sensei8

Never forget what's useful, not even at the insistence of ones instructor(s)!! Muscle memory is hard to retrain, but not impossible because we humans are very adaptable given any time to do so. I can only suggest that you still maintain what's useful as well as what's new and useful. Time can change but to do so it will take some time. Good luck!!

For many, many years I've come to one undeniable fact concerning those who are NOT well versed in any of the grappling arts, directly or indirectly, and that is this... Don't go to the ground!! Easier said!! If a Karateka, for example, doesn't want to be thrown to the ground and/or be dominated on the ground, they better learn effective counters for the following: The Three Tips 1> Stop the grappler from effectively closing the distance 2> Stop the grappler from effectively applying a clinch 3> Stop the grappler from effectively applying a takedown/throw If one panics while on the floor because that person is keenly aware that their ground skills are grossly lacking, i.e., they just don't exist...then I'd suggest that that person develop the three aforementioned tips to thwart a grappler. However, NO technique(s) can be guaranteed!! In the many, many years that I've been in Shindokan, I've observed/studied that most grapplers have an unbelievable advantage over a stand-up practitioner once both combatants are on the ground, providing that the stand-up practitioner has no/limited experience in the grappling arts. **Note: When I say "stand-up fighter", I'm referring to a practitioner who's not skilled in any grappling art. Grapplers are merciless in closing the distance. Again, a stand-up fighter will RECEIVE the technique(s) of the grappler because the stand-up fighter has no idea what to do once the distance is breached. Grapplers are unforgiving in applying the clinch. Again, a stand-up fighter will try to separate themselves from the grapplers grasp, but to no avail. The grappler has quite a lot of tools at their disposal once the clinch is applied. All an unskilled stand-up fighter can do at this point is vainly try to free themselves, but once the struggle begins, the grappler moves in for the kill. Grapplers are unsympathetic in applying the takedown/throw. Again, a stand-up fighter can only do one thing at this point...enjoy the ride to the ground because that's exactly where the stand-up fighter is going. That's the worst position a stand-up fighter can be. All of the movements of the stand-up fighter at this point is only going to temporarily delay the final outcome; defeat. It might not happen right away, but it will. Strange for me, a proponent of Karate, to speak in negative terms. No, it's speaking truths and it's speaking honestly. However, my brand of Karate, Shindokan, is heavily involved in the grappling arts/Tuite. Shindokan is primarily stand-up, however, we're very comfortable on the ground because our Soke KNEW that most, if not all fights, end up on the ground. We do an unbelievable amount of live resistant drills because no attacker/opponent just stands still subjective to any technique(s) to its conclusion. Get on the ground and be one with the ground OR stay up right and learn how to stop the grappler from closing the distance, initiating the clinch, and applying the takedown/throw. Oh yeah, speaking about the throw. For you pure stand-up fighters, I'd suggest that you learn/study the grapplers most easily applied and fun throw...the polish throw. There's not much one can do against it except prostrating on ones back.

One defines the overwhelming force, not anyone else. What's overwhelming for me, is not overwhelming for another, and in that, overwhelming force parameters change within oneself for many reason(s). For me, overwhelming force is an attack who's advancements are quicker and more powerful than I had hoped for, and in that, my defenses, for the immediate moment, are lacking until adjustments are made to effectively counter. A loud Kiai, can be an overwhelming force, for the immediate moment because one can be startled just enough by a Kiai for an attack to succeed.

Solid post!! Question for all... Can techniques from YOUR style, whichever the style might be, be used, by yourself, to defend yourself from the beginning of ones training?

Solid post!!

Having just re-read the thread, I've found a renewed respect for LP, Alex, MP, and Clay. Your words meant the world to me because they speak the truth across the board, and they were honest as well. I bow to you four, and I consider it a great honor and privilege to know the four of you, even though it's only through our current venue. Thank you for having the fortitude in your MA!

