Nidan Melbourne

Solid Post. WKF Kata does always seem to look a lot more solid than other tournament kata that I have seen on the internet. Because the only kata that are permitted are kata that are from one of the recognized Ryu-Ha. From my knowledge they only recognize Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Shotokan and Wado-Ryu Kata, and there is a Kata list that competitors are allowed to select from and perform that kata according to the schools kihon. But from there it does become difficult because there are some styles of karate-do that are distinctly different to one of those four 'major' styles. Look at Kyokushin Karate; they have several distinct versions of Kata that is not similar to one of the major 4, so would they be permitted to perform their styles kata? honest answer I don't know. As far as I'm aware the only thing the WKF have changed over the last 10 or so years that was directly influenced by the IOC was how points were designated. Originally it was Ippon, Nippon & Sanbon (1, 2 & 3 Points), then it got converted to the Judo Terminology for Scoring of Yuko, Waza-Ari and Ippon. But from there they kept the same hand positioning for the referees to denote what the person scored. Also it kept things easy for the judges to indicate with their flags. I'm sure if competitors in kumite tried to do those overtly flashy techniques that other martial arts do in the Olympics, there would be more bouts that would have a 0-0 scoreline over what they have currently. But it is true we all know Tournament Sparring is not really what Kumite is really all about. I know Wastelander's dojo keeps Tournament Sparring to a separate class for those interested. At my dojo we incorporate Tournament Sparring (WKF Rules) for variety, but if we are to do it we have to do other forms of sparring also.

Sensei8, I believe you have stumped me as I have never heard the term Dento Bunkai. It may be a difference of terminology (Japanese to Hogan) but would you be so kind as to explain to me the definition of this type of Bunkai? I understand it is a stage, I just do not understand what it represents. Although we do not use this terminology I know the terminology for Kihon Bunkai, Kakushi Bunkai, and Henka Bunkai, but have never even heard the term Dento. Hate to show my ignorance but this one has stumped me and could not find anything on Google search to help enlighten me. The closest thing I got to a description is that Den means traditional. Admittely I haven't heard of Dento, Kakushi & Henka Bunkai either. However from a quick google search and landing on Iain Abernethy's website this is what I found which was posted in response to a similar question you just asked and I am qouting it exactly as what it said by a person called Holger: If you would like to check where i got it: https://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/different-terms-used-bunkai Also another good link that might help: https://books.google.com.au/books?id=wrNAfgmdcRkC&pg=PT200&lpg=PT200&dq=Dento+Bunkai&source=bl&ots=ye46UVI13U&sig=9TJ-UZ6lzBTtUGYn5DAE4z0nPk8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiB-PKK9pXRAhWDU7wKHXfVDJ8Q6AEIPzAG#v=onepage&q=Dento%20Bunkai&f=false

Solid post Sensei8! For me students who cannot put a white belt on irregardless of when they were one, then have lost the ability to realize that there is always something to learn. Alone in 2016, I put a white belt on multiple times not only by trying other martial arts or styles but also by putting one on in my own dojo. Multiple times to remind me to be humble and give myself a reality check other times was because in my eyes i didn't deserve to wear any other rank than a White Belt for a time. For me that is the real test for anyone wanting to be a Black Belt.

From my point of view, the WKF competitors are faster because they are wanting to get into the olympics and then also from looking at the scoring requirements they place a lot more emphasis on speed (whilst still being strong technical techniques). However from what I have seen of JKA Tournaments they place more emphasis on Power and in a way Knocking their opponents down. I compete in WKF tournaments within' Australia of which are organised by our National Federation (Australian Karate Federation) of which uses the WKF Rules. As to me the rules make more sense even when they are being adapted (minor changes) every few years. In terms of SWEEPS in WKF level Tournaments this is what has come directly out of the rulebook: "For reasons of safety, throws where the opponent is grabbed below the waist, thrown without being held onto, or thrown dangerously, or where the pivot point is above belt level, are prohibited and will incur a warning or penalty. Exceptions are conventional karate leg sweeping techniques, which do not require the opponent to be held while executing the sweep such as de ashi-barai, ko uchi gari, kani waza etc. After a throw has been executed the Referee will allow the contestant time to immediatly attempt a scoring technique." As the rules also state for GRABBING you are supposed only grab with ONE Hand; however grabbing with 2 can warrant a Category 2 Warning. This is the information provided with the aforementioned Warning: "1. Feigning, or exaggerating injury. 2. Exit from the competition area (JOGAI) not caused by the opponent. 3. Self-endangerment by indulging in behaviour, which exposes the contestant to injury by the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures for self-protection, (MUBOBI). 4. Avoiding combat as a means of preventing the opponent having the opportunity to score. 5. Passivity – not attempting to engage in combat. (Cannot be given after less than the last 10 seconds of the match.) 6. Clinching, wrestling, pushing, or standing chest to chest without attempting a a scoring technique or takedown. 7. Grabbing the opponent with both hands for any other reasons than executing a takedown upon catching the opponents kicking leg. 8. Grabbing the opponents arm or karategi with one hand without immediately attempting a scoring technique or takedown. 9. Techniques, which by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of the opponent and dangerous and uncontrolled attacks. 10. Simulated attacks with the head, knees, or elbows. 11. Talking to, or goading the opponent, failing to obey the orders of the Referee, discourteous behaviour towards the Refereeing officials, or other breaches of etiquette." Training methods for competition do vary greatly according to the Tournament Type itself, between; Local, State, National and International levels of competition then also where you compare it between WKF, JKA, NASKA, ISKA and whatever tournament or organisation it is. As each has their own rules that are used. Although from what I have seen is that the JKA does penalize inactivity more than the WKF does or they have specific rules for it when penalties for the same infraction has been given more than once.

