Kanku65

Never broken anything while training A tip for beginners while home training: When practicing kicks, try breaking them down into slow controlled movements. Really try to exaggerate the full motion of the proper techniques. This will create great improvement. And of course make for less likelihood of broken objects.

True, some people may not be able to tell the difference between TKD and Karate. However, they have multiple running/swimming/diving/sledding events in the Olympics which look far more similar to one another than Karate and TKD from my perspective as an average viewer of the former events I listed. On this topic, I'm completely undecided about whether or not it should or shouldn't be in the Olympics. To me, it doesn't matter so much. No matter what happens, I'm still going to train the way I currently train because i enjoy it and see constant improvement in myself and those I train with.

Good post In shotokan karate, many of our blocks, (or now deflections I should say) are in fact blocks before the actual perceived block. (or deflection) Such factors occur prominently in shuto uki and geidan barrai. We do not cross our arms specifically to gain leverage and create power, no, we cross our arms over our body as a form of defense, in case our attacker is a little faster than we'd expected and we aren't able to get that nice deflection or sweep off. We guard our centre line in both cases and our elbow (not a particularly pleasant part of ones body to punch full force into) directly covers our solar plexus, sitting about 2 inches away from the body. From this position it is also incredibly simple to transform the deflection upwards into rising block if our attacker chooses to change the course of his punch. These are extreme basics as well, but it's funny how things don't quite click until you're challenged with "is it a block or is it a deflection?" In the end it is a deflection, but first it was a block.

In 2005, as 3rd Kyu, I quit training considering the pressures of high school and losing general interest in Karate. In my later teenage years I wanted to begin training again, but my work schedule caused much interference. I managed to attend several classes but was unable to continue because of work. Finally in May 2013, working no later than 5pm during weekdays I was able to return to the dojo full time. Being part of a large organization, they were able to retrieve my records from my previous Sensei, and I was allowed to continue training as 3rd Kyu. Three months later, I achieved rank of 2nd Kyu, won silver in kumite and In team kata at our provincial tournament, and have now achieved rank of 1b Kyu. These are all moments I am proud of, however, to walk through the doors of the dojo and begin my training again after so many years is by far my proudest moment. The only thing that compares is witnessing the growth, and success of my peers and junior belts. Nothing challenges the spirit of a dojo that grows together.

Of you don't mind me asking, what are some of these red flags you've observed?

A lack of oi-zuki and kizami-zuki, I feel is bizarre. Doesn't sound right. Then again perhaps they're trying to really push that powerful gyaku-zuki. Where I train, we're allowed to use any fist to the head so long as it makes safe, controlled contact, and open hand strikes to the head if we plan on using zero contact at all. Accidents happen of course, but we're all very trusting and forgiving of one another. Competition however is different. I cannot quote all the rules off the top of my head, but there are some major differences between our dojo sparring and competition time. That all being said, perhaps the philosophy behind OPs question is just general safety. I personally find gyaku-zuki easier to control than kizami. But oi-zuki is also very basic and typically the first strike you ever learn when practicing shotokan karate. Hmmm. Are you allowed kicks to the head?

When I make a mistake I normally smile. Not a huge grin, but a small polite smile to myself. Perhaps a silent chuckle as well. This lightens things up for me. Mess up, brush it off. That one mistake is but a small grain of sand when compared to every technique you will execute throughout your MA journey.

Wow, welcome back! It's really amazing just how much ability you retain even after 7 years without training. I myself returned to my dojo last May after an 8 year absence. I was 3rd Kyu when I left as well, and was allowed to keep my rank when i returned. Since then, i have moved up to 1st Kyu a lot fast than I had expected. For my 2nd Kyu grading, the chief examiner asked me to demonstrate 2 Heian katas as well as Bassai, to ensure I still retained knowledge and abilities of a brown belt. All that being said, it's been one of the greatest feelings ever, getting back into the dojo, and I'm glad to hear stories from others with very similar experiences.

Wow, this topic just made my day I must say. So, thank you. I've chosen Kanku (Kanku-Dai/Kanku-sho) of the shotokan katas. Originally named Kusanku by Chinese diplomat of the same name. (1761) Kusanku from Fukien traveled to Okinawa to teach his system of self defense. In the 1930s, Gichin Funakoshi renamed the Kata as Kanku, meaning to gaze heavenward or view/contemplate the sky, regarding the opening and closing movements of the kata. The animal of this kata is said to be the eagle. I gained all this information from wiki, but definitely plan on looking deeper into the history of this one, as well as other katas applied to shotokan. Thank you again.

I'm 1B Kyu brown belt in shotokan karate. Which means, I have much work to do before I reach Shodan. Good luck and all the best to you on your journey, OP. The road may seem long, but shortcuts only get us into trouble. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

9th Kyu (white) Heian Shodan 8th Kyu (yellow) Heian Nidan 7th Kyu (orange) Heian Sandan 6th Kyu (green) Hein Yondan 5th Kyu (blue) Hein Godan 4th Kyu (purple) Tekki Shodan 3rd Kyu (brown) Bassai-Dai, Jion (your choice) 2nd Kyu (brown) Bassai-Dai, Jion, Empi (your choice) 1st Kyu (brown) Bassai-Dai, Jion, Empi, Kanku-Dai (must know all) For Dan levels, I do believe you must choose 3 personal katas to train and specialize in. Dan level katas include: Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Bassai-Sho, Kanku-Sho, Jiin, Gankaku, Jitte, Hangetsu, Chinte, Sochin, Nijushiho, Unsu, Meikyo, Gojushio-Sho, Gojushio-Dai

When sparring in shotokan karate, I don't consider the fight to have begun until my opponent moves into close range on me. Of course I remain prepared at long distance keeping a good kizami zuki or kizami Mae Geri ready at all times. Why would any Karateka choose to go short range with their oponent? in doing so you automatially become the attacker and defeat the purpose of all the hard years you've been training. Remember that Karate is primarily and above all else a way of self defense. Sparring teaches us not how to fight, but how to not fight, by keeping our opponents at a non-lethal distance. We strike only when our opponent makes a mistake and decides to move in too close. We train to end the attacks of our opponents as quickly and quietly as possible. The many kata we learn and practice teach us the essentials of short range combat, bunkai teaches us the application for these techniques and in dojo sparring gives us a way to practice these applications in a safe manner so we are ready if we are ever attacked outside of our controlled environment.