Shojiko

Thank you for the explanation! As I understand it, Its very similar to the situation in Karate hehe. I see that both arts (wushu sanda/sports Karate) are effective in their own merit when it comes to competition. Both remain with the criticism that they are not traditional when being utilized, but have elements from their root arts. I will still say, that I am quite intrigued by the Sanda style used in combat sports by the likes of e.g (Cung le, Kevin Holland, Roy Nelson, Lakay fighters) The strikes look hook/loop oriented as opposed to Karate's linear straight punches. I would love to get my feet wet, and train at a school that teaches that style of fighting. I actually checked around before, and I mostly come across the "traditional" schools and are not sure if is the same type of style that's used by the practitioners as mentioned above. It would be a whole new world for me, as I come from a Karate background, and I notice there is a good amount of acrobatics and "deeep" stances involved (based on the promo vids Ive seen of the schools I curiously viewed) Forgive me if I sound totally clueless of Kung Fu in general, as I only know based on being a spectator of MMA and schools Ive viewed.

The ONE championship is the most I can say of actually witnessing Kung Fu being utilized in MMA. As evidenced by the Team "Lakay" fighters that are based out of the phillipines, their bios shows their styles as "WUSHU" Their striking looks as if they mainly use wide looping hooks etc. Would you say this is authentic traditional Kung Fu?

Some high profile Martial artists/MMA fighters (which I will not name) do actually award belts online via video testing. Although I do not generally agree with the method-it seems to be a increasingly accepted way to test and earn rank.

I am very impressed with Bobby Taboada youtube vids. He is amazing and really show cases Kali. Check out Jesse Enkamps episode on Karate's connection to Kali

Congrats sir!

I wanted to post an update: I have trained rigorously with the sauna suit, but have made some critical mistakes and have learned from them. MAKE SURE TO HYDRATE BEFORE AND AFTER USE I made the mistake of only drinking a bottle of water water after the workout. I started to have increasing symptoms of anxiety and insomnia all of a sudden, originally thinking it was due to stress and working out late. After research, It so happens the brains production of melatonin gets affected by hydration. I since then bought hydration supplements (capsules, chewable,sprays) and use them hours before and after I use the suit. I even continue them the day after the workout and sleep/rest came back to normal. I love the results the suit gives but it definitely needs to be used with EXTREME PRECAUTION.

TKD is Shotokans first cousin in a sense lol I was amazed on how similar the katas are (although they are at the same time..different)

Good to hear that you have a faith based style. I reckon there are a few faith based karate orgs nationwide. I definitely view that self defense has biblical scripture backing to it. You should check out Pastor Jeff Durbins view on self defense

Thank you Zaine I ask because, based on my research, Shito has many family styles or some "fake" ones (just as most Karate styles) Im more intetested in a lineage that traces back to Kenwa Mabuni or his decendants/senior students. No doubt, Demura sensei has a big stamp in the Shito world, but thats all I know about his lineage based on what I find online. Im interested in Shitos blend of Karate as I know the founder was an expert in many Okinawan styles and their bunkai.

After contemplating very hard on which Style to explore next, I have developed a interest in Shito Ryu. Being a current resident of the OC area of Cali, there are not too many schools that teach Shito other than Fumio demuras dojo (which Im not sure if he is still actively teaching) or another dojo called Japan Karate-do Judo Jujitsu (led by a Sensei Doan). I know Shito has different family styles, so I dont know if these 2 dojos are different in that aspect. I was orginally going to check out Ryobukai Karate (Shindo Jinen of Yamazaki sensej) but it seems all their branches closed shop other than the UCI branch. Anyone have any thoughts on these dojos or branch of Shito these places are affiliated with? Which one is more legit or pure in regards to Shito lineage?

Good luck w/ your journey! I plan to have my kids start MA firstly from all the other typical physical activities children usually get involved in. Self defense is a MUST ( given the current state of society right now) Pls keep us updated and share your experiences of the Shobayashi system!

