Eagle105

Can't say I've come across it - I can't really imagine how it would look if you don't put your weight on your front foot after stepping.

Mind you I'd want to get through Kanku Dai quickly - not my favourite kata. I should really do something about that

I was once told that you cannot do Kata too slow.

Male pride most of the time

I hear mixed reviews about GKR. A friend of mine was a yellow belt when he was handed a Black belt with a white stripe and given his own club to run! That says it all to me really.

I would hope basic stances form part of your "Kihon" also

If someone goes in too heavy during sparring I'll hit them back with equal force. Usually makes them think.

I have trained in Shotokan for 12 years. Availability of Karate clubs in my area was more the reason I started training Shotokan. I also trained in Wado Ryu up until Green belt before I joined the Army in 1994, after that nothing until starting with Shotokan in 2003.

I have always translated "Kihon" as "fundamentals". I like "Foundation" though. If the foundations are weak then you can't build on them.