Nabil Kazama

Yes, yes it is. Your sparring is non contact, making contact is ESSENTIAL when sparring. You need to learn to take hits as well as deliver. But if you're happy training with them, then fair play to you. If not, go to another dojo and learn properly. Well i think our class is different or corrupt because they let yellow belt and above contact just not white belts and kids Get out of there. Train somewhere else properly, I got a Mae Geri to my stomach recently and it felt good to be able to take a hit. In the outside world, your opponent WILL try to hurt or even kill you. The chances are you're gonna get hit as well. That's why either full or semi contact is an necessity in kumite.

Yes, yes it is. Your sparring is non contact, making contact is ESSENTIAL when sparring. You need to learn to take hits as well as deliver. But if you're happy training with them, then fair play to you. If not, go to another dojo and learn properly.

Hmm, based on personal experience I personally would look elsewhere because there are 2 points you listed which is a put off for some. Modifying Kata is a no no for one. Badmouthing other dojos is NOT good etiquette. I wouldn't bother.

+1 on this answer. Its too much work for most folks to continue. I still struggle with certain things and I've been at it for 6 years. Also, outside sources can be a HUGE influence as well for example back in 2010, the Karate Kid reboot came out and I feel that had contributed greatly to the rise of students in our former dojo. Afterwards when the hype dies down, they leave. i.e casuals That's what distances me and my training partners from the casuals. Thankfully I've had a keen interest in the martial arts since I was tiny. Things like that keep you going on strong. No amount of naysaying or bordom can get rid of that 'instinct' you have and it develops itself over time. It will never diminish. Absolutely right, if I ever have a bad day at the club yes I might get discouraged and a bit annoyed/upset, but more likely than not I still end up going the day after, like you say if you have the passion nothing kills it =D 100% spot on my friend, funny you say that because last Saturday I was a bit stressed when sparring and felt it was a let down. Today however was vastly superior so as you say, even us Karateka have our bad days but it's never enough to put us down. You learn from it and move on. That to me is what a true Martial artist is.

You have to be very tough and can endure pain. It's not for everybody, when I tried Kyokushin years ago, the only reason I lasted as a guest was because I train in Shotokan so I have experience in taking hits. Not to put him off but as you say, if it's not for him then I'd recommend another style.

+1 on this answer. Its too much work for most folks to continue. I still struggle with certain things and I've been at it for 6 years. Also, outside sources can be a HUGE influence as well for example back in 2010, the Karate Kid reboot came out and I feel that had contributed greatly to the rise of students in our former dojo. Afterwards when the hype dies down, they leave. i.e casuals That's what distances me and my training partners from the casuals. Thankfully I've had a keen interest in the martial arts since I was tiny. Things like that keep you going on strong. No amount of naysaying or bordom can get rid of that 'instinct' you have and it develops itself over time. It will never diminish.

Martial Arts is from my experience one of those hobbies/pasttimes you need complete constant dedication to do. Some students can be casual which is fine, but there are the few who are always striving to improve. As for the green belt dropout well that's a new one on me, I understand that Martial Arts takes time, practice and patience/ Unfortunately most people expect to improve greatly in a short time. Doesn't work like that I'm afraid.

You guys have been very helpful! I actually have a Makiwara board in my garage. I am not confident to use it 100%.

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum if so, feel free to move it. Anyway on to my question. Are there any Karateka here who are familiar with the concept of Kime? It is to harden your technique upon impact and it really does hurt. I myself have felt it's immense power and strength from my Sensei. Is there a simple way you have trained in it?

I actually cannot remember how or when my interest in the martial arts started to show, it happened when I was VERY little. I have a keen interest in Karate in particular and also the fighting games play a role in my interest. The Karate Kid films and any martial arts movies helped reinforce my decision to promise myself that one day I will become a Karateka. This guy was a major inspiration growing up: http://streetfighter.wikia.com/wiki/Ryu

All of them. All you need is solid commitment and a Sensei who teaches properly.

Should've sparred with him there and then.

We only do Kumite on Saturdays, and technical on Sundays. Unlike most schools, our Sensei actually wants us to learn how to 'diffuse' situations in the outside world.

Train outside. Or do smaller movements. I haven't broke anything indoors.

Boom shaklaka!

Just started in Kyokushin a little over a month ago... I don't think you need to be fit to train but the training will definitely make you fit if you aren't already. what Hammer said! I'm working out at the gym in order to get fit. I felt too weak to handle Kyokushin.

Do you have to be physically fit to train in this style?

Very interesting, your relationship with your Sensei almost mirrors mine. I know that feeling of helplessness where you want to help him out, but you can only do so much. You see, I have private training with my Sensei and that keeps him afloat. But like your Sensei, he does have to pay the bills but I know he'll never close his dojo because afterall it wouldn't be fair on the rest of us who train.

Everyone more or less gave the same answer. But yeah also remember: "No such thing as a bad student, only a bad teacher."

No Karate system is superior to the other, all of those styles are good to learn. As long as you have a good proper Sensei who teaches you genuine stuff, then you're all set. However, you will get people who prefer the ferocious full contact and high intensity style such as Kyokushin and some people who prefer others. My opinion on this is in my sig.

Football as in American football or soccer?

To me, belt signifies rank and knowledge. We are ALL white belts, even your Sensei is still learning. There is no 'better' or 'power' this is a misconception with the ignorant masses who believe being a black belt is the best.

I.HATE.ITV with a passion. The narrator knows NOTHING about what he's talking about. He thinks Martial Artists have 'powers'. Ugh...

Nice responses guys, do you usually train in Gi or casual clothes? I do sometimes get looks, but I think they're more curious than things like 'Oh he's just some Karate man' or something. I wish I had some Mikawara boards of my own.

So as a Shotokan Karateka, me and my Sensei have discussed in the past places to train in other than the dojo. My Sensei has confidence in me that we train outside the dojo in a location I found. Do you guys like doing what I do? Take long walks and mentally practice? There's a countryside that is 10 mins from where I live and I drive there and train quietly in the mornings. In my opinion, I think a lot of people just rather train in the dojo but outside they don't which is fine, but I think they are more 'casual'