sensei8

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 I'm a track star...no...I'm Flash!

I'm for safety at all times. I'm aware of the sensitivity as far as striking the breast and it's medical implications. Having said that, I'm not for treating my female students different than my male students. I'm also not into giving my female students any sense of false-securities. Therefore, either learn to block or get hit. If they can't block...then it's time to buy a chest protector...or try bowling.

tallgeese, I see that we agree that we agree. Different methodologies, yet, same results. I love it!!!!!! Yes, I too, was speaking of/about footwork as routine movement because without footwork there's no stepping motion...Tai Sabaki (whole body movement) is related to Ashi Sabaki (footwork) and Te Sabaki (handwork).

Rateh, Very interesting process that you've layed out there; very succinctly. Still, I don't understand, nor will I ever, the true purpose of pre-testing. Either the student is ready or the student isn't...it's that plain and simple. If the student is ready, then the student will be invited to test. Yet, on the other hand, if the student isn't ready to be tested, then the student will not receive an invitation to test. The Sensei of that student will know without a shadow of a doubt if their students are ready or not. In life, our attacker doesn't give us a warning before attacking; he/she...just attacks. If this is what works for your organization; I don't fault it nor do I fault the instructors and/or the students because this is how your organization does their testing; I just don't understand or believe in pre-testing at any level. Still, congrats and good luck!

I've sparred/struck with success with all of the bokken's I've purchased at any of the links I've listed. Now, the first link is the linked I'd go to first because these bokken's have a very nice grip; similar to Katana grips. Price isn't all to bad, therefore, if it's not to your liking you won't be out a small fortune. Anyway, good luck finding a bokken that'll meet your expectations.

I too don't want to kill anybody! I just want to protect my family, friends, loved ones, and myself as effective as I can. Having said that, if I hit someone in the throat, and the attacker dies, then I will live with it, whether it's in prison or at home is up to a court of law. This, imho, is a sensitive topic because we all talk about effectiveness, but, the outcome of the effectiveness loans itself to the moral side of self-defense. I don't want to...but...I don't want to be killed myself by a determined attacker.

If one has to do PT as part of a Black Belt test, I think that this is...silly...overkill. Wouldn't the Sensei know by the Black Belt test if the candidate is physically fit or not? Besides, shouldn't the Black Belt test be on the three K's? Calisthenics starts with a 'C' not a 'K'! As admirable as this is...aren't these candidates blown-up by then, therefore, their test might suffer?!?! We do a normal warm up but that's it! After that...it's test time!

Congrats and good luck! I've never truly understood the purpose of pre-testing; sounds weird to me, but, what do I know....after all...I'm in Karate. Still....CONGRATS!!!!!

No...just bizarre...crazy...coo-coo...looney...off-their-rocker...

Bizarre grading requirements?!?! First of all...RUN! Run from any martial arts school that has as well as enforces any bizarre grading requirements. The martial arts wasn't founded on the bizarre, well, most weren't. Therefore, there should NEVER be any bizarre requirements to obtain rank. This is why the up-front interview session with the school is so important. Both, the sensei and the student, can see if either is above board or just looney-tune.

Here's some that I've tried in the past and I've been satisfied with their quality. http://www.ninjaonline.co.uk/gbu0-prodshow/WoodenRopedBokkenWithScabbard.html http://www.tigerstrike.com/oakbowisc.html http://www.karatekorner.com/index.cfm/action/productdetail/productID/11509.htm Hopefully these might help you. I too hate buying anything on-line because I can't touch it before I buy it, but, sometimes one must do what one must do.

While you might be correct concerning the effectiveness of a cross stepping motion, I tend to think that cross stepping motion is quite effective, especially in many Karate circles based on my previous post in this thread. Also, cross stepping aides some power to ones side kick by moving the body towards the target providing the sine wave can be controlled. Cross stepping can aide to close quarters by driving forward/side/back/angular/and the like. Uncomforable with the cross stepping? Afraid to trip over ones own foot? Then I say to those...stay away from it, don't fear it, but go with ones strengths. I like to use every aspect of stepping because the more the merry...and I want to be merry!

