Himokiri Karate

Good point. Also, it seems like with the rise of MMA and even with fitness based business models like boxercise,yoga and crossfit, you have people who might not consider martial arts places when it comes to exercising for fitness. I have noticed that many martial arts places that teach traditional arts have a cardio kickboxing program.

I have decided to do a fun thread segment. Every week or biweekly, I will introduce a fictional martial artist in this thread and explain their origin and character personality. Just something different. We will start of with Mister X! ( from Marvel) Mr. X is a very dark character for a marvel series. When he was a kid, he seemed like a normal kid until he became aware of his low level telepathy when a female passed away from a car accident and from there he became obsessed with death. Destroying his parents and dog ( oddly enough this is the only thing bothers me) made him more obsessed with death. From there he inherited his extremely wealthy parents fortune and used the money to travel around the world in order to study with the worlds greatest martial artist masters. After learning all he could learn, he would challenge them to the death match and win. Myself seeing the panel, the three masters shown were, karate master from japan, sword master from medieval culture and a knife throwing kung Fu master. But he has studied all types of martial arts since he likes to wear different uniform from tang soo do to kung fu outfit. Afterwards, Mister X used his new found martial arts skills mixed with low level telepathy to read and predict his opponents movements. This worked like a charm until he ran in in to wolverine. In the beginning he was winning until wolverine went berserk when he found out that Mister X is an evil person and in doing so, he went in to Berserk mode and Mister X was unable to read his mind due to berserk mode and ended up losing and almost lost his life until his bodyguard came to his rescue. They had two more matches as well... All and all, he is like an evil Bruce Wayne motivated to become the greatest martial arts fighter in existence. Oh and fun fact, his loyal bodyguard was a former opponent who lost to Mister X but was offered a place of employment. Wolverine was also offered as well but turned it down.

If these are the same people that state they can stop someone or knock someone out without touching them (which I seem to remember they are) they are a joke. I buy into meditation to focus the mind, I buy into fasting because it does have health benefits but the whole celibacy thing (not for me). The whole no touch knockout and stopping someone with your mind is fake and utter nonsense. I don't care if you meditate, fast and abstain from sex your whole life, you can't knock someone out with your Chi. Pure bull pucky. I mean look here is the thing. We have had many seasoned MMA and combat sports champions and for all their fighting abilities, they lack a decent amount of flexibility. I mean heck, just a decade ago, MMA fighters looked down on boxing and judo while at one point, MMA was basically Muay thai, wrestling and BJJ. Now we are seeing fighters from different styles, fighters with flashy kicks and fighters that have the ability to embrace obscure techniques. Now this doesn't mean we get No touch fighters. But we have yet to see a fighter embrace the healthiest lifestyle that is based on deep meditation and abstaining from parties and loud toxic environment.

The name and style is something I heard in mid-2000s but recently I myself have gotten in to internal martial arts and got curios and watched a video of a YouTuber defending the style. In his argument he says that this style is effective based on fasting, celibacy and tons of meditation. Now a decade ago I scuffed at these notions but long story short in an unrelated yellow bamboo reason, I got in to meditation, fasting (intermittent type)and celibacy and I saw a drastic improvement in my boxing skills. That being said, when I tried to explain my improvement, people would either laugh it off or get interested and say they are going to try it but they never give it a sincere try. Fast forward to present time, I was reading a Kung Fu book by author Douglas Wong and he mentioned something that hit me in the core of my existence. He said that "deletion of technique due to mistrust" which is a result of average kung Fu practitioners misrepresenting themselves as great masters which ends with the style/moves/ideas being portrayed as underwhelming and ineffective in publics eye. Now going back to Yellow Bamboo, I am curios to know how they were able to garner so much followers? I mean I get the cult mentality but I just feel that even if cult tactics was used, they had lots of guts to put themselves in the lime light. I say this because a premeditated scam artist would keep it hush hush so I like to think that the yellow bamboo practitioners did not have any ill intent but I like to hear your thoughts on them.

In this case if a student has a limitation with using their legs. Would the focus be more on joint locking and hand techniques? I ask because soon I will be helping my instructor with teaching but I have to be careful here. Like I don't want to impose some generic skill set and saying it's either done like that or your not qualified. On the other hand you can have a person with one healthy hand and that hand can be capable of destructive power. This will compensate for their handicap. My biggest fear would be is of I give the student false confidence. This would probably haunt me for life. But at the same time a person's sincere effort as well as dedication should be acknowledge since it is a winning trait and one that is becoming rare.