Iwao Takahashi has resurfaced. Here are some KF links that have spoken about Iwao... http://karateforums.com/the-attack-of-the-hierarchy-vt42366.html http://karateforums.com/this-might-be-the-beginning-of-the-end-vt40015.html http://karateforums.com/martial-arts-forever-in-one-s-life-vt38638.html For the moment, he's living in Hayward, California. Hayward is in Northern California, just east of San Francisco. I know that he went to some University in or near to Hayward during the early 1980's, in that, I don't remember what he was studying and/or if he earned a University degree. But, Hayward is where he is...and he can stay there for all I care!! Iwao had contacted the Hombu a few weeks ago...out of the blue. Iwao spoke in some great lengths with Greg, our Kancho, on the phone about a many things. Greg, had another phone call from Iwao a few days later, but this time a phone conference was conducted, which included every elected/appointed member of our Hierarchy, as well as Hugh of our Legal Team. I'm told that that phone call was quite heated at times. At the conclusion of that phone call, many questions were still left unanswered on either side. Greg called me shortly after the conference call with Iwao to inform me a many things. I sat still while Greg slowly revealed to me the exact context of the two phone calls; I was beside myself!! What did Iwao want? He wants to return to the Hombu as San Dai-Soke! WHAT?? After Greg calmed me down, he then informed me that most of the Hierarchy and Hugh were going to Hayward to have a formal meeting with Iwao to address his request and to get many questions answered for good. Greg said that the meeting in Hayward was quite fruitful across the board, and that the Hombu is requesting that I fly to Hayward and meet with him. At first I was willing, but, after having a series of phone conversations with Iwao, I wasn't a willing participant. The Hombu meet with Iwao, but I won't. Not now, and not ever!! He refused to answer many of my questions, and that spoke volumes to me. Therefore, I've decided that Iwao will not return to the Hombu in any capacity...I don't want him anywhere near the Hombu, the student body, and I don't want him near me. "It's my right! I'm the San Dai-Soke, appointed by Dai-Soke, and supported by our By-Laws!!" said Iwao. "That was then, but now, you've been removed from any position of authority, and in that, your name has been removed from any place of honor, now and forever!!" was my reply to Iwao. He wants to come back...NO, not while I'm Kaicho and not while I'm alive. Iwao's actions of the past make it hard for me to forgive and forget. And no one's going to be able to convince me any other wise. The damage has happened and the damage has been repaired, but the damage in my heart remains. I won't allow him to re-assume a position within the Hombu where he can possibly reinfect the Hombu. The hierarchy after meeting with me have come to an agreed consensus with me, and in that, Iwao will not be permitted to return to the Hombu in any shape, way, and/or form anytime soon, if ever!! Iwao can start his own dojo and his own Hombu and all if he wants. That's his right, but our Legal Team has made it impossible for him to return to the Hombu anytime soon. As a matter of fact, the Legal Team has informed Iwao that he's to refrain from using any likeness of the Hombu and Shindokan in any shape, way, and/or form, both are protected by law as well as by our By-Laws. Politics is the worst part of the MA, and in that, I pray that you never have to go through anything like our Hombu has.

Absolutely!!

Not often, but the Hombu doesn't only teach Shindokan. We've added other disciplines/practices that compliment Shindokan. From within, instructor candidates must still pass the Floor Test as well as the Criminal Background once considered; it's the formalities that must be exacted.

For those who are fortunate enough to own a school of the MA, this topic might be for you. Providing ones student body is at a point where one can warrant more instructor(s); it's the hiring of that instructor that must be carefully weighed and not made so lightly. Two hiring phases exist: The Floor Test and The Criminal Background Check These two phases, imho, are paramount over any other phase that might exist. Can the instructor teach and does the instructor possess a criminal record? I look at these two phases before I entertain any other phase. Can't pass the first phase, then there's no need for the second phase. The Floor Test: All of the platitudes and all of the affiliations and listing all of the famous names you've trained with/under/for just don't do anything for me. As a matter of fact, the longer ones MA resume is, the more I'm uninterested because it's not a popularity contest. Anything and everything I need to know can only be found on the floor. For me, that's all I really and truly need to know. But not just on an empty floor, but on the floor with students made up of differing classes, and in that, no less than 10 classes under the very watchful eye of Greg and myself. The Criminal Background Check: I'm very fortunate to have the access of our Legal Team for this portion. The cost of a background check are quite nominal across the board. However, the quality and the quantity of the information varies from agency to agency. Not all information is attainable to the general public, and in that, only Law Enforcement Agencies can obtain the most sensitive information. In that, some information is classified for whatever reason(s), and not all reason(s) are criminal. During this phase, our Hombu heavily relies a great deal on our Legal Team in order for them to give us a green light or a red light on any prospective instructor candidate. Crime convictions against moral turpitude automatically disqualifies said instructor candidate. See this link for what our Hombu considers Moral Turpitude, and our Hombu agrees... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_turpitude Misdemeanors are reviewed per case basis, and not all misdemeanors are an automatic disqualification for said instructor candidate. Again, Greg and I truly depend on our Legal Team to interpret any and all information that they have obtained. After an instructor passes these two phases, then the rest are more formalities for Greg and I. By this moment, we've already made our decision one way or another. Any thoughts...let the discussion begin.

What, iyho, births a technique? If you had to only pick one, and for the sake of this topic...you do... Is it the conscious through analysis? Or... Is it the sub-conscious through knowledge? Or...Is it through the desire of surviving the immediate moment? During an attack, the parameters are constantly changing, either by the actions/in-actions of the attacker or the defender, as things are being revealed/discovered within the attack. Inasmuch, only one of the aforementioned choices can be dominate at any one given time.

I didn't partake of the poll because my Kata depends on all of the above, except the last one, so, I couldn't pick just one.

