Kusotare

It's a shame you don't have an interest in Wado-Ryu, we're not into Bunkai in the contemporary way of thinking as our paired kata is quite comprehensive. You could possibly learn a few things that could help you on your journey. Stratagems turn in to victory through application. Application is realised through practice. K.

I have no problem with people re-enforcing their knowledge through academic studies and research. In fact, in some of the oldest Japanese traditions it is not only encouraged it is expected. However trying to explain things like strategies of fighting on forums like this is a waste of time. They can only truly be learnt and realised in the dojo. As far as my given systems are concerned, Reg Kear writes on his website about the stratagems and principles of Wado-ryu here... http://www.sannoya.com/principles.htm But it's a bit like learning how to be a potter or bowyer. Whilst you can read about how to do, the skill is only acquired through experience. K.

In a word "Sente" (先手). In Japanese budo this means to "seize the initiative" - in other words getting the jump on your opponent. K. So then, let me reply with a word: how? By creating opportunity! As Maybetrue has said - the real answer has to be felt, realised and experienced rather than told. K.

I think perhaps all roads lead to Rome in this respect Sensei8? Sente - in terms of a mental posture requires all of the above. We say in Wado-ryu 'Ko Bo Ittai' - which means attack and defence are one. K.

All of the above are required in order to achieve "sente" over an opponent K.

In a word "Sente" (先手). In Japanese budo this means to "seize the initiative" - in other words getting the jump on your opponent. K.

This may be of interest and may help the OP by explaining the significance of a Kata based structure in Karate. It's a bit dumbed down but it gives the impression.

Personally, I don't feel that I need religious studies (or religion for that matter) to make me a better person. I lead a fairly active lifestyle and have a good diet, so I don't need exercise classes. Haven't been to many seminars but the ones I have been to did nothing for me. Most importantly however, I do not live a life where my primary need is knowing I can defend myself. I live in a safe area within one of the safest countries in the world so for me, Karate hasn't been for that purpose either. I do however enjoy and thrive on the acquisition and honing of skills. In other words realising the more comprehensive meaning behind Budo. Remember, styles of Karate like Shotokan are Japanese in their structure (rather than Okinawan) - and as a result, the focus and the values are different. K.

Well, I think it would be more accurate to refer to a traditional Karate system like Shotokan as a Martial Art or Martial Tradition - rather than self defence! Arguably, one is born out of the other, but I think it is important to differentiate between the two. Shotokan, as a system, is there to get people good at Shotokan Karate- not necessarily to improve your ability to defend yourself - that's not its raison d'etre. Yes, there is a cross over, but by focusing on self defence you are at risk of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The ongoing study of a martial art is much more holistic. Self defence on the other hand is an entity in its own right. If you are serious about it, there is an awful lot involved. It goes well beyond understanding the principles behind how to fight - that's relatively easy. Spend a few hours looking into the likes of Rory Miller and you will quickly realise that what most consider self defence (as taught in the average karate class) is woefully inadequate. In fact I'd even go as far to say it was dangerous to consider it as such. K.

Most traditional Karate schools tend to base their syllabus on Kata. This may be hard to grasp (particularly as a newbie), but you need to stop trying to make a lateral connection between what you are currently practicing and self defence. The pedagogy of any Kata based system (and not just Karate) is a layered approach to learning the system itself. By this, I mean in your particular dojo, you are there to learn Shotokan, in a Shotokan way by using Shotokan kata etc. etc. BTW, most of us have a tendency to assume Kata are just the like of Heian Shodan etc., but actually, Kata is anything that is pre-arranged (including pair work and Basics (kihon). In this respect, strictly speaking - in Karate there is only Kata and Kumite. The Pedagogy of systems like Shotokan is there to realise "Shu Ha Ri" i.e. the journey an individual takes from Kata (fixed practice) to Kumite (free fighting). And as I tell folk who enquire to come and train at my dojo... If you want to learn self defence - go to a self defence class. K.

This may be quite difficult given his current predicament. K.

