Harkon72

This is an interesting question; if we look at the words "Martial Arts"; the first one means "Ways of making War", so by definition; these are ways that existed from the first instance of human warfare, or making an effort to harm another for defense or attack. You could argue that Pan-Neolithic man did this while hunting and protecting his tribe from aggressors. The second word "Art" suggests a craft or skill that was developed to make such a human better or more efficient at his martial ways. There are examples of Cro-Magnon arrowheads designed for hunting and protection and they had developed hand axes and other stone tools. There are records of this intelligent gene-type at lest 43,000 years ago. Mammoths roamed the earth when the Pyramids of Giza were first being built; there was different evolutionary development and stages of mind set all over the planet at different times. This question of the origin of martial arts can be argued until the cows come home; but this was a brief attempt of mine at some reason.

The only thing I can advise is that you ask for one to be custom made. This can be expensive. An alternative is to make your own. If you go to any carpenter's supplier, you can buy ramin doweling of various thickness and lengths. It's not as good as oak for giving a good finish. I made a jo staff like this; I sanded the wood with two sets of sand paper and then sprayed it with furniture polish; job done, I had good use of it for many years.

The Iron War Fan or Tessen. Has anyone used one? I've seen tessen kata on youtube; they vary in quality. I know that Japanese Kuno Ichi used them, but do guys use them too? I have bought one for our Sempai for her birthday. It's for girls, right? Or is the tessen what Sumo referees carry into the Basho?

I had heard that Tang Soo Do was expressed as "Korean Shotokan" but I have no stories of how this may be accurate or not.

You could argue that all "Empty Hand" Arts could be termed as "Karate" by definition. But would you call Kung Fu or Wu Shu "Chinese Karate" as you would call Tang Soo Do or Tae Kwon Do "Korean Karate." ? I would call Ed Parker's Kenpo "American Karate". I practice Welsh Karate don't I? No, seriously; If your style is derived from Okinawan Nahate or Shurite, then, theoretically it is "Karate" even if your tradition was developed in another country; for example - Korea.

You have just shown with the post above that your perception of Karate training is very different from my own and many other traditional karateka. The perfection of simplicity is where the art lies. The depth of application in body, mind and spirit can reach the most advanced level through the repetition of the building blocks of the Karatedo. This is where the art is. For me, as I return to even the most basic kata and the most simple looking kihon; I strive to reach a no-mind, a unity of all the three elements of my art and style; your body, mind and spirit are moved by the non attachment of effort to learn what is new; but to take the bread and butter and make it your Budo. You cannot achieve a calm mind if you look to remember anything; it must flow from your karate. We do learn new kata; but the art remains in the most elementary; where the style is purest.

One who gets down and does the pushups with you!

This video has been highly commented on tonight on FB in the UK. Some love it, some see serious flaws; as Chinese martial arts stylists, what do you think guys? http://youtu.be/uj499l28pa8 I know relatively little about the style as portrayed here, can you help me out?

Penblwydd Hapus Devin! Enjoy your day!

I like the first form, it shows focus and commitment. The second is good also but maybe the shiko dachi could be deeper and the student may take more time over it. The third is a nice display, it looks good and has aesthetic value. It's quite hard to synchronize and it must have taken a lot of work. Good Job.

That looks very good, simple and easy to understand. I'm in North Wales near Caernarfon, I'm pleased that you are here on the forum; I look forward to hearing your views.

He was overcome with emotion; they spent the rest of the day enjoying a good meal and peace and quiet before driving home to North Wales.

Please beware of developing an injury that never heals as you never give it a chance; it could blight your whole career. I know a world class rugby player who had the relatively minor injury of a broken collar bone; he always returned too soon to his training and broke it again and a again. Now no pro team will sign him because the bone is not capable of knitting at all. He sacrificed his career out of impatience. Rest, heal and then return.

I have found myself looking from the mirror of my Budo; I am also alive because of my training.

In our area it's BJJ clubs that teach no-style karate to kids. They have bought the Gracie franchise and want a quick return. I can't say who's behind them, but they are well known Americans. They run the business as a satellite here in the UK. I know it's a free market, but I hope people realize that there are alternatives.

Hello and welcome! Goju Ryu is a great style!

Sensei Eric Williams failed his physical 5th Dan grading back in october 2013. He was very upset and it made him very determined. All that knew about his second attempt yesterday were himself, his second Sensei Lloyd and his brother Sensei Chris, who drove him, apart from the grading panel. I only knew this morning when his photo was posted on FB with his certificate! This was the way to do it in my opinion. Well done Sensei; we are so proud of you! Osu!

Yes, Bruce Lee...An outstanding martial artist? Yes. A God? No. He had good things to say, but there were many of his character traits that were very flawed. He reminds me of Ali.

Yesterday was mental! If the flying wheelie bins don't knock you out, then the falling trees and roof slates might do you in! My Mother on Anglesey was sandbagged up to half the front door last night. Oh the fun of the Welsh winter; we must be grateful it's not Snow!

Wastelander, you may know how I feel about Aikido and other minimal contact martial arts with nice unrealistic attacks and compliant throws and a good soft landing. They let them get up! Sorry, I'm slightly biased towards realism.

Just a quick note to wish all our UK based friends a safe and cozy time during the worst storms in living memory. Stay at home if you can and stay safe!

Chest, always look chest!

My Shukokai Karate Linage is as follows; Uzawa Naonobu Tabata Shigeyoshi Taizaburo Nakamura Fumio Demura Julian Malalieu Eric Williams Me! Not bad at all I think.

Always stay safe while sparring, trust is something you develop. The high grades are always very good, it's the beginners that can hurt you

I admit, I carry a Kubotan; actually, I have a new one, a 6" Cornish oak one with a domed head. I have carried a metal one and I have been on a few courses in their use. But there has been great debate over their legal status here in the UK. Are they an offensive weapon? Is any thing that you carry that is designed to injure another person illegal? I always thought that it would be up to a jury to decide your fate should you use one in self defense. As my Sensei said; "You are better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6." He has a point. But last week I asked a 7th Dan Shito Ryu Sensei who used to be the Chief Constable of Manchester Police to clarify this matter. His answer was very interesting. He said; "The Kubotan can be carried, it's its use that defines its legality; If you use the implement to press pressure points on the body or to assist in the application of locks and control techniques and the person whom the defense effects has no permanent injury; then the use of a kubotan is legal. But, if you strike a blow with it; this is deemed to be unreasonable force, and you could be prosecuted. If you use your self defense tool to frighten or intimidate, you are breaking the law, or if the kubotan has any spikes or protrusions, it is deemed illegal. There is a type of kubotan that is outlawed; this is the hollow bamboo design in metal that is too dangerous as it can give injury that is also disproportionate. That's the law as was stated in Manchester Police's most current training as regards offensive weapons and their use." I must say, I was happy with that.