sensei8

Have you been able to use your sai in a self-defense situation?...nor have I ever used a nunchaku, tonfa, kama, bo, katana, naginata, eku, tekko, tinbe-rochin, surujin, tambo, kuwa, nunti bo, and/or sansetsukon either in a self-defense situation. I believe in the damage-factor of these traditional Okinawan weapons, as well as my own abilities with these traditional Okinawan weapons, but, again, only a ding dong would bring any of these to a gun fight. Besides, most if not all, are against the law outside of the dojo.

Traditional to whom? If you're referring to the martial arts, and I'm only assuming that you are. I'd say that none of them are effective now a days because only a ding dong would bring a knife to a gun fight.

What's the virtue of a proportional response? There is no virtue to a proportional response...it is what it is. At times we only have what we have, therefore, my response will be whatever is necessary in order to deal with what was brought to me. My main goal is survival and if survival means to just run away, then so be it. I'm not out to do harm, but, I will do what I must do. ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! If I end up in jail, going to court while defending my loved ones, friends, and/or myself...then...I'll deal with that whenever that might happen, and hopefully a judge will see it my way. We might think of it from time to time, therefore, we've an answer for it right now, but, when it happens, I'm not thinking about anything other than what it is that I'm doing to protect my loved ones, my friends, and myself. Is this right or wrong? I don't know, but, my body will be saying...THANK YOU! This is a tough one to truely answer! Darn if I do and darn if I don't!

Joe, Don't hate me, but, I feel I need to say this, if nothing else. Of what value would it be to learn/train how to apply joint locks if one ISN'T going to learn/train how to counter joint locks? Shindokan Tuite would be meaningless without the relationship of application and countering of joint locks. Ok, I'll go back to my corner.

It's crazy, isn't it? I've seen some schools, not many, use the "patch achievment" system and I've got to tell you that it can be crazy because their gi's look like a boy scout patch sash.

Brian, Are these stripes awarded in the order that you've described here? If, not, how do all of the instructors know who knows what?

I've been fortunate enough to have a very close friend who's been a Nidan for over 30 years. What? 30 years as a Nidan? Yes! Why? The last rank that he had earned before his Sensei's untimely death was...Nidan! Rank doesn't interest him!

I agree with WNM here, as well. But to me, it sounds like if there are issues with one part of a rank system, then just ditching the entire rank system would be the way to go. Kind of like Pat Nakata's way of doing things...training in gi pants and a white t-shirt. Yes, I concur with this wholeheartedly, therefore, I've very recently tried to do just that, and I'd love to ditch the entire rank system within the Shindokan, but, the problem is this. While I'm the Kaicho, the Shindokan is, for lack of a better word, a democracy, not a dictatorship, in which we've a governing body consisting of the Dai-Soke, Kaicho, Kancho, and the Council of Regents. In short, it's not entirely up to me, even if, God forbid, I became San Dai-Soke, my authority would only be beyond contestation within the Shindokan By-Laws in certain matters, for example, in the awarding of the Menkyo Kaiden. The Shindokan WILL continue with the Shogo system! It's our way, therefore, it's our right! Is it right or is it wrong? As far as Shindokan is concerned, it is...for now! I must do whatever's necessary to keep the wheels from falling off the wagon...if you get my meaning! I'm doing whatever's within my authority to lessen/eliminate the flag waving in any shape, way, and/or form concerning Shindokan rank/titles because knowledge is paramount and...PROOF WILL ALWAYS BE FOUND ON THE FLOOR!

