Spartacus Maximus

I also agree that children and youths should have a seperate promotion system. The average child or youth 5-13 years old has a shorter attention span and concentration level. They need and depend on some kind of tangible reward and sign of progress more than adults in order to continue making an effort and stay motivated. The best way to organize it is to devide the regular adult levels into smaller milestones. A three or four level(up to shodan) system is fine for adults but children and youth might easily loose motivation if they stay at the same level for six to twelve months. For example if the adult levels are 4, devide each into 3 for children and youth. Once they reach the right age just transfer to the equivalent regular level. My actual school has only: white, green, blue, brown and black. Earning the first level(green) takes between 6 and 8 months of training The second(blue) takes 8 to 10 months, same for the third(brown) Shodan takes a minimum of 1 year.

Unless you have time and resources to spend on arguing with GKR, there is nothing you can do to make them change their policy and their methods. That your experience as a lesson on what to lookout for when you go looking for a decent school to learn quality martial arts. Surely a large city such as Canberra has at least a few schools or instructors who will teach fairly and honestly. It is of no use wasting any more time and energy getting aggro with a school whose main goal is clearly not the teaching of quality martial arts.

Here is another analogy I once heard from a well known but very modest sensei in Okinawa: "Einstein was a brilliant scientist who stated E=mc'2. That formula is so famous that even grade school children know it and can repeat it. However, how many ordinary people know exactly what it means and how to apply it in a practical way to a specific task? Kata is the same in that performing all the moves is easy and quickly memorized. Understanding how to use each part and being able to do so spontaneously takes much effort, practise and training" Too many karateka are just reading the textbook over and over and over again memorizing all the formulas by heart without ever doing a single page of applied practise.

From all that I can gather in what I have read on the history and development of karate a single point stands out. This is the fact that, except for a few parts it is almost impossible to be certain exactly what Chinese source karate comes from. The main reason for this is that karate is a mixed martial art. At the time Chinese martial arts were introduced to Okinawa, schools were not as exclusive as they are today. The okinawans as well as their Chinese counterparts often trained and exchanged techniques. There were three loose categories which were a group of styles practised in a restricted area such as: Sui di: styles practised and taught in the royal capital mostly by high ranking government people and the ruling class Nafa di: styles of the main trade port practised by upper class merchants and wealthy tradesmen. Tumai di: styles from around the main fishing port Each of those categories included several Chinese Chuan fa(boxing) styles brought by the Chinese who settled there. Exactly what styles is not known and to further muddy the water, okinawans had their own native styles called Uchinaa ti which they incorporated into and mixed with the techniques from whatever Chinese styles they learned. This blending has gon on for so long that the best clues are only similarities in a few techniques and priciples found in some Chinese styles. A single kata can have techniques from two or three Chinese styles as well as some purely Okinawan ones. This type of synthesis form also exist in the Chinese styles then and now. Kata or techniques that were passed on from china directly and can be identified as style XYZ are rare exceptions. Sometimes the Chinese parent style is lost, rare or unknown outside china; or no longer exists.That is why there is a few possible parent styles for each Okinawan style instead of a single one that can be identified without a doubt. Karate is a bastard of unknown, or at best uncertain Chinese and Okinawan origin. It's like knowing where a person's parents are from without knowing their names or anything else about them.

Only one in black ink and not visible with a shirt on. It was a stupid idea that I got as a teenager not thinking what consequences it might have in the future. I now since have started to regret having it done. The design is the crest symbol of Okinawan karate and it also represents the old Ryu Kyu kingdom. It is used in the logos of many Okinawan karate schools and styles and looks like three sickle blades in a circle. Although it is possible to remove tattoos, the process is long and usually more expensive than having one put in. They should be considered life long marks so the decision to get one deserves some serious thinking. Personally, now that I have one I no longer think marking oneself permanently is a good idea. Especially with anything related to martial arts. Especially if the area is easily visible. Unwanted negative attention and an inaccurate impression from other people become inevitable.