You can mold your Karate training however way you want (that includes full resistance) I concur with Wastelander as he states that just because it isnt mainstream, doesnt mean it isnt being done.. There old school Karate pioneers that implemented full contact sparring that pre dates YT, Kenwa Mabuni (Shito Ryu) is a figure that comes to mind.. You can find old black and white photos with him dressed in full sparring gear, so you know he was definitly up to something.. now did he include full resistance grappling using the bunkai he was supposdly known for being knowledgable in? Who knows? Im also a fan of Roys YT vids (I also train BJJ) great cinematics and he is definitly a student, and has respect towards the Japanese MAs (I think he trained Karate for a brief period in time). My fascination with the videos is just seeing how exhausted beat the guys in the video are untill that very end, eventually earning the belt. The beginning parts of his vids are of the student performing the "kata" for the BJJ curriculum then comes the full resistance sparring at the end, remember these are for a belt test and there are Karate styles that require such tests in the same format but for KARATE (e.g Kyokushin kumite, Shotokan etc..) those test are painful and no joke by any means.. BJJ has full resistance as a part of regular class, as Karate does when we kumite (spar) just apples and bananas in differences. JUDO trains and tests the same as you can find a good amount of YT vids that show them. Here is a few - - I would agree that it would be fantastic if we break free from tradition and add more grappling elements taking from bunkai, and added them as a regular part of all aspects of Karate training. I would imagine, if somone where to post a vid of standup grappling of Karate bunkai, then it might look something similar to this but with more intensity/resistance and back and forth exhanges (although David Bertrand is a Kali specialist) *side note* I feel bad for the Uke in the vid I know Kali has some newly found conncetions with Karate, as pointed out by Jesse Enkamp

I have purchased a few lessons in there from the karate based fighters such as Machida and Wonderboy, and a few of the MT/Kickboxing specialist. The lessons are excellent as they teach basics, combinations, set ups etc. I have incorparated and modified these lessons and integrated them into my own style. Its kind of like them giving you a personal but through video download (and you own the lesson forever after purchase)

I saw that WCA is lead by Ian Abernathy (Big fan of his bunkai breakdowns and own some of his dvds) Ive always liked his approach to bringing practicality back to Karate, but I have to say, I swear the guy rarely blinks his eye in his videos!! Seems like a solid associatiin thats UK based

Thank you guys for the feedback. I modified the initial post, and added a health disclaimer as you are all correct, that there are risk involved with weight cutting via body heating methods.

How do Korean martial art orgs look at this type of scenario out of curiosity? I am only familiar with Karate orgs and their politics lol.

@Sensei8 What if you just have your name listed under the outside org for 3rd party recognition (for business purposes for example) but have no activity with that org whatsoever? And you are very active with you main org.. Does the SKKA for example, look down on that and would they still give the member a warning or label them inactive?

Im an individual who sweats PERFUSLY. I noticed that my mood and mental clarity, when going about my daily routine, gets affected if I do not properly replenish my loss in vital minerals and nutrients. Ill tend to feel anxious or nervous somewhat.. I think its a health risk that is overlooked when training rigerously in any martial art or sport. Do any of you take supplements specifically for training and what kind?

I was shopping on the website of FUJI sports (they make judo/JJ gis), that I noticed they sell their own brand of sauna suit called the active move suit. I purchased it and have never been more SATISFIED! Im amazed on how much sweat I produced ****disclaimer**** you should always speak to your doctor before you change, start, or stop any part of your health plan, including physical activity or exercise. Reading health information online may be helpful, but it can not replace the professional diagnosis and treatment you might need from a qualified healthcare provider.

Im a big fan of this website, and have purchased various lessons from here. You can purchase lessons from some of the biggest names that ever got in the ring, They have lessons from MMA fighters and old school kickboxers etc. I just recently found the site as they are they sister website of BJJ/judo/wrestling Fanatics https://www.dynamicstriking.com/

What are everyones thoughts on joining or belonging to organizations outside of your main style? Say you are a Karateka belonging to you current Karate organization, but also belong to another big organization that consists of other MA styles etc. Are there any reputable martial arts organizations out there that are non political and welcome all MA regardless of style? [/b]

Thank you everyone! What a great community!! Apologies for the late reply as Ive had sooo much going on. cheers!!

Ive trained with remarkable female Karatekas (especially in Shotokan) I respect and never underestimate them. I would truly feel bad if anybodys chin had to absorb the punches my female friends pack. They are certainly dangerous if they have good technique and precision. Ive shed blood sparring women in class lol Like school children, I one time told my female classmate who is a black belt to give me a solid punch to the arm and chest... boy was I astonished how much shock/PAIN her punch delivered and just imagined that punch connecting on someones jaw, as I gaurentee it would have been broken from that single shot...

For striking fundamentals I would personally get my kids Karate/TKD and Judo/Bjj for grappling. I would also encourage wrestling in high school and MT/boxing when they are matured.

I Once trained under a school that named the style "Karate" The head instructor was ranked in 2 respected Karate styles and I guess ran his own thing evidently. Overall... you just cant copyright trademarked organizations of a style but not the Style itself. Ive seen many dojos where it was just the head instructors own association that consists of the students that exclusivly began and progressed under that instructor/dojo.