Recent events within the Shindokan Karate-Do Association has brought us [shindokan] back to the 'old ways.' Also, some policies/By-Laws have also been changed in order to protect Shindokan's future. No more testing fees! How valuable is rank/title if one has to pay for it? Rank/title is an honor/priviledge NOT a right. Testing fees have a tendency to lend itself to an expection of rank/title because ones paid for it through a testing fee. Therefore, in order to completely and totally eliminate any and all rank/title ambiquity, there will be NO testing fees, no matter the Kyu/Dan. Elimination Of Yudansha Rank Identifiers! What's more valuable to any martial artist, Rank or Knowledge? Knowledge!!!! Shindokan will only recognize the Okinawan system that only identifies the levels of teaching certification. Shindokan has always used the modern method of "striping" on the Yudansha to denote the practitioners rank. This "striping" method can only lend itself to pride, and pride, does comes before the fall. The "striping" method can also lend itself to allowing one to become vain in ones quest for rank and this vain is then placed on the 'front page' for all to see, therefore, rank becomes more important than knowledge. therefore, outward displays of rank will no longer be tolerated within the Shindokan system, and in this, all Shindokan Yudansha are hereby directed to remove any and all ranking stripes from their obi's immediately. The only "striping" that will be permitted on any Shindokan obi's will be that of a Yudansha in order to denote the title(s) of Renshi, Kyoshi, and/or Hanshi. These "stripe(s)" will be gold in color and will be placed on both ends of the obi. Teaching Certification: Renshi = 1 gold stripe [Rokudan] Kyoshi = 2 gold stripes [Nanadan] Hanshi = 3 gold stripes [Hachidan] Shindokan Advanced Level Obi: Rokudan } Nanadan } Red & White Panel Obi Hachidan } Advanced Senior Level Obi: Kudan } Solid Red Obi w/Black Border Judan } Solid Gold Obi ***Ranks from Shodan thru Godan will only be noted by a plain Yudansha obi! ***Junior Yudansha obi's will remain unchanged. Therefore, the white stripe is still centered and still runs the entire length of the Yudansha obi. Furthermore on this subject, Chojun Miyagi Sensei made this statement once, and I believe that his words spoke for all, no matter ones style and the like... "I believe that once dan ranks in karate are awarded, it will inevitably lead to trouble. The ranking system will lead to discrimination within karate and karate-ka will be judged by their rank and not their character. It will create 'inferior' and 'superior' strata within the karate community and lead to discrimination between people." We, of the Shindokan, agree with and will thereby adopt those words of Miyagi Sensei in this manner; for Shindokan will never award OUTWARD indentifiers of rank...ever! Shindokan will, therefore, only recognize the following teaching titles OUTWARDLY on the obi; Renshi, Kyoshi, Hanshi! Within the Shindokan Hombu, only the following titles will be recognized: >Soke >Dai-Soke >San-Dai Soke (This title hasn't been determined as of yet, IF EVER!) >Menkyo Kaiden (Only 1; Our Dai-Soke, has had this honor) >Kaicho (Identified by the wearing of the Yudansha obi w/ red border) >Kancho (Identified by the wearing of the 'White' Yudansha obi w/red border) >Kaisho >Sosai >Soshi >Meijin >Shidoin ~~These titles will have NO outward identifiers, other than what's noted above, for these titles are for purposes ONLY within the Shindokan Hombu.

Sounds to me like your W-shaped block is quite similar to Karate's Yama Uke (Mountain Block) as used in the Kata, for example, Jitte.

Differing methodologies are what make up the different styles. One does it this way, while another does it that way. Is your style correct/wrong? Is my style correct/wrong? Is someone else's style correct/wrong? Nope! Methodologies are why I'm this and you're that and whomever is this and that! Who's the most effective? We'll only know this when we've meet on the battlefield!

I actually thought this was quite a good spin on the phrase... although I just asked my 15 year old sister what she thought and she took offense at the "woman" part (not actually sure why but will have to ask her later). I guess with anything you say to people you just have to take into account individual sensitivities and what each person can take. What motivates one can cause offense to another.I'm only speculating...guessing here. But, I believe that your sister, like those 10 -12 year old girls in my story want two things. One, don't try to take my individuality as a 'girl' away from me. Two, "I'm a girl!" Recognize who I am by not trying to make me who I'm not; I'll be a woman when the time comes, but, right now, I'm a girl and I like being a girl and girls rock. "Don't hit like a girl, damn it, hit like a woman!" This phrase is offensive! I learnt it the hard way. I believe that your sister felt that this phrase would be downing her for being a girl by telling her that woman are better than girls. I downed those girls by telling the boys that boys are better than girls...wrong of me! While being a woman is a good thing, I believe that girls any age want to be/feel confident in whom they are...GIRLS. Which is just as good as anything! Remember, I'm just speculating here. I too don't have any real idea what your sister means. I've two daughters/girls myself, one is a woman and the other is a girl. Both proud...as I am of them...individually!!!!!!!

Way to go!!!!! CONGRATS!!!! Being sore means that....you're still alive...even though you thought you were going to die!

barefoot-kohai, Solid post! Welcome!

Without trying to sound disrespectful, what do you mean? I believe that Vierna is saying to you...What's up? A greeting. Welcome to the martial arts and welcome to KF!

Then...rest! Easier said than done for a martial artist, but, stop making a fist and stop hitting the bag. One, you won't feel that pain and two, resting is what the doctor told you to do. Your x-rays proved that there was no breakage, so be thankful for that because if you had broken something, you'd be out even longer. Don't rush the injury because time heals all things!

What got to me more than anything that day is this. I had hurt the feelings of every girl in that class that day! Mom's and/or any adult being upset is something I can deal with, but, knowing that I was the cause of these girls' hurt feelings was more than I could bare. Remember, these girls were between the ages of 10-12 years old. I had violated these girls' trust in me as their Sensei, even if it was just for that moment. A trust that I had to earn back in order for these girls to continue growing in the martial arts. My dumb comment was real dumb of me...real dumb!

