Wado Heretic

Thank you for your swift reply. 1. My own research concurs with such supposition. I have been unable to find a direct ancestor of Naihanchi within Chinese systems. However, I must say, if one were to base a Chinese influence on appearance the KishimotoDi variation appears to have a greater southern influence, in comparison to the more popular variation of Naihanchi which does appear to have a northern influence. Perhaps this is down to the influence of Japanese thinking on the more homogenous traditions deriving from Itosu. 2. This I have experience with and you are right, it is a difficult transition. I must say that the branch of Shorin-Ryu I study does in fact use similar hip dynamics while the pelvis is relaxed or tightened depending on the technique used. That is what I was referring to. In most renditions of Naihanchi I have seen the pelvis is pushed forward or pinched, I take it the KishimotoDi variation keeps it relaxed so as to allow the dumping and twisting movements to flow more easily? 3. That seems congruent with most heterodox schools use of the one-knuckle technique. I have seen some weird and wonderful explanations for the technique so was curious as to what it might be in KishimotoDi way of thinking.

Thank you for posting this, I must say it is a distinct kata and worth watching. Some questions if you can answer them; 1. The dropping and raising appears similar to some Xing Yi Quan principles and similar movements appear in kata derived from Bái Hè Quán. Do you know of any historical connections between the origins of this naihanchi and those systems? 2. Is there significant use or any emphasis on pelvic alignment or transitions to generate power? 3. Is the significance of the one knuckle strikes considered relative to a percussive or grip based outcome? Thanks again, and thank you for posting the kata.

I favour medium weight for the best of both worlds. Relatively durable without being a hindrance to flexibility, and also it is not too cold when it is cool, or too warm when it is hot. Taking into account that it sounds as though there is more grappling training than average in your classes, and that is has a basis in BJJ, I do suggest investing in a BJJ Gi top or Judo Gi top at least. Karate Gi, even of the heavier weave, are not designed implicitly for the stresses the techniques of BJJ or other Gi based grappling arts place on the Gi. However, saying that I have found a good medium or heavy weight Gi will generally last 2-3 years with regular light to medium grappling training. Yes, that is grappling integrated into a Karate class. I used a regular Karate Gi when I took up some BJJ cross training and it did not survive three weeks of training twice a week. I now do wrestling to save money Really, it depends on the intensity you find in your classes which should determine what you get. Personally, I would advise using your money to buy two good quality medium weight Gi and a Judo Gi, rather than splash out on one excellent heavy Weight Gi. My preferred makers are Taisho or Shureido, though the Taisho are generally more durable with the Shureido being more comfortable. Shureido can be expensive but Taisho is usually very reasonable. I hope this helps.

True enough, but I consider my self an eternal optimist. If GKR can produce a student, even if it is that student's own effort that is the decisive factor, that is willing to compete in the wider forum of the general karate community than hopefully it will influence other students within GKR to change their attitudes to the general karate community.

I have heard good things about the quality of Go Kan Ryu in Australia, though one can never forgive the name. I have also heard that they do organise trips to train under, or alongside (not sure), a Goju-Ryu group in Japan. I have heard disparaging remarks about the National All Styles, but GKR has always represented and done well in Australia in the NAS. As a sport karate group they appear to represent themselves well there. In contrast; in the UK I have only stumbled across their bad and unethical business practices, and they fail to do well in the NAS here despite excellent representation. To be frank; as a sport karate I do not think they will have "made it" until they have representation appear in a WKF or IKF tournament. To hear they have some attempting their luck in the AKF is promising but concerning. GKR is given such flack for being a McDojo, but what does that say about karate if we see the arrival of GKR in the World Games. Might be a lesson for us all; throw dirt at people and you'll always get some on yourself. I hope the quality of GKR in Australia reflects a general rise in quality for the organisation world wide.

