Chunmonchek

1. I think there are many of those who strictly cling to the idea of preserving all the forms feel this way. But before Funakoshi's standardization of the katas, it wasn't always this way. Its one of the notions Redmond points out in his book, too. I don't really think having a favorite will imbalance the art, either. I think by determining that one should not pick a favorite is in a way limiting free thinking. 2. I disagree here. Like I mentioned earlier, Yoo Sin is my current form, and probably my worst black belt form, for sure. I do it the best I can, but if I have a choice, I won't do this form for any kind of demonstration. It does need more attention at this point in time, but that doesn't mean it should be my favorite. 3. I'm not aware of this rule. Could you elaborate on it for us? 1. I don't know enough about Shotokan or Shorin Ryu to voice an opinion of the kata of those Ryus, but I have been training Okinawan Goju for decades, and do have an opinion regarding Goju kata. Most, if not all Okinawan Goju traditions train the same 12 kata syllabus. It is common understanding that Miyagi Sendai taught Sanchin kata and one or two kata to each of his students, based upon various factors including age, body type, etc. The theory is that specific kata were optimal for these specific students. Additionally, each kata emphasizes specific martial principals, physical, mental and spiritual development, range, movement, etc. Accordingly, emphasis on certain kata that are more beneficial for any specific practitioner could lead to (i) such practitioner not having as complete a book as Goju offers, (ii) an imbalance in development of the art, and (iii) a dilution of Okinawan Goju in generations to come, IMO. 2. See above regarding cultivation of all a Ryu has to offer, and having the "full" book (if such thing exists) to pass down to the next generation. For demo purposes, I have kata that I prefer to perform and those that I don't. These have changed over the years, as my training of the art changed. And demos are demos, not the focus of my training. 3. Generally, in order to properly focus training, a practitioner should not train more than three kata during any given period. For example, training all 12 kata at once for a Goju practitioner would be more a kata review, than an in depth analysis and cultivation of specific kata. Glenard Grabow, a direct student under Masanobu Sensei wrote a published article about the Rule of Three.

I don't have a tokui kata, as I was taught, and I teach, that you should not have any favorite kata, but should practice all. Choosing a favorite can cause one to neglect the others, or result in imbalance in the art. It follows that your "favorite" kata at any given time should be the one you perform the worse. One kata concept that I do think wise is Masanobu Shinjo's Rule of Three.

Congratulations Doc! I've always wondered if giving advance notice for grading is the best way to go. I usually don't for mudansha, but do for grading to Shodan. My first student to grade to Shodan was not given any notice. He came to class, like any other class...except that my teacher (the head of our organization) was present. We tested him there and then. He passes with no problems. The real "test" happened the week following, when I took him to my teacher's class, where my teacher directed him to lead class...about 30 of my classmates. My student was only 18 at the time. He lookes like a deer caught in the headlights, but did well.

Best of luck DQ! Chris

Here's my take... Initial reaction to a threat would be instinctual. Hopefully, this is occurs before the actual physical confrontation, if possible. By proper planning, forethought and some soul searching, you can modify your instincts. What I'm talking about here is the level of response to a threat...run, assume defensive posture, attack, etc,...and the level of force to be employed in a given situation. Initial reaction to an actual physical engagement should be reflexive. No conscious thought involved, although, based on attacker's posture, movements, intent, there can be some offensive/defensive measures that can be taken. After the initial engagement, there can be some concious thought involved, but still, responses to attacks should be reflexive. Obvioiusly, there are many shades of grey, and all of this may just be semantics... Chris

If my attacker was standing upright, I would as soon use a head kick as I would punch him/her in the foot...

AndyM, I believe we are Goju cousins. In addition to my Shoreikan/Toguchi lineage previously posted, I also trained in a Jundokan lineage dojo circa 80-87. So my lineage there is: Miyagi Chojun-Miyazato Ei'ichi-Mike Mancuso-Gary Lutz/Ed Bach-Me. Chris

Hey Wastelander, I will be attending an event in Colorado Springs the second weekend of October, at which Joe Walker will be attending. Chris

Miyagi Chojun-Toguchi Seikichi/Kawakami Akira/Sakiyama Sogen- Kow Loon Ong-Me. Clarification: Kawakami Akira studied with Toguchi Seikichi, Higa Seiko, Yagi Meitoku, Kina Seko and others. Sakiyama Sogen and Toguchi Seikichi studied with Miyagi Sendai.

