JR 137

Other than what's been said here, take a self defense course run by a police department or LEOs. Yes, the MA teach us self defense techniques, but a true self defense course goes significantly further in the situational awareness aspect. LEOs see things everyday that non-LEOs can only speculate about. A SD course of this nature doesn't replace MA training; rather, it supplements it or vice versa. My mother took a course run by a local police department several years ago through her employer. It consisted of several evenings and a half day on a Saturday. The stuff she told me they learned in situational awareness seemed quite extensive. The techniques seemed pretty good too. When my daughters are old enough, they'll go too. And they won't have a choice in the matter. And hopefully I can get them into jujitsu or judo when they're a bit older. Defending grabs, chokes and off your back should be essential to every woman IMO.

You bring up some very valid points, however... The Lyoto Machida reference holds very little weight. He's a world class competitor. 99% of the people out there don't have any chance at being on his level, regardless of who's teaching them. I won't be an NBA caliber player, even if I have Phil Jackson coaching me 12 hours a day for the rest of my life. Doesn't mean I can't be a respectable rec level player with some good coaching though. A lot of people aren't in the MA (traditional MA included) to truly learn to fight. They may have that intention when starting out, but once they realize what's truly involved, they adjust their reasons for being there. They may work hard at various aspects of training, but go through the motions where it counts the most and not give their all in making the essential self defense techniques really work. Fighting is more a state of mind than anything else IMO. Knowing you're going to get hit, knowing you're going to get hurt, being able to get hit hard, and keep going despite these facts isn't something that can be taught very easily. Honestly, I struggle to believe they can be truly taught at all. On the flip side of that, you genuinely can't tell if someone will or won't hold it together when that moment of truth comes; sometimes the least expected person will get the job done when they have no other choice, and the one you'd expect to take care of themself will fold. I think the most important thing to teach (other than avoidance of situations and all that stuff) is breaking people of their natural bad instincts. Things like excessively covering up, backing up, putting their head down, using both arms to block a strike, being too intimidated, freezing up, etc. are what'll get someone in far more trouble than anything else. No techniques that the student learned and practiced are going to work in a real situation if the student hasn't broken those instincts. Break those habits, and the student has a far better chance of being able to do what they've been taught. I've changed my schedule a bit and now go to a class on Tuesday night where our second in line guy teaches, and several higher rank guys attend. My favorite person to spar is a 4th dan, and the single biggest reason why I now go to that class. If I saw him on the streets, I wouldn't be intimidated because he doesn't have a menacing presence. But after sparring him a few times, he became comfortable with giving me a beating (in a good way). He hits hard, he's fast, and he's very sharp (knowing exactly when and where to hit, move, etc.). I love sparring him because every single bad habit I have gets magnified. I never get comfortable nor confident. On the rare occasions I did get comfortable, he changed it up and made me pay for it. Sparring him, I revert to my natural bad instincts. I back up straight instead of circling or going forward, I cover up too much and can't counter effectively, and I lean forward too much when I try to counter. It's like the teacher stands over us when we're sparring and constantly says "stop backing up! Circle! Stop putting your head down!" I keep wanting to spar him because that's the guy who's going to get me to break my habits. He's the only one I consistently do those things against. After a few weeks with him, I'm getting better. No where near where I want to be, but it's only been a few consistent weeks. For the record, he's not some animal taking his aggression out on me and everyone else in his path. He knows that's what I want him to do and he knows I can handle it. He always gives me feedback between rounds and when we're done, and it's all great feedback and very specific. The instructor and I were talking after class one night about my flaws and progress. I jokingly said "I don't make those mistakes against most other people." He laughed and said "Karate's easy when when you're sparring against people you're better than. The important thing is how you do against people better than you." What's the point in all of that? IMO MA first and foremost needs to teach people to break those bad instincts. Forget techniques. No technique is going to work when you're covering up in a standing fetal position. Once you've got that part worked out, the techniques will work. A big part of why I like the Kyokushin mentality in MA is that it forces you to stand up and fight. There's a heavy reliance on full contact sparring and not the false sense of security of light contact stop and go point fighting. Seido Juku isn't bare knuckle full contact karate, but I'm not in my 20s anymore either. With the right teacher and partners, it's what it needs to be. To wrap it all up, state of mind will make or break a fighter, not techniques. Being able to actually use those techniques depends on if the fighter can hold it together mentally or not. You've got to be willing to take a hit and keep going. Sounds quite simple. Actually doing it is an entirely different matter.