In the first dojo I trained in each Dan grade required the student to submit an essay on a subject related to theory, martial philosophy or history of karate. This was very academic assignment with the same structure and referencing required for a research paper at the undergraduate level. The student was expected to read books for referencing and supporting his statements. The work was even graded with a percent on how well the subject was understood, clarity and other criteria. First dan required 15 pages typed, second was 20 pages and third dan was 25pages. The essay had to be submitted no later than 2 weeks before the grading test. Looking back I think this type of academic requirement is extreme. Not everyone is so academically inclined and martial arts are for physical training more than intellectual discussion. However, I believe that an advanced student of martial arts should have at least a minimum of knowledge about the origin and history of his chosen discipline. In my humble opinion answering these questions is a good start: What is the name of your system? Where does XYZ originate? Who was your teacher's teacher and who is the earliest known expert instructor of XYZ Approximately how old is XYZ Any other information is good to know personally but not really necessary. If someone wants to know, with a good basic knowledge it is possible to point them In the right direction and encourage them to research it themselves. If forum members can answer the basic questions about their style, it's all they really need. Here are mine: Martial art style: Shorin Ryu Origin: Ryukyu island kingdom, Shuri present day Okinawa Teacher's teacher and earliest expert known:teacher's teacher is Miyahira K(1916-2010). Earliest expert is Matsumura Sokon(1806-1896) Style age:Less than 120 years old counted from the death of earliest expert but history could be up to 250 years. That's it.

Have you read Patrick McCarthy's English translation of the Bubishi? Other works by this author on karate history would also certainly contain Kata or forms are like the textbooks of martial arts. The moves they contain are like formulas and bunkai is like drills or problems. One supplements and reinforces the other. Each move is a memory tool to use for visualizing the techniques but visualizing alone is not enough. In order to practise kata efficiently it is vital to understand and feel how each technique is used in action. Knowing what one should be visualizing when practising a form is an essential step towards the development of practical skills. This can only be done by training applications and forms together. information to put you on the right track. Also a good book by Mark Bishop is a good start.From my readings I can give you some leads as such: Heian series is called Pinan in Okinawan styles. This series is of Okinawan origin but it is based on the Kusanku(sho and dai) of Chinese origin. This is often true of the older original kata. If you want to try to look for probable sources and influences on the development of karate, research these Chinese styles: Arhat boxing, Lohan Chuan and Shaolin Long Fist. To my knowledge these are very similar to Shuri-te type karate which includes all the Shorin-ryu styles and their derivatives such as Shotokan. Exchanging and comparing with a skilled practitioner of the styles I mentioned might be very interesting. Good luck

Kata or forms are like the textbooks of martial arts. The moves they contain are like formulas and bunkai is like drills or problems. One supplements and reinforces the other. Each move is a memory tool to use for visualizing the techniques but visualizing alone is not enough. In order to practise kata efficiently it is vital to understand and feel how each technique is used in action. Knowing what one should be visualizing when practising a form is an essential step towards the development of practical skills. This can only be done by training applications and forms together.

Dojo where bunkai is taught together with kata are unfortunately not the norm because there are more instructors who lack the knowledge to teach it than those who do. In most cases if bunkai is taught at all it is treated as "advanced knowledge" reserved for dan grades and even then it is not trained regularly. Very little if anything at all can be learned from a brief session, seminar or camp once in a while. Practising and drilling each part of each kata ought to be done every day of training.

At present I have nothing to complain about for my dojo. Compared to most dojo our numbers are few. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with equal time for group and individual practise. Everyone trains seriously and each session is slightly different in content and focus. Students are encouraged and welcome to ask about any details in kata or techniques at almost anytime. In previously attended dojo the most annoying and disruptive people were often those who would be watching. Nothing is worse than guests who cannot or will not follow basic rules. As for students, the worst annoyance were the following types in no specific order: 1. Students who spend dojo time socializing 2. Students who expect results for efforts they did not make 3. Students who ask or insist to be graded 4. Students who show up but make no effort to train 5. Students who do nothing until the instructor is looking and stop trying when he is elsewhere. 6. Students who see grade or rank as an excuse for inappropriate actions or unfair treatment.

Ideally kata are meant to be taught along with the use and purpose of the techniques they contain. There is no sense in waiting until shodan or any other grade to learn applications because without them kata is meaningless and useless. It is by knowing and understanding what the moves are and how they are used that one learns to perform them effectively. The best time to learn bunkai is right from the beginning. Having said this, it is quite unfortunate that most karate dojo do not teach in this way. Somehow, somewhere along the way kata, bunkai and kumite became separate parts taught independantly or in some case not at all. It has been largely forgotten that these are all connected and were never meant to be taught separately.

