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So I’ve dealt with this twice (as a student). The first time, I was heavily into Brazilian jiu jitsu. I had been off and on in training for years, mostly due to money, poor time management or moving around. I remember I had really missed training, called up my original professor and asked if there was anything he could do. I was very respectful. His response “no, I don’t do that. All of my students will be charged the same.” He was very blunt, didn’t want to hear anything else from me, so I thanked him for his time and that was it. The second time, with my current Sensei, he was 100% willing to work with me in whatever way he could. He knows I support myself and don’t make very much, so he’s always offering me deals and telling me “no rush” on payments. I try to repay him by always treating him with the respect he deserves, giving my all during class and always cleaning up after class. I always pay him early or on time if possible. I love this man and feel like I’ll never be able to pay him back for everything that he’s done for me! I hope having the perspective from a student helps this thread in some way! Hoping to open up my own dojo in the future.

Tegumi is an old version of Okinawan grappling. However, over the years it seems to have developed more into two person drills that can help build muscle memory for techniques. Also a great workout! I guess this is depending on who you ask, it might be different depending on style/dojo. If anyone would like to add anything I left out, please do so!

How do you practice it, if at all, at your dojo? Do they relate to the kata? Any drills that you’re particularly fond of that you’d like to share? I love it! Especially drilling, working on muscle memory, getting that live feel instead of just practicing a self defense move that your Uke is letting you do. Thanks for sharing

Couldn’t have said it better myself! One of my favorite applications

As I've advanced in my training, I've noticed more and more politics among karateka, whether it's about bunkai, how deep your zenkutsu is, etc. A few months ago, I posted a video of me performing Ananku on social media. I just like sharing what I do! Other ranks saw it and ripped everything apart, telling me everything I did wrong. My Sensei, the big man, stepped in and said he preferred the way that I was doing things, according to my body type. Not going to lie, it really killed my motivation to have everyone telling me how bad I looked doing something I'm very passionate about. REST ASSURED, My Sensei put everyone in their place. I was told not to post Kata on social media, but why not? I don't think we should keep from sharing our passions, through fear of being cut down. That's just my personal example of the politics I see in karate, but I see it everywhere, all the time. What are your thoughts? Any stories?[/url]

Sensei8 I couldn't agree more! I feel teaching Kata with no bunkai is a huge red flag. BUT, some dojos practice sport karate, their kumite, as their "bunkai." I think that's how they're able to keep their students. It just baffles me that some karateka are perfectly fine with practicing a very effective self defense system blindly, and never even learning what they could be doing with it. Thank you all for your contributions!!!

Since I discovered bunkai, I have questions every single class that I attend. It's because if I perform a move in a Kata, and I don't know why I'm performing it, then I can't stop thinking about it. I love just doing Kata, but I need a balance of doing the Kata and practicing what the moves in a Kata actually are. I also see many schools insisting that a gedan barai is a low block for a kick and nothing else. I think it could be many things. Some schools don't even bother covering that. Personally, I would want my students to understand what they're doing and why they're doing it. My Sensei has done a spectacular job at keeping his students educated on this. I understand some schools don't explain Kata, they just do it to maintain the tradition of their style. I trained at a Chito Ryu place like this that had some self defense techniques, completely unrelated to their Kata. ive been told by some to only worry about the Kata and the self defense will just come with it, but I feel practicing the self defense applications are equally as important (if self defense is in your interest). What are your thoughts on this?

I love it!! This is my favorite bunkai for this technique. I learned this from my sensei back in Pennsylvania. My sensei here, see's it more as a judo throw. I think both work, just depends on who it works better with!

That sounds horrible to me. But are there any countries, areas of the world that don't have karate? Maybe they're aware of karate, but it's not available to them? Or maybe, there are places where karate is very scarce. First I'd like to hear of these places, then I would like to hear what you guys would (if possible) do about this!

Out of boredom one night, i came up with this diet! Heavily influenced by the typical Japanese diet. Breakfast: - Beans - Vegetables - Brown Rice Lunch: - Chicken - Vegetables - Brown Rice Dinner: - Fish - Vegetables - Brown Rice Snack: - 1 or 2 servings of Fruit Drinks: - Water (every day) - Green Tea (every day) - Sake (1x/week)

variety is never a bad thing. Also, about an hour depending on how long I rest between sets, how fast I'm moving on certain days, etc.. I don't want to workout too long. After being a trainer for a little while, I learned that we as humans tend to burn muscle instead of fat if you train too long in a single session.

I have not thought about a different focus for each day. Definitely something for me to put down. Personally, I just like to do everything each day, it makes me feel complete. But I definitely will have to mix it up from time to time.

So I think it's pretty solid! I use yoga as part of my warm up and cooldown because I simply it. The reason I do NOT Punch or kick the heavy bag? Well, I don't find kicks very practical unless it's to the groin (just my opinion) and I don't like punching the heavy bag. Weird, right? please, any tips are more than welcome! Warmup: - Sun Salutation (3 Rounds) - Abdominal Circuit (1-3x) 1. 25 Deadbugs 2. 25 Bicycle Crunches 3. 25 Steam Engines 4. 25 Crunches - Stretching (Full Body) Kata: - 2x each Punching Bag: - 100 Elbow Strikes - 100 Knee Strikes Makiwara: - Reverse Punch (snap) - Reverse Punch (hit and hold) - Inside/Outside Forearm Strike - Front Snap Kick Cooldown: - Moon Salutation (3 Rounds) - Meditation

Update! I also found the Kunyu Mountain Shaolin Kung Fu School http://www.chineseshaolins.com I think it looks great!