Best of luck with the test! As an older guy (40 years old), I find I can do just about anything I did a decade or two ago. It just takes a bit more effort and far more recovery time. Make sure to get adequate rest beforehand, and even more afterwards.

I really like your bunkai. Direct and keeping it simple. Some people go way too far with stuff IMO.

I think with internet streaming, more events are accessible than in the past. It used to be that everything was on 1 station. Now, the 1 station that has the contract to carry the games (nbc) has multiple stations under their banner. Add internet, and there's no reason I know of that every event can't be watched in one way or another.

Yet another go see the school line of advice. I always say choose a school, not an art. Some schools are filled with kids who think they're Power Rangers or Ninja Turtles, others are filled with adults who train hard, and everything in between. Some teachers are great, others aren't. Some teachers are great, but if you're learning style doesn't mesh with their's, the results won't be great. Google search MA in your area, eliminate what you can't afford and what doesn't coincide with your schedule, then visit the rest. Who's teaching and who you're training with are far more important than "which style is better."

What gets air play is what gets most viewers. Why? More viewers = higher premiums from commercials. Think about it... The only reason why anything on tv exists is to keep you entertained in between commercials.

Not exactly related to your thread, but worth mentioning nonetheless... A university I worked at had a judo club. Part of one of the rank tests they held (not sure which rank) was the students had to demonstrate some basic falling and rolling in the parking lot. They weren't in gis, and I didn't know who they were, so I just had to ask. The Sensei was a great guy. His mentality was if they couldn't do it properly without a mat, then they truly didn't understand falling and rolling, and in everyday life there aren't very many mats to break your fall.

PT = Physical Therapist, aka Physio Therapist everywhere else in the world.

Unfortunately I disagree with you on the bolded above, because as much as they can say what you can do in terms of when returning to exercise due to trauma but they shouldn't be prescribing as it is outside of their Scope of Practice and Training. Unless they have been trained and qualified specifically to do so, but many good Doctors will study and get quals to ensure that they are covered and have a scope of practice to such Training. Although they do have a responsibility and a duty of care to their clients (People feel less stigmatised when called this) to inform them if there is anything that they should be limiting. In particular Exercise or Certain Movements or Behaviours. Example; My Surgeon informed me that I now have to take 3-4 weeks off training due to Subcutaneous Prepatellar Bursitis and be careful of any form of exercise and excessive loading of my knee. I know over in NZ many surgeons are fantastic and have done further study (and received additional quals) to do it. Although not as much here in Australia where they seem to prescribe everything left right and centre even if they're not really trained in it. Exercise Physiologists IMHO are the best course of action because they are specifically trained to deal with this type of problem, along with a wide variety of problems. As they can Prescribe Exercise (60-70% of their studies have been about exercise prescription), whilst taking recommendations on limitations from Doctors or other Medical Professionals. Occupational Therapists are great for Daily Management of any conditions that you have and ensure that they don't impact you on a daily basis. My apologies if I caused any disrespect JR or anyone, this is my point of view and i am studying to be in this field. Due to many colleagues of mine (including teachers at University) and I have found many Orthopedic Surgeons have done what you've said [Prescribing Exercise] and failed to prescribe appropriate exercise (along with Sets, Reps, Rest, Tempo and Load) and disregarded exercise specific guidelines we follow with clients. You caught my typing error. Thanks! It should have said "contrary to common sense, orthopedic surgeons are NOT the best at modification, prescribing an exercise regimen, etc." No disrespect felt on my part; we were both thinking the same thing IMO. As far as Ex Physiologists vs OTs and PTs, Ex Physios here are harder to come by, and they mainly work with healthy clients in a strength & conditioning aspect rather than a rehab aspect. And as far as I know, they can't bill insurance companies for services, which is a huge blow. Many therapists here do Ex Phys as undergrad to get into grad level PT and OT programs. Although that's changing as most PT and OT programs recently have become exclusively 5 or 6 year doctorate programs that start at the student's 1st year of college; i.e. they get in as undergrad freshmen and go straight through until they get their doctorate. Year round program instead of semesters with no degree in between levels; it's all or nothing. With that, where I was going with my post hopefully makes more sense. Orthos are good at getting in there and fixing it, and referring to a therapist for the long term follow up. I'll edit it if I can!

