Kuma

Interestingly nobody was singling out Shotokan nor attempting to make this a "style vs style" thread. All I did was correct a misconception and share a simple opinion with the disclaimer that it was my opinion. I have no problem with systems. It's faulty training methods I dislike. was it not you who called kyukoshin superior then ? sorry it must be my poor English ! Actually I referred to their sparring method. As stated several times - my opinion. Let's not get defensive.

Interestingly nobody was singling out Shotokan nor attempting to make this a "style vs style" thread. All I did was correct a misconception and share a simple opinion with the disclaimer that it was my opinion. I have no problem with systems. It's faulty training methods I dislike.

In that same post I did. I also stated it was my own opinion, much like your opinion is your own. If you don't want somebody painting with the same brush you really shouldn't do it first, should you? This probably goes for all martial arts. You may be surprised. I've trained with karateka who look great doing this type of sparring yet once it becomes continuous they don't look quite as good nor hit that hard. Aside from the fact that this kind of sparring is far removed from actual fighting it also encourages some bad habits. Sacrificing mechanics just for the sake of a technique to land (e.g. 0:38 where the rear leg lifts up in the air as the karateka punches, sacrificing power for speed and range). Turning away from your opponent after you think you scored a point. Believing one blow is all you need to stop a determined opponent. Not counting a technique as effective just based on appearances alone and not the effect it has on the opponent. Training to stop a blow before impact and assuming you can go all the way when need be. And to be honest I saw very few actual KOs in this. Is the Kyokushin method of kumite real fighting? While it may not be the same as an actual fight it's a heck of a lot closer to reality than most karate sparring methods. That is why (in my opinion, as I have mentioned before) it is superior to this type of kumite.

There is more to jissen kumite than what you are describing. As for differences the Kyokushin method in my opinion is superior for a number of reasons. It is continuous fighting not start and stop when a point is scored. There is no penalty for excessive contact as it is full contact. Strikes to the legs are allowed. The goal is to stop the opponent so they can no longer continue to fight thus a very different objective and the kind of mindset one should have in case they need to protect themselves out of the dojo. The point fighting method you are describing leaves a lot to be desired.

Though there are some fighters that prefer the toe to toe style the goal remains the same as Shotokan - end the fight as quickly as possible. In my opinion the Kyokushin method is superior though as you learn it's really not that easy to stop someone with one blow. Mas Oyama the founder trained in Shotokan but found the kumite unrealistic hence why he developed jissen kumite and Kyokushin.

An interesting variation for a low crescent kick is demonstrated in the second technique of this website: http://www.superkarate.ru/metod/m_mc/kashiwagi/gedan_geri.htm It's essentially a heel kick to the outer thigh, which is pretty effective.

Years towards a goal is a poor indicator of anything in my opinion. Especially when you're one of the unlucky folk like myself who rarely can make a grading due to work/military/family commitments. I've been training for 8 years now in Kyokushin and have yet to earn my shodan. Guys I fought as blue belts back when we were the same ranks are now 2nd dans. Don't get focused on rank; get focused on skill.

I started in Goju Ryu and went to Kyokushin (simply because there was no Goju Ryu in the area). I would still train in Goju Ryu if I could. Goju Ryu has had a big influence on Kyokushin as Mas Oyama was an 8th dan in Goju Ryu so by training in it you will only benefit your future Kyokushin training.

On the other hand it'd be difficult if not impossible to confirm it as a hoax. From what he wrote it sounds a tad fishy and even if what he did write was true it sounds bad on his end.

Personally I'd question its authenticity. Seems a tad elaborate to me.

She still earned the degree. All she would need to do is to renew her studies and train hard to get back up to that level. Same with any black belt who has returned after a long stint off.

Realistically I would never use a jodan mawashi geri anywhere other than the dojo or a match. However let's face it: they can be a lot of fun to do well. A strong high kick has some carryover to the lower target areas as well. I am by nature a low kicker but some dedicated work on high kicks has given me an ace up my sleeve so to speak in the dojo. I've been working on mine a lot this year and have seen some good improvement. To me hip and hamstring mobility and flexibility seem to be the key to unlocking high kicks combined with strong legs.

Just sounds like they need to work on the right technique as others have already said. Just take it easy on them until they get it down. I've been training my wife to hold the pads for me and she's getting the feel for it fairly well.

White - yellow - green - brown - black. Obviously there's more than just 5 kyu levels but we don't really do anything special for marking them otherwise.

I agree as well. I served in the US Marine Corps and still consider myself a Marine now and forever. Same thing with a 1st dan ranking in my eyes.

What's your current routine and goals?

In my opinion padwork is an indispensible tool in developing fighting ability. Working the pads is far more realistic than hitting a heavy bag. It's a great tool to improve techniques, combinations, conditioning, distance, timing, reaction ability, coordination, and numerous other attributes related to fighting.

I don't think anyone on here advocated using a low side kick at the knee of a sparring partner or fellow competitor. The knee is not the only target for a low side kick.

Being that it's military training it's not going to be commercially available for a long time.

Do you mean for the ball of the foot? If so sit in seiza but sit back on your heels while your feet are up on the balls. Sit back until you feel a comfortable stretch in that area. This helped me a lot to the point where I can actually use the ball of the foot for roundhouse kicks now.

Though I like the kama the tonfa is still my favorite. I need to train it more.

Apparently he did some boxing as a youth and still incorporates it a bit into his workout routine. Seems to be about it.

Gene Tunney was asked once in a half-joking manner how he would fight a gorilla. His response was to hit it with an uppercut to the solar plexus. I wouldn't want to try it though...

Most of my gi tops have some questionable stains on them from those reasons. Hydrogen peroxide can only get out so much.

Hey - my gi my choice right? Just kidding Ev.