Nidan Melbourne

So my sensei graded with the Australian Karate Federation in May, and just received his results at the Australian National Championshsips (Australia's top Karate tournament). As such he was promoted to Godan we are all extremely proud of him[/img]

You can never truly underestimate learning how to fall until you actually use it. As I've fallen numerous times either due to my own clumsiness or due to being in a self-defence situation and having fallen w/ the assailant and have fallen safely.

I'd say go check out the local schools and look at how the classes operate and how the Instructors interact with the students. Any style of Karate is a good entry level Style to be honest. Every single one has its benefits and limitations. Personally I have a preference for Goju-Ryu because 1) I have always trained in it and 2) it suits my personality extremely well.

Agree...leave the point sparring to TKD. Personally I disagree, because Point Sparring is vastly different between Karate and TKD. As such I'd like to see both forms of Point Sparring at the Olympic Level. The only part I like more about point sparring than knockdown is that it's easier to understand and follow for someone not familiar with the rules. The points scored are far clearer to see, and judges' decisions in who won and lost are easier to agree with. In knockdown, unless there's a clear KO or one guy clearly dominating his opponent, judges' decisions get tricky, especially to people who have no experience with it. It can very easily appear to be 2 guys slugging it out, and one guy wins for no apparent reason to the masses. I'm just anti fights being stopped at every clean strike and guys yelling every time they think they scored a point. The most frustrating thing to me is when one guy yells (or worse - both guys yell), both fighters stop and look at the judge who's looking at them like "Why'd you stop? I didn't award a point." The bouncing around really drives me crazy too. I guess it'll be like certain songs on the radio - if it's on while the TV's on, I won't change the channel; but I certainly won't clear my schedule to watch it either. It is frustrating because from memory there is no clear timeframe for when you can be pipped and given a warning for wasting time.

Unfortunately I disagree with you on the bolded above, because as much as they can say what you can do in terms of when returning to exercise due to trauma but they shouldn't be prescribing as it is outside of their Scope of Practice and Training. Unless they have been trained and qualified specifically to do so, but many good Doctors will study and get quals to ensure that they are covered and have a scope of practice to such Training. Although they do have a responsibility and a duty of care to their clients (People feel less stigmatised when called this) to inform them if there is anything that they should be limiting. In particular Exercise or Certain Movements or Behaviours. Example; My Surgeon informed me that I now have to take 3-4 weeks off training due to Subcutaneous Prepatellar Bursitis and be careful of any form of exercise and excessive loading of my knee. I know over in NZ many surgeons are fantastic and have done further study (and received additional quals) to do it. Although not as much here in Australia where they seem to prescribe everything left right and centre even if they're not really trained in it. Exercise Physiologists IMHO are the best course of action because they are specifically trained to deal with this type of problem, along with a wide variety of problems. As they can Prescribe Exercise (60-70% of their studies have been about exercise prescription), whilst taking recommendations on limitations from Doctors or other Medical Professionals. Occupational Therapists are great for Daily Management of any conditions that you have and ensure that they don't impact you on a daily basis. My apologies if I caused any disrespect JR or anyone, this is my point of view and i am studying to be in this field. Due to many colleagues of mine (including teachers at University) and I have found many Orthopedic Surgeons have done what you've said [Prescribing Exercise] and failed to prescribe appropriate exercise (along with Sets, Reps, Rest, Tempo and Load) and disregarded exercise specific guidelines we follow with clients. You caught my typing error. Thanks! It should have said "contrary to common sense, orthopedic surgeons are NOT the best at modification, prescribing an exercise regimen, etc." No disrespect felt on my part; we were both thinking the same thing IMO. As far as Ex Physiologists vs OTs and PTs, Ex Physios here are harder to come by, and they mainly work with healthy clients in a strength & conditioning aspect rather than a rehab aspect. And as far as I know, they can't bill insurance companies for services, which is a huge blow. Many therapists here do Ex Phys as undergrad to get into grad level PT and OT programs. Although that's changing as most PT and OT programs recently have become exclusively 5 or 6 year doctorate programs that start at the student's 1st year of college; i.e. they get in as undergrad freshmen and go straight through until they get their doctorate. Year round program instead of semesters with no degree in between levels; it's all or nothing. With that, where I was going with my post hopefully makes more sense. Orthos are good at getting in there and fixing it, and referring to a therapist for the long term follow up. I'll edit it if I can! Its interesting because in Aus; Exercise Physiologists who are current with their membership and have attended a NUCAP Accredited Course receive a Medicare Number (We can bulk bill if we wish; where the cost is covered by the government) and then we can apply for a Private Health Insurance Number with various Health Insurers. Obviously worldwide it will vary according to how the accrediting body works (ACSM in the US, ESSA in Aus etc) AEP (Accredited Exercise Physiologists) [AEP & EP are exact same role], can work with any person with different Medical Conditions + not just Apparently Healthy Clients. We can work with Metabolic (i.e. diabetes etc), Musculoskeletal, Neurological, and Other (i.e. Depression, anxiety etc). PT i am assuming you mean Physiotherapy? It is true many OT or Physio's do Exercise Science (Undergrad) to do postgrad in that field, although usually to be able to diagnose further. This is where i feel like some universities/colleges are very different where there is no difference between Undergrad and Postgrad because there is little to no time off.

