Shojiko

Check out Shuriedo or KI international (Ki is cheaper in pricing), Have used their Gis for years and they are excellent!

with Isami/reversal brand, its a hit or miss for me. I have personally ordered street clothing from their site and some items I loved, and some I noticed were made of cheap quality. What makes it worst is their return policy, it is very expensive to ship back to Japan. Make sure you order size up because their sizes run small IMO. Their prices are expensive IMO, and you can prob get better quality products here for lower pricing. Mind you, their products are not made in Japan, almost all the products Ive purchased from them has tags "Made in China" (no offense) I bought a active pants from them a few months ago and was utterly disappointed because if felt like some cheap fabric you can order from amazon, size also ran small. I actually took the item to a alteration place and the measurements were off compared to what was advertised, to make things worst, shipping back for return was almost the same price as the item so I am now stuck with it.

Thank you for the encouraging responses I am about 6 months in and have earned my 1st stripe since about a few months ago. I am absolutely in love with JJ. I have taken the advice from the previous responses on taking care of the body when training. I have become more relaxed in my drilling/rolling sessions. In fact, I actually look to training as a way to relax (if that makes any sense), I feel so euphoric after a hard rolling session. No major injuries so far thank goodness, just minor body aches ( especially my back) but stretching helps alleviate everything.

(Success wise) Im not implying that TKDs kicks are "SUPERIOR" to MT.. Just that, IMO has the potential to end fights without receiving a good amount of damage in return... Hence, Why I favor the kicks of TKD

Well, Based on vids Ive seen of street fights and competition where a single technique (thats found in TKD) is used to KO. Im not saying it happens all the time, but It is a fact that its been used to end a fight. Like the "spinning back kick", that is not fundamentally taught in MT, but as a part of TKD, has been used to KO in fights Ive seen on YT. Of course MT has fight ending kicks but you mostly see trading until the legs give out or if one lands a head kick. Raymond Daniels is a good example, He has KO'd plenty with spinning hook/back kicks.

I have incorporated TKD kicks in my training, but just to that extent. TKD has similar patterns as Karate, although with different fundamentals.. Karate (Japanese) tends to be very rooted with long deep stances. Ive noticed TKD is lighter on the feet, which I assume gives way for the lighting fast, explosive kicks you see. I favor TKDs kicking techniques the most out of all the TMA (more so than MT). The kicks are with precision to lead to the fight ending KO- rather than trading excessively kick for kick, absorbing unnecessary damage in the process My favorite technique is the spinning back kick!!

here is a link to the YT episode pretty informative

I am reviving this thread because I was watching a YT clip of Karate Nerd with Jesse Enkamp regarding this is exact topic, but not to the specific technique the OP highlighted. Jesse points that the beginning hand gesture for certain katas(e.g Jion) are a tied to ancient China secret society hand gestures, and was a signal to identify each other, with no relation to bunkai application. Besides the fact, I wholeheartedly agree with all the comments basically paraphrasing that, in the end, it is about intent of things we do or get involved with. Its whats in the HEART

thank you for the response and it has given me perspectives to dwell on Ill say Although a student can go through the "motions" of techniques, I would assume their form would still have to be a big factor in progression, since good form translates to good technique if I'm not mistaken. "form" IMO falls under the umbrella of "looks" I mean you see alot of teachers correcting the heck out of students for the right posture, fist, stance etc..

I will add, I totally understand the martial arts is for the individual and that it is just a tool do be used with in the persons ability and understanding. This is just a side topic

Should someone be promoted based on display of proper technique and aesthetics? or would you also consider promoting someone with sub par display of technique/aesthetics, but that student is very committed to training and is present for most of the classes? Things to keep in mind are persons physical ability etc.. I say this, because My previous experiences with other Karate/TKD dojos have been different. Certain Dojos will still promote a student because the student is very dedicated to training but still exhibits ability of a lower rank than that person is qualifying for. (With out sugar coating) for example, I have seen brown or black belts that still display the ability of a lower kyu student. I understand certain people have limitations and not all are naturally talented. Many factors come into play such as age etc..But for whatever reason they have gone through the ranks because that student attends most classes and trains hard. Would you adhere to this type of philosophy for promotion or does everything need to be crisp and aesthetically pleasing in addition? I struggled with this because I see both sides to it. I commend that persons dedication to training and can agree to the merit of promotion. Then again.. I take pride in the system Ive trained in and can see if others were to view an individual with an advanced belt in the system, but displays poor technique then it would make the system less credible and for the most part.. (to be harsh) embarrassing.. And yes I can easily say "who cares what others think" but this is the question for time being I think it would be more common in stand up TMAs (Karate, TKD, Hapkido etc) because alot of the things we do are based on form with very little resistance/effectiveness training against other opponents testing. It is not a topic meant to offend so pardon me, Im pretty sure its come across many of you that are very experienced. Id like your thoughts on and humble opinions as I know many of you teach and run your own dojos. Thank you

came across this YT clip of Bas Rutten and GSP highlighting differences between the 2