I am doubtful it can water anything down; any combat sport format reduces a martial art to what can be used within the sports rule set. Even free fighting does not allow a good old eye gouge. I believe it is the WKF that is pushing for Olympic status. As per the K is on the way project of theirs, and also they are authority and governing body as recognised by the Olympic Committee. On balance we have both advantages and disadvantages present in the notion of Competitive Kumite becoming an Olympic Sport; I believe there was an idea to push for kata to be in the Paralympics but that this fell to the way side. Advantages: The Olympics are often the dream of many athletes, beyond even professional careers. They are also seen as the peak of achievement in athletics. For other combat sports, such as boxing, wrestling, Tae Kwon Do and Judo; the Olympics has been the beginning of great careers in both those disciplines, and cross over sports, for those who reach the Olympic dream. It is no sure thing, yet it is far from unlikely, that entry into the Olympics will bring Karate to a higher level and will provide opportunities for the best and brightest rising up through Karate. I believe that is a worth while possibility for us to chase. Furthermore; it will increase interest in our discipline. I do not say this for monetary reasons, but for the fact we have all had karate enrich our lives in some manner, and also many of us are responsible for the preservation of a rich, living tradition. A larger pool of people trying karate will leave a larger pool of talented individuals to preserve and advance karate. Plus, can any of us say we would regret seeing more people enjoy our past time? Disadvantages: It will tempt many to modify their teachings and priorities towards something suitable for the sport kumite scene. It will detract from the wider spectrum of established methods and may lead many away from methods not directly relating to potential Olympic success. Well, an ugly wake up call for us all; of those people likely to embrace Olympic karate? Same people who now have “Karate and MMA” signs for their clubs. Trend followers with commercial concerns will always follow trends that will bring in the money. Furthermore; we followers of the non-sport methodology are a rare breed and those whom enjoy our methods equally rare. Olympic Karate is not going to appeal to the people which the established methods appeal to. Also, people who are looking for effective fighting methods are being lured into MMA and other systems which have success in MMA promotions, because that is what the common martial arts fan uses as a litmus test for what they should try. Plus, peer pressure. What potential tough man wants to admit to his friends that his Gi is not for BJJ but karate, which to most is just a collection of screams and ethnic dance routines. Conclusion: Benefits outweigh the detracting elements. Simply put; competitive kumite opens more doors than it closes. The established methods of decades are already under siege and we can adapt and provide a way for the traditions to survive, or we can close our eyes and cover our ears, and pretend if we just keep trying eventually the golden days will come back. I say we embrace Olympic potential while keeping our feet strictly in our traditions. Just because Karate has Olympic representation does not mean we have to abandon how we do things. All it does is give people who enjoy Karate another goal to aspire to; and I do not think we should deny any one a goal to aspire to. Also, trend followers will follow trends. We have not stopped the Soke councils, we have not stopped the bastardised hybrid styles started by green belts promoting themselves to Judan, and we will not stop bad practice by simply carrying on as we do. What we need is a platform to show high quality karate, even if it is but a narrow aspect of our arts, and the Olympics is that potential platform. Further note: My personal opinion is that I would rather modify the extant combat sports. I would rather replace the Tae Kwon Do with an open bogu competition similar to Nippon Kenpo, which will draw competitors from all martial arts with a semi-contact sport format. I would also replace the Judo and varieties of wrestling with a Gi grappling and a No Gi grappling format. This would allow folk wrestlers and other grappling sports that use the Gi, or Gi like clothes to compete. I would also like to see MMA introduced under rules similar to amateur shooto and I think the introduction of kickboxing based on K1 rules would be another possibility. Doing as above would create larger talent pools for the involved combat sports without removing or detracting from the Prominence of Tae Kwon Do and Judo. Edit: Made the format a bit clearer.

The only system on the list I can comment on is Wado-Ryu. I put together some bullet points and I hope they are useful to you; Advantages: Good balance between the Kihon, Kata and Kumite elements. Introduced to Jiyu Kumite (free sparring) relatively early. Ohyo, Kihon and Kata Kumite (Not to be confused with Bunkai) are relatively uniform between clubs, and give early and easy access to Wado-Ryu fighting concepts and principles. That should not be translated as easy to pick up and perform well though. Has a number of unique Kihon Waza which emphasise the core stratagems of Wado-Ryu, and which are not found in other ryuha. Has a breadth of kata, while not being too vast in scope. Have a number of kumite exercises derived from Jujutsu which are not found in other Karate systems, providing insights into combative notions and solutions not confronted by other ryuha. At it uses natural postures, and techniques based on Tai Sabaki and Kazushi it is suited to older practitioners or those of smaller stature. Principles of power generation are taught for percussive, trapping and grappling ranges making it suitable for training at all ranges. Disadvantages: Kata are primarily of Shuri and Tomari decent, lacking an influence of Naha Te limiting, to an extent, what can be explored via the Kata. Kata have been modified and follow a distinct way of thinking, making a comparison to analogues from other systems practice of the same kata difficult to make. Great divides on Bunkai, some teachers have embraced the concept, where as others prefer to utilise the kumite exercises established by Ohtsuka Meijin alone. Relating to the Bunkai divide, some favour the jujutsu heritage of the system over the karate heritage and vice versa, hence leading to differences in the kind of practice methods you will find between clubs. Hojo Undo is a low priority for most, though flexibility and cardio are trained to be developed as in any martial art plus Makiwara, hand weights, and Tetsu-Gata are not alien to many Wadoka. However, it is far from that experienced in Full-Contact or Okinawan systems. Originating as a hybrid style with a distinct flavour and modus operandi, cross training can become a confusing rather than illuminating experience for one exploring Wado-Ryu or moving from Wado-Ryu to other ryuha. Lacks Kobujutsu or weapon practice native to Wado-Ryu, despite the presence of Baki-Dori against the Knife and Long sword. Other comments: I personally no longer believe in the mantra that training hard in any style is a worth while venture. There is some absolute junk out there, and despite my own experience in seeing some great martial artists arise from terrible teachers and terrible students arising from great teachers I would not sell yourself short. Do not do yourself a disservice by settling, make sure you find a teacher that gives you feed back you can work with. That will matter more than the system alone in the end, a good teacher.