Grunt

Wow, what a lame thread! LOL. 28+ views and only two comments? Sheesh! Thanks smr. In general, this is my opinion as well. But, I hear/read a lot about how Karate is "more than self-defense" and how it changes you as a person. I was just hoping the folks that believe this would comment on it. Buuuuuutttt, I guess few really do believe this and it's all just a bunch of talk. Grunt

That is a pretty interesting site. Thanks TJS. We practiced two types of round house kicks the other night. One was with our front leg the other with our back leg. The front leg round house seemed like it would be most beneficial when being converged upon; e.g. it was comparatively quicker. The back leg round house was similar to the Muay Thai technique in that it used the hips to throw the leg. It was quite powerful and could probably be used if you needed to close some distance. But other than the hip rotation, it was all Shotokan technique. Grunt

OK, I hear a lot of talk about how Karate has the potential to improve ones character. Regarding this I was hoping folks would elaborate on their personal thoughts and experiences. For example: 1) Why does participating in Karate impact an individual's character? 2) Specifically, what improvements in character have you experienced personally? 3) Do you feel this is exclusive to Karate (as opposed to other styles, sports, life experiences, etc.)? Thanks! Grunt

AGKK_Karateka, Thanks for the explanation. Sounds like at that time in your life you saw a "bigger picture" than what you had originally embraced. I think that's a good thing and believe that we all have those moments with life in general. I can't say that I share you philosophy regarding Karate, but that's OK. I do however think we can arrive at the same result by taking different paths. And this was my next question, jmy77 just beat me to it. I detect an "all or nothing" frame of mind. Please note, I'm not in any way knocking this type of thinking. In fact, I see myself wrestling with this sort of thinking. However, as I've grown I've found that life isn't always going to be that black and white. And the older I grow, the more gray things become. As much I'd love things to be one way or the other I am left wanting. For me life is a balance. And I usually find the balance point as I swing past it. LOL. Grunt

AGKK_Karateka, You're response has me quite intrigued! Can you please elaborate on the following: What real principles were you looking for? Why did you need those principles in order to pursue your study? How do you feel your training would be fake/phony without these principles? Are you saying that because you felt this way you could NOT continue with your training? Again, I'm quite fascinated by your response and would appreciate hearing more of your thoughts. Thanks! Grunt

Thanks for the details. I wish I could say your concerns are legit but frankly, of the two dojos I've attened I have not seen a watered down karate. Perhaps I've been fortunate or maybe it's just that I haven't been with it long enough to discern the differences. But my gut tells me these schools are NOT McDojos. I can say that pretty much everything I've ever done in both schools has had a primary motive of self defense/fighting. Every technique has been taught with an explanation of why. And the explaination is always one of "martial" and not of "art" or physical fitness. Also, both of these schools, from my limited perspective, seem to be quite traditional. Part of me likes this because the original influences are maintained but part of me struggles with it sometimes because I don't see the connection to reality. For example, my interest in learning Japanese terminology and formalities isn't very high because I don't see a connection to my goals (e.g. self defense.) But I figure it's a small sacrifice to pay in order to learn what I'm truly interested in. Perhaps one day I will learn to appreciate these "lesser" aspects. Now, all of that said, I still have no axe to grind with people that choose karate for other reasons. Again, their goals may not align with mine but I refuse to let that stop me and my goals. The two can be separate and yet co-exist. I disagree with this. Participating is making a difference, albeit a small one. If the good schools have no participants, they will go under. If you desire to learn Karate and have access to a "good" school, then I think participating is making a difference and it does mean something. Who knows, perhaps one day a lower belt with desires like yours will climb the ranks of Karate and open a great school. But if they bail early because some karate schools aren't what they think they should be, they have missed an opportunity to make a difference. Check out the "Profile" link toward the top of the page. You can insert your quotes there in the Signature section. Grunt

But wasn't Mel Gibson's charater (Martin Riggs) a Leathal Weapon? Why would hollywood make this up? Grunt

Hmmm, hard to say. He could just be trying to pull a marketing thing you you; "It's worth it no matter what the cost..." On the other hand he may just want you to make a choice based purely on what you observe. In other words, he wants your choice to based on a true desire for the dojo/style than on finacial reasons. Again, it's hard to say and frankly, there could be other reasons beside those two. My advice is to go check it out. What could you possibly have to lose? You like it and it's within your price range. Great! If you don't like it or it falls outside of your range, that's OK. Walk away with yet another experience to recall. It's just an hours worth of your time. Grunt

