Chitsu

I guess they are all "Official Governing Bodies". As for authenticity, well that’s a different question. Arguably Shotokai is closer to what Funakoshi practiced. I think as far as "originality" is concerned, I believe the JKA was the first "Major" organisation set up to oversee the learning of Shotokan. All of the other groups have disseminated from the JKA in some shape or form. Chitsu

Hello, In my experience, although slight differences can be found from instructor to instructor (and group to group), generally speaking, the Kata done in the three International Wado groups are very similar (to each other) - and certainly have fundamental Wado principles in common. When I see Shintani Wado-kai versions, they do not appear to share these principles - often they contradict them! Granted the embussen maybe similar, buts that's where it stops. A bit of info for you: Taisabiki - is not unique to Wado . How it is utilsed is, but not Taisabaki per-se – most styles have taisabaki. The name of Pinan Nidan and Pinan Shodan kata were switched by Funakoshi (Shotokan) when he re-named them Heian’s Chitsu

Hello Lupin1, By the sounds of it, your instructor corrected your stance from a back stance (where as you say most of your weight is on the back foot) to a front stance - with front knee over toe and rear leg straight(ish)? Most traditional styles practice their "ido kihon-zuki" (basic stepping punch) ending with in a front stance or "zenkutsu-dachi" as you describe. The purpose is to engender correct transfer of weight and timing as you step and punch. It also strengthens the core and leg muscles. Not to be confused with a fighting stance of course – different horses for different courses. Chitsu

Hello, As far as understand it, Mr. Shintani's Wadokai is a kinda "fringe" group that is not recognised by any of the main international Wado bodies (JKF Wado-kai, WIKF and Wado Ryu Renmei). Their Katas are markedly different from any of the aforementioned groups and suggested by most to be in direct conflict with many of the fundamental Wado principles. That said, the late Mr Shintani may well have been an excellent karate-ka (as well as his students), but it doesn't look like any kind of wado that I have seen. Chitsu

Currently working on Naihanchi and the complexities of generating power from the tanden. As Motobu said - if you turn to the side in Naihanchi dachi you have a very effective fighting position. Chitsu

Hi typed in "Karate Forums" into Google Chitsu

When I tie my belt, it crosses at the back. Not sure it matters really, but the important thing is the position of the knott in front of the "seiki-tanden". Chitsu

Hi Ninjachamp, I am new here, but a saw your advert for you camp. Can I ask, are you the instructor and what style do you teach. Chitsu

I think I am right in saying that stricktly speaking, "under one roof" there can be only one sensei. Instructors teaching in his/her dojo (on his/her behalf) are Senpai - even if they are 3rd dan +. But I guess schools differ Chitsu

Hello, Mine doesn't but you can often tell the senior ranks as their bb's have almost turned white with wear. Chitsu

Hello, New to this board, hope to make some new friends. Chitsu