Update: Been enjoying and learning alot from classes so far. definitely the hardest sport ive ever trained in, but loving every moment of it. Its great to see the obvious skill level rolling with different belts. Compared to traditional stand up arts, each belt level is totally determined by skill and there is no way you can bypass it or you would get exposed quickly. I would go as far to say, that even the senior white belts (3 to 4 stripes) would be able to defend themselves and dominate against an average untrained attacker. My previous exp in training TMA has I would say, given me a bit of a advantage with body movement/reflexes (a very microscopic advantage lol as I'm still getting mauled) JJ remains IMO a single BUT necessary element of self defense. Stand up striking arts would still be my initial choice if I had to start from scratch when beginning to learn any self defense art. I agree with the saying "100 percent of fights start on the feet" (based on personal experience) Id encourage anyone to experience JJ if they get a chance, but be prepared for the aches and pains that come with continuous training as it is rough on every part of the body. with that said - I will probably be doing this as a added hobby for as long as my body allows me. Im embracing the suck and are not focused on belts as I already know what it is like to work towards and earn a black belt in something. I truly want to be proficient enough in JJ to be well rounded.

Hi Grapplezilla I coincidentally are doing opposite of you, being as a Karateka, ventured into the grappling world (BJJ specifically). *based on whats available around your area that you mentioned* Both styles are pretty solid as long as you find the right DOJO. Shotokan - very effective style, but mind you there are different styles or lineages of Shotokan that put emphasis on sport vs traditional (or vice versa), Some hard, some soft approaches to technique Shotokan focuses on form, speed, *TIMING* and range. A typical class will consist of warm up, kihon (basics), Kata (forms), Kumite (matching/sparring/going live). Shotokan has DEEP stances... Some dojos spar and some dont at all from my experience, but instead focus on set drills of attacks and countering using full speed (there are benefits to this method IMO and you can get caught pretty good if your not focusing). My class use to spar for 5 minute rounded then switch partners as you would in BJJ. But officiated matches (with ref) would just be point based, meaning, the ref would award a point on a single effective strike then reset. I think the art is quite effective in real world self defense, in a sense that, if someone were to attack you, the techniques are useful in stopping the attack totally (by KO) or get you some leverage to disarm the attacker enough to get out of the situation by running or getting to a safe distance. Some dojos have good bunkai (applications to Kata) and some rarely know any applications to the kata and mostly focus on the perfection of form and kumite aspects. Okinawan Karate IMO is the go to for good bunkai breakdown Kyokushin - I had a limited time in training this style, and know its more of a hard style similar to Muay Thai, but minus punches to the head. Stances are not as deep, Focuses on body conditioning and power as opposed to the Timing and distance aspect that Shoto focuses on. Forms (from basics to Kata) are similar, but at the same time "different" than shotokan. Kyokushin has a similar class format (kihon kata Kumite). Kyokushin kumite consist of trading shots to the body (allowing kicks to the head) while being timed or if someone went down. Youll find less chance of a mcdojo with Kyokushin.. both of these styles have been adapted into MMA and used effectively so I will not say one is better than the other if you want to utilize in competition (MMA for example)) you will have to be proficient in the core aspects of each art as you go up in rank (Kihon Kata Kumite) more advanced katas as you go up each belt level Karate will be less harder on your body than jits or similar grappling arts. I will say, for the short time that I have been training BJJ, I have endured more aches and pains ALL OVER the body (especially joints) than all of my YEARS of training Karate. Karate will get you a few bruises, sometimes a good shiner, lip bleeds here and there, but overall, sparring is supposed to be with CONTROL. None of the aches or pains endured from Jiujitsu is debilitating to the point where Im not enjoying it. I love training JJ and continue going on a regular basis, you learn to deal with it after a while which Im sure your familiar with. I think Karate and JJ are beautiful together in self defense for the real world. Good luck on your training and keep us updated!

are you the only martial arts hobbyist in your circle of friends/family? Do you feel that you can only share the interest with people that train with you, or do you have friends that share same interest? most of my friends are fanatics of Football and Basketball. I am pretty much outkast from their conversations once they get on a roll of talking about their sports (which can go on for hours lol) they are still my good friends, but its what can keep me the black sheep of the group when discussing hobbies.