Roundhouse Kick Preferences: >>Lead leg with top of foot/shin Why? Shindokan is 85% hands and 15% feet, all of our kicks are from the stomach down. Therefore, I've found that my lead leg roundhouse for me is a great set-up as well as an interceptor to Tuite. Other roundhouse kicks are still used alot, but, lead leg is my preference.

I suppose though, in order to answer that question, you have to define the criteria that makes a good martial artist. Or more importantly what you as an individual define as important. WNM Another point I can't argue nor will I. Having said that, you've layed out what is your/the criteria, therefore, all that's missing is your answer. If this answer is to remain private, I respect your wishes. My answer to the question is...NO! After only 19 years in the Martial Arts as a mere Yondan, I wasn't no where close to what Bruce Lee had. In a lifetime, 19 years is infancy at best. Ditto, My answer is also No. But then that doesn't make either you or me any less a martial artist than Bruce Lee - if only for the want of trying to constantly improve WNM WNM, you're absolutely correct! I've never thought any less of myself because I'm solid across the board when the martial arts is concerned. I'm no Bruce Lee, and I'm content with that because I'm me, and in that, I'm complete in my own totality.

This topic is more for fun than for anything. Many, if not all of us, have seen The Fist Of Fury, later released in the USA as The Chinese Connection. In the first encounter where Chen (Bruce Lee) challenges the Japanese at Suzuki's Dojo, and dispatches of them quite handily and easily. Then the pot-bellied Sensei with the thick glasses comes up to meet Chen's challenge in front of the entire defeated class. There's a framed picture of a Master hanging up in the center, noting a place of great importance, right above and over Chen's shoulder, just before the pot-bellied Japanese and Chen begin to fight. Who's the Master in that picture? Remember that Suzuki's Dojo is of Japanese origin and of a Japanese Martial Arts! (By the actions presented by Suzuki's students in the movie...I'm willing to bet that it's a Karate Dojo) Yes, this might or might not take some investigating to answer my question, but, please give it a try and I await your answers.

I don't know, you tell me. Can he teach it TO THE LEVEL he's attained? NO! Why? If he's only attainded Shodan in Shotokan then, by the by-laws of the JKA, John Doe can only advance his Shotokan students up to the rank of Ikkyu. After Ikkyu, that student would have to find a Sandan to promote this student to Shodan, yet, John Doe is certifying to Shodan in Shotokan under the Toma Banner of Seido, yet, the certs SAY...SHOTOKAN SHODAN. Now that you bring this up, I see what you are saying. Typically, at the testings that I have been involved with, the judges sitting on the panel must be at least 2 dan ranks above the highest rank that is being tested for. So, at least two 3rd dans should be present to test/promote to 1st dan, and so on. I concur! This is normal precedence no matter the style, even though, there are some exceptions to the norm. Yet, aren't the Shotokan certs meaningless because they come from John Doe? And/or because the Shotokan certs come under the Seido Banner?

Shindokan (Okinawa-te and Shuri-te based) Okinawan Shindokan Karate-Do Association

Thanks, Kuma. Great video. Fast and clean. Nothing fancy, just rapid-fire straightforward karate. Watch his roundhouses...wait...there it is...opps....missed it again...someone help him up!

I suppose though, in order to answer that question, you have to define the criteria that makes a good martial artist. Or more importantly what you as an individual define as important. WNM Another point I can't argue nor will I. Having said that, you've layed out what is your/the criteria, therefore, all that's missing is your answer. If this answer is to remain private, I respect your wishes. My answer to the question is...NO! After only 19 years in the Martial Arts as a mere Yondan, I wasn't no where close to what Bruce Lee had. In a lifetime, 19 years is infancy at best.

I wish I had found KF much earlier than I did. Better late than never! Thank you Patrick, the KF moderators, and to every member who's contributed to KF being one of the most positive communities around. THANKS!!!!!

Simply...breathtaking!

Pretty cool Patrick! Thanks for sharing. While I was watching the newest Star Trek movie, I couldn't help but notice how technical superior across the board the Enterprise was in this particular movie, compared to the Enterprise of the original tv show. From the necelle's to the wide open bridge to the overall appreciation of the latest Enterprise.

