Harkon72

I don't know what focus this style of Shorin Ryu has, but our style as taught by Sensei Rikishi Oya still encourages throws, locks and takedowns. I have no idea why they would be omitted.

A good sports or Martial Arts supply shop, buying online is a bit of a gamble. If you must, then Amazon is ok.

Congratulations, enjoy your belt!

For a lot of Karateka, the seiken or first two knuckles is their favorite part of the hand to strike an opponent. For some Kung Fu stylists it's the Sun fist or bottom three knuckes. The heel of the hand is better for others, but I prefer the Shuto or knife hand as it has more versatility and better choice of target. How do the members of this forum make a strike with the hand, punching or striking? Do we have any fans of the single knuckle?

My Dojo is 50 yards from my front door. I've no excuses for missing training when I'm at home.

All I can say is take your time and stay safe. The Nunchaku especially can give nasty injuries if you don't take the right steps to practice with it. Having a partner in the equation doubles the risk. If you slow down too much in the enbu it won't look right; if you really go for it, the kata will be dangerous. Please think carefully, it could take months of training to perfect. That said, good luck.

I do two sessions in the Gym, cardio and resistance work. And I train a beginner in Karate who lives over the road from us. He's joined our class now and is doing very well.

Hello and Welcome, Goju Ryu is a great Style, enjoy it and we'll look forward to your posts. Osu!

I wonder how one would define "Combat Training". Most Combat troops throughout the world use a Martial Art of some kind for their unarmed close quarter combat. Usually this takes the form of a cross section of a few styles that become their own. It is different to law enforcement systems; it is designed to neutralize or kill. Karate for example has at its core termination techniques that are present from the earliest Kata. The way we teach is to only include deadly applications when a student is mature enough to contemplate it. But that said, a focused punch to any vulnerable point can kill. Some styles pride themselves on Combat readiness, Sombo, Krav Maga and Hapkido for example. I believe that any Martial Art is suitable with the correct training. The Wushu of China is artistic enough, but it is a Martial Art, "Martial" being the defining word.

I think JGarner's first point is the most suited response to having your kick caught; pull your self forward and stomp your foot to the ground.

My wife is 5'2" and quite chunky. She has a size 4 pant and a size 5 jacket. She finds that the extra freedom in the top helps her move and the smaller bottoms are ideal as they don't slip. Mixing and matching gis can be difficult, but if you take a look it is possible to buy them like this.

Yes we do, they are taught to grade up to 4th Kyu. They are the core of our style of Karate.

I agree, if you think of the Ba Gua elemental system; it's a little like paper, scissors, stone. Like rarely beats like, opposites neutralize each other and the principal of ying and yang moves through the form. As in the previous post, what you need is a balanced response. Having an empathy with your opponent, reading the situation will give the correct response; but this should happen in the blink of an eye and usually it is not a conscious process. Any good Aikido demonstration will show what is meant by Mushin, or "Mind like water".

An interesting video. I suppose the main point is that the bunkai starts when you are in yoi dachi, the application doesn't wait until the first block or opponent to the left. Thank you for sharing.

I practiced Shorin Ryu in my early martial arts career. I found it a good prelude to Shotokan, my Sensei called the basic Kata by the Shotokan term "Heian". I don't know if I can help, but I will have a look for you.

Yes, I agree, but what color do you choose? White and Black is a grade in our style.

That's very good, well done.

The best from of defense is to act in a way so that your opponent is at a disadvantage. Be that off balance, facing away, on the ground, controlled so they cannot attack again or ineffective so you are not going to get hurt. That said, if you can intercept them with a well timed strike that will disable them; this doesn't need to be aggressive either. The power of a right hook met with a strong knife hand block to the bicep will stop most attackers, the fact that you follow with the right knife hand to the neck area to further disable him is purely your choice. If you want to defend, look to stop your attacker before they get close, a good kick to the knee area as the step in will suffice. I hope you find your way and your own style within what you are taught; it is very satisfying.

Charlie, if you rely an technique and good form, calmly and with focus you don't need to be aggressive. Coming from a place of calm purpose is better than an angry response. You can act quicker as you are relaxed and in control. Meet each opponent like a whirlwind - strong and powerful on the outside but peaceful in the center.

As we have strict gun laws here in the UK, the only fire arms I have handled were at game bird shoots and country fairs. I have shot a Boss side by side hammered shotgun, several under and over modern shot guns and once an 18th century blunderbuss that almost put me in the next field! I shot some vermin with an AR14 once too, but that's it.

The junior grades in our classes always applaud eachother when they do well. The final bow at the end of every class is greeted with applause too. As you say, it finishes the class well and makes us feel good.

Hello and welcome, I practiced Shorin Ryu Karate in my youth and gained a second Dan. It has been a good foundation for my martial arts career. I look forward to your posts, I hope you enjoy your time here, osu!

Yes, I agree Harlan; we're much better off without him.

I listen to my body after a gym session; if I need it I drink Whey Refresh, orange flavor. It's expensive for £2.50 a bottle, but when I need it it is very welcome.

Yes, we knew it was a mistake. Nobody's perfect. It was a difficult situation.