In all the years sing I have been involved in karate and interested in martial arts I have never ever heard of an instructor teaching for nothing in return. A short survey of martial arts history proves that the idea of students paying their instructor in some form is at least as old as the martial arts themselves. All the earliest accounts of martial arts tells us that students were expected to take care of their teacher in exchange for training. Most of the time payment was in the form of meals or work maintaining the training place and equipment or the instructor's home and yard. Each student gave his time and did whatever he could. For example a student who was a good carpenter might build makiwara for everyone to use. This type of payment was very common in post-war Okinawa when most people had no money and many depended on sharing and exchange. Even nowadays it is considered the bare minimum for students to pay their share of dojo expenses and volunteer their time for cleaning and repairs. Whether it is money, time or food, your instructor deserves something in return for devoting his time to sharing his skills with you.

This is indeed a very difficult question to answer because it is subject to so many interpretations. A black belt is not meant to be a commodity or a material product to be bought. Any cost value given for obtaining a black belt grade is as arbitrary as the set of skills the student should have acquired for that rank. A black belt can cost anything or nothing. The only price that matters is how much it cost in effort, practise and training. That said, anyone can buy a black belt rank. Some pay a little, some pay through the nose but not everyone has the patience and dedication to earn it. The fact that the higher the cost the less depth there is in content is also very telling.

Aging and the way it affects how it changes the way people move is natural and impossible to escape. For anyone who expects to continue training it is important to consider and make conscious efforts to maintain good techniques with correct form as one ages. Martial arts training is meant as a way of self improvement and cultivation of health. Without health and strength nothing else is possible. What good is technique without strength? How can one continue training without health? Is it possible to get strong without first being fit and healthy? Instructors who have succeeded in doing these things are the ones who are still training into their old age.

I would add that the advocates of "better tried by 12 than carried by 6" also invariably tend to have only one very extreme way of "defending" themselves. This type of thinking is very dangerous because it allows fear and other emotions to take over judgement. Proponents of this attitude will have difficulty evaluating situations and will respond to ANY type of threat as if they were in mortal danger. This will result in an overkill "defense" that will certainly land them in serious trouble and not just with the law. It is tempting to believe that rules do not exist in self-defense. They are different from the ring or dojo but they do exist even if they are not explicit.

When I first learned karate the roundhouse was taught with the impact area being the ball of the foot or the instep/top of the foot. These are the most commonly taught across all styles of karate. The instep works well in competition with footpads but it is very risky if the kick is aimed high. Done barefooted it can result in severe injuries for the kicker if the kick strikes something hard such as an elbow. The original striking surface for the roundhouse in karate is the big toe or the area of the upper instep where the foot meets the ankle. The toe is used for a pointed, penetrating kick aimed at softer targets such as the kidneys or liver and upper legs. The instep is used for low roundhouses aimed above the ankle on the inside or outside of the leg where there is almost no muscle. A slight kick there is very painful and a hard kick will break the smaller bone. Needless to say it is not allowed in tournaments. The most important thing to remember about kicking is that whatever striking surface you are taught to use, it is vital to condition that part by hardening it gradually. If your striking surface is properly conditioned to hit hard, it will be much less likely to get broken or injured. Bare feet and legs are meant for getting around, but it is conditioning that makes effective defensive weapons.

If you approach training on your own time by yourself or with a group as an extension to dojo training it should not jeopardize anything. Focus on things you are comfortable with and that you can remember as accurately as possible. When you get to the next dojo day, make sure to consult your instructor to answer questions or help you with any details. Let him know what you are working on because it will be very useful to guide your private training.

Just the fact that there is someone who knows more than you should be more than enough motivation for the serious student to keep training beyond shodan. A good student who is not driven by material or status rewards has no need for goals to be spelled out before him. A student is more likely to train long after shodan if he is able to focus on gradual improvements instead of the next "requirement" to get a grade. It is also important to realize that progress beyond shodan is much slower and less obvious because the is less new material. This often gives the impression that no progress is being made. Many students find this difficult and discouraging. The best thing an instructor can do is explain that it is a normal part of training. Like mountain climbing, it is not straight up all the way to the top. The first parts are almost like stairs or a ladder. Other parts are almost flat but still lead up to the top. Good climbers are good climbers because they enjoy the challenges and the view a long the way instead of constantly seeking new heights. Those who focus on reaching heights will learn very little on their way to each one.

