SteyrAUG

It probably saved mine. Without it I was just a young kid trying to get out of the house. That road typically doesn't go to many places good.

Well that is why I also mentioned this... But the "startling / break your concentration" consideration of kiai is actually the least consideration. You could more effectively accomplish that goal by tossing your keys at your opponent. It is hardly the primary purpose of kiai. And yes there are non vocalized kiai, but the OP is having enough problems with basic kiai, and the subject is so completely misunderstood by so many that I didn't think getting into advanced kiai concepts was useful at this point. Now at advanced levels kiai is used to defeat zanshin but that isn't quite the same as "startling your opponent and breaking concentration." It seems like that when explained in simple ways, but there is a lot more going on. But again, this really isn't going to be useful to the OP who has problems with basic understanding of the fundamentals of what kiai is, how to do it correctly and when to use it.

At first martial arts was simply a fun activity for me as a kid. But early on I began to experience a turbulent home life. Where most kids escaped to their bedroom or under the bed, I escaped into the martial arts. When my parents would be fighting over this or that, I'd go to the garage or front yard and practice. The ability to focus on something solitary like the martial arts allowed me to tune out the stress of my home. Later on it would become a literal escape as I virtually became a uchi deshi to one of my teachers who lived in the neighborhood. I'd go straight to his home and begin practicing in his driveway or garage dojo (if the door was up) and I'd stay well into the evening with him frequently just telling me to put the door down before I went home when he retired for the night. If I didn't have that psychological escape option who knows what might have become of me. Fortunately I would eventually move out of state to live with my grandparents so martial arts could become simply part of who I was rather than a hiding place.

My first concern is it doesn't seem as if your instructor has taught you how, when and why a kiai is done in the first place. I find it's an area that many "teachers" don't have a firm understanding of. The are specific tones and vocalizations to be correct from one kata to the next. The worst of course is a class of students shouting the word "kiai" itself. I have nightmares of a Japanese school where the students repeatedly say the English word "scream" rather than just doing it. The two characters of the word "kiai" in Japanese are the same two used in "aiki" from "aikido" but reversed slightly changing the emphasis. Most here are aware of "ki" that mystical energy we all use to float two feet off the floor, walk through walls and kill at distances of 20 feet with just an outstretched Darth Vader hand. "Ai" roughtly translated means to harmonize or unify. "Ki" and "Ai" brought together means basically to harmonize your "ki" only in the instance of Karate styles the "ki" is harmonized with the movement (Block, strike or kick) rather than harmonizing the "ki" with your opponent as in Aikido / Aikijutsu systems. To simplify this long dissertation it's not all that much different from the vocalized exhales used by weightlifters to get them through that difficult lift. It forces the body to exhale, tightens the correct muscles and psychologically prepares the mind and a host of other things. This is why in military drill you will often hear guys in boot camp yelling "kill" during bayonet training. It's a pseudo kiai of sorts but done more to get your head into the game. Specific vocalizations such as "Ei", "Ya" and "Ha" (and several others depending upon system) were found to be more effective than others and each one was useful for specific movements more than others. Of course these are all things your teacher should have taught you before he expected you to understand and be able to apply them. Sadly today this is almost lost "esoteric" knowledge (despite the fact that it was taught to us as white belts) and most people simply think the longer and louder they shout the better the kiai is even when doing so is actually counter productive to it's original purpose. I remember watching some "master" black belt whatever who ended his dynamic traditional kata with a multi tone kiai that he sustained for over 30 seconds (think of the singers on Star Search holding a note for the judges) and he got a standing ovation from the entire room as if it was the best example of kiai anyone had witnessed anywhere. Personally for me, it would have been grounds to not move from white to yellow belt.

