KarateNewbie

Apologies, only seeing the last couple of posts now. Thank you so much for your insights and for taking so much trouble in replying with detail. You've all given me a lot to think about.

Thanks guys 👍

Normally the leading hand mirrors the leading leg in this technique but in Nijushiho its the opposite- there has to be a reason for it. Does anyone know?

I read this more like "karate begins and ends with respect" We must have enough respect for human life to avoid a confrontation, if at all possible. We should have enough respect for our partners in kumite to give 100%. Obviously it's very important to show respect in the dojo for the past Masters and for our Sensei. Most importantly for me, I've found, is to have respect for myself. It's only since I started reading the precepts again that I realised that my lack of respect for my own abilities is holding me back. I was always ready to put myself down but I've come to realise that I have my strenghts as well as my weaknesses, just like everyone else in the dojo. For me, this precept is the most important of the 20 because without respect for myself, I will never progress.

While I agree with this, it does raise a couple of difficult questions. 1. How does one measure and test to see if that mindset and wisdom is there? Age alone can not be a measure. 2. Is a 50 year old ex soldier or doorman or policeman in a white belt less wise and knowledgeable than a 20 year old college graduate in a black belt? I guess the real question is, if age is part of the criteria, how can that be fairly backed up and supported with evidence? Sorry, I wasn't clear. I'm trying to say that I don't think age alone should be the decider - the change of mindset should be. There are some 10 year olds who may well achieve this, just like there's some 50 year olds who will never will. I agree it's hard, maybe even impossible to measure though.

I think you're decision is already made - you just need to come to terms with it. It's a tough one.

My thoughts exactly

I'm just a newbie but in our dojo, the teaching is that you don't "get" a black belt. You "become" a black belt. It's a transformation of sorts, like a caterpillar to a butterfly, and involves a whole change of perception. While a 10 year old could quite possibly master the techniques needed to earn a black belt, I'm not sure if most are capable of this change of mindset.

I was thinking exactly the same thing!

I'm only a baby compared to you guys - only training a year and a half but wishing I discovered Karate 20 years ago. I know I will never know it all - there is always more to learn. And I know I will never be perfect in my Karate. I'm a perfectionist by nature so this was a bitter pill to swallow but in realising it, I think I've become a little stronger.

Great explaination! Thanks.

Im really confused. Is it to do with the direction of the turn of the hips? Sorry, I know Im a pest but I need a technique to be clear in my head before I can get to grips with it on the dojo floor.

I don't know how to explain it so if I just give an example - is Soto Uke an example of Gyaku Kaiten (hip rotation is opposite) and Oi Zuki an example of Jun Kaiten (hip rotation in same direction of punch)?

Thanks guys - it's so much clearer in my head now

Many thanks for that