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Here's a link that you might find interesting... http://www.lessonswiththemaster.com/index_files/skifsyllabus.pdf "The SKIF system is rooted in tradition but is not bound by the limitations of traditional Shotokan karate training. For example, while the SKIF system includes all of the traditional 26 Shotokan forms ("kata"), it also currently includes four kata from other styles chosen by Master Kanazawa to complement traditional Shotokan karate training. The four additional kata include Master Kanazawa's interpretations of Seipai (from Goju-ryu), Seienchin (from Shito-ryu), Gankaku-Sho (from Shorin-ryu), and Niju Hachi-Ho (from Tomari-te and White Crane style wushu or gung-fu). For all of the kata, the SKIF system includes standardized movements, timing, and practical applications ("bunkai"). The excerpt above from the SKIFUSA.com speaks about the importance of learning Kata that are not part of the norm Shotokan syllabus. Funakoshi Sensei gained a reputation as a Karate master. He insisted on 'hito-kata sanen' meaning to practice three years on one Karate kata believing that it would take a lifetime to master a handful of kata. Therefore, in the old days students were taught one Kata for three years before going on to the next Kata. After three years the student was just beginning to understand all that the Kata teaches.

Welcome to KF!!!!!!!

Welcome back!!!!!

Welcome to KF!!!!!!!

I'm very proud of you!! You're doing just fine, and for your experience level, you're head isn't in the clouds, this is rare at your level.

If you're primary reason for learning any martial art is for self-defense, then as crazy as this may sound...don't worry about learning ANY kata. Don't misunderstand me, I'm a huge proponent of Kata and the value of Kata across the board. Having said that, 11 or 26 or more is vital to the karateka as in reaching the fulfillment of one of the three K's. Don't forget to do the Bunkai of the Kata's you learn because without Bunkai, Kata is wasted movements with no totality. But, I'd go with Kihon first and foremost and then I'd concentrate of Kumite and seeking the perfection of the two. I'd Kumite for the rest of my life against everyone I could, and not just one style of the martial arts. Then, I'd learn grappling, and in that, I'd seek out a credible BJJ/JJ school because if you don't learn how to handle things on the ground, then you better never defend yourself. Get as well grounded and well rooted in a core BUT expand your knowledge in anything that you feel will better you across the board. If your wanting to be promoted in Shotokan, than you're going to have to learn all of the syllabus. But, if rank isn't important to you and you just want to learn self-defense, then speak with your Sensei about this and then go from there. Whether it's finding another dojo and/or another style of the martial arts. As you've been told by other KF members, I'd like to reiterate the following: >It's not your role to assume as the student what's "ENOUGH"! Your Sensei is the only one qualified in your dojo to determine this and that. >Yes there are 26 Kata's in Shotokan, but, your experience/knowledge/rank must match up to the remaining 18 Kata's in the Shotokan syllabus. You're going to need a lot of knowledge to learn Unsu. Even in that, the Kata Wankan is the shortest but it requires a great high level of experience/knowledge/rank to even understand it's effectiveness. Don't put the cart before the horse!! You'll learn one Kata at a time and this means that you'll NOT learn a Kata that you're not ready for. >Expand your knowledge base SLOWLY, don't rush it! Muscle memory only comes with time and one has to be careful to not learn bad muscle memory, and that can happen when one rushes oneself and doesn't listen to their Sensei across the board. >You're not naive, you lack knowledge/experience if you think that 11 Kata aren't enough. 1 Kata is enough!! Don't let the trees interfere with your view of the forest! You could do 1 Kata for the rest of your life; tearing it down piece by piece and rebuilding it over and over and over again for the rest of your life and that 1 Kata would be enough. It's not the quantity, but it's the quality of Kata, and yes, even just that 1 Kata instead of 26 or 36 or a billion Kata can make all of the difference. >Anything by Kanazawa Sensei would benefit any martial artist, especially a karateka. And you're correct in assuming that you can't learn from it as it's intended. Yes, you can learn the steps of the Kata's but without a qualified instructor to correct your mistakes, no matter how small or large the mistake might or might not be, you'll be treading in some unsafe areas. However, imho, I've always believed that DVD's by Kanazawa Sensei and others concerning Kata are more meant for those MAists that already possess knowledge, and in that, these DVD's aren't meant for those who haven't already learned any said Kata. If you've never done Tekki Shodan and you want to learn it from Kanazawa Sensei via a DVD, well, you can learn the steps and bad muscle memories, and that's about it. Take your time and don't rush your training, everything takes time to mature and while on your MA journey, you'll see that, but only if you take your time to grow and grow and grow and grow...