There are two issues at play. Knowledge and ability. Generally knowledge is forever and ability is not quite as constant. This is why you don't have to take your SATs every 5 years to maintain your college degree. So let's take two scenarios: 1. An individual who has dedicated 40 years to training and is currently a Godan but if we are honest at 55 years of age wouldn't exactly dominate at a tournament even in the Shodan level. He can train a Shodan how to dominate at a tournament but his days of getting all four flags every time are more than a decade past. 2. An individual who once attained the rank of Shodan after 6 years of training then quit and hasn't practiced in over 20 years. He can't remember what Kiba Dachi means, couldn't get a side kick past his beer belly and has devoted his time to cigarettes and reality TV. In each case both individuals legitimately attained the rank of Shodan. But are both of them STILL a Shodan? I stopped perusing organized systems at Sandan and as a consequence I can never be ranked higher. But in the almost 20 years that I have held a Sandan grade (as well as handful of Shodans) I have bested 4th and 5th Dans. Does that make me a Yodan or Godan grade? Does it mean they should lose their rank because they were beaten by a Sandan? Furthermore, if one of the ranking bodies I am no longer a member of decided they will no longer recognize my rank does that really mean anything? I still know what I know and can still do most of it well enough to keep up with Shodan grades who are 20 years younger than me. In a very real way rank is almost meaningless. I've learned more since getting my Sandan grade than I learned from white belt to Sandan. If I decided to remain within that system and under that organization I'd certainly be wearing a much higher grade. But to me it was more interesting to simply be a martial artist.

I practice a little MP5 Ryu Ha myself... http://imageshack.com/a/img76/8541/p1003832nh1.jpg

Very few people are able to see their own failings. At least you have that quality which will serve you well. I think every martial artists has some regrets from wasting time at schools that weren't as useful as ones they found later. Putting important emphasis on aspects of the martial arts they would later not value as much. And of course long breaks in training. The important thing is "being a martial artist" isn't because of someplace you go or something you pay for. It is what you are, it is what you do. I can't imagine myself ever not training.

I would disagree. Great place to be a criminal however. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8771809/Father-arrested-for-murder-over-knifing-suspected-burglar.html "Police said that during the break-in Mr Cooke was threatened and that one of the intruders - named locally as Raymond Jacob - was knifed." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2223125/90-year-old-shot-face-burglary-SUED-burglar-World-War-Two-veteran-fired-back.html A 90-year-old body-building, World War Two veteran who was shot in the face during a home invasion is being sued by the alleged burglar for firing back. Former Greenbrae deputy sheriff Jay Leone is accused of 'negligently shooting' 31-year-old Samuel Cutrufelli three times and causing him 'great bodily injury' as the older man defended his own home. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1075809/No-barbed-wire--hurt-thieves-allotment-holders-told.html A gardener who fenced off his allotment with barbed wire after being targeted by thieves has been ordered to take it down – in case intruders scratch themselves. Bill Malcolm erected the 3ft fence after thieves struck three times in just four months, stealing tools worth around £300 from his shed and ransacking his vegetable patch. Laws protect both the victim as well as the criminal!! The laws for everyone, therefore, no one's above the law. Still, one must do what one must do to protect their loved ones, friends, property, and themselves. Property is replaceable, but ones life isn't! A very thin line, imho!! You'll just have to forgive me if my concerns lie almost solely with the victim of the crime and I have very little concern for the criminal who is creating the crime and putting the victim and his family at risk. Additionally, not all property is replaceable. If you steal the flag that was draped over my Grandfathers coffin at his funeral, I will never be able to get another one. There is only one in the entire world and I value it above most things including the lives of those who might break into my home. Also there is the risk to the community aspect, if I am facing a violent criminal and I take his life, how many lives have I saved? 10? 25? How many people are now spared a violent attack or rape? 50? 100? I don't think criminals should be protected in any way. That is why I could never live in the UK.

