KarateCroft

Hi All, I was just wondering if anyone could help me with giving any training tips on my kicks. First off - I study two kinds of Karate (Isshinryu and Uechiryu) Both systems use low kicks, but when sparring we kick to the waist level. I can't seem to get my leg up or get it there fast enough. A little history/about me - I am 345 pounds and actually pretty mobile/agile for a big man, but still it limits me. Also, I have injured both knees in the past and wear braces, so I'm a little weary about jumping around (for speed purposes) Any tips on kicking or training drills or even lower body strengthening? Thanks so much.

IMHO, Karate is about self defense* not winning trophies or seeing who can "get a point". Now, I have competed in tournaments before and probably will again. My question to everyone does sport karate help or hinder? Does it defile what the true essence of Karate is supposed to be? *When I say Karate is about self defense, I mean that on the surface only as I believe many Okinawan masters believed it as well as using karate for health and good. I do realize karate is not only about punching and kicking but it is a way of life and at it's core is about peace and not having to fight. I know karate has many lessons in life and they are never ending. Thanks for your input.

I study Isshinryu and I can tell you that you cannot earn a black belt that quickly. You wouldn't even really be "earning" it IMHO. I am a brown belt and have been training for two years, however, I have put in much more training time in the dojo than most but I still have a ways to go to black belt. As we all know, in Karate, Isshinryu or any style of martial arts, your goal should not be one of getting the next belt. Also, we all know there are "McDojos" of black belt mills outs there handing Black belts out left and right. There are 8 empty hand katas and 7 weapons katas as well as three weapons vs katas (bo vs bo, sai vs bo, etc.)

I am now retired from the Pro Wrestling indie circuit and have moved on to Karate and I must say that before my martial arts training I probably couldn't fight my way out of a paper bag. I mean I would have done alright I guess on pure instinct and raw power, but I had nowhere near the skill that I have now. Pro wrestlers train in two things - weights and pro wrestling. IN the ring, pro wrestling is a "shell" of real wrestling (amateur, gecko-roman, etc.) however, the goal inside of the ring is to protect and help the other guys. Pro wrestlers are strong, but the other guy jumps when I go to body slam him. Now if you were to get a hold of a REAL wrestler (some pro wrestlers actually have a background in real wrestling) and you might have more of a challenge, but even in real wrestling, it's about a contest not a fight to the death on the street. Take that for what you will: practiced skill vs basic instincts.

Any of the ones by Harold Long

Isshinryu - Member of the Okinawan Karatedo Union (OKU)

one of my biggest pet peeves when I drive through town and see a Karate sign. I walk over to the dojo and theey teach tae kwon do. I think they use the word karate because it is the most widely known martial art in America. They use it to promote their school.

I study Isshinryu and love it. My lineage is as so: Master Shimabuku ->Harold Long->JC Burris->Dennis Thomas-> Me

I would probably still be trying to pursue a dead and backstabbing industry of pro wrestling - major or indy circuits. SO glad, I got out of that and found my true passion. Karate solidifies my thoughts and beliefs that I have always had. It completes me

Can anybody recommend any good Okinawan Karate documentaries?

I do my katas when I get in a pool. The resistance of the water is good for strength.

In Isshinryu we drill when punching to use the top two knuckles.

In Isshinryu - we use a vertical fist when punching with the thumb on top. This allows for quicker punches and a tighter fist. Are there any other styles of karate/does your style use a vertical fist, or perhaps some other form of specialized method for punching or kicking that is different from the norm?

I use a kiai at least once per sparring match, catches them off guards and works everytime.

Well Said.