Patricks WON 31-27. Their regular season undefeated at home since 2006 streak at home is still in tact. I went 8 out of 13 picks for week #15, and that's still not good enough for me to make a living on picking the winning team. Only one left to still play in MNF: Bears VS Vikings = Bears win. GO COWBOYS!!

Well...I'm sure there's a big smile on your face because your Ravens WON, and the Steelers LOST. Post season's still alive for your team...Congrats GeoGiant!!

OK...let's see how I did with my predictions... Chiefs VS Rams = Chiefs win, but ONLY if Cassel is back under the center. I predicted the Chiefs to win...they WON 27-13 Cardinals VS Panthers = Panthers win. I predicted the Panthers to win...Panthers WON 19-12 Eagles VS Giants = Eagles win. I predicted the Eagles to win...Eagles WIN 38-31 Lions VS Buccaneers = Buccaneers win. I predicted the Buccaneers to win...Buccaneers LOST 23-20 Browns VS Bengals = Browns win. I predicted the Browns to win...Browns LOST 19-17 Dolphins VS Bills = Dolphins win, and if they do, they'll break that crazy alternating win-loss-win-loss-win...thingy their stuck in. I predicted the Dolphins to win...Dolphins LOST 17-14, and that crazy thingy of win-loss-win-loss is still haunting the Dolphins Redskins VS Cowboys = Washington win, why not, it's not been the Cowboys year, and not even when they're at home. I predicted that the Redskins to win...Redskins LOST 33-30 Colts VS Jaguars = Colts win. They're dangerous the most when their backs are against the wall. I predicted the Colts to win...Colts WON 34-24 Saints VS Ravens = Saints win, even though, imho, this will be a close game. I predicted the Saints to win...Saints LOST 30-24 Texans VS Titans = Texans win. I predicted the Texans to win...Texans LOST 31-17 Seahawks VS Falcons = Falcons win. I predicted the Falcons to win...Falcons WON 34-18 Jets VS Steelers = Jets win. However, the Steelers might more than likely dominate this game, but, I'm going off of emotions and I want to see a Jet win here!! I predicted the Jets to win...Jets WON 22-17 Raiders VS Broncos = Oakland win. I predicted the Raiders to win...Raiders WON 39-23 Patriots VS Packers = Patriots win. Brady's not lost a regular season game at home since 2006. AT THE TIME OF THIS POST...THIS GAME HADN'T STARTED...it doesn't start tonight until 8:20PM So...in the 13 games that were played at the time of this posting...7 correct predictions...that's ok...not great. Oh well...I tried!

Yes, it was an ugly game, but a win nonetheless, and man oh man...that was one incredible punt under incredible circumstances...AWESOME!! GO DOLPHINS!!

With Cassel out for now, and the game Croyle had last week, I think you might be right in that we'll more than likely see Palko start. This isn't a bad thing really because he's got a 71.0 QB rating with 2 out of 3 completions and 8 total yards, hey, it's time for him to show up to play and to help the Chiefs win. Believe...believe...believe in the 3rd string QB!! GO CHIEFS!!

Well... The past few weeks or so have got me quite perplexed across the board. These past few weeks, the ones I thought were going to win, well, they lost and vice verse. Here we are at week #15 and I'm going to see if I can...ahem...guess the outcomes of these games. Chiefs VS Rams = Chiefs win, but ONLY if Cassel is back under the center. Cardinals VS Panthers = Panthers win. Eagles VS Giants = Eagles win. Lions VS Buccaneers = Buccaneers win. Browns VS Bengals = Browns win. Dolphins VS Bills = Dolphins win, and if they do, they'll break that crazy alternating win-loss-win-loss-win...thingy their stuck in. Redskins VS Cowboys = Washington win, why not, it's not been the Cowboys year, and not even when they're at home. Colts VS Jaguars = Colts win. They're dangerous the most when their backs are against the wall. Saints VS Ravens = Saints win, even though, imho, this will be a close game. Texans VS Titans = Texans win. Seahawks VS Falcons = Falcons win. Jets VS Steelers = Jets win. However, the Steelers might more than likely dominate this game, but, I'm going off of emotions and I want to see a Jet win here!! Raiders VS Broncos = Oakland win. Patriots VS Packers = Patriots win. Brady's not lost a regular season game at home since 2006. MNF: Bears VS Vikings = Bears win. Last Thursday game; Chargers beat the 49ers easily...34 - 7. Imho, this game was over before it even started because the current 49ers are not the 49ers of old. Chargers took the 49ers up and down the field willingly at times. 3rd down conversions for the Chargers and a 49er turnover will win it for you every time. These Chargers will be the Chiefs downfall, IF the Chargers have anything to say about it. GO COWBOYS!! P.S. Oh oh...Romo's engaged to be married to former Miss Missouri Candice Crawford. Just when Romo was starting to get his head back into the game, this happens. This is worse than when he broke his collarbone. Idle minds will do the craziest things! Congratulations to Romo and Crawford on their engagement.