Agree...leave the point sparring to TKD. Personally I disagree, because Point Sparring is vastly different between Karate and TKD. As such I'd like to see both forms of Point Sparring at the Olympic Level. The only part I like more about point sparring than knockdown is that it's easier to understand and follow for someone not familiar with the rules. The points scored are far clearer to see, and judges' decisions in who won and lost are easier to agree with. In knockdown, unless there's a clear KO or one guy clearly dominating his opponent, judges' decisions get tricky, especially to people who have no experience with it. It can very easily appear to be 2 guys slugging it out, and one guy wins for no apparent reason to the masses. I'm just anti fights being stopped at every clean strike and guys yelling every time they think they scored a point. The most frustrating thing to me is when one guy yells (or worse - both guys yell), both fighters stop and look at the judge who's looking at them like "Why'd you stop? I didn't award a point." The bouncing around really drives me crazy too. I guess it'll be like certain songs on the radio - if it's on while the TV's on, I won't change the channel; but I certainly won't clear my schedule to watch it either.

Welcome PhilC. Looking forward to seeing you around.

As has been mentioned, make sure you're following your doc's advice. Make sure he/she understands what you're doing and you're doing it for a living rather than some weekend beer league softball player. Contrary to common sense, orthopedic surgeons really ARE NOT the best at modification, prescription of exercise regimen, etc. Orthos know what's wrong and how to go in and fix it. They know parameters such as 15 degrees of flexion and extension the first two weeks, adding 5 degrees weekly afterwards, etc. Seek out a physical therapist or occupational therapist for specifics, as you'll be seeing them for post-op rehab. As far as communication with physicians, that's on their assistants, be it a secretary, PA, nurse, etc. Surgeons are a mess, and they know it. Their assistants tell them where they are, where they're going, and what they're going to do tomorrow. In all fairness to them, their schedules are hectic and they've got far more important things to keep their brain occupied. Assistants are there for a reason. Bring up your communication issue to the doc, as he has an idea of what's going on. Sorry, I've been around quite a few orthopedists. Most have been great people. Make sure he/she answers all questions you have. They get the mentality that you know what's going on and don't get too thorough in explanations. But remember, the modifications stuff is best coming from a therapist. That's what they do. Surgeons operate. As far as people saying this and that, so what? As long as your teacher knows what's going on (and you know), everything will take care of itself. While you're on crutches/wheelchair? Anything seated (upper body). You can still do basic blocks, punches, etc. Maybe get someone to hold focus mitts. I know, not glamorous, but better than nothing. Edit: I somehow didn't say orthopedists aren't the best at modification of activity. Edited stuff in caps.

While I have respect for it, this is not what I think of when I think of karate sparring and don't find it too watchable (it's one of the best ones I've found)... I'd much rather this (and I've seen plenty of better matches)... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OftT15zugKg

The WKF is the IOC's recognized body for karate, so their rules. I guess WKF usually has 5 weight divisions, but are only allowed 3 by the IOC. I'd rather see knockdown rules.