I deeply bow to both Wa-No-Michi and DWx as their posts were exceptional as to their points. Points that I'll not dispute at this time, if at all, for their points were solid. While, it may seem by what I've written in the OP as though I worship Bruce Lee and that I place Bruce Lee upon any pedestal over any martial artist world wide; this is the furthest thing from my mind. My feelings towards Bruce Lee are of only sincere respect as to his knowledge/skills. Knowledge/skills that he obtained after only 19 years, and 19 years is nothing in the world of the martial arts when a lifetime of dedication is considered. While I can respect Bruce Lee, and I do, I don't subscribe to many of his theories and methodologies. Why? Because they're his theories and methodologies and not mine. Bruce Lee's feats were just that; feats. Many are well documented while some are from unreliable sources. Still, feats, imho, are not the martial arts. Do I respect Bruce Lee for these feats? Yes, as I do for any other martial artist who's established a feat or two themselves within the martial arts world. I challenge any martial artist with 19 years of experience in the martial arts to honestly and openly re-evaluate themselves, as I've done many times, and then ask themselves this one question: "After 19 years of experience in the martial arts, AM I AS GOOD AS BRUCE LEE WAS AFTER 19 YEARS IN THE MARTIAL ARTS?" "I don't/won't compare myself to Bruce Lee, now or ever!" While this is true for many, including myself, sometimes a measuring stick is just that...something to measure...and that something might be ourselfs; a comparison if nothing else. I too, am complete in my totality, but, doubting oneself isn't an end to every means, especially in the martial arts! I've not said, although my OP might've suggested otherwise, that Bruce Lee is the ultimate martial artist! NO! He's one of a many possible measuring sticks for us to compare against. My most profound measuring stick is my Dai-Soke, in which he's stated numerous times over the years, "Exceed me; this is my ultimate desire for my students!" Yet, for this topic/thread, Bruce Lee is the measuring stick that I've chosen at this time. Try to answer my question as stated above, then, possibly, we can talk further!