It's not over as of yet for the Yankees' bid for Cliff Lee. Why? Well, I'm hoping that the Phillies in mid-season will trade Lee AGAIN, but this time to the Yankees. It's happened before to Lee; mid/late season trade! I don't think that that's too far fetched thinking of me, although it's way out there. Hey,but this is baseball and ANYTHING'S possible. So, I'm wishing on a star for now! And yes, I agree with you Patrick....Sabathia and Lee would've been totally insane, and with Mo closing for them...whoa...I love it!!

Saying what you mean and meaning what you say can be a nightmare for a weatherman. Now...while the 8000 feet of snow is quite alarming to me, but, it's not as alarming to me as this... what's one going to do when ALL of that snow finally MELTS??

I'm with GeoGiant on this one...so...keep practicing...and by all means...good luck!

Joe, That was a very solid article across the board, and when this article comes up for nominations and voting at the next KF Awards; you've got my vote all the way. SOLID!!

Imho, it would depend on one's faith.

Thank you for your questions, and no, I didn't take them personal. At this moment, there's no new major developments. Right now, the Hombu is in full speed towards their move in January. I fly out to the Hombu this Monday morning for the vote on the following: 1) USA Branch Office 2) Pre By-Law ammendments Although I've no voting privileges, I'm being asked by our Kaicho and the Legal Team to address/advise further on these two areas prior to each vote. This is an open door session so that the students aren't left in the dark. Your list is accurate, however it only scratches the surface, nonetheless, everything needs to be addressed asap.

Best escape tool...TICKLE THEM A LOT!!

I seriously doubt that!! It hurts to be even suggested. Yes, I was the Hombu Chief Instructor and he, San Dai-Soke wasn't, but we're best of friends in and out of the Hombu. In that, he respected Dai-Soke's petition appointments across the board. I was nominated for the position of Chief Instructor, and then I was voted in unanimously. What puts 'it' back into his hands, as you put it, is NOT the move, no, it's the mere fact that he was nominated and unanimously voted in as the new San Dai-Soke. Btw, I had his name at the top of the list of the ones who I thought would be a great San Dai-Soke when I turned my list of possible nominations into the Hombu. I mean, man, he was the eldest son of our Dai-Soke, and to me, that's about the best of everything. It's cool to have this and/or that label at the Hombu, but to be the son of our Dai-Soke, well, I'd rather have that then anything else in the world. I may not, per our By-Laws, have voting privileges as Kaiso, but as Kaiso my advise is expected and demanded of me by the Hombu. I only want what's the best for the student body, first and foremost...and this isn't all of a sudden because I don't roll that way! Therefore, I'm more than sure of one fact and that is this: the leadership doesn't view me as wishy washy in any shape, way, and/or form. I'm not the leader of anything. However, I've been part of the Hombu leadership for well over 20 plus years. If necessary, yes, I will come out of retirement to fulfill whatever position the Hombu feels appropriate, and in that, I wouldn't be doing it for me, but for the betterment of the student body. Unification must be paramount between the Hombu AND the future USA Branch Office and the support must be equal to and for the two. Otherwise, continuity won't exist and that is bad for the student body. I don't have to be at the top, no, I'm quite content being at the bottom. Ego and me don't get along!!

As far as the Yudansha student base... The overall mood is starting to turn from total and utterly bewilderment to one of a feeling of great optimistic about their future. Yes, they are complete aware of the whole situation. That was decided by our San Dai-Soke right off the bat. It's to be understood that the student base would have any animosity towards the Hombu's totality. I was full of animosity when the news/information was first brought to my attention. But, what is one to do? Fight or flight? I decided to fight right from the onslaught. The student base has quelled its animosity towards the Hombu because someone is standing up for them across the board. Nobody to my knowledge has threatened to leave the Hombu. I hurt a faint murmur from some of the student base, but that faint murmur has subsided completely for the reason(s) I've mentioned in the last paragraph. However, not one of the hierarchy Yudansha's have ever whispered that they wanted to abandon ship.