I'd cut and paste the lyrics to Welcome Back, Kotter, but that may be before your time. Welcome back. Hope to see you around!

I agree with this to an extent. By all means, do what you feel. However, if I were running an organization, a branch chief, etc., I'd refuse to allow you to use the organization's name. I'd allow you to teach Shotokanon's Karate and do what you wish, but wouldn't allow you to call it JR-Do-Te, I wouldn't test nor recognize rank of your students if they were to train with me, etc.; it's YOUR thing, not mine. As sensei8 said, there's a difference between a club and a dojo. Running an after school club, training with other students, and so forth is one thing. Running a dojo under the guise of an organization is quite another thing. If you have the higher ups' blessing, rock on. If not, follow their rules or you could at the least be excommunicated. You could be sued if you use someone's name without their permission.

Congratulations RJCKarate!

Happy birthday, Danielle. And many more!

The person practicing it is the biggest determining factor. When my previous Sensei broke away from the organization we were under, one of the first things he changed was the weapons curriculum. He bought the Nishiuchi video series and taught us what he learned from that. He was a 4th dan and quite good with weapons already, so it wasn't as if he was learning from scratch. He taught us the stuff he learned from the videos until he could train with someone under that organization. About 3 months into it, he traveled to an associated dojo and spent about a week with them. He came back and made the necessary corrections. They were minor, in that he emphasized some things that weren't of the utmost importance, and came back emphasizing other aspects. Basically, the instructors just had to polish up his technique and explain a few things that video just couldn't.

It depends on how much you truly want to understand the art. And the art itself. You can "learn" strikes and combinations from a video or book, then practice them on a bag/pad/etc. You can get pretty good at them, relatively speaking. You could learn basic stances and movements and combine them with hand techniques to learn kata/forms from a video or book. You can get pretty good at how they look, relatively speaking. Without a teacher, it's going to be quite hard to see your flaws (even if you video yourself), pick up on them, then learn how to correct them. So you can potentially make it look pretty, hit hard, hit fast, etc. But where's the resistance? There's plenty of people who can work a punching bag yet can't fight their way out of a wet paper bag. You can visualize a punch or kick coming and counter against a bag, but that's not going to do anything for you in a real fight. To truly understand an art (or be on your way) and know how it works, you need a teacher and partners. The more partners, the better.

I'd say when I die, but... If heaven is truly a perfect place, then there's got to be a corner dojo up there somewhere. Kinda like Tupac singing "I wonder if heaven's got a ghetto?" only substitute dojo for ghetto.

Congratulations, Brian. Thank you for being a very big part of what makes this community the great place that it is.

This is definitely the gi I've searching for! The right weight, material, cut, and well, everything. I wear a size 5 in pretty much everything else, but Shureido USA told me a 6 will fit me the way I want it to after shrinking. The thing was huge. When I tried on the jacket out of the box, my wife laughed and said "it looks like a dress." It literally went to my knees. The shoulder seams were mid-biceps level. I've washed it in warm water and dried it on medium about 4 times now, and it's just about where it's supposed to be (I want the bottom of the jacket to go to my finger tips when standing with my arms straight down). One or two more wash and dry cycles and it'll will go to the tailor for pant length and patches. This gi is awesome. I forgot how great Shureido gis really are. One of those things that you have to see and feel to truly know.

The truth is these things are far more complicated than what we know. None of us (nor the social worker) were there to be able to say if the child was or wasn't justified in what he did. The way it's put forward here, he seems justified in what he did and the social worker seems like a moron. Common sense (to us as MAists) would say taking away MA is the last thing that should be done, for the reasons given and then some. But I too frequently ask why it's called common sense when it's not very common? I'd tell the social worker where to go and what to do. But I'd also ask myself what the social worker knows about the situation that I don't know. The best thing you can do is state your case as to why the student needs MA in his life. There are plenty of answers.