Martial Walrus

You said it very well.

I agree that books and videos are not the best way to learn. If I had an instructor in Goju Ryu available, I would see him for advice. I would very much like to study at a Goju Dojo eventually, but that is not an option at the moment. Yes, Taekwondo is a bit different than Goju. I come from a very traditional school that focuses more on basic techniques, forms, and application than the sport Taekwondo schools that are so common in America. Techniques in Taekwondo are mostly hard and linear. Although the hard techniques are more or less the same, the soft techniques are more difficult for me. However, I also have some experience with Taekkyeon, a very soft style similar to Tai chi and Capoeira. So soft techniques are not entirely alien to me, but still difficult. But thats why I'm interested in Goju Kata, they are more of a challenge for me. As for kata, right now I am working Gekisai Dai Ich, since it is the most basic, and Tensho, because I like the flowing movements. I agree that one cannot learn focus, distance, and meditation from videos. However, I am already familiar with all of these. My instructor emphasizes the importance of proper breathing and muscle contraction during a technique to develop focus. We use one, two, and three step sparring drills, as well as free sparring, to learn distance and timing. Meditation is a regular part of class. As I have said, I am not someone without experience trying to learn a few techniques and calling myself a karate-ka. I am an experienced martial artist who wants to learn some techniques from another style, but I recognize that I will not master them until I learn from someone else.

I've never witnessed a challenge at my dojang, but my master has been challenged at least twice. Once was by a Karate-Ka, who used a low stance that made him an easy target for an axe kick. The other was by a boxer, who used a high guard that left his ribs exposed. He made one of them come and watch classes for several days before he would fight him. However, this was probably more than twenty years ago. Due to his age, two torn ligaments in his right knee, and his philosophy, I highly doubt that he would accept a challenge now.

I see the Kyu/Gup ranks as more of a organizational tool for the instructor than a mark of achievement for the student. There isn't much difference in actual skill between a white belt and a yellow belt (or whatever color comes after white in that system), but the belt makes it easy for an instructor to know what a student has already learned. I think the Dan ranks are more of an actual mark of achievement. The Dan ranks are also when you start refine what you learned in the Kyu/Gup ranks. Ironically, my master is color blind.

My dojang uses both the Taegeuk and the Palgwe series, along with the advanced Kukkiwon forms (Koryo, Kumgang, etc...). We also have two short forms that my master created for beginners. My master also modified the Taegeuk forms, whenever the WTF uses a high walking stance (Ahp Sogi), we us a low front stance (Ahp Kubi Sogi). I've also learned the Kicho series from Tang Soo Do. They're not part of our syllabus, but I like their simplicity.

I practice Taekwondo, although I come from an organization that is strictly noncompetitive. Still, I have some possible answers. The hands down is probably or two reasons. First, since sparring is on a point system, fighters will throw a lot of very fast, weak kicks. This, combined with the protection offered by the hogu, means getting kicked in the body has no consequence other than your opponent scoring a point. Because of this, most fighters focus more on trying to score as many points as possible instead of trying to prevent their opponent from scoring. Second, it is easier to throw a quick combination of kicks with hands down to balance than with them held up to guard. I'm not a fan of the WTF rules, or sport martial art in general. They lead to sloppy technique, a lack of practical skill, and pursuing trophies instead of self-improvement.

The side kick and back kick will be very useful in Muay Thai because most Muay Thai practitioners are not used to defending against strong linear kicks. You can see an example of this hear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGC6pDRxm4I The spinning hook kick is also very useful as a counter attack against a round kick to the open side.

I have no intention to call myself a Goju Ryu stylist after only learning a few kata. I just what to learn some new material to compliment what I already know. Good to know. I saw a series of books by Higaonna Sensei that explains kihon, kata, and bunkai. Unfortunately, the books are out of print, so they cost several hundred dollars each. I'll have to keep looking.

In Korean, Tae is written with the letter ᅢ, which is transliterated as ae and makes a sound something like a "ay" or "eye." So, pronouncing it like the word "tie" is more accurate than "teh." To be pronounced teh, it would have to be written with the letter ㅔ, which is pronounced like the e in cafe.

I understand and respect your opinion. However, I believe there is a difference between someone with no martial arts experience trying to learn kata from books and DvDs someone with several years of experience style trying to branch out a little bit. I am not ignorant enough to believe that I will master any of these kata simply through looking at pictures and videos without anyone correcting any of my mistakes. Still, I feel like the Goju Kata are interesting and worth learning for a change of pace from what I am used to.

Ahh, yes. I have been using youtube as my primary resource already. I'm asking if anyone knows any other good resources. Sorry, I should have specified. Also, I'm particularly interested in books, especially older ones. I don't know exactly why, but using a book for reference seems more appropriate some how than using electronic media. More nostalgic, perhaps?

Yay, my first post! I have been practicing Taekwondo for about four years. However, since I started college an hour and a half from home, I have only been able to visit my master about once a month. In the mean time, I have been training on my own. Since solo training can get a little boring at times, I have decided to learn kata from other styles as a way to challenge myself and increase my knowledge as a martial artist. I would like to start by learning the kata of Goju Ryu. They seem very challenging and contain many things that would be a valuable addition to what I already know. However, the closest Goju dojo is twenty miles away, and I don't have a car. Until I am able to get formal teaching, I'll be making due with videos and diagrams. Does anyone know of any good books, DvDs, or other resources that provide detailed instruction on kihon, kata, and bunkai that they would recommend? Also, any advice additional advice is welcome.