No, testing fees won't ever increase, and that's mainly because when I was Kaicho, I abolished any and all testing fees, and I had the legal team write the amendment to our By-Laws that a unanimous vote of the hierarchy plus 1 must be attained to re-establish any and all testing fees. I did this on the heels of the economic downturn, and I had done this previously with my own dojo before I joined the Hombu as Kaicho; that decision of mine made all of the difference in the world as far as the student body was concerned. I even lowered the monthly tuition with the help of the Accounting Department of the Hombu so that my vision for the student body wouldn't greatly effect the bottom line of the Hombu. I agree that some minor and/or major revisions to our By-Laws must be visited and agreed upon for the betterment of the student body as well as the Hombu. I figuratively have seen the Hombu's knees starting to buckle with my advise as well as me being constantly in their ears. We've 6 months before our annual testing cycle in 2011, and in that time remaining, I'm very optimistic that a USA Branch Office will have been established in such a way that those testing candidates that must test before the Hombu, will be allowed to test at the USA Branch Office instead, unless they desire to go to Okinawa, and in that, the USA Branch Office will have all of its ducks in a tidy line for Hombu support across the board. Onward! No time to sleep for the weary. EDIT: Sometimes I can spell and sometimes I haven't even a clue how to spell!!

Well...the wait is over. Cliff Lee has signed not with the Rangers or the Yankees, even though their offers were handsome. No! Cliff Lee has signed with his prior team...the Phillies; and for less money than what either the Rangers or the Yankees offered. I can respect that of Lee; money isn't his driving force after all. GO YANKEES!!

It's not necessary of everyone, nor was it required of everyone; it was offered for those who wanted to relocate, and in this, the Hombu would have all it's key positions already in place for a more smoother transition for the establishing of the Hombu in Okinawa. Now, key positions have to be selected and then voted upon...this won't be an easy task, and you've already said why...our By-Laws and such. Also, our Hombu, no, our Soke was a antiquated individual when it came to things of modern conveniences. Our Dai-Soke wasn't any better. To date, we've no website, one was in the makings before our Dai-Soke passed away, and it was like pulling teeth from an angry T-Rex before our Dai-Soke finally approved the project. I've flown back and forth from Texas and Oklahoma more than I care to mention for every critical meeting/vote, testing cycles, and the like. I've mailed more letters than to the Hombu than it would take to fill in the Grand Canyon. I've phoned the Hombu more than a dizzy love struck teenager. No, I'm hoping and praying that our San Dai-Soke will FINALLY, one day very soon and way overdue, bring our Hombu into the 21st century. Our By-Laws/Scrolls don't mention anything about bringing us out of the stone age. Our By-Laws, at its present state, prohibits any type of a "branch" because "...the Hombu is the sole authority and governing power." The By-Law is worded in such a way that any and every certificate of rank/title can only be controlled in and by the Hombu. The Hombu is the only authority concerning each and every inkan, and this includes protecting and securing them, and in that, only a very few within the Hombu are even allowed to have in their possessions for any and all official duties. Now, just because there's no USA Branch Office in existence at the moment, that doesn't mean that there won't be one in the near and/or far future. I'm in the ear of our San Dai-Soke and the entire Executive Team to have this happen...I hit them the ball into their court, and they return serve, and it goes on and on. Hopefully, I can return a slam that they can't return serve other than a vote in favor of a USA Branch Office. Some amendments to the By-Laws and the Scrolls need to be revisited as to our current situation across the board.

In the Gracie family, Dan ranks are awarded every three years up to 8th degree. From Black to 8th degree black takes about 24 years of continuous training after earning your black belt. It should be noted that any break in training for even a short time, restarts your time. If I were to earn black belt and train for a year after that, then a month off, I would start my training time over again. So, three years from the time I come back from my month off. He is exceptional. How much so? Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQWBBVadUIc Disregard the content and just take notice that you'll see Bryan Mossey teaching Pedro Kali. That's right, Pedro takes Kali in his own school. That's the commitment he has to the arts. An 8TH DEGREE BLACK BELT who has trained with the gracie family all of his life, trains in a class as a beginner. Kali is something Dan Inosanto got him interested in. Dan, on the other hand, tells Pedro all the time about how much he loves BJJ now. This is what you get when true masters get together. They like anything that works. Thanks for the info!! A true master of the martial arts!!