Physical ability is extremely important. A black belt should have the same prestige as a title belt in boxing. If you lower the standard to make someone feel better you are diminishing what it means to be a black belt. That being said if a person can perform all the moves with a disability that's fine. Like if there is a karatek with prosthetic limbs that's cool because the end result is the same formidable force being exerted as a regular karateka. But the wheelchair one does not make sense because the body mechanics are no longer karate.

I am working towards a black belt in karate kickboxing base. The criteria is extremely simple. That is the proper execution of techniques as efficient as possible.

I love to hear, please because I love to hear a good martial arts story based on eccentric and mysterious characters. There was once a kid that got knocked down by a bigger young man after the kid tried to mess with the young man's girlfriend. So the kid found a wise old Japanese caretaker who happened to secretly know karate. To cut a long story short, the old man agreed to teach the kid karate. But to the kids surprise and frustration, the old man just got the kid to do chores like polishing his collection of classic cars and painting the fence. Naturally soon enough the kid had had enough. So he confronted the old man. At which point the old man proceeded to attack the kid, while asking the kid to mimic the various chores. To the kids surprise and delight, he discovered he now knew karate. Sounds like the old man is a bad person for abusing child labor laws. That and the bigger young man seem like a well tempered person for only knocking him to the ground and not damaging the kid.

I love to hear, please because I love to hear a good martial arts story based on eccentric and mysterious characters.

So does anyone remember this story? Please tell me someone remembers this! I have heard it from different martial arts forums and I am not saying its a true story but there was someone who mentioned the story.

I hear what you are saying, passion does fluctuate which is just human nature. Regarding the author, its Master Byong Yu. He had grown up with mental disability that has him get bullied by siblings and school mates. He then meets a Tang Soo Do master by the name of Master Ko. Master Ko, instills the fact that his disability is not going to get him sympathy and that he should never receive anything for free and so, Master Ko makes him mop the floors as form of payment. Long story short, the author becomes a formidable martial artist but war happens and he gets drafted for three years and afterwards he returns to tang soo do and master Ko training. In doing so he becomes Master Ko number 1 dedicated student. One day master Ko points to the author and says "you see him? a black belt is a white belt that NEVER gave up!!!" Anyway, Master Ko passes away but he makes a request to the author to go to America and promote tang soo do. In America he runs in to trouble and becomes homeless. He is now collecting food from a restaurant that is feeding homeless, remembering his masters words that " never receive anything for free" he feels shame so he decides to clean up the back alley and staff was impressed and they offered him a dishwashing job and his luck turns for the better. its a beautiful story that shows the fact that Master Byon Yu has zero sense of entitlement. That back in the day, human beings had to contribute anyway they can and not expect hand out as if they are owed something. In doing so, his good deed was rewarded with an employment opportunity that allowed him to get back to his feet. Now I have only read half way and it gets even better but it is a beautiful story!

It's a book about the horrific upbringing of a tang soo do master that makes me grateful for my own life. But also it gives me inner strength knowing how others view things. It's called inside u. I reading this book and observing people and human nature. It gives the impression that people today lack passion to dedicate themselves in long term basis. It seems like everything is flavor of the month.

I want to throw Kyokushin and Mas Oyamas contribution since the Kyokushin style karate did have off-shoot styles which led to K-1 kickboxing.