Oss Sensei! Haha I might be a Nidan in real life, and a simple guide here as well but I am no Sensei. I have not been given that title [sensei],by my sensei and definitely don't feel like I deserve that title yet. For me to be called sensei, I would have to be a Sandan

Agree...leave the point sparring to TKD. Personally I disagree, because Point Sparring is vastly different between Karate and TKD. As such I'd like to see both forms of Point Sparring at the Olympic Level.

Unfortunately I disagree with you on the bolded above, because as much as they can say what you can do in terms of when returning to exercise due to trauma but they shouldn't be prescribing as it is outside of their Scope of Practice and Training. Unless they have been trained and qualified specifically to do so, but many good Doctors will study and get quals to ensure that they are covered and have a scope of practice to such Training. Although they do have a responsibility and a duty of care to their clients (People feel less stigmatised when called this) to inform them if there is anything that they should be limiting. In particular Exercise or Certain Movements or Behaviours. Example; My Surgeon informed me that I now have to take 3-4 weeks off training due to Subcutaneous Prepatellar Bursitis and be careful of any form of exercise and excessive loading of my knee. I know over in NZ many surgeons are fantastic and have done further study (and received additional quals) to do it. Although not as much here in Australia where they seem to prescribe everything left right and centre even if they're not really trained in it. Exercise Physiologists IMHO are the best course of action because they are specifically trained to deal with this type of problem, along with a wide variety of problems. As they can Prescribe Exercise (60-70% of their studies have been about exercise prescription), whilst taking recommendations on limitations from Doctors or other Medical Professionals. Occupational Therapists are great for Daily Management of any conditions that you have and ensure that they don't impact you on a daily basis. My apologies if I caused any disrespect JR or anyone, this is my point of view and i am studying to be in this field. Due to many colleagues of mine (including teachers at University) and I have found many Orthopedic Surgeons have done what you've said [Prescribing Exercise] and failed to prescribe appropriate exercise (along with Sets, Reps, Rest, Tempo and Load) and disregarded exercise specific guidelines we follow with clients.

Unfortunately i am not a Kempo practitioner so i don't know what you mean by the bolded above.

I like your train of thought Head over to the Introductions Section and introduce yourself.

Personally I don't feel like starting a club or dojo at 2nd Kyu is advisable. BECAUSE many people may not take you seriously. For prospective students i feel like they would want to see a black belt around the head instructors waist. As I have spoken to several friends of mine who don't train in any form of martial art about this and that they felt like you would have issues in training higher ranked students and appear to have lesser knowledge + experience than a BB. To me if you had the clearance to commence your own school from your sensei, then go ahead. I'd then say you should find a mentor to assist you with students and curriculum, because they can help you with those ranks that are closer to yours.

Discuss with your Physician to get some assistance to find a way to help you with your health issues. From my Point of View you'll need to be doing some strength training, but also to rest until your Bursitis gets to a level that is safe and comfortable for you to train. I train with Knee Pain (courtesy of No Meniscus + Prepatellar Bursitis), I normally adjust what i'm doing to manage the pain. But since I have bursitis, I have limited my Physical Activity to allow for recovery. I'd suggest speak to your Sensei, because obviously they aren't listening to you. IMHO in my eyes they are disrespecting you by disregarding your pain. Since I have knee issues, i still try and complete the non-modified technique although i sometimes modify when I feel like it is appropriate. That is usually where I can move and feel + see how to do things. But majority of my partners understand that every once in a while I'll change techniques to suit me. If it is with a partner where it involves throws i'll try my best to do the right thing but many throws i change (even a little) but works for me and is still safe for my partner. My fiancee unfortunately has so many physical issues (Juvenile Arthritis, Major Bone Injuries [smashed Patellar is one], asthma and several other problems). She is in constant pain and manages the bullying by standing up for herself, but also she has learnt how to manage that pain. I think when your instructor is discussing the technique, you can ask if there are any variants to that technique. Many people will find out that same information and can use that variant as well. This varies from Person to Person, but if you feel like your body is not doing well that day then i'd say sit back and relax whilst watching. Even by watching; you'll be learning through observation and passively. Honestly I'm no expert on training students with crutches or wheelchairs, but i do believe this as i mentioned before is to ensure you feel how to move and how to figure to shift yourself on it.