First of all, I'm not familiar with this form, but, at DWx's invitation via her's...."(or even if you don't)", I'd like to add my two cents to the discussion. I don't know the methodology behind the W-shaped block, but still... Always, look before leaping! Simply meaning, that one MUST turn ones head first before one blocks, i.e. this W-shaped block. Peripheral vision is one thing, but, nothing's more important than looking at 'it' straight on. Turning my head first towards 'it' eliminates all guessing. Turn the head first and then everything else just follows (shoulders, hips, etc).

Yeah, I too don't think that their methodologies are effective. But, giving that style its due respect, that video showed their version of Taikyoku Shodan...SLOWLY! I can't base my opinion on one version of Taikyoku Shodan, but, I scrath my head nonetheless because there are missing elements.

Ouch....I don't agree with this statement in its entirety, but still, OUCH! I'm above 3rd/4th Dan, but, everyone who knows me, here at KF and elsewhere, knows my philosophy of rank. Rank has its place within its context, after that, ranks meaningless! Proof is on the floor!

Visiting other dojo's while you're on a quest is solid advice, one that I subscribe to. Just understand this...while visiting other dojo's will give you a pretty good snapshot of that style, whatever that style might be, it's something to be careful about. Why? Visiting other dojo's ALSO gives one a snapshot from the lenses of THAT instructor, not of that styles Hombu. I'm pretty sure that Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura didn't do Kyokushin Karate exactly like Mas Oyama. Kaicho Nakamura, when he was with the Kyokushin, is/was a pretty good snapshot of Kyokushin.

While being eclectic in the martial arts has it's merits, just remember this old saying... "Don't over season the sauce!" Let your core style simmer/mature in you while you simmer/mature in your core style, then, be as eclectic in your martial arts as you want to be. After all, it's yours and yours alone. Maturing doesn't mean, not that it wouldn't hurt, 10 or 20 or 30 years in your core style. No! But, having a solid understanding of the basics first is vital before studying any other martial arts.

Could you possibly extrapolate a little more please!

mudansha and tonydee...very funny...ROLMBBO...I loved them!

I've placed this topic here because as an Instructor for a billion years, I felt that this topic/thread could help other instructors. It's September 1990. I'm midway through the 6th-4th Kyu class of kids between the ages of 10-12 years old. We're doing Kumite at this moment. I've got the class sitting down while two boys are up mixing it up. During their Kumite, these two boys aren't putting 100% effort in their techniques. This is when I do what is NOW known as the Big DUH! "Stop hitting like girls!" I instructed. A few minutes later...."Yame!" I shout. Class finally ends, I return to my office for a moment, then I open the office door, and I'm meet with....A CROWD OF MOMS who are waiting for me. I'm standing in my office doorway, that's as far as these moms would let me go. These mom didn't yell at me and I didn't yell at them but I knew I was in hot water with these moms, and as I found out later, I was in hot water with those girls as well. "Can I help you ladies?" I asked. "We don't appreciate what you said!" one of the moms says to me. "More specifically...what?" I asked. You would've thought that I was the boogie man or something. These moms, ALL of them, let me have it...both barrels. "What's wrong with girls?" asks another mom. "Nothing!" I said. "Do you think that girls are weak?" asks another mom. "No!" I answered "Then why would you tell the boys to not hit like a girl?" asks another mom. "I...I..." I stammered. "I...I...yeah! How do you think the girls feel after you said what you said about girls to the boys...in front of the girls?" asks another mom. "You hurt their feelings!" adds another mom. "I didn't realize the power of those words when I spoke them! I didn't think! If I had first thought, I wouldn't have said it, I promise. I promise that I'll never do that ever again, and I won't. That was wrong of me. That was stupid of me. That was insensitive of me. Please forgive me and I'll apologize to them immediately!" I said. These moms were 100% correct and I was 100% wrong! The girls, ALL of them were still there as the Adult 6th-4th Kyu's were lining up for their class. I asked those girls to stay for just a second. I bowed into the floor. I bowed in the class. I sat the class down. I asked those girls to come to the front of the class. Face me. I explained to all there what had happened at the class before. I then poured out my heart to these girls and begged them to forgive me for saying what I had said. I dropped down and I deeply bowed to them. Sometimes, we instructors say/do things that we aren't truly aware of until someone brings it to our attention. As was the case that night! This is no excuse, but, I said what I had said to motivate the boys because boys hate to be compared to girls and vice versa. It was wrong and it should've never happened, and it's never happened ever since. Moral of this story is this...Respect begets respect, no matter the age!