Well, here I am, again, pondering in which forum here at KF do I place this topic in. I've no idea, so, again, I depend on the powers that be here at KF to place this topic in an appropriate forum if General Martial Arts isn't where this belongs. We, martial artists are always speaking of the differing levels of attained skills within the martial arts; there's knowledge versus rank. While the consensus is universal in that knowledge is more important than any rank. Without knowledge, rank is meaningless, empty, and with much void. Without knowledge, rank can't be achieved nor can rank be true. Without knowledge, rank is without substance. This topic isn't about either really. This topic is about the validity of rank when being compared to...Bruce Lee. Don't run away...please...hear me out before you start assuming wrongly...please! Bruce Lee began his martial arts training at the age of 13 years old. Bruce Lee died at the age of 32 years old. A total of 19 years involved in the martial arts one way or another. 19 years?!? Unbelieveable! I consider Bruce Lee to have been the best across the board considering every aspect of the martial arts. Bruce Lee did say he could have beaten anybody in the world in a real fight. This, I've never doubted, nor will I ever! I've been in Shindokan Karate-Do for 44 years...44 years...that's a lifetime! Chronology speaking as far as my martial arts path goes: *I started Shindokan at age 7 in 1964 *I earned my Jr. Yudansha at age 13 in 1970 [6 years have passed] *I earned my Shodan at age 18 in 1975 [11 years have passed] *I earned my Nidan at age 20 in 1977 *I earned my Sandan at age 22 in 1979 *I earned my Yondan at age 26 in 1983 [19 years have passed at this time] All of this and then some, and I'm not even a hundredeth of a martial artist as Bruce Lee was after 19 years in the martial arts. My Soke and my Dai-Soke were/are incredible Karateka's, but, their knowledge/skill sets pale against Bruce Lee. I was only a Yondan after 19 years in the martial arts...big whoopee! Please don't misunderstand me, I'm extremely thankful/proud of every accomplishment(s) that I've ever earned because it wasn't easy at all. I could, you could, and/or anybody could name "10 Best Martial Artists...EVER!" Of the 10 named individuals that are on your/my list, I'm very sure that there's not one individual that you/I can name who's even close to the skill/knowledge of Bruce Lee, and Bruce was only involved in the martial arts for 19 years. I can name one legend after legend in the martial arts world that have dedicated their entire life in the true journey that is the martial arts, yet, none of these legends come even close to Bruce Lee. Many of these martial arts legends are possessors of Hachidan to Judan, yet, these high Yudansha ranks mean NOTHING! Jhoon Rhee himself once said that he'd never want to fight Bruce because Bruce was way to powerful and way to fast for him. Jhoon Rhee - "You could show him a tremendously difficult technique that took years to perfect and the next time you saw him, he would do it better than you." After my 44 years in Shindokan, my Hachidan/Hanshi means...nothing...NOTHING! I'm not, your not, your instructor(s) not, heck, nobody is even close to holding a candle to Bruce Lee, and Bruce only did the martial arts for just 19 years! 19 years! 19 years! I can't say that enough. I've dedicated my entire life to my martial arts journey, I've lived it, I've breathed it, I've eat it, I've drank it, I've this and that every waking moment of my life, yet, I'm nothing, not even close, to the skill set, as well as to the knowledge set that was Bruce Lee...after only 19 years in the martial arts. Who is/was? I'm extremely knowledgeable, yet, my path is still on-going. I'm extremely skilled at Shindokan, but, I've a way to still go. I'm extremely fast/powerful, but, I'm not at where I'd like to be. I can rock and roll with the best of them, I might even teach them a thing or two. But, I'm trying to be open and honest with myself, something that many in the martial arts aren't willing to do themselves. Shoot, Bruce possessed skill sets that still boggle the mind. For example: *Lee's striking speed from three feet with his hands down by his side reached five hundredths of a second. *Lee's combat movements were at times too fast to be captured on film at 24 frames per second, so many scenes were shot in 32 frame per second to put Lee in slow motion. *In a speed demonstration, Lee could snatch a dime off a person's open palm before they could close it, and leave a penny behind. *Lee would hold an elevated v-sit position for 30 minutes or longer. *Lee could throw grains of rice up into the air and then catch them in mid-flight using chopsticks. *Lee could thrust his fingers through unopened cans of Coca-Cola. (This was when soft drinks cans were made of steel much thicker than today's aluminium cans). *Lee performed one-hand push-ups using only the thumb and index finger *Lee performed 50 reps of one-arm chin-ups. *Lee could break wooden boards 6 inches thick. *Lee could cause a 300lb bag to fly towards and thump the ceiling with a sidekick. *Lee performed a sidekick while training with James Coburn and broke a 150lb punching bag. *In a move that has been dubbed "Dragon Flag", Lee could perform leg lifts with only his shoulder blades resting on the edge of a bench and suspend his legs and torso perfectly horizontal midair. Yeah, yeah...I know...the aboved feats could be labeled as only parlour tricks. But, mind you, even to do these types of parlour tricks requires alot of honed/practiced skills/abilities to execute. If nothing else, Bruce Lee's 19 year involvement in the martial arts proves that knowledge is far superior to rank! All of us martial artists that possess high Dan ranking better realize one thing...you're/we're not all of that and a bag of chips! There's always someone better than us/you...his name was Bruce Lee and he was just that darn good after only being in the martial arts for only...19 years! Come on...19 years...that's nothing compared to a lifetime of dedication to the martial arts, and some legendary figures have been in the martial arts for some 40-75 years. You high Dan ranks, just throw your Yudansha into the trash if your rank is more important than your lacking knowledge....please!

For me, per the hypothetical I've layed out for all, your questions aren't enough for me. Why teach me Shotokan up to Shodan in Shotokan, yet, my rank comes from/under the Seido Banner of Shihan Toma through John Doe? I don't know, you tell me. Can he teach it TO THE LEVEL he's attained? NO! Why? If he's only attainded Shodan in Shotokan then, by the by-laws of the JKA, John Doe can only advance his Shotokan students up to the rank of Ikkyu. After Ikkyu, that student would have to find a Sandan to promote this student to Shodan, yet, John Doe is certifying to Shodan in Shotokan under the Toma Banner of Seido, yet, the certs SAY...SHOTOKAN SHODAN. Yes, to all questions above! Hypothetical, there is no right and there is no wrong. It's a personal preference at best!