; a stimulating verbal exchange, if you will!! Shindokan is a way, but it's not the only way!!

1> My betterment! 2> My students betterment! 3> My Hombu's betterment! Why is my betterment at the top of the list? Because if my betterment isn't tended to, then my students' as well as the Hombu's betterment can't be realized. I must increase so that my students', as well as the Hombu's betterment can increase. If I'm lacking, then my students will lack sufficiently, inasmuch, so will the Hombu.

Doesn't action beget action?

What about the schools of the MA that don't utilize either the net and/or the phone book? Many great schools are overlooked because they don't use either to attract students. Then its time to use the old shoe-leather express! That's what I'm talking about.

I don't think anyone can do many high kicks and/or any kick involving a turn without one not ever so slightly raising their heel. Try walking without lifting your heel, it's not conducive walking smoothly. Most kicks, while the kick is transitioning towards a target, the heel of the supporting leg will lift. Whenever I do a roundhouse kick with my back leg, the heel of the supporting leg has to lift to complete the transition, but at impact, my heel is solidly resting firmly on the ground.

Were you allowed to share with your department, if appropriate, what you learnt?

In the tune of the OP... What did it FEEL like, or what was it like when you first sparred? For example, ~Sparring for the first time is like running blindfolded!! [You're going to run into something quite hard unexpectedly]

I too believe that each of us entertain each of the points in the OP; it's the learning curve that we've all been exposed to from time to time on our MA journey. We revisit each point over and over again, from time to time, as required. Many of the points listed in the OP are for us to refine because we always want to improve ourselves across the board, not just as MAist, but as individuals who strive to be better than before. I believe that's normal. Today, my punch is this, but then at the same time, I feel that it's lacking, therefore, I will train said punch/technique until I surpass my felt doubts, and then I'll work that new betterment until the next time it starts all over again. I wrote a KF article somewhat similar... http://www.karateforums.com/until-vt38697.html

The lack of karate in general doesn't bother me a bit; it is what it is. I'm still scratching my head at the "Normal do" statement because I was both a boy scout as well as a cub scout, and I don't remember doing a lot of the things listed on a normal basis. But I believe that that statement is speaking in general terms because many kids/scouts do many things listed below on a normal basis; I just didn't. Karate and baseball was at the top of my list of normality while I was growing up. Here is the link for "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities"... http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss08.aspx#e Programs that the scouts are involved in: Art Astronomy Chess Citizenship Collecting Communicating Computers Disabilities Awareness Family Travel Geography Geology Good Manners Heritages Language and Culture Map and Compass Mathematics Music Nutrition Pet Care Photography Reading and Writing Science Video Games Weather Wildlife Conservation Sports Programs that the scouts are involved in: Archery BB Gun Shooting Badminton Baseball Basketball Bicycling Bowling Fishing Flag Football Golf Gymnastics Hiking Hockey Horseback Riding Ice Skating Kickball Marbles Physical Fitness Roller Skating Skateboarding Snow Ski and Board Sports Soccer Softball Swimming Table Tennis Tennis Ultimate Volleyball Notice there's nothing mentioned about judo, aikido, or tai chi.

I agree because Judo is full-contact. Still, I'm perplexed over the "Normal do" statement as well.

Doing a little surfing on the net during my lunch hour, I came to something that I've read about before, but was reminded about it today. The US Scouts, in an article entitled... "Why other Sports are NOT included in the Cub Scout Sports Program" The Scouts have published a "Guide to Safe Scouting", in a list entitled "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities." Here's what the Scouts have offered... "Back in 1974, the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board decided on a listing of team and individual sports which it felt was not consistent with the ideals and promotion of sportsmanship that Scouting is promoting. They didn't say that "these sports are bad" or "Scouts should never participate in these sports" but rather "these sports have the potential for extreme harm while playing the sport and therefore we will prohibit them from being played as part of a BSA program or program option." The list has been adjusted through the years, but has remained basically intact." Among the list of "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities", the MA is given its degree... Boxing, karate, and related martial arts-except judo, aikido, and Tai Chi My questions are... ~Why do you think that Judo, Aikido, and Tai Chi were approved? ~Why do you think that the Scouts are under the impression that Judo, Aikido, and Tai Chi don't possess the same "potential for extreme harm"? Furthermore..."The general policy of Scouting is to train youth to do safely the many things they normally do, such as swimming and boating; handling firearms, knives and axes; riding bicycles; and hiking and camping. Scouting's disapproval or restriction of hazardous sports and activities is a positive policy to keep fun in the program and to develop sound judgment through experience. It is consistent with our principle of safety through skill on the part of leaders and youth." Normally do?! I scratch my head as I ponder that statement. However, the three arts that they do allow must be done with proper mats and qualified instructors RELATED to YMCA's, colleges, or athletic clubs "whose objectives and coaching methods are compatible with the principles of the Boy Scouts of America." Interesting. The Kokokan and/or the like wouldn't be an acceptable venue? Your thoughts please. Also, if this topic has been discussed here before, please forgive me for repeating it.

What's the difference between your Tuesday and Saturday class considering one is 1 hour and the other is 2 hours?

No, you didn't mention anything about 'passing', and having read it again, I suppose when you mentioned 'grade' you were referring to the testing cycle itself. In that, I concur, allow the student to grade, after that, it's up to the student to 'pass' said grade.

Welcome to KF!!!!!!!!

Should a 'kid' grade if they've failed the testing cycle? No!! Building false securities is the responsibility of the Sensei. I'll allow them to grade/test, but I'll not pass them if they don't deserve it. Yes, I know when they're ready, but sometimes, adults and kids, fall apart unknowingly during a testing cycle. When that happens, I'm sorry, but I can't and won't pass them. Mizu No Kororo and Tsuki No Kokoro; Mind like the water and mind like the moon, and when things fall apart, failing them is the only option for the moment. Yes, 'kids' need to see their peers grade up because it builds up their betterment, and if the student is worthy of the grade, then by all means, award them accordingly.

Ran all ranks today in Pinan Nidan...all day...all classes thus far. Fine tuned the black belts because they, at times, tend to forget timing because, at times, complacent attitudes rear up. Not after I get done.

Solid post, especially the fight the man not the grade!! However, many do fight the grade, and this steals so much from both. Both are there to LEARN!!

Very nice video...solid!! Thank you for sharing it!!