ZenPilot

Have started karate in my late 40’s; I’m athletic but have never been naturally or exceptionally flexible – have always had to really work at it. After a couple years all is well, but I would really like to have a higher mawashi geri. I can strike chudan level at best; I’m not really going to get a head strike kick unless my opponent falls down (joking). I’ve done some searching, but find a lot of mixed opinions/advice. I’m OK (pretty decent actually) with flexibility on fore/aft kicks such as Mae Geri, Mae Keage or Ushiro Geri; it’s just that my side kicks suck. Any advice?

I would suggest the Blitz White Diamond over the new Odachi. I have a White Diamond and it is great. I’m looking at getting a second gi and looked at the Odachi. They are very similar and both 14oz. However, for the Odachi, the mesh inside across the shoulders really seems a gimmick. What I didn’t like it that the side edges are trimmed in simple cotton webbing (the White Diamond used the same material as the gi) and the ties are of the same simple cotton webbing. The Odachi is simply a higher profit margin item for Blitz as opposed to being higher quality gi as compared to their White Diamond. The White Diamond ties stand up better to grappling, but as posted above just have your local dry cleaner/seamstress reinforce the stitching – or just untie them for grappling sessions. After seeing one (Odachi) and trying one on; I will now opt for another White Diamond or step up to a Tokaido or Shureido. I originally wanted one until I inspected it firsthand.

If you just learn the parts of the body and movements (forward, backward, roundhouse, etc.) it all comes together quite quickly and easily. Below is a link to a starter guide (with Japanese terms) that may be helpful. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BysN7gu-VtaVcDdoRXpaVU1tU0E/view?pli=1

Thanks for the above replies and feedback. I'll take a look at some of the suggested choices. I want good protection, but not at the cost of having to stop every 5 minutes to readjust the pads. Actually, the elastic pads fit great and stay on place; maybe I'll look at other elastic variants that may have thicker padding than the basic Blitz offering.

I did a little research and queried other students before buying all my kumite gear. I’m pleased with all my choices except for the shin pads. I went with the “Rolls Royce” of the other items, but for shin protection, kept it simple and went with the basic cloth/elastic shin pads. My reason was that the elastic shin pads will not slip or move around during kumite. However, after several sessions and having taken a few good kicks that have numbed my leg or feel to have bruised the bone, I plan to look at other shin pads. As I have protective footwear, I need the shin only (no instep). What shin pads get the best feedback for protection/comfort/staying in place? Following are a couple ideas; what are the group’s thoughts? http://www.supplementwarehouse.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=14126903&AccID=99149&PGFLngID=1&gclid=CJTaqeuH4b8CFbPJtAodV1kAXg http://www.revgear.com/product/pro-spar-shin-guard/

Of course the above examples are not always referring to the same classes. For my son and myself, the only class we are together in is a once per week mixed group kata class of varying age/rank. Otherwise he's in the kids classes and I'm in the separate adult classes.

My young son and I both train together. He started at age 6 and me at 46. We have several Father/Son, Father/Daughter and one Mother/Daughter families that train in our dojo. One family of four with two sons and daughter all at Shodan level w/ dad at 1st kyu going for his Shodan.

If you want a still camera (DLSR) that can take quality video you’ll want at least a Canon EOS 700D or Canon EOS 70D preferably. This can be more costly, but depends on what else you wish to use the camera for – both are great still cams. For a dedicated video camera, you cannot go wrong with the Sony CX series; something like the Sony HDR-CX410 (however all Sony CX cams are all great quality). However as most new video cameras with easily provide great results for YouTube video; more important is video editing software so that it looks professional. In my opinion Sony Vegas Pro is the best (but expensive at around £300) however they sell a budget version called Sony Movie Studio (which costs about £30) and will surely suffice. Osu!

There are no web videos of these to be found. Seido Karate has 10 basic self defence sequences which are standard across the system/style. Yes, I got these on my next class, but was merely seeking to find them beforehand to practice before my next training session. As note above, Seido grew out of Kyokushin in the mid 70's, so in many aspects is very similar; however there are many Seido specific items.

Yes, of course will ask when in the dojo this week, but just wishing to get it in my head before my next class to be prepared.

Does anyone have the moves (or weblink for info) for Seido Basic Self Defence #7 and #8. Just learning these and can’t remember which is which and can’t find any info on the web. I normally makes some notes after class, but missed to write these down while still fresh in my memory. Normally you can find anything on YouTube such as Katas, etc; but I can't find anything re the Seido Basic Self Defence 1-10 Thanks for any help. Osu