To each their own of course (I suppose if it gets you training its not a bad thing). Personally, I don't think it would be making the best of my time. I see you challenged Mr Abernethy... I wouldn't mind seeing his kata. K.

Whilst many kata practiced within the main styles of "traditional" karate share the same genus, I would argue that each Ryu-ha's version of the kata is unique. Take Wado-ryu's Pinan Nidan for example, and compare it with Shotokan's equivalent (Heian Shodan) - to the casual observer they are very similar, however what's going on under the hood is completely different. It's not so much what you are performing as part of the kata it is how and why. K.

I've always considered this closer to a Harai-goshi... K.

What you have picked up on seems to be a difference between groups within the style of Wado-ryu. In my experience, the JKF Wado-kai tend to withdraw the kick and place the foot next to the supporting foot before advancing into the Shuto-uke. The Wado-ryu Renmei on the other hand seem to put the foot directly down without withdrawing it - effectively dropping backward into the Shuto-uke! Worth asking the question whether you look at this technique as a kick or something else of course. K.

I agree about the front foot on the Shuto-ukes. I also notice your front foot is not straight on the Yamazukis. Finally the Kage-uke is Jodan. you appear to have this at Chudan. The hand positions are small things really, but you do need to work on the front foot / leg being straight. This is more than likely a flexibility issue in the hip. There is a reason why instructors beast students over it! All in all not bad though. K

You say Yakusoku? That is, pre-arranged sparing (pair-work)? Or do you mean Jiyu Kumite (free fighting)? Either way, as others have said, practice. Build up to it, and ask your sensei if there are any drills he/she could recommend to work on with a partner. K.

"Shiai" or sport kumite is not necessarily western thing. In fact it's huge Japanese varsity circles. What you are describing is "showboating" or gamesmanship. I personally don't go for it much - I'd rather focus on practicing good techniques and form, but despite recent efforts to curb such displays on the mats - it still happens. As some have already said - it can also backfire on you. Can I ask, what part of the world are you in? K

As a student of very traditional Japanese Karate and a member of a 300 year old koryu - I believe you have made the right choice. In the circles I move in, these systems are more accurately referred to as "traditions" and, the primary objective of everyone who trains is to maintain the transmission of (ryū-ha specific) knowledge - from one generation to the next. It's the "flow" or "stream" of knowledge that gives rise to the Japanese word "Ryū" (流). Not saying the chap who contacted you had bad intentions, it's just we should treat our knowledge as a precious thing imo and we have the right to be selective. Whether it be to pad out his resume or simply "cherry pick" techniques for the ring - It does nothing for your tradition. It's like my sensei used to refer to as - Not giving away the family silver. K.

Enjoy not knowing anything! It's a very uplifting experience that doesn't happen a lot in life! K.

As well as those of Ohgami sensei, I would thoroughly recommend Roberto Danubio's book. In addition, you could try to get hold of AJ van Dijks book, which is incredibly detailed. I have trained with all 3 gents and they really know their stuff. Let us know what you decide in the end. K.

Sounds like a typical Friday night in Esher! K.

None of the above. Don't get me wrong - I've been on plenty of seminars around the world, but whilst you may see lots of new stuff, you don't really learn much (or at least internalise it). That comes from your dojo, your sensei. At best, I see seminars as not so much a way to acquire new skills (or certificates (that's the bottom of the pile)), but as a way to help you crystallise what you already know (or are starting to understand). Just my thoughts. K.

Having trained with most of the Senior Japanese (older) Wado Sensei - I would agree it isn't really used. In fact, I was actually warned against using it prior to training with a visiting Japanese sensei for fear of offending him. I also train with a Koryu group - and the word "Oss!/Osu!" is NEVER used as it is considered vulgar. Funny how some see it as a sign of respect whilst others think it is totally disrespectful K.

I think we'd all be fibbing if black belt wasn't important to us. I think that dan gradings (above shodan) are also good focus points, but any good martial artist will tell you that the acquisition of the skill is far more important than the qualification. Sometimes we have just got to get over ourselves! K.