It's a noble ideal that Funakoshi felt was suitable to represent his art at the time. We need time and place for context. I don't think Funakoshi would have seriously advocated "waiting until you are attacked to act" if the scenario was a home invader and you defending your family. We also need to remember these were men, not Gods. Not everything they said or did is gold. If you think dogma creates problems in religion, it's even worse in the martial arts. Funakoshi was simply trying to have a more dignified representation than the "brawling" he saw from others like Choki Motobu. While they are now both revered "masters" they strongly disliked each other. Motobu dismissed Funakoshi as nothing more than a "kata dancer who couldn't fight" and Funakoshi saw Motobu as an "artless street brawler." Obviously neither representation is completely accurate but they both have something of a point. Motobu would have laughed at most of Funakoshi's "precepts." I have endeavored to learn from both men and can respect both of their positions at the same time. I try and be knowledgeable enough to know when to apply the teachings of one over the other when the situation demands it.

Congratulations on discovering a new component to your practice of martial arts. My reasons for learning, practicing and teaching have all undergone changes over the last few decades. As "I" change, I always find something new that the martial arts has to offer which I hadn't given strong consideration to before. Just another reason I will always be a martial artist.

You should be aware that legitimate martial arts, being mostly just hard work, tend to not be money makers like those selling "false dreams of grandeur" and the facilities generally indicate that kind of limited budget. As far as people with tribal tattoos, while I personally don't care for them, sometimes the kind of person who is going to fully devote himself to something like martial arts training is also the kind of person who isn't afraid to make permanent decisions like getting a tattoo.

Well that is the first problem I see. How would you have felt if you busted your butt but still didn't pass because you simply weren't ready? Would you have still quit? Honestly it sounds like your teacher was trying to help you. Also a big part of systems like Aikido is getting past yourself and you really didn't accomplish that either. You killed your dream. You could have simply done as recommended and tested the next time around with a lot of experience under your belt. Because things happen. Dreams are "goals without a plan." Identify your goal and make a plan, have a contingency plan. I don't think there is a single experienced martial artist here who hasn't gone through all the things that so far have stopped you. We all went to Plan B then Plan C when they happened. I would recommend you not go looking for answers from others. You are very easily discouraged so that is your first actual obstacle to training. The first thing that concerns me is it sounds like each time you ceased training at the school you also ceased practicing what you knew. You had almost a year of Aikido and it doesn't sound like you maintained any of it. 99% of schools will have something like a low cost "trial / introductory" program. I would "demo" every school nearby. I wouldn't go too far because you might be easily discouraged by the distance when it becomes something you must do several times a week. Similarly you are going to need to find something that fits your budget or you won't continue your training due to financial hardship. If and when you find the schools that satisfy all those requirements simply choose the one that feels "best" to "you." Then train for the sake of developing skill. Who cares what belt you have or if you have tested yet. If you are learning and developing that is the ONLY thing that matters. Did you dream of being a martial artist or did you dream of having high rank? You need to realize that rank has almost nothing to do with being a martial artist. Perhaps your time would be better spent returning to your Aikido dojo and finishing what you started rather than being easily put off and chasing around from this school to that school trying to find something that only exists inside you and that only you can change.

Yep. Just make sure wherever he goes the basics are correct so he doesn't develop life long bad habits. At his age it should be an enjoyable "activity" where he is allowed to progress at his own speed (unlike most team sports). Should also be close by and affordable so it doesn't ever become a burden. And ideally it should be right next to an excellent pizzeria.

Thanks. If you are interested in such things I have an entire album of vintage nunchaku on my FB page. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.523134734434009.1073741829.523048834442599&type=1

I would disagree. Great place to be a criminal however. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8771809/Father-arrested-for-murder-over-knifing-suspected-burglar.html "Police said that during the break-in Mr Cooke was threatened and that one of the intruders - named locally as Raymond Jacob - was knifed." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2223125/90-year-old-shot-face-burglary-SUED-burglar-World-War-Two-veteran-fired-back.html A 90-year-old body-building, World War Two veteran who was shot in the face during a home invasion is being sued by the alleged burglar for firing back. Former Greenbrae deputy sheriff Jay Leone is accused of 'negligently shooting' 31-year-old Samuel Cutrufelli three times and causing him 'great bodily injury' as the older man defended his own home. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1075809/No-barbed-wire--hurt-thieves-allotment-holders-told.html A gardener who fenced off his allotment with barbed wire after being targeted by thieves has been ordered to take it down – in case intruders scratch themselves. Bill Malcolm erected the 3ft fence after thieves struck three times in just four months, stealing tools worth around £300 from his shed and ransacking his vegetable patch.