Welcome to the forum Gojuryu1971! Hope to learn a lot from you and hope you learn something from us. btw we have trained in the same art for the same amount of time!

Merry xmas all

Welcome to the forum. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help.

At my old dojo I couldn't tell you how many Black Belts there were/are because the club had operated for 15 years or so prior to me joining. So now there could be hundreds if not thousands. At my current club we have or had around 50-60 Black Belts in the last 8 years of training. Many of them came across as Black Belts.

I have been through many schools for different MAs and most of them were like that. Regarding the contract, tbh I hate this idea because the contract will be all the time in the favour of the school not the student and with possibility of circumstances changing every now and again, I will never lock myself in a contract. Even when I am looking for gym, I will go for one with no contract even if it's not as good as the contract one ! I hate seeing Contracts being used at schools, because it is a hard thing to judge for each individual person and whether it is a good fit. At my dojo our memberships other than a standard direct debit, normally offers various things that works out to be cheaper in the long run over the direct debit option. 90% of our students are on a Direct Debit which currently sits at $95 per month; courtesy of the location having increased our rent. The 10% that don't do the Direct Debit and are on a contract are those students who train regularly and are normally on the State or National Squad. But those "contracts" can be cancelled at any time with no negative consequence to the Member. We normally give a refund of any time remaining left if they paid in full, unless they are currently in the "free training period" of that membership where they don't receive the refund.

It would be a good idea to cross train, it may in fact benefit your training to undertake kendo.

That is extremely unlucky JR. What is the Medical Prospects like for you over in New Zealand for management or treatment? It sounds incredibly difficult for you to manage and cope physically and emotionally. We are here to support you every step of the way, and we want you to know that you are family and family means everything to us here at karateforums.com If you feel worse then please speak to someone! we love you to pieces JR!!

Good Luck for the tournament! I understand your quandary regarding your back, because you don't want to injure yourself again. Personally I would wait just to allow for recovery and rehabilitation, but at the end of the day everyone is different. You however hit the nail on the head, tournaments force you to adapt as you will fight people that you've never fought before; as such you need to make those adjustments to the way you fight to your advantage. For years I was very anti-competition, because i thought it would take away from what I was learning and would create super bad habits. However I have changed my tune drastically, because i realized by placing myself into difficult situations I would adapt and become better and in turn cope with dealing with the unknown. Being the best teacher you can be, often means popping your bubble and making your comfort zone more than just what your used to.

My dojo has it's lineage through Yamaguchi Sensei (Goju-Kai). We are slightly varied in terms of Kata, we added the taikyoku kata (Taikyoku Jodan, Chudan, Gedan, Kake and Mawashi Ichi) prior to the Gekesai Series. In relation to stances, it is noticeable by viewing their Shiko Dachi. As the Japanese tend to be lower than the Okinawan. However in my eyes Goju-Kai is not watered down, as students train just as hard as those who are from strictly okinawan lineages. I have trained in several schools that teach Goju-Ryu that is only taught from a Okinawan Lineage. And their training was similar to what i regularly do. The only difference in training was either the terminology or minor changes in how to perform techniques. Each dojo irregardless of what they particularly teach, will offer what is useful for their needs. At my dojo even though we do jiyu kumite, we still do kakie and about a dozen or so things that you would only "typically" find at an okinawan dojo.