That is true and a fair point. In my martial arts fiction phase I got obsessed with scythe. In reality people did fight with scythe but there was never a school or a style that catered to scythe techniques. It was more of an improvised effort by eastern European peasants looking to defend their land and freedom. Although the world of anime has glorified scythe wielders to a great degree. The scythe would make a rubbish weapon. They are heavy and unbalanced and unless you're attacking the enemy's ankles while he stands still, they'd be very awkward to use offensively. I know this because I've used an old fashioned scythe many times. No doubt better than nothing as a weapon, but there were many peasant farming tools that make vastly better improvised weapons. One of the main weapons of choice in medieval England was the bill. It's basically a massive heavy blade with a hook on one side, mounted to the end of a long stick. It's agricultural use is for managing hedges and for cutting fruit from trees, but it is also naturally very offensive, being a big stick with a heavy blade. It was used in combat both as a staff and as a spear. The hook also proved useful for dragging soldiers from their horses. It was so popular as a weapon that for a while, it was a legal requirement for all boys over the age of 13 to attend their village green or square every Sunday to practice 'bill drill', which I guess could be approximated to the Japanese concept of kata. The scythe is rubbish due to its crooked handle but the main advantage was the fact that it caused terror . I am not being comical either, the scythe really messes people up psychologically speaking. That being said the ultimate scythe is a halberd that has a scythe handle. I think if anyone ever actually used a scythe in battle, it would have been because it was the only thing handy when they were caught off guard. It would be better than nothing. But there were very very many better choices. I'd be interested to read of any historical record of the scythe being used as a weapon of choice, either for its offensive use or its psychological impact. With regard to the psychological factor of causing terror, I can't help but wonder if this is myth in the same way as the vikings with their horned helmets that they didn't actually have. Ie, a great thing for theatrical effect but absolutely no place in historical warfare. Since you asked... http://wiktenauer.com/wiki/Paulus_Hector_Mair The scythe... does have it's use, however it would not be my first choice of weapons. I must be missing something obvious, but I can't see where it mentions the use of the scythe in battle. It seems like I made a mistake. I was incorrect regarding regular scythe causing psycological impact. In the war scythe wiki section, it mentions that it can throw off an unprepared enemy but it was not mentioned for a regular scythe. You can find it under "specifics" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_scythe Oh and another real life martial arts that is super popular is...Dim mak! Had to highlight and enlarge it for dramatic effects.

I am honored to be able to inspire. To answer your question, I remember a martial arts that was freakishly rising in popularity until they were publicly challenged and defeated by BJJ fighters in mid-2000s. It was called the yellow bamboo. It was based on no touch fighting and healing. They had branches in Indonesia, Cambodia and Bali. I want to say they were less dragon ball and more Naruto because they were using chakra and visualization to gather chi. Now I understand chakra is a concept used by real life yogis but the mannerism of the yellow bamboo seemed extremely similar to Naruto series.

That is true and a fair point. In my martial arts fiction phase I got obsessed with scythe. In reality people did fight with scythe but there was never a school or a style that catered to scythe techniques. It was more of an improvised effort by eastern European peasants looking to defend their land and freedom. Although the world of anime has glorified scythe wielders to a great degree. The scythe would make a rubbish weapon. They are heavy and unbalanced and unless you're attacking the enemy's ankles while he stands still, they'd be very awkward to use offensively. I know this because I've used an old fashioned scythe many times. No doubt better than nothing as a weapon, but there were many peasant farming tools that make vastly better improvised weapons. One of the main weapons of choice in medieval England was the bill. It's basically a massive heavy blade with a hook on one side, mounted to the end of a long stick. It's agricultural use is for managing hedges and for cutting fruit from trees, but it is also naturally very offensive, being a big stick with a heavy blade. It was used in combat both as a staff and as a spear. The hook also proved useful for dragging soldiers from their horses. It was so popular as a weapon that for a while, it was a legal requirement for all boys over the age of 13 to attend their village green or square every Sunday to practice 'bill drill', which I guess could be approximated to the Japanese concept of kata. The scythe is rubbish due to its crooked handle but the main advantage was the fact that it caused terror . I am not being comical either, the scythe really messes people up psychologically speaking. That being said the ultimate scythe is a halberd that has a scythe handle.

Myself I am not much of a video gamer per say but I am a huge fan of storylines and storytellers. So I love video game cutscenes and some have amazing storylines. Oh and I found out another style that is real life but more popular in fiction. Its called Koppojutsu. Many martial arts mangas have characters who come across this martial arts style. Usually its a sub-style they pick up or counter. Its an ancient Japanese martial arts from the 12 century. Its rare in real life but it did exist within some schools of ninjitsu and occasionally on its own if I recall correctly. That is true and a fair point. In my martial arts fiction phase I got obsessed with scythe. In reality people did fight with scythe but there was never a school or a style that catered to scythe techniques. It was more of an improvised effort by eastern European peasants looking to defend their land and freedom. Although the world of anime has glorified scythe wielders to a great degree.

I was watching two series that come from video games. One is an anime another is cutscene of game. In both games there is a powerful kung fu style called Koenken. ( sometimes the Ken is pronounced as kon) Anyway the style is based on tiger and swallow Bird. Now I come to realize that it is a real life style that is almost extinct but live and well in fiction. Curious to know if you know other real life styles that have more prominent in fictions?

Full on sparring is important in the beginning. But later on you need to learn to tame your technique. I have seen from combat gyms guys wailing on each other with haymakers which is not good. But at least they know what getting hard feels like. Point sparring is good because it consciously forces good technique since that is the main emphasis. But they also don't do well with composure if they get hard. I guess both have their advantage and disadvantage. Moral of the story Is, martial arts is a tricky puzzle if you have to go through life without wolverine healing power.

