Chitsu

Hello, Many traditional Japanese Jujutsu schools have Kenjutsu as their base art. All Japanese sword work is right handed - there is no such thing as a left handed swordsman in Japan. As a result, the related unarmed technique retain the same principles - thus primarily right hand bias. chitsu

Hello, Yes, this is a manifest example of how weapons work can be trained to compliment your unarmed stuff. Chitsu

Hello, As I understand it, Kobudo (or weapons training) form part of the larger syllabus in many traditional Okinawan dojo, and so therefore it has migrated alongside many Karate styles. As far as I know, styles like Shotokan do not have a parallel Kobudo sylabus, but thats not to stop individual dojo from adopting one. In the Koryu dojo, there was often more than one reason to train with weapon. The first is to get good at using the weapon, the second is to use the weapon training itself to enhance other aspects of your training. At a senior level, Aikidoka utilise Bokken (wooden swords) in their training, as there is often a corelation between many traditional sword techniques and the movements found in the "nage" waza of Aikido. Training with weapons like swords in this instance changes the dynamics of the technique - due to the increased operating distance (with the added length of the sword) from the tanden (core centre) - to the impact point of the weapon. Effectively the weapon training becomes an apparatus for other things. So maybe sometimes we dismiss what is not always obvious to us at first. Chitsu

Snap kicks - do you mean side kicks for front. Anyway, does it make a difference to you? If they are are a good group with a good training ethic, I could overlook that - you can always switch back if its only a small thing. Gary

Hello, I have to say Shotokan this good probably needs very little complimentary training to make it awesome: Chitsu

KUGB... Mssrs Sherry and Brennan. Any truth in the rumour? Chitsu

Thank you Chitsu

Are they? Gary

Hi Sensei8, Can I ask, is your rank the result of a physical grading, or were you awarded it? Chitsu

That depends largely on what you view the purpose of Shotokan to be. If you view it primarily as a method of exercise, or an art in the aesthetic sense, or as a spiritual pursuit, then perhaps you are correct. If you view it as a practical method of self-defense, then you will be well served by beginning training in a grappling discipline. I also think it depends on your definition (and the context) of the word to "compliment". You tend to hear this used quite a lot on ma forums and mags etc. Is it your definition - to plug holes, or is it to enhance? Many think that it is one and the same thing, but I would suggest to those that do, that they have yet to acquire the knowledge, to make an informed decision. Chitsu

Correct protocol dictates that the more senior rank (as ordained by the dojo - sensei) stands to the furthest right (as the students look at the sensei) The more you are stood to the left (and the further back you go) the more junior you are. Hope that makes sense. Chitsu

Well I guess the proper way to do things, would be for you to stand where your senpai told you to. A Dojo senpai is head of the class, so he determines these things. We have had 4th and 5th dans (from other groups) come and train at our school. Whilst we respect their grade, the Dojo senpai (who is a first dan) is more senior than them - in our dojo - period. Remember (at the dojo level), grade/standing is only relative to the group/instructor you train with. Chitsu

The only thing that will make your Shotokan any better, is to practice more Shotokan: Old adage - you get good at what you practice - period. If however, you are looking to broaden your outlook on "Budo" (and btw that takes considerable existing knowledge to do so) - then maybe look at arts that will improve your understanding of things like movement (and the principles inherent to it) such as Tai-chi or Aikido etc. Chitsu

To me, the importance of the position you stand in the dojo is something that has taken a wrong turn somewhere along the line - a lot like belt ranking etc. Whatever happened to just walking the line, keeping your head down and getting on with the job of learning. I'd rather stand in the “janitor’s cupboard” of a good dojo - than at the front of a poor one. Chitsu

I see, Sorry I thought you were referring to your club instructor. Usually, if you are kyu grade referring to working with a black belt, it would suffice to refer to them as say "the dan grade I was working with" - irrespective of rank. Also, and I hope you don't mind me correcting you, Sempai as spoken, is written as Senpai. Chitsu

If you don't mind me saying, you have a very unique way to refer to your instructor. "My Shodan" seems odd to me. Chitsu

It’s all about forward inertia + correct use of the adductor muscle group. TBH, some things are impossible to explain over the either. Your instructor has to see, feel and sense your movement (or lack of it). Chitsu

That sounds like my idea of Heaven. I train in Surrey/Hampshire (southern part of UK) and I teach in London. Chitsu

Any of you guys want to fly me over for a seminar I am more than willing. I am a higher grade in traditional Wado than Mr A, and have been doing it a tad longer also. Heck, I'll even do it for free. Chitsu

I know

Notyhing to forgive fella, My point was that I thought Joesteph thinks you live in Australia. Not about the dates. Go spend your money. Chitsu

I just received an email today that says the following: A PDF is now available for download from my website that includes all the details of my seminars in Australia in March 2010! The PDF also contains a booking form so you can secure your places. Please follow the link below to download the PDF: http://www.iainabernethy.com/documents/Iain_Aber_Registration_Aus_2010.pdf Erm... don't you live in Canada Jeffrey? Gary

I wasn't belittling any other style of martial art - or at least it was not my intention. I was simply reiterating what I thought was a fairly well recognised fact. Shotokan is a great system, but it is my understanding that what is practiced today, is far removed from the karate that Funakoshi brought to mainland Japan. In the most part, the low dynamic techniques (for which Shotokan is famed) were largely introduced by his son Gigo. The methods he introduced were quite "un-typical" of the Okinawan tode from which his fathers teachings evolved. By modifying things as fundamental as stances, you inevitably change the approach and benefits of the movement. In doing so the original purpose behind the technique is often lost. I am not saying that this is why Shotokan practitioners looked to older styles like Goju for answers, but perhaps they saw how the the Goju people incorporated the process of Bunkai into their training and felt they would benefit from it as well. Remember, at the time (or shortly after) the likes of Gigo were incorporating technical changes into his fathers system, other aspects like Yakusoku Kumite, Jiyu kumite and Shiai were also being introduced. Maybe Bunkai is (was) seen as the missing link between these facets. hehe - as has he no doubt.

TBH, it is pretty broadly recognised, that the whole "you must know Bunkai" thing has been driven by Shotokan practitioners - looking at traditional Okinawan styles like Goju-ryu - and trying to fill in the gaps. Mr IA has conveniently plugged that gap, but at what cost? Chitsu

I think his style is "Wado-based" - not Wado itself - and there is a whole world of difference Chitsu