sensei8

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it's alot of material, but, I believe that you'll do very well! My Kobudo test for Hachidan was alot of material, but, I did fine because I knew the material very well. Besides, practice always helps! Good luck!

The National average Police response time to a 911 call = 3 minutes! Alot of bad things can happen in 3 minutes! Now, that's nationally, therefore, what is the normal response time for the Police to a 911 call in YOUR town/city? It could be 8 minutes or it could be 13 minutes or longer. That's alot...of bad things that could happen...to you...or to your friend(s)...or to your family. When does something become unavoidable? Usually this is when it's way too late because whatever it is, it's already escalated to far! When it's too late...one better get it on or get on stepping! Recognize the unavoidable before it reaches that point. How do you know what that point is? You don't! Why? Because you don't know just how the other person(s) think; calm or trigger happy! What kind of day has this person(s) had? Many things stir the pot, but, what are the ingredients in the pot? This part is unknown! You know you...and...you know when you've reached the unavoidable...but...that's as far as it goes! Anything else...you just assume...and we know what happens when one assumes...it's worse when one assumes wrongly with their life.

Going for the biggest guy is smart, but, risky. Why? If you don't take the big guy out then you'll NOW have a very mad big guy; bad combination! Go for it, but you better take care of it right then and there...or run...fast! ryanryu: I like that plan as well.

There have been many times in the past that I've NOT CHARGED a student for the Yudansha testing fee because a student couldn't afford it. Not because my testing fees are high, because there not, it's just that some students can barely afford the monthly, and again, my monthly fees aren't high. Shoot, when I took over the Shindokan Hombu, I lowered ALL of the prices because I felt it was the thing to do, especially in our current economic situation. As a matter of fact, the Hombu doesn't charge any testing fees...Kyu/Dan! What's more important to a martial artist....Knowledge or the belt? KNOWLEDGE!

I can see how this type of roundhouse could be disguised by the front kick chamber. Interesting and something to be aware of, that is for sure!

Akin: 1 : related by blood : descended from a common ancestor or prototype 2 : essentially similar, related, or compatible I'll start... >Judo is akin to water - non-resistent! >Kung Fu is akin to clouds - freely floating >Karate is akin to hide and seek - now you see it...now you don't OK...hopefully you understand. Your turn!

That's absurd! Well, there's nothing like pressure selling! Pretty presumptuous of them! Welcome to....Money is more important than anything! Sheech!

It's THEIR journey, not ours! Whether it's a kid or an adult...it's their journey alone! We're given the priviledge of witnessing their journey, therefore, we should be respectful to each and everyone. Respect begets respect! One last note, when I stated in my OP... "Oh to be a kid...just one more time!" I meant this as a sign of respect because what I saw that day and from what I've seen in the past, our kids of the martial arts are SOLID! I miss my youth because I've forgotten what a blast it was to be a kid!

Well...Just Spar...alot...over and over...until the wheels fall off...until the cows can fly...until hell freezes over...JUST SPAR...then the answer as to what you're seeking will present itself. I and/or we could give you one gem advice after another but the only gem I can give you is that...SPAR!!!!!

Listen... Slap or don't slap....block or don't block...deflect or don't deflect! JUST BLOCK THE DARN THING! Preference...that's what decides as to what technique(s) to use, not, what's effective...imho, this is a big boo-boo! If I slap block...well...then that's because I deemed it appropriate for what's coming at me!

Congrats tonydee! Well deserved. I've enjoyed many of your posts! You rock!

Aikido responses! Karate responses! BOTH are the same at their cores! Really! Truly! They both do differ when looked at with the broad stroke of the paintbrush, this is for sure. Their methodologies/doctrine are different as how one is to travel on the path, but, at the end, the same goal/place is achieved/reached. For example, Aikido has its striking properties and Karate has its striking properties, but, a strike is a strike. Angles, deflections, and the like all make up the strikes which are governed by their methodologies. isshinryu5toforever states it well... For the Karateka, this is TUITE! Within the strikes for the karateka comes those tuite movements. The Punch/Kick answer that Brian's referring to in his OP is a very narrow way to look at Karate by C.M. Shifflett. This answer was limited because C.M. Shifflett's answer only demonstrates his limited Karate experience/understanding, imho. I imagine if Shindokan was just a punch/kick art, I would've quit it along time ago because the world of the martial arts isn't that black and white. It would be wrong of me to say that Aikido is just a throwing art, therefore, C.M. Shifflett is wrong to imply, directly and/or indirectly, that Karate is just a punch/kick art. Each, Aikido and Karate, are more than that!!!! Many, not all, Aikido throws are set-up by the strike first. For example... Aikido's Yokomenuchi is very similar to Karate's Shuto, but, the angle in how the strike is delivered in Aikido differs from Karate. How? An Aikido practitioner will deliver this strike at a 45 degree angle, while a Karate practitioner will deliver this strike more horizontal. Aikido's Katadori Menuchi is a combination of two attacks: katadori and shomenuchi. The Aikidoist grabs the shoulder, and immediately follows up with a shomenuchi strike, possibly similar to the Karate Shuto downward strike to the top of the head. This combination and many other combinations in Aikido utilize katatedori because this grip as an initial and not a final attack. The former explains that the Aikido stike is essential to many Aikido techniques, but, the latter is Tuite to a Karateka! Plain and simple! I could show many other similarities between these two styles, but, again, the path that Aikido and Karate take are different, but, the goal/destination is the same; effective applications!

Backing up/away from whatever is being thrown at you is normal...at first in any martial art. Two types of Backing: 1> Luring opponent into a trap/set-up: intentionally 2> Scared/overwhelmed: unintentionally I'm sure that this list could be long, but, the MOST uses of backing up from whatever are listed above. Which one are you? You'll be scared/overwhelmed before you turn that fear into luring an opponent into your trap/set-up. Fear is erased as one trains!