OK, I think I'm starting to understand your real issue here. It's dilution that bothers you, yes? Can you explain to me what aspects of Karate, in your opinion, are being diluted? Note, I'm not trying to be a d!ck, just trying to understand the details of your concern/frustration. Also, regarding dilution, it seems to me that this started many years ago in Asia. How many styles are fusions of other styles? How many people started their own form because of this or that reason? I guess what I'm asking is where/when do you see the dilution originating? And to what extent do we continue on a "traditional" path for the sake of tradition? Lastly, I guess I can appreciate your concerns of Karate eventually becoming so watered down that it's no longer Karate. But my thoughts on this are, 1) I think someone will always be there to carry on the torch regardless of what happens (e.g. Karate will never fully die), and 2) if you are so concerned about the dilution of Karate, what are you doing about this? I mean, I like the bill of rights but if I do nothing to keep them alive and adhered to then who will? Again, I'm not trying to be a jerk here, just trying to understand the full picture. It's entirely possible that I'm missing something. Grunt

Although I understand you may have very good reasons for desiring private instruction, do not underestimate the power of being in a group. Group and private lessons have their advantages and disadvantages. As you might expect, an advantage in one is a disadvantage in another. I'd recommend doing a little of both if possible. Good luck! Grunt

NM, I used to shoot IPSC competatively ("combat" handgun shooting) and we were always putting together scenarios in order to test skills. We'd start with our hands in a bucket of water (simulating washing your car) and then draw your weapon and engage targets. We'd kick open doors and dive behind a couch before shooting targets. We'd practice shooting with our weak hand in case our strong hand was disabled. Yes, some of the things we did were a bit unrealistic and you might never find those situations in the "real world." But, we were pushing ourselves as much as our minds would allow in order to grow and learn and think outside of the box. So, if an instructor wants you to learn how to fight from a roof top, well, let him teach you. You might never find yourself on a roof top but you might find yourself on a ramp which is at a steep angle. A steady diet of unusual circumstances might not be healthy, but an occasional dose would probably do all of us some good. Grunt

NinjaMaster, you say that "nobody else seems to get it." Don't let me put words in your mouth but what you probably mean to say is that "nobody else seems to get what you get." I think you and I study MA for the same reasons. But it's OK if others don't. Seriously. If someone wants to learn how to stand like a crane, that in no way should impact my study. If someone wants to look cool doing a kata, great. Again, that in no way should impact my reasons for doing kata. I guess what I'm saying is, be you for your reasons. Study MA for your reasons. Sure, perhaps the original nature of Karate is only appreciated by some of it's practitioners, but that's OK in my book. I'm cutting my path and they are cutting theirs. I'm at peace with them and their reasons. Grunt

Sure, it has some weaknesses of which I hope to augment one day. But until I feel more competent with strikes/blocks I will continue with my study. I never said this. To me, it's entirely about the fighting. Personally, I don't just want to lock someone's joint or throw/wrestle them to the ground, I want to hurt them. Badly. And at this stage of the game, I feel that strikes/kicks are the best way to achieve this. Sorry, but some people in this world are evil and need to be hurt. Some people only understand pain and violence. I just want to be able to speak their language when that time comes (althought I hope it never does.) Although I might find some of the forms visually appealing and can even appreciate another person's perspective that it's "art" to them, I don't approach karate as if it's an art. NM, if I may make an observation, you sound a bit frustrated. What is really bothering you about karate and/or it's practioners? Grunt

OK, looks like I'm going to give Shotokan a try. One thing I've noticed is that the instructors like to refer to each technique with the Japanese words and terms. Since I'm a beginner they explain what they want me to do in English, but it's apparent to me that I do need to learn these terms anyway (in Japanese.) Can anyone recommend any books that might cover these terms and words? Maybe some Internet links? G96champ recommended a book by Funakoshi so I will probably check it out. Does it have the Japanese terms? Also, can anyone recommend any other good books? Thanks! Grunt

I was inquiring at a school near me and I asked the owner about the rates. He response said a lot. He said he doesn't believe in contracts but he will give you a discount if you pay for 6 or 12 months in advance. He also strongly advised me to go month-to-month before I consider paying in advance. For me, that revealed that he has my best interests in mind and is not just trying to get a guarenteed "meal ticket." They also let you come and train for 3 free sessions before having to pay. To me, this attitude shows a lot of honor and concern for the student. BTW, I love the username. I assume you've studied ching-ching-pow? LOL. Grunt