I agree!! Does anyone know his rank?? I know he's of no particular core style anymore, according to his writings. He's a 4th Dan. I would like to know which style. It's one of the original ones, but it could be either Okinawa or Japanese. Okinawan Karate. I believe he has studied Shito-Ryu as his Base Style.

How much drills would you estimate you guys devote to punches vs kicks? I train ITF/Chang Hon-TaeKwon-Do which was based on Shotokan and Id' say it's roughly 80% kicks in drills (mitts), while training basics (excluding patterns) it's 95% hand techniques. I suspect our grandmasters age (60+) has something to do with it because he does not demonstrate any elaborate kicks, thus has no interest in devoting the basics to it. Which is a shame given that he's a 9th Dan (highest). I am sure he knows a thing or too about kicking... The asisstant instructors are the ones demonstrating kicks in our power training (mitts). We roughly do 70% Hand Techniques vs. 30% Kicking Techniques. This is usually due to the lack of available space that we have for our dojo and numbers of students.

Biomechanics is how you move. Muchimi is how you keep in contact with your opponent, along with releasing techniques with power. So starting off slow then building up and exploding. Refer to: http://www.karatebyjesse.com/the-two-sides-of-muchimi/ Gamaku in essence is about Hip Usage and power generation. Refer to: http://asaikarate.com/what-is-gamaku-%E3%80%80%E3%82%AC%E3%83%9E%E3%82%AF%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E4%BD%95%EF%BC%9F/

Varies school to school and their requirements. I know a lot of schools irrespective of style would love to spend more time on kicking. I know my sensei would love to spend more time on kicking, but other things come up and we have to focus on those.

Welcome to the forum aazaaazaaazaaaza. Hope you enjoy your time here

I'm a Goju Practitioner and we only use the term "Oos/Osu" as a greeting. Never once for anything else, as for us when we have visiting students or instructors we often have to remind them that we only use it for bowing in/out and the word "Hai" (Yes in Japanese) for everthing else.

Personally you would join as a white belt, as IMHO (and mean no disrespect) would be considered rude to ask to be permitted to wear whatever rank you wanted because of your prior training. We have many students come through who have had previous training, but will have recommenced at white belt and when eligible to grade they will get graded to where their skill level is at. Like what JR said, you could train on your own for x number of years, but you may quite easily be very rusty on the technical side of things. But that also depended on whether they have trained in our style of karatedo or not. If they didn't then they can't progress to say black belt.

Where I train is in a Recreation Center, and in our room we don't have our own private area to shower and the like. However the Center is accommodating towards those who don't identify as 'Male' or 'Female' as such have rooms that are more geared towards allowing those who are Transitioning to use the room that is geared towards the room that they identify as. For them it is about how inclusive that they can be, irregardless of what your Sex and Gender (Difference: Sex is what is between your legs and what your Chromosomes say you are. Gender is what YOU identify as irregardless of sex) is. I understand that there are groups of people who are uncomfortable with changing and getting undressed in front of others and then showering, normally to a magnitude of reasons. And for peoples privacy won't give examples as I do not want to single different groups out. The gym (Weights, Cardio etc) I train at has split showers and changing room that has two curtains or doors to maximise privacy for those not wanting to flash their private parts. During Class we don't line students up according to their Sex (Note Above), only by their rank, height or skill level so others can benefit throughout their training. Very Rarely does it work out that all the girls are in the front and boys in the back (OR VICE VERSA), and we don't intend on insulting anyone if that happens. For our students at the outset of them training with us we ask them if they have a preferred name for us to use, in addition when enrolling students we do request that they state their Gender and if they are transitioning to place their new sex instead of their old one. As such this is to ensure that we can help prevent bullying in the dojo and also to give them additional coping mechanisms for when they are at school or at work.

No I haven't heard of it before. It could be a solo school and sattelite schools that hasn't really spread? Maybe Wastelander has heard of it across his research?

Well in our classes we use a combination of English and Japanese. But depends on the skill level and knowledge of the students. We use the english terminology for our white belts but introduce the japanese terms to them after several lessons. In comparison for our 1st Kyu's we use predominantly japanese terms. When we are in our advanced seniors class we only use japanese terms. As it is expected that we know what it is.

You need to keep those with ADD focused and interested in what they are doing. They may get bored really quickly if they don't find it interesting. In a way you will find that those children (and adults) can actually give you somewhat of a good indication whether what you're doing is interesting or not.

Basically what JusticeZero said! BJJ does have many throws that come from Judo, but have removed many of them due to the adjustment made by the Founders of the Art when they suffered from Asthma (from memory) as such couldn't do Judo. Tallgeese will be able to assist