gunner

Learning kanku dai

The basic form is a series of low block, middle punch movements in the "I" form. We do sets of both static and dynamic blocks and punches during conditioning exercises. The method and techniques are taught to beginner levels during that time. With the kata, the offensive and defensive hip motion is emphasized. We spend a lot of time on loading and execution at this point because as the katas get more difficult more time has to be spent on bunkai. For instance, I had a hard time learning Naihanchi Sho until I learned the bunkai. It just didn't make sense. I didn't invent the method - I'm just a student having fun and trying to learn. That's why I'm here. (Part of my qualification to take the black belt test is to teach. Any suggestions are appreciated !!! )

It's basically a Kyokushin style, but as I understand, the term kyokushin is trademarked so for legal reasons the grandmaster can't use the name. He was taught by Hulon Willis and he was taught by Mas Oyama. We are very traditional and the style requires weapons training. White belts to 4th kyu learn staff, 3rd kyu tonfa, 2nd kyu Sai and 1st kyu Kama. Black belts usually start sword but some choose to learn the Master Staff form. As far as sparring goes, I prefer continuous sparring but point sparring is also practiced because so many tournaments only have point sparring.

I agree the basic katas and some Pinans really don't need explanation. The techniques of offensive and defensive hip are emphasized most at that level.

I just joined and have been lurking around the forum reading. Really interesting topics and responses. Anyhow, I started messing with martial arts as a teenager. I didn't take formal classes until I was 23 and joined a school that taught TKD and Blue Dragon Kung Fu. After a couple of years, I suffered a bad injury and had to quit to rehab. Well a lifetime went by and I got married and had children. I was always lifting weights and working cardio then the kids went off to college and I was experiencing knee pain. I began stretching the ligaments in my leg and the pain went away. I started thinking I needed to get more limber so I joined the Karate school around the corner. I went in as a white belt and moved through the lower belts quickly because the katas and basics are very similar to TKD. I just made 1st Kyu after 3 years. My forte is sparring but I'm good at kata and weapons also. Sorry this is so long.

I took TKD when I was young. I now take Karate but I have no particular style. I'm also ambidextrous which confuses many people. Lately I've been fighting southpaw more because it gives me more options against right handed fighters.

Just made 1st kyu in Kyokushin Karate.

I'm a 1st kyu and our heavy bag at the dojo is rarely used because it hangs from metal rafters in a commercial building that rattle the whole roof. We do have several BOBS and Wave Masters. I do have a heavy bag and speed bag in my garage that I use now and then. I concentrate on speed and technique mainly so heavy bags aren't always needed. I do a lot of squats and core work. I'm one of the more powerful kickers and strikers. The point is: Power comes from good technique. I'd rather try to kick smaller targets with accuracy because it takes more technique.

Our Grandmaster teaches the bunkai as he teaches the kata to all levels. If you don't understand the bunkai, what use is the kata.

Sounds similar to how I ripped my adductor muscle. Just be careful and don't push too hard or stay in a strained position too long.