Chitsu

Actually it does - especially in many Asian (particularly Japanese) influenced martial arts. Such arts are heavily influenced by the Zen Buddhist concept of "do" or way, path or maxim etc. Central to such "paths" is the practice of a skill - in the case of "Karate-do" it is of course the martial skill of the warrior. The important thing to remember though is that it is not the acquisition of the skill being practiced that is the goal, it's the expansion of one’s capabilities and potential through its ongoing practice that is key. You don't need a war for this - but that doesn't make it any less important or necessary to train in ma if that is your chosen way. Chitsu

I don't usually comment about comparing styles - even when one of the styles being compared is one that I do. Two reasons really: 1. I (and most people) only have enough experience in one - and not the other 2. In my own style (Wado) there are very good clubs and there are truly awful ones - and I dare say it’s the same with Kyokushin. That said, I have heard several comparisons of the two arts before - one such comparison suggested that Kyokushin was "Jissen" (or combat / fighting) based and Wado was a "Goshin" or self defence based style. I am not sure I would agree entirely with this analogy, but it does echo my thoughts that perhaps Kyokushin focus' more directly on the "fight", whereas Wado - as a traditional “Kata” based system (with its roots firmly established in the Koryu arts of martial Japan) - concerns itself more with "Budo" as part of its raison d’être. When I started karate I had no idea that "styles" existed - I thought karate was karate. I had been training for about a year before someone made mention of "our style". Although I would agree that as a consumer it is always best to do your homework (and the interweb makes this so much easier), to an extent I think you have to go with your gut and if you like it stick with it. Chitsu

If they're Japanese - Whiskey - never fails. Chitsu

You wouldn't think about going with him to enjoy a meal together? Surely a gift for both, as you could enjoy sampling some of this persons experience. Chitsu

"Tadashii kamae" - as my sensei would bark at me. Chitsu

You mean, that is your opinion? But, in any Martial Art, that has kumite in it, I don't think it's just a by-product. It is a part of that style, and you can't just take it away. Which almost makes it a big part of the style and its history/philosophy. Yes - as I said "imo". I think however it's very important to draw a line under the difference between arts like Shotokan and Kyokushin. Neither is better, but Shoto - with its “precepts” in "budo" does not lend it's self so readily to Kumite as "sport" perhaps. Kumite’s fine if that’s your bag, but of course there is a lot more to Karate than fighting. Chitsu

Who says Shotokan needs to gain more respect? TBH - I read the same thing on many forums - and it seems to propagated by people with little or no training in Karate, who seek to compare it to a ring sport. Of course there are good Shoto schools and bad ones - exactly the same as any other ma, but the important thing to remember is that the end result is not necessarily to produce a ring athlete - it's a martial art first and foremost - not a sport. Also; sparring in any art is down to how it is taught and the rule set, so you can't necessarily compare and therefore dismiss one over another. The acquisition of Kumite skills (and therefore doing well in competitions) is a by-product of good karate training imo - and should not be viewed as the "aspirational" end result. Central to Japanese martial arts like Shotokan is the concept of "budo" - and to me this is a far more telling, in terms of how well a martial art is being taught. Chitsu

What does Zenkutsu mean? Chitsu

When the flame goes out... pooff!!

6th dan -Blimey - you must be well good. Chitsu

I would say it was quite good martial advice also - but also easily misunderstood

The one strike kill concept or "Ikkenhissatsu" has been discussed on this board before. http://www.karateforums.com/ikken-hissatsu-to-kill-with-one-blow-vt34546.html "Karate ni sente nashi" - was as much an emergency statement / exercise in "spin", addopted by the early karate federations in Japan - in order to stop karate's reputation going down the pan. Chitsu

Hhmn. To each their own I guess.

Ooohhh!!

What is a sambo tournament?

That ref well... Never seen that before in any comp I have ever entered - don't get me wrong, I wish they all looked like that (or maybe not as I am easily distracted) lol. What's going on with the short shorts though??? Chitsu

Hello, Do you know what group or who your sensei learnt his Wado from. Would be easier to point you in the right direction. Chitsu

Hi Gav, Hastings, know it well. Who do you train with down there in lovely Sussex? Chitsu

Hello, Your Bio says you are from the South East - South east where? Chitsu

Interesting to note how groups use different descriptions to descripe the same technique. Both descriptions are, but I would categorise the "Kake" kick that Kuma does as an "Ura Mawashigeri" - or back/reverse roundhouse. Kagawa sensei demonstartes a 2/3rd version here but the principle is the same. Chitsu

What?

Although application of Mikazukigeri is not categorised - the descriptive action/motion is. Chitsu

I think this a solid case for understanding and using correct Karate terminology here. Chitsu

Mikadzuki - means "new moon" in Japanese with reference to the crescent shape a Mikazuki Geri (new moon Kick) takes. In formal kata, this kick is often presented as "Sokutei mawashi uke" or sole of foot circular block (see Bassai / Seishan) but its application is far greater. Lower the initial target area – change the trajectory of the kick slightly, and it is a particularly nasty leg sweep/stance breaking technique performed to the outside of the opponents knee lifting upward. The Kyokushin boys use this type of kick (or slight mod of it) to great effect. Chitsu

Can you be a little more specific. By Hook Kick do you mean Mikazuki geri - Chitsu