Welcome back to the forum. Hopefully you find some more helpful information from us newer folk

Congrats Reece. Well deserved

Happy Birthday Danielle from Melbourne Australia!

Personally I dislike the idea of being Self-Taught BECAUSE they may watch all the videos or read all the books in the world to learn the technique and forms. but at the end of the day they aren't being corrected on correct form and how to apply the technique correctly. Boxing in my eyes one of the few Martial Arts that you can do on your own because there is almost a standard way of training that is across the board for all boxers. I might be completely off and if I am please tell me because I wouldn't want to give people the wrong information. Although at the end of the day my thoughts on this will change as things do. But may involve further research to help me on it

My heart goes out to you Bob. Hopefully the Senior members of the organisation can step up and help out even if not for the long term.

In my opinion, TKD can get excessive with the kihaps, especially in Olympic sparring.Not just in TKD but I have seen it in a few tournaments where it is open to all styles. I am unsure of why that is the case though, especially where they scream and shout for every single technique that they do. Just like in the video that was attached, then in comparison to the WKF sanctioned Tournaments where it is more subdued and only have Kiai's where appropriate. For those who don't compete in WKF tournaments or haven't seen them before, you'll only find them [Kiai's] in a couple of spots for kata dependent on what one you're doing and which style it originates from. Example; this is Gojushiho Sho performed by the French National Kata Team:

I actually got asked that very question this morning and I wasn't angry or annoyed that they asked me it. All I told them is that I'd stop when I am no longer alive. If i can i'll still be training when I am old (i.e. 100 years).

No I don't, and hadn't really thought about that, but perhaps it's a sensible way forward. I'll have a look around locally see if there is anyone. ThanksBest source is an Exercise Physiologist or an Exercise Scientist. In the u.s. Refer to the ACSM (american college sports medicine), australia - ESSA

Congratulations Brain for such amazing milestone

Like Sensei8, being a 3rd Dan isn't a requirement to commence your own school. Instructors often open their school at 3rd Dan because they then have that additional experience in comparison to a 1st Dan. I'm a 2nd Dan, and personally wouldn't have opened my own school at 1st dan because I knew and felt like that I wasn't ready. IF you feel like your ready to open at 1st Dan, then do it! But my biggest piece of advice i'd give is to have a Mentor and continue to train with your sensei. Normally some schools don't permit you to teach until you are a Shodan-Ho or Shodan (Dependent on how your school grades students to Black Belt). Because this can affect on your education as an instructor and learning the finer details in teaching.

I recommend the WKF approved Mits & Pads due to their quality and the protection that they provide. At my dojo we can use three types of mits + pads; cotton (lowest quality, can't use in tournaments), AKF [Australian Karate Federation] (Good quality, can only use in Australia) and the WKF (Highest quality, use worldwide). Your thumbs are protected quite nicely, dependent on maker they will have a thumb guard or not. Overall they are very comfortable and after a while they almost conform to your hands and feet. Often people will kick harder wearing them because of that additional protection.

Do you see anyone for additional training that can help you in relation to your training? Seeing a Personal Trainer or someone more qualified than a PT can really help. I train people, and many with the specific mindset for Grading Prep in mind. I work them very specifically Aerobically and Anaerobically, because they may struggle to last the duration. Then have the strength almost secondary. BUT Strength Training can take longer to have adaptations so you need to train with some overloading.

High Intensity Power Movements can be dangerous to joints if performed incorrectly and overdone. Power Training is often recommended 2-3 times per week, but normally is at a moderate level. I work with clients for Power training and is appropriately supervised. Many people become injured due to a lack of supervision or training. Prevention is normally done early on, where you have to learn and condition in each movement prior to combining. Often in many schools that isn't done. This may be due to a lack of knowledge.