conrad665

Hi, I'm not sure whether this is the right place to post this thread, but I need mainly the instructors' opinions about my case. Sorry for the long explanation. I kindly wish you to share what you think with me: Last year, I was sparring with a 3rd dan senpai, one of our instructors. He is really a tough guy and doesn't play 'nice'. He performed an ashi barai and I fell down in pain. After an x-ray, it was revealed that I had a fracture and had to wear a cast for one month. Those were the most desperate days of my life. The crutches gave my hands and arms severe pain, so that I couldn't open my fingers when I woke up every morning, and I had to go to school with my cast. And there was snow up to my knees :/ I've lost about 8 kilograms (about 16 pounds) at that period, mainly muscle. And after the cast was taken out, I had to deal with the terrible fungus that grew on my foot. Gross!! I'm telling these to explain the reason of my reaction against that senpai, please don't misunderstand me, I'm not trying to make you feel pity for me. Anyways, after three months, I healed enough to start karate. I couldn't do intense training for a while, but then everything got back to normal until February. We happened to be sparring again, and I was more cautious this time. Once I tried to kick him, he made me fall down again. Therefore, I decided to stay in guard position and not to attack till our turn ended. He got angry with me and told me to spar, but I didn't. Then he said: ''If you won't study, then don't come.'' I was so shocked to hear this that I cried all night and decided to give up the dojo till he graduated and went abroad. I didn't tell sensei about what he said, because I thought it was trivial and everything would be normal after the senpai went abroad. And I would have had to face that guy again, who broke my foot and kicked me out if I had done so. And I knew that sensei would be by his side, so I let go of everything and left for 3 months. I started karate again last week, and sensei called me immediately. He told me that I was disrespectful to a senpai and that meant I was disrespectful to sensei himself, I gave rude answers to the senpai (although I did NOT. I would never do that); I should have told the sensei the issue first before giving up the dojo; and I couldn't step in the dojo unless I solved this situation, that is, speak to the senpai about this issue; they have been studying together for 20 years and the sensei trusted what he said, etc. I told him that I didn't do wrong, I didn't want to speak to that man ever again, and thanked him for his teaching me for years. Then I went out crying (Yep, I cry too much). I can understand how he thinks. He thinks I defied the authority of instructors and acted rude, which is the last thing to do in a karate dojo. But that wasn't my intention and has never been. I had been studying there for more than four years, I always respected my instructors and I know how to behave in a dojo. I was just... afraid of the senpai and I wanted to protect myself. I think there's nothing wrong with this. I just didn't want to get a fracture or a worse injury. And I know, injuries happen. But in my dojo, no one ever broke a bone before. Why would I have to endure all that pain and discomfort again? I couldn't take the risk. Isn't it normal to be afraid of hitting someone that hurt you badly before? In my opinion, my 'old' sensei should have tried to understand the trauma I suffered. How would you react in such a situation? Would you expel the student? Do you think I should have acted differently? Maybe it is useless to discuss further, but I'm still in shock and trying to digest what happened. I'm trying to understand in what way I did wrong. Thanks for your opinions in advance and thanks a lot for reading

Also make sure that your knee is pointing up to the level you want to kick, do not let your knee go down and your lower leg kick independent of your kick.

These days I'm reading The Unfettered Mind by Takuan Soho, and it is awesome. Then I will go on with Go Rin no Sho by Miyamoto Musashi.

Thanks, bushido man. Are you saying that I should not exercise? Well, actually I gave up exercise, since using crutches really exhausts me. I'll have wide chest and muscular arms, at least And by saying that my foot is used to karate, do you mean I will heal more quickly??? That would be awesome... You're right, 6 weeks is not much time. My sensei had to give up karate for one year once, and now he has no problem, he is still great. I hope I will be like that

It must be too hard to do, we only perform mikazuki geri in kata, since it may be slow to use in actual sparring to block a gyaku zuki, for example and it requires intense training on that technique. It is good for you to be able to use it, though What is your style?

This always happens to me, to my legs, pelvis and my spine. I have to 'crack' my spine once a day by doing a movement like a bridge, to feel better. I guess it is not a problem, but if you are uncomfortable, ask your sensei or see a doctor

My dojo is full of adults, at ages 33 or more, and they seem to have too much fun. Many didn't find enough time when they were younger, but it is never late.

Think why you are tense. Are you afraid of your opponents, or the fact that you may not spar with good technique? Be self confident, spar more, do training on the techniques you feel you are weak, and don't be afraid

Thanks, Capt Jakk, I did not think of the point you emphasise. I had decided not to think on other styles and focus on karate, but judo is always on my mind, maybe some day I will start it. Now I'm lying with a broken bone in my foot, I can't even do karate

Thanks for the advice.

Has no one broken their bones before? I would be grateful if you could help me cope with it... :/

Luckily, I rarely have problems in sleeping and usually fall asleep in 5 minutes after going to bed. When I feel uneasy in bed, I lie on my back, breathe deeply and count my breaths. This always works well

I did it and it works well waiting for any tips, thanks.