I recently discovered that, for a hefty price, you can train full time at a Kung Fu school in China. I'm having trouble deciding on which one to go to. So far, the best one I've found is the Middle Kingdom Kung Fu School: http://www.learnmartialartsinchina.com It's the cheapest one I can find with not so bad reviews. I've also found the Qufu Shaolin Kung Fu School, which looks awesome and the videos on YouTube are great, but I've read some really bad reviews as well, with the head master being called a terrorist and betraying one of the other instructors. Can you guys help me find a good full time Kung Fu school that I can attend? I'd like it to be as cheap as possible, but I'm more so looking for the best experience out there. Some schools offer training in more than one style, so I'd like to put my focus on Wing Chun and Shaolin Kung Fu. OR, if you know of any REAL Shaolin temples that would accept a foreigner for full time training, that would be even better. Thank You!

Thank you for your input, but my main question was if there is a "Samurai temple" that is run the same way a Shaolin temple is. Like training 5 hours a day, etc.

I've always looked at the Samurai as the shaolin monks of Japan. They both dedicate their lives to their philosophy and training. But I was curious as to if there is "samurai temple" kind of like how the shaolin monks have a temple where people go to train. If there is such a place, can foreigners train there as well?

Sorry, long post. I used to train at a karate dojo and I loved it. I moved away and missed it, but just moved back and planned on training again. By accident, I noticed there was a Wing Chun place near me and being a fan of Ip Man, I figured I'd go just to try it. I loved it. The problem is, I can't decide where I want to train now. My old Sensei and this new Sifu are both great teachers. The Kung Fu school offers Hung Gar twice a week, Wing Chun twice a week and Tai Chi (with self defense) 3 times a week. The dojo offers karate 5 days a week, Judo once a week (to help with the competitors) and a Samurai/Bugei class twice a week. How do I decide where to go? Practicing real self defense is important to me, and I've always been fascinated with both the Chinese and Japanese cultures. My interests in both these places are completely equal. I never reached black belt in Karate, so that made me want to go back and continue Karate. However, I just feel like I'll be losing an opportunity wherever I decide to go. Any tips on helping me decide where to go?

So I originally had a meijin gi but those are just too expensive. I don't want one of those extremely thin gi's that make no sound (just my preference) so I need suggestions! It needs to be white, and I'm hoping to get it for a cheap price. Unfortunately as a college student my part time job only pays 7.25 an hour. Any links and suggestions would be appreciated!

Personally, I do not look at Yoga as just stretching. Will it help improve flexibility? Of course. Does the stretching my Sebsei does improve flexibility? Yeah! I've looked at Yoga to FURTHER improve my flexibility in not just the flexibility needed to throw fancy kicks, but needed to move better, breathe better, and live better. If I wasn't still in the military I'd probably erase all other forms of strength and conditioning I do and focus soulfully on karate and use Yoga as my warmup and Cooldown for each practice. Or if I'm bored at some point of the day, just do some yoga! I truly believe Yoga helps develop the mind, body and spirit, just as the Martial Arts.

Not sure if you're going to see this, but I fell madly in love with Matsubayashi Ryu. I originally learned under Sensei Jerry Figgiani in New York and he is simply the BEST! I know, we all have the best instructor, but still. I have gotten in two fights since, one when I was in high school going into gym class. He swung, I blocked and threw him to the ground. No striking on my part was necessary. The second time I was drinking and lost my temper on my sisters now ex boyfriend, he was a horrible person. Came out without a scratch on me, but I don't count that as using Karatedo, as "there is no first strike in Karate." I moved away and now practice Chito Ryu. I still practice the Matsubayashi Kata's I learned in NY because I simply love it. If I could, I'd go back to NY and pick up Matsubayashi Ryu again in a heart beat.

I do Karate. I always look for things to help better me as a Karateka. My friend who practices BJJ has been doing yoga and is working on his certification. Tonight, I did hot yoga. My glasses fogged up as soon as I walked in! The instructor also incorporated some "power yoga" movements in it as well. Unfortunately I went to that class a little hungry and not very hydrated, but I was still sitting in a pool of my own sweat by the end of the class. I truly see how this could help me develop more balance and flexibility, as well as help me to control my breathing. It was also challenging for my muscles throughout my entire body. However, I'm not entirely sure it's ENOUGH muscular development. Not worried about size, just performance. I'm definitely sticking with Yoga though! What are your thoughts on how Yoga can help a Karateka?

Love everything about Kata. Right now, Pinan Shodan (Heian Nidan) has my attention right now because I just learned some Bunkai and most of its history!

Well I've fallen completely in love with Shorin Ryu. Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu are sibling styles, both Okinawan. So you can't go wrong with either choice. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT IS THE TEACHER. Try out both schools and see which Sensei you connect with more or you think simply does it better. Then see which dojo taught a curriculum that best fits your needs and interest. On this website, the best we can do is give you our own experiences with the style, our own opinion of it, etc. I trained in Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu, which (to my knowledge) has a bigger emphasis on Kata and its applications than the other versions of Shorin Ryu. To me, that's great! The amazing combat techniques of Karate are hidden in the Kata. I love it, I think about it all day long and I even plan my future around continuing my practice in Matsubayashi Ryu. It definitely takes a lot of patience though, which I'm sure you've experienced in Aikido. Good luck!

Personally, growing up on Jackie Chan and Jet Li movies, it felt like something special when the Forbidden Kingdom came out. So most, if not all of their movies. I thoroughly enjoy the original Karate Kid. Enter The Dragon is perfect. Love Ip Man 1&2. The only Karate specific movie that had potential and I've seen was something called Karate Warrior. I wish more movies that portray a real style of Karate would come out since there are endless opportunities for an awesome storyline following a Karateka!