Since the quote was from one of my posts I feel the need to address something. I wasn't referring to bullying within the dojo, I was referring to guys who "cooperatively" go "gung ho" and think going hard core during contact conditioning drills will give them double or triple the benefit when in actually they get less benefit from those who do them correctly. Regarding your issues of students who go looking for a live punching bag wearing a gi to make themselves feel better, they usually find themselves with a new regular training partner...me. This gives them the opportunity to learn and correct and helps me decide if they will continue to be a student. After that I usually put them with very low ranked students who don't have a lot of power and ability. I make sure they understand they are responsible for making sure the low rank student "learns the drill properly" and that THEY are "responsible for the safety" of the low ranking student. I have found this to be the most successful way of dealing with the issue when it comes up to date. Now that I no longer teach commercially and can be very selective about who I accept as a personal student it really isn't something I deal with anymore.

Really? Thats interesting, to me that seems very low to the point of missing risking missing the shoulder movement and so give away the intent to punch. Daft question, but this works for you else you'd not do it, but I'll ask anyway.... if this a taught focal point or just the place you happened to start to look at from day one? Gentlemen, and this is directed to nobody specifically, if I can catch you "focused" on one area of my body I can then begin to hide things from you and throw things under the radar. If you are watching my eyes a low side kick is going after your shins and knees. If you are watching my shoulders, I will show you my shoulders doing something to occupy your attention while a real attack elsewhere is launched. If you are watching my belt or stance, they will similarly occupy your attention while a high gate attack is launched. If you are fighting a martial artist, or even just a talented fighter, watch your opponent. If he catches you fixated on something, he will exploit it.

I didn't even know he had a honorary TKD degree. Agreed.

And THAT is why there are so many variations of a roundhouse kick. "One size fits all" solutions are rarely effective.

No place in particular...

Been there. My mindset was the represent the ability of my instructor to train martial artists to the best of my ability. I have only been in a few situations where I was graded for high rank by my teacher only. Typically I have tested alone, in front of 4-6 people who are teachers of that particular system.

Depends upon the style, school, instructor and student as well as variables such as previous experience, natural ability and training schedule. A general rule of thumb is 4-5 years for a legitimate shodan grade with serious dedication and training.

Was also once at a martial arts demonstration where some comic minded black belts secretly replaced all the cheap Z grade boards with actual 3/4" (what is called 1" but really isn't) boards of good stock and the fragile garden stones with similar looking flat cinder bricks used for construction. There were several participating "masters" that day that encountered some "technical difficulty." Many people who had set up stacks of 14+ boards found they couldn't even break 4. One guy actually put a board against the wall to break it because he was convinced somebody put steel rods in the boards.

If it makes you feel better, there really are no nunchaku kata. They are all 20th century conventions with the oldest one "possibly" being the creation of Shinken Taira. And if "he" can just make them up, then so can you. When I used to try and maintain a huge catalog of kata I would sometimes find myself transitioning from Kata A to Kata B whenever I hit a point of commonality or simply a neutral point that permitted such a transition. This was especially common when I would know three or four systems that had kata that were obviously all derived from the same parent kata and were just different enough to be incorrect when done in the wrong dojo. I've seen lots worse when it comes to weapon forms, especially in Chinese styles. People who have no idea their spear form is actually a single end staff form and vice versa. I've seen more sai kata that are actually just empty hand forms holding sai than I care to even think about. My all time favorite was a guy teaching "Sanchin Sai" kata. Speaking of Sanchin. Funniest thing I've ever seen is an entire class of grown men (approx. 16) all doing Sanchin kata very badly consistently farting the entire time and trying to mask the sounds with serious Ibuki breathing.

Actually Putin's yudansha grade is hardly honorary. He's been a Judoka for a long time.