While it a huge advantage that your Sensei is in top physical condition and can walk the walk, I don't believe that that's the end all and be all. I first had the opportunity to train with my current Goju Sensei in 1983. At the time he was in incredible martial condition, and could use the art for real, but more importantly, he had the gift of being able to convey the arts efficiently and completely. Throughout the past 3 decades he has retained a high level of martial conditioning, and his teaching abilities have gotten even better. While my Sensei may not be able to maintain the same physical condition in the distant future, I am sure that he will still be able to convey and teach the arts. I have had the good fortune to train with Toguchi Seikichi and Matayoshi Shinho, albeit while they were in their later years. While they were in no where near the martial condition that they were in their prime, they could still convey the arts...they still had lessons to teach. At the end of the day, for me, the important thing is whether a Sensei can effectively convey the arts. If so, there are many more lessons to be learned. Chris

Xuanlong, Welcome! What lineage/Ryuha of Goju did you train? I'm also curious about your preferences with respect towards IOGKF and Jundokan? Chris

Done

I like the Juka Emerald for its roomy fit in the seat and shoulders...good for a stocky Goju guy. FYI, I use a Shureido HW size 4, but a Juka Emerald size 4.5. John, How does the fit of the Tokon America or Europa compare with a Shureido or Juka Emerald? I'm looking for some alternatives to Shureido and Juka for my students. Thought I'd ask you, as I'm already a customer of ASE. Chris

Good job. While I don't train your art, my training is centered around kata training. I suggest that you train your form in sections, maybe into individual sections with 2-3 steps or techniques. There will be natural "breaks" in the form, that you should be able to find. Train each section slowly at first, making sure that your balance is as perfect as possible, your movements are smooth and techniques are correctly executed. Then build up speed. Once you've trained all sections this way, you can start putting the form back together. Best of luck in your journey, Chris

Rank means different things to people at different times in their martial arts journey. In the best of cases, rank should define one's relationship with their teacher, and maybe then secondarily for organizational purposes. After time in the arts, the color of one's belt should be less important. Not to long ago, there were no ranks. Most make way too much of the belt/rank issue. Chris

I have never trained Isshinryu, but I can give you my Goju perspective. The one punch kill thing has been taken out of context by many. It was never meant to be the end all or be all in conflict. It's a training construct that trains you to punch with the proper intent, so that IF it makes correct contact it will end the fight. It was never meant to mean that you should train to use only that one punch, with the thought that is all you need, or that you should not train combinations. To train your punch this way will make you more effective when you place this concept into the context of multiple strike attacks. Just my .02

IMHO, all grading/promotion, including skipping grades, is at the discretion of a student's Sensei or grading board...with the possible exception of Batsugun promotion in Judo. Rank is what you wear/carry... your training, performance, attitude and abilities are what you are.

In my first Karate dojo, back in the early 70's, the class after my Sensei's then fiance tested for Shodan, she wore no obi and lined up at junior-most end of the line. Very wierd to me, as I was only 12 at the time, but I knew enough not to ask questions. I later learned that Miss. Vicky was graded to Shodan-ho, and was required for a brief period to line up without an obi at the junior end of the line as a reminder of where she came from, as well as for an act of humility. While we don't use the Shodan-ho, I understand why some people would, especially back in the early 70's when, IMHO, the "blackbelt" meant more.

In a good year I don't have to pay anything to teach my class

Sensei8, Thank you very much for your informative response. Very informative about a ryuha that I've never come come accross. I find the lesser known Okinawan arts facinating, as they generally have a better chance at preserving the old ways. It sounds like your te is a no-nonsense, practical art. Does Shindokan Saitou-ryu train any of the Naha-te or Shuri-te kata? If so, how do they compare to today's Goju Ryu and/or Shorin Ryu counterparts. Also, how do you train two-person? Do you train 2 person continuous sets? I ask this as while my lineage of Goju, Toguchi/Shoreikan, trains 2 person sets based on various kata, not many other Okinawan Goju Ryuha do... but some have adopted this type of training fairly recently. It's fairly common in southern Chinese Martial Arts, from which we trace our roots. Thank you for any further information that you might share with me. Best regards, Chris

Mine is my Chinese name. It's easy to remember, for me...

Sensei8, It sounds like your memoirs will be a "must read". While I've been around Okinawan martial arts a bit, I don't know anything about Shindokan. Where can I learn more about it? Chris

FYI, kobudo weapons is probably more proper. Chris

Sensei8, I like and agree with the concept of respecting the rank, and not the individual. Makes much sense to me. But do you respect the rank of the individual in your first example? For me, Rank defines nothing more (and nothing less) than the relationship between a teacher and a student. Rank only has any real relevance within a specific dojo or ryuha. So, within my organization, I require my students to respect all Rank. Other than that, I would expect the requisite courtesy be given to rank from any other organization. It's a matter of "respect" v. "courtesy". Respect is earned. Courtesy is given until forfeit by poor behavior. Chris

I would go with the Shureido Kama and Sai. For the money, Shureido Sai have the best fit and balance for me. They also come in a variety of sizes. I've even purchased special order sai from them in the past. IMO, the small and large sai have the best/liveliest balance, but for the medium size fit my length of arm best. I also prefer the old fashioned model. While the stainless steel are nice looking, they tend to get slippery. Caveat, the natural finish Shureido sai, at least the ones that I have, can rust. Please note that I haven't personally ordered Sai or Kama from Shureido in at least 10 years, so I can't say how their current wares are. Chris