Few ordinary people have the means to hire an attorney. Even less have one at their disposal and available to be consulted at their request. More than likely both parties in the case will be represented by a public defense attorney. In light of this it is much wiser to take the precautions necessary for preventing legal action; or at least increasing the likelihood that a claim of self defense will be easily established and supported. Any expert called to give an opinion based on the circumstances will be expected to do so honestly. This can be a double- edged sword especially if any point is ambiguous. Realistically speaking though, when dealing with an attack by a stranger there is a strong probability that such an attacker will not want to bring the incident to the authorities. It is far more probable that he will attempt to escalate the assault or seek revenge. Escaping at the first opportunity solves this problem. I would also add that self defense situations don't always happen in familiar circumstances or environment. It is best not to assume that the authorities or legal system will agree on who is at fault. As for me, I would rather not take the chance to find out. After the shock of an attack, the injuries and other aggravtions the last thing I want is having to spend countless hours explaining and pleading my case. I would much rather have that time for recovering, unwinding and thinking about if I could have handled it better so that such an experience does not repeat itself. One time is too many, even if you do make it in one piece physically, emotionally and financially.

There is always more to learn. In fact, there is much more to learn from shodan onwards than everything up to shodan. At most a shodan has learned the basic techniques such as kicks and punches and a few kata. It is easy to forget that this is very superficial knowledge. A shodan student may be able to perform these but there is still much training and practise necessary to be able to understand and freely apply them. Stopping at shodan would be akin to learning the alphabet without ever learning to spell words or put words together in sentences. From shodan onwards the focus of learning should focus on developing depth of skills in applying basic techniques and understanding the content of kata. In the end only students whose goal is functional skills will continue because the motivation to train comes mostly from within. There is very little an instructor can do to motivate a student to continue past shodan if that student sees shodan as an end.

Training outside the dojo is essential but it can be difficult to manage, especially with irregular or very long working hours. I find that making a schedule helps in finding a suitable time to train. Right now I take an hour or more if I can manage it everyday when I return home from work. A couple years ago I worked late so I split my training in two. I would do a half hour before breakfast and another just before going to sleep. The key is to take any free time you can get outside work hours and do something everyday. It doesn't matter if all you have is 15 minutes as long as you practise something, anything EVERYday. That way when you go to the dojo your use of time will become a lot more efficient.

When I first discovered karate many many years ago, both my gi and belts were from Century, a very large North American martial arts supply company. The belts were of good quality and did not deteriorate quickly, except for some black belts that were made with a type of surface layer that frayed after a year or so of intensive use. Since my teens I have used only Shureido brand and have found those belts to be the best and longest lasting.

It is easy for students to forget that despite decades of practise and a very high level of mastery and skill, their sensei is is still but a human being subject to age and all it's effects just like anyone else. Even students who have been training with the same instructor for years sometimes see only an expert who is technical perfection and power incarnate instead of just a person who has been exceptionally tenacious in training. My sensei says this is a common trait of foreign students who come to Okinawa and elsewhere in Asia seeking tuition from eminent masters of martial arts. These masters are also very few to actually explain that their age might account for slight variations which the student end up copying faithfully.

Unfortunately the popular perception among ordinary people who's only familiarity with martial arts, combat or anything of that nature come from popular culture and the media. It has changed somewhat but it is still superficial at best. Urban legends, myths and misconceptions are still widespread. There is not much that can be done to change this because the average person has no serious interest in learning the truth. If they were, everybody would be involved in martial arts etc. Knowledgeable and experienced individuals are few and far between. They could be called upon to bring their opinion to a court case the same way psychologists are called to assist but it is not so common. It would be quite difficult to assemble an entire jury on short notice. Doing this would also negate the purpose of a jury, which is meant to represent the society by including men and women from various social and professional backgrounds. Being aware of this is an important thing to discuss and remember so that accurate and realistic preparations can be made for the event of a self defense situation. It is unfortunate that so few instructors teach this to their students in addition to all the physical techniques. Too many skilled practitioners lack the skills and awareness to keep themselves out of situations where martial skills would be needed.

After many decades of practise, many lifelong martial artist and teachers don't realize how much they have internalized and adapted the techniques. The changes and variations appear very slowly and gradually. It takes careful self observation and conscious effort to maintain the techniques the way they were meant to be as one ages. Changes and variations due to aging are not good or bad. What is important is for an instructor to understand what is happening and explain this to students while striving to maintain way he was taught. As an example from shorin-ryu. The kata series naihanchi is one of the first kata learned and it is performed in a stance called naihanchi dachi. Feet are shoulder width apart with knees bent and toes turned inwards. My sensei is nearly 70 year old and when he does this kata sometimes his stance has the feet point more forward. Recently he realized that some of his dan grade students (all much much younger than him) were doing it that way too despite the fact that he instructed them to point the toes inwards. After correcting everyone one more time, he told us that few teachers are aware these changes are happening and many students will try to imitate their teacher without understanding that what they see might be a habit brought on by age