Thanks for the suggestion While having a shower, I should use a trash bag, I think, but my school will start soon and can you think of a wrap that doesn't make noise during class?

Hi, Last week in kumite, someone did ashi barai on me and I stepped on the floor with the top of my foot. And the fifth metatarsal bone was broken. I guess it is a Jones fracture. I did not realise it was broken for 6 days I had seen a doctor, but he could not see a fracture on x-ray. Yesterday I saw another doctor and it was revealed. Now I'm at home, lying with a cast on my leg up to my knee. I have some questions and I'll be so happy if you could help me: How can I keep my fitness during 6 weeks? I'm doing sit-ups and lifting dumbbells, but I want to do something more related to karate. What can I do? And it is winter, always snowing in my country. Do you know how I can protect my foot and cast from cold and snow when I get out? Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for any ideas. I really feel depressed since I won't be able to do karate for at least 6 weeks...

I've just been a black belt, and I'd prefer my belt to fray, to see how much effort I've spent

Style: Shotokan Karate Rank: 1st kyu I train 5 days a week, 3 days in dojo and 2 days running.

Hi, I got back from the tournament 2 days ago. I had three matches, and lost them all. The first one was 9-0, the other ones were better. I even got a point by a chudan gyaku zuki What I understood is that I need to work much more than before to be able to win. Everyone there was great, I had a chance to observe and learn, at least. Sometimes I hit my opponents, but because I was not sure of it and my techniques were not good enough, I couldn't make them points. In the last match, for example, I kicked a chudan mawashi geri, but it was not a good one although my opponent was caught in a defenceless position. Anyways, next year I believe I will have a better tournament and win at least one match. Thanks for your advices, and I'm still waiting for your opinions for the next year's tournament

And I never heard of a tournament with divisions mine is a tournament among university teams only, with age restriction. Last year a girl from our team sparred with a national team member, and you can guess the result but I think it is not that bad. I will have the chance to observe advanced ones. And it is free sparring. I'm still way too slow and a bit afraid to attack against 'huge' opponents. Thanks for sharing your opinions I'm trying to do my best to prepare for dangerous opponents. But I have one problem here: I cannot spar with taller ones, they always hit me. I usually try stepping in and punching since kicks are not that useful against them, but if the guy is also fast, I'm doomed. Do you have any ideas? How can I overcome this problem? Thanks in advance.

I want to make one, too, but how do you fix it on the floor? And which kind of wood is better for it? In Funakoshi Sensei's book, he says to use rice straws, but it is not possible to find some

I completely agree with you. I started karate 2 years and 21 days ago I did not lose much weight, but it is the only place I have true fun and think nothing. Like a meditation for me. It is really an amazing sport and I'm happy I did not start another kind. I'm not saying this because I see other martial arts inferior, but karate fits me best, I think. I hope you will get your other belts asap. It is a great feeling to get levels up and looking back

Hi, I have just stumbled upon a video on youtube showing how to fold karate gi neatly. I didn't know there was such a way to keep karate gi neat and always used to cram it in my bag It also occupies less space than before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgfcRHsKZhc Sorry if shared before, I hope you'll like it.

Unfortunately, there is no division of levels in this tournament. I may spar even with national karate team members, so I don't think I can use jab- reverse on such an occasion. Kizami zuki and ura mawashi geri combo looks nice, so is attacking with multiple jabs with both arms. I just hope that I will spar with someone in my level, then I can use jab- reverse. I'm quite bad at sweeping for now, I'm always looking at the opponent's legs and feet, but I'm studying on it. My legs are covered with bruises Thank you so very much, I'll be courageous and will never give up

Thanks of the advices, rmurray. I'm 2 kyu, but never paid attention on kumite before, so it's true that I'm a beginner. You're right, I should exaggerate my techniques like experienced ones do and shout as much as I can. It can also frighten my opponent. I would feel frightened if someone shouting hit me Today our sensei told us to make at least one technique ''ours'', which means to concentrate on it and be doing it perfectly. This is better than doing several lame techniques. I have no such technique, unfortunately but I'm getting better. At least I can say this. Thanks for the tips again. I'm good at kizami zuki and not bad at ura mawashi geri. I'll work on them to make them mine I'll also try ashi barai, it can be so useful If you have more tips, please share with me. They will be greatly appreciated.

Hi again, Thanks for your replies. I and my teammates started to run outside of the dojo and did quite well. My legs still feel a bit stiff, but it does not matter. As for fakes and speed, I can see that the more you work out and spar, the more natural you can do all movements. My stance and jumping was too bad! But even two weeks helped me see my mistakes and correct them. I just thought maybe other karateka have special diets to keep themselves more energised. I think my diet is sufficient for now. Btw, I will only compete in kumite. Even if I will get beaten to death in my first match, I learnt and will learn many things about kumite. I would appreciate further tips and suggestions