My own MA betterment depends on Shu Ha Ri. A flower depends on many elements, none more important than another, however, each element must experience varying stages, and in that, these stages are repeated over and over during the life of the flower because that one day isn't alone; many days make up that flowers entire life. I learn, and I experience, and I discover, however, not just for one time, but for all eternity as my own MA betterment escapes from a stale existence. Teach me, improve me, and receive me...not just once, but each and everyday that my eyes become open to what lies before me. What one word, imho, describes Shu Ha Ri? POSSIBILITIES!!

Welcome to KF!!!!!!!!

To me...MMA is just a brand of the MA. Like a Corvette is a brand of General Motors. What attracts one to any particular brand of anything is of a personal choice. The brand of MMA, as it's known today, is appealing to many, both MAists as well as non-MAists, and in that, MMA is here to stay as the acceptance is reaching widely across the world. Is MMA a style of the MA? I suppose it is to some extent, and as long as it's marketed as such, then MMA IS a style of the MA.

Welcome to KF!!!!!!!!

Super DITTO...Whew!!

Good luck with your test...relax and have fun...let the test take care of itself. Btw, Solid post!!

Congrats to your wife for passing her yellow belt test, and I bow to her for the level of composure she showed, and having that about herself, and just think...she's only a yellow belt. Imagine what she'll be like when she's a black belt...AWESOME comes to mind!!

Shindokan speaking... Attacking with either ones hands or feet repeatedly requires a re-chamber before the next attack begins. There must be a starting point as well as an ending point, and in that... First kick reaches target, AND then re-chambers...that's the end of the first kick, AND THAT re-chamber IS the beginning of the second kick, and in that, the kicking foot doesn't have to return to the ground first. My fist returning from the target is BOTH the END of the punch as well as the BEGINNING of the next and immediate te technique, and that is the re-chamber. Most Karate uses a four count to every kick...Up, Out, Back, AND Down.

For the moment, I've no words to express my feelings. Mr. Lewis will be greatly missed across the board. I've many fond memories, both personal and professional, regarding Mr. Lewis. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and students. Another empty chair sits before us all!!

Shindokan utilizes Kyusho jitsu quite a lot within its brand of Tuite. However, pressure points aren't guaranteed because the parameters involved are so different from one person to another. I'd rather put my attacker in a uncomfortable and painful position through the means of joint manipulations; those indicators are much more difficult to mask.

Well deserved...I'm so very proud of you!!

Yeah...I concur...that's so super cool!!

Not many know much about Shindokan, however, it's active student body of nearly 11,000 means that it's not hiding under some rock waiting for someone to accidently stub their toes up against it. I've several posts here at KF briefly describing why Shindokan not out in the wide open for all to see, observe, examine, and learn. Therefore, I'll re-touch a bit on it here. Shindokan Saitou-ryu was founded in 1950 by Soke Fuyuhiko Saitou. Both our Soke and Dai-Soke were both born and raised in Okinawa. They both came to the USA in 1956. Shindokan is based on Okinawa-te and Shuri-te. We're 85% hands, and we're 15% feet, and our stances are more upright, and in that, Tuite is right in the center of everything that we do. We're not dependent on Tuite; it's our preferred weapon. In our brand of Tuite, we incorporate grappling as well as Kyusho jitsu. We practice the "old ways" of Okinawan Karate-do as Soke and Dai-Soke taught us. Both Soke Saitou and Dai-Soke Takahashi have passed away, 2008 and 2010 respectively. Since then, the Hombu has gone through a lot of changes, both good and bad. Presently we're trying to bring us out of the archaic ways of our Soke and Dai-Soke, in which they both firmly believed in no advertising; word of the mouth ONLY, and that means no print/video ads, no phone book listings, no published works in any venue type, no internet exposure, no big fancy outside signage, no nothing, and no brand management whatsoever...just demonstrations and word of mouth. Change, no matter the size, takes time across the board. Will the Hombu ever come out of the yesteryear mindset and join the present? I've no idea, it is my wish and my dream, but habits are hard to die, as is change. Shindokan Lineage: Satunuku "Tode" Sakugawa (1733 - 1815) Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura (1797 - 1889) Anko Itosu (1830 - 1915) Shigekazu Ishikawa (1864 - 1959) (Shuri-te) Choshu Saitou (1865 - 1962) (Okinawa-te*) (This is the father of Soke Saitou) (*Choshu Saitou's Okinawa-te Instructor is unknown) Fuyuhiko Saitou (1917 - 2008) (Shindokan** founder; Shindokan was founded in 1950.) (**His instructors were, his father, Choshu Saitou, this is the Okinawa-te side of Shindokan, and Shigekazu Ishikawa, this is the Shuri-te side of Shindokan) Yoshinobu Takahashi (1932 - 2010) (Dai-Soke; and the first, and only student of Soke Saitou) Any questions I'll be more than happy to respond to.