It's just another thing! Nothing more special than any other aspect of the martial arts. Why? To borrow from Bruce Lee... "There is only one type of body, 2 arms, 2 legs, etc that make up the human body. Therefore, there can only be one style of fighting. If the other guy had 4 arms and 2 legs, there might have to be a different one. Forget the belief that one style is better than the other, the point of someone that does not just believe in tradition, but actually wants to know how to fight is to take what you need from every martial art and incorporate it into your own. Make it effective and very powerful, but don't worry if you are taking moves from many different arts, that is a good thing." MMA...the current rage of the page! Let's not make a mountain out of a mole-hill!

Interesting! Although, to me, it appears that the hips finish ahead of the leg, therefore, how does the kick generate power? Interesting still!

OUCH and...LOL! BTW, I was only funning with you...I understood what you meant.

>>An indoor dojo should have the following: • Good wooden floor • Enough space • Enough privacy • Safety • Accessibility through private and public transport; parking • Air circulation • Bathroom • Mats are nice if possible (usually not) • Affordable rent • Other: >>An outdoor dojo should have the following: • Grass nice enough for bare feet • Privacy sufficient for loud voices • Safety • Accessibility through private/public transport; parking • Bathroom availability if possible • Other: On the outdoors/indoors issue, opinions vary. On the one hand, comes the advice that a clean inside dojo is more effective in attracting students. Outside dojo's seem to invite a less professional image. On the other, it's important to some to practice outdoors as much as possible. Weather and the elements add to the experience. Outdoor practice can be a difference between one style of the martial arts to another. When you investigate outdoor dojos, make sure to visit them at the time you actually intend to hold your class. A field that is empty on Sunday morning may easily host several different soccer and softball classes on a weeknight. Some spaces can be reserved with your local Parks and Recreation department. Just some food for thought!

I'll only speak about the duties/responsibilities of the Sempai from a Shindokan point of view. No two persons have the same rank. Line-up at the Shindokan Hombu for students of Yondan and lower: 1) the person with the higher rank is more senior (Brown belt is senior to Green belt, etc). 2) if two persons hold the same rank, the earlier date of rank is more senior. 3) if of the same rank, and same date of rank, whoever became a student first is senior. 4) if of the same rank, same date of rank, same start date, the oldest person is senior. Obviously rank doesn't have much to do with skill levels. Relative rank can change. An important note about relative rank; when visiting any other dojo, most will only line up using your belt color. No haggling over who is more senior among white, green, or brown belts. I will automatically take the most junior position unless asked by the host dojo to take a more senior position. For every dojo that I visit, I will automatically assume the most junior position out of respect for that Sensei and his/her dojo. Then and only then will I assume any other position as directed by the Chief Instructor of that dojo. Again, rank's nothing, therefore, I'm nothing! For me to automatically assume a Sensei/Sempai position based on my Hachidan is very presumptuous of me. I'm a guest of that Sensei/Dojo/Style, therefore, the lowest Kohai position is where I will line up. Sure, many at first will look at me with noted surprise. Here I am, a Hachidan, sitting at the lowest Kohai position on the floor. I've even had Jukyu's motion me to the front, while other Jukyu's have sat there quite, yet, wondering as to my intent. Still, my understanding of the roles/responsibilities of the Sempai/Kohai causes me to sit in the lowest Kohai position when I'm a visitor/guest at a host Hombu/Dojo. Etiquette at the Shindokan Hombu is strict across the board. Roles/responsibilities of the Sempai are enforced without any reservation and/or any hesitance. For any Shindokan stylist to understand what the roles/responsibilities are of the Sempai, all one has to do is first look upon the Dai-Soke, who looked upon the Soke for their understandings of his/her roles/responsibilities. I'd say Sempai's by it's traditional role are out there, but, I'd venture to say that the traditional role of the Sempai's aren't as noticed because of the many "belt factories" that surround these schools. Kind of hard to be noticed when fluff outweighs stuff.

The vertical snaps faster than the horizontal because, and most already know this, the vertical motion is done/returning, while the horizontal still has 45 more degrees to travel. As far as "snap effective" is concerned, both vertical/horizontal are nothing without the hips. SOLID!

It's possible! I do concur with your statement...solid. I'd venture to add this... The will to "escape" from this and that, CAN be enough to obtain what one desires; freedom! When my skill/will meets an opponent who's will is all they have, I might find myself that I've bitten off more than I can chew, and even then, someone with the will of a Tasmanian devil who's wanting to escape, it's hard to deny this type of will...broken rhythum gone real bad!

Very solid post!!!!!!

This hasn't been medically proven yet! Besides, if I do Karate until I die, how can I live longer? Sounds like an oxymoron to me. If I die doing Karate, then I can't live longer because I'll be dead! Hhhmmmmm?!?!?!?!?

Sensei8, that hit me. I'm coming up on my yellow belt test, and after the day I had training, those were some much needed words of wisdom. Long story short, the two Kata's that I need to have down for this test I totally messed up, which is frustrating. I'm not one to quit, and this just makes me want it that much more, but it is always good to hear someone else tell you to keep going. Not just the voice in the back of your head. You'll do just fine in the martial arts. Be tested and then be victorious! Martial Arts isn't unique when it comes to testing because if one wants a drivers license, then one must pass the tests before one can legally drive! Then there's the old saying..."If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

I too don't think that it's illegal to have our AI's teach for free. But, I just wanted everyone to be aware in the time of economic downturn, that lawsuits are on the rise. Therefore, make yourself aware of your Local, State, and Federal Laws to protect yourself because ignorance of the law is no defense.