Nidan Melbourne

This is what we do for our students: Juniors: 2 x Term (8 per year) or where required 3x Term Seniors: 1x Term (4 per year) Black Belt Grading (Juniors): 2x Yearly Black Belt Grading (Seniors): 1x Yearly (2x if required) For ALL Kyu Grades (Juniors + Seniors) you must attend a MINIMUM of 30 lessons and have passed 5 in grade tests prior to being eligible for grading. If you are 6 lessons (=1 in class test) out then tough luck and you have to wait till the next grading to be able to attend. We do however make some exceptions to allow students to grade with less than the 5 'tags'. They are limited to either being ONE Lesson away from being tested for their final tag OR if that final test had fallen on the Grading Day. Our 1st Kyu's are Permitted to Grade to Black Belt with 4 Tags on the provision that they have met our other requirements prior to grading. However our Black Belts must meet the TIME IN GRADE Requirements prior to being eligible to grade. My Sensei however has made some changes to allow those who possess a Senior Dan Grade (for my club currently anything above 2nd Dan) we are permitted to grade within' 6 Months of becoming eligible. That means originally we had to wait 3.5 Years to attempt for 3rd Dan, now we can Grade at 3 years (no earlier) if able.

I love the stare downs, just not when the two fighters decides to try and knock their teeth out when the other person gets too close.

It's not really a Saying Per Se but one of the laws of physics. However I teach Yin and Yang in a way with students, where they learn to minimize the levels of effort, and instead use your opponents energy against them. Purely because I hate wasting energy when i could be using it for something more fun.

From what I know if Shureido they take the time to make sure all their gi's meet their stringent quality control. As they often try to go above and beyond what International Karate Organisations require of the gi's worn, along with ensuring the uniforms last more than 18 Months when worn and put through it's paces. Like JR said that the one size seems to be the most common, which usually gets sold in Japan itself. As such they have a tough decision to either Increase the Production Levels of the Gi but sacrifice quality. or Sacrifice Speed for Quality! Tough Decision.

Congrats Brian, it sucks I couldn't end up making the stream courtesy of work making life difficult. Would have loved to have made it and watch it live or even participate. Btw loved your shoutout Patrick!

Solid Post LeighSimmsMA, i liked your thoughts on performing Ippon - Gohon Kumite. At my dojo (Goju-Ryu) we don't use that form of Kumite, however some of them look similar to our Gyakusoku Kumite and our Advanced Pre-Arranged Sparring. However our "Kamae" Position is never from 'Yoi' (Heiko Dachi, Shoulder Width Stance) it varies but both Attack + Defense are in the same stance (Usually either Sanchin Dachi, Zenkutsu Dachi, Shiko Dachi, Neko Ashi Dachi or Moto Dachi). And they incorporate: Distance, Timing, angles etc so we get to utilise them differently whilst moving. Each of our Pre-Arranged Sparring Drills then can be done in a flow drill, as so we will continue from where ever we land and becomes more realistic because if we use correct power, speed + strength then it can become quite dangerous. But often we commence this type of additional training when our students reach 1st Kyu or above. Ironically the Shito-Ryu Video you linked is from a school i know in Yarrawonga which is a couple of hours drive out of where I live.

No they don't know the difference between the two, I have had several people recently argue that they are the exact same martial art. Personally I like the WKF Ruleset; probably because I've grown up using it here in Australia. The WKF Rules have been changed a number of times over the years, because at some point kumite bouts were starting to become rather 'boring' because the fighters were continuously going into the "Clinch" and attempting to throw. When we utilize Point Sparring in Class (normally we have a a minute or two chucked into each round alongside our other forms of sparring). But when we do it; we don't stop the bouts to call points. The impact on schools, i feel like it may increase numbers for a while but they may quickly drop off when they realize that it requires commitment and to even get to the olympics that they would have to be the best of the best.

I haven't found many studies that relate specifically to Sports. However I have found Studies that relate more to periodisation and health overall. Can you post links from Journals that relate to what you mentioned? I am curious to see what you found. Cross-Training can be highly beneficial to students or even athletes that may lead to elite performances, of which i recommend more to Seniors than I do with the Juniors due to the associated Risks against the benefits. What I do instead with them [Juniors] is incorporate different exercises that allow for growth and that is safe then they can progress to multiple sports. I always encourage Cross-Training for Martial Arts or even for their own Health. But what we also need to take into account is the risk of burn out or over-training, which often happens when they take on too many additional activities that places excessive stressors on the body. Personally I Cross-Trained whilst in High School in 4 different Sports (Karate, BJJ, Rugby and Basketball) which now I am down to 2.

Thanks for input all, i'll be in contact with the Sensei who wants me there in regards to anything that they may want me to cover. I agree with your comments Sensei8 because I have had that before where someone took my class for a seminar and they weren't exactly confident.

Thats usually what happens, people get stuck on the idea of losing their weight but when they step onto the scales they haven't moved much even though they look in the mirror and see improvements. From my perspective in my field of work, when we help set goals with our clients we do not ever set weight related goals. As they can lead to an addiction or behaviour of not being "the right weight or skinny enough". You're right about body composition though, when we look at those results we will look at fat vs. muscle mass. As you may just be replacing that amount of fat that you used to have with muscle, which is something we want to happen. For me personally I have dropped to date around 25-30 kilograms (55 - 66 pounds) but even though i am dropping the kilos slower, i am at least putting muscle on to help my body stay structurally sound.

I feel like if you said in your OP that you didnt feel like you were compatible with your current style then IMHO responses would be different. Also each individual school has a choice to be a part of international organisations like the WKF and your countries Represantive National Federation. Also moving schools to try a different art is also a good reason to move, usually either to cross train OR in your decision to make the transition completely. I strongly suggest if you want to move school that does kumite is to go to several schools and watch + speak to the CI about how they approach things and what their curriculum is like. Because if you move there is a strong possibility that they might not permit new students (even with prior experience) to undertake kumite, but then there are schools with different views on kumite and they start earlier.

I can understand your wanting to move dojos because you want to be training with people closer to your age, however the question is would moving dojos really be better? If moving dojos means you get more sessions in and that is your motive then thats ok. But is it really worth it for one additional session? In relation to a lack of kumite, have you considered speaking to your sensei about it? But just as a friendly reminder not every instructor will see the value of kumite in class as they may choose impart their knowledge and abilities to their students. At the end of the day its your choice as a karateka and a consumer. I moved dojos several years ago because it was partially my instructor left but mainly because of incompatible personalities between myself and the chief instructor (and owner) of the school. If it was me wanting more sessions i would go 1 of 2 routes; either make private bookings with sensei OR train at a second dojo if they trained on different days. I train with several people who are older and are surprisingly fast and flexible. Also it depends on how long they have trained for and their approach to training.

Happy new year Safroot and all members!

Hi all, I've been asked to host a seminar sometime in 2017 and i'm curious to know what I should include. The school that has invited me to come is a Wado-Ryu School, and they've asked me to run a Goju-Ryu Seminar as to help further their technical abilities and expand their horizons. However the problem is I'm not sure what to include and at what type of level i should put things at. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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!!