My Karate dojo actually does thorough stretch/warmup before practice, which consists of many similar stretches to Yoga. Stretching in general, is a must before and after any physical acvitity, Yoga "type" stretches in particular, are a good addition to any MA training IMO

My traditional dojos use English when announcing certain techniques and some in Japanese with different names. Gedan Barai would just be called as "down block" etc.. Other dojos Ive been to will use strictly Japanese terminology, so regardless, I still try to study the Japanese pronunciations for common techniques between styles

I respect the use of Aikido, because I have actually witnessed it used effectively in a real situation against a "BIG" opponent, which happened to be a patient at a psychiatric unit I worked for when I was a much younger gentlemen. The unit had a heavy set Caribbean women who was very restless and hallucinating, because she would not let the medical staff approach her and check her daily blood sugar levels to inject her insulin. The nurses were smaller figured ladies, the males were half the pts size, and one day the patient went on a rampage and started being combative ( she started getting restless and hallucinating because her blood sugar levels were dangerously high according to the MD) The staff had no choice but to call in a 51-50 as they couldn't subdue the pt because of her strength and size. One officer came from the police department that looked like a senior, and looked 1/3 of the pts mass. I believed in my head there was no way this officer is going to be able to do anything to subdue this pt. He had a very "confident look" on him as if it was just another day in the office. He then dawned some gloves, then approached the wild pt and spoke with her to relax and comply with his instructions so they may take her to the nearest hospital for evaluation. She then swung her fist and the officer caught it swiftly and applied a wristlock that totally dropped the pt to the floor in submission while the officer was standing tall, she stayed there not willing to move in inch while the officer keep the lock applied. Me, not knowing martial arts at the time, was completely amazed on how a small technique brought down a HUGE individual into submission. I ll have to admit, the officer had a look as if it was nothing to him and that he has done it million times. Looking back at it now.. It was plain old Aikido in motion being utilized in the way it was meant to be

I will be stepping out of the Karate realm and will dive into grappling by signing up at a local MMA/BJJ gym in my area. I will plan to make great effort in learning and advancing in this style as I did with my previous years in Karate. As a Karateka, I was the type that would train as much as I can (4xweek 2 hour sessions etc.) I was "all-in/gung-ho" when I was in my 20s to 30s, because it was something I always enjoyed, and it was my only physical activity that garnered genuine interest. I have dabbled in Judo and BJJ while training mainly as a Karateka, but never stuck to it long enough to earn ranks or progress effectively. Fast-forward to the present.. Currently, I am approaching my 40's and are hoping my body will be able to handle the amount of training I plan on pursuing. My heart and energy level is preparing to train 3-4 times a week, but I have noticed my body has more aches (especially my hands and knuckles) and I hear more gas bubbles cracking at all joints from simple activities such as getting up, walking, any minimal strain. It is not painful once-soever, but it is a painful reminder that the door to my youth is closing soon, and it will stay closed and never open again.. I'm hoping I will be lucky and progress without having to absorb any serious injury or anything debilitating that would put me out for months. I say this, because I have read horror stories online of people getting debilitating injuries to the point of requiring surgery. I'm not looking to eventually compete (although it isn't out of the question) I would just like to learn enough to utilize the style to defend myself on the ground and maybe reach a level of proficiency that's above immediate beginner (blue or purple belt?) Does anyone here currently train and are in their 30's or above? how is your training going and how is your body keeping up with the style?

I had trained in schools that mixed to Karate styles and taught karate and a version of TKD that were similar in characteristics. In the end, you would just get your BB in "Karate" when you get to that point.

Check out Karate Nerds episode of him discovering the shared roots of Karate and Kali, very delightful episode of him training with Johan Skålberg

The biggest emphasis to respond to an attack IMO is using the mind and awareness first and foremost as taught by my Karate styles. The physical attack being used can be any part of your body or strike. My Style always emphasizes relaxation in technique, as to allow the for a speedy response

I am very excited for this fight, One Championship has been my go to for MMA now. I think MM will have his hands full as there is no wrestling involved

In Shotokan (Heian Nidan), I was taught the beginning move, while being held by the wrist with your hands by your side, raising your arms in that double arm block position, then with the other arm to downward strike the attackers holding forearm and following up with a back fist using the same hand that was initially grabbed.

There are different known methods of performing this technique depending on Karate styles and lineages, or different martial arts in general... (e.g chinese arts, boxing, MT) In boxing and MT, it is typically referred to as the "right cross" What methods and philosophies in technique do you prefer and found to be effective for your own personal style? or do you have the discipline to practice it in various ways? It may sound like a simple question, but for me for example, I have been taught 4 different ways in execution. Differences encompass foot, body, hip, shoulder, elbows positions.