That's actually not a bad idea!

Good point, I find that fasting is impossible if prior to fasting, I was indulging or binging on unhealthy, fast or processed foods and snacks. It feels like I am consistently getting stomach pains and terrible mental clarity. However I also find that if prior to fasting, I was eating good healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and high quality nutrition meals, fasting becomes an ok experience, challenging but not dreadful. I believe you can, I know folks in the intermittent circle that allow coffee, blue berries/fibers and some protein powders. That being said, I cant really give recommendation.

Sorry I missed your post. How did you find your experiences in these environment. Was it distracting because you were placed in an unconventional place? I ask because when I started training in a park, I would feel very self-conscious like if the people passing by are pointing fingers, laughing or making negative comments. With passing of time, everything became complacent and I only had to worry about my technique and nothing else.

I have done fasting and I find it very beneficial. Usually during summer with the heat, I usually don't have an appetite anyways and so I just fast for half a day or if I am fine, then I make dinner simple like some hemp protein and strawberries. So I guess fasting and raw foods. Anyway, I noticed two things, both positive and negative. Negative: When I train on little to no calories, I find that I don't have the ability to explode with fast twitch muscle fiber. I cant throw combination or be aggressive with my offense. All and all, exerting myself seems like an impossible which means, I cant do weights, bodyweight or plyometrics. Over all, I cant really be an athlete or train in a sporting manner in regards to physical training. One thing to say is, inconsistency. Sometimes I feel like I want to preserver in a state of diminishment and other times I am feeling "meh" in regards to how well the training goes at this point. Positive: I feel hangry gives me a certain drive but with no energy, I find that I look for efficiency in performing technique. No longer am I exerting myself but rather I am looking to perform the movements in one motion and since I am in a bad mood, I don't feel like over analyzing my technique, if it doesn't make me more tired and it gets me the result, then its a step towards the right direction. Oh and things like footwork and timing drills become more enjoyable since no energy for physical exertion has me rely on my reflexes so I don't make a lapse in judgment or awareness of distance. I see pros and cones in both and sometimes my mood makes me bias in which I prefer. One thing I notice is, we all as human beings have good days and bad days regardless of personal interest or career as well personality. The fasting feels like I am training my "Bad days" to not be bad. Its like I have an opportunity to really consciously engage or simply observe myself at my point of diminishment. Curious to know if anyone incorporates fasting in to their martial arts training? P.S: I mainly practice boxing with Full contact Karate and Kung Fu exercises. Just to clarify since I mentioned footwork which is what I do instead of katas or forms.

I actually haven't done any other style of karate besides Isshinryu. BJJ just wasn't my cup of tea (no knock against it just wasn't for me), but I did enjoy Muay Thai. The places in my area tend to be MMA focused and if you wanted to progress behind the basic classes where you just hit pads (which became boring and repetitive fairly quickly), you needed to be willing to spar full contact. As I am an average sized woman and the gym was primarily populated by 20-something guys that had aspirations of semi-pro or pro MMA careers, I found the danger of sparring them to outweigh what I was getting out of it. I found my current Dojo after doing some research and contacting some TKD, TSD and Karate schools in my area. My original plan was to go back to TKD or try TSD as I like to kick (and that is primarily what's offered in the area), but I didn't like most of the schools in my area. They had mixed age classes almost exclusively, and while I like kids I don't want to train with them. It also seemed like most of them had very young black belts and I don't really agree with giving black belts to very young kids. My current Dojo offered adult only classes and the curriculum interested me, as they include throws, joint locks, and some grappling, along with striking. So I tried them out and the rest, as they say, was history. *Edited to Add* Though I haven't practiced other styles of Karate, I am aware that Isshinryu does have some unique features that don't occur in other Okinawan styles. The most noticeable being the vertical punch with the thumb on top, and also the two bone blocks (i.e we block with the meaty part of the art). Right on, good to hear. I agree on giving black belts to very young kids. Personally, if they show an ability to fight or the ability to deliver self-defense strike, then its fine. But if they are just getting black belts simply for showing up, then its not right.

Hi and welcome. I am from Vancouver and I mainly practice boxing but am very fond of Karate. I envy your location, you guys have incredible boxing gym like gleason. Besides Isshinryu, have you tried other karate styles and if so, how do you find them different with one another?