Revario

Yes the Sensei, my practice and lack of understanding of it by most other people. And that is probably part of the issue, I dont see it as a hobby. Hence where the main difference in my practice comes in. As per visiting other schools, I did and was met with worst reactions then where I try to train presently. I have knowledge of where people who have a similar mindset or way of practicing are, just not physically close to where I am. And since the style of Karate I do is different at the base and adapting those Kata specifically, I am pretty much alone doing what I do, others do it with their own respective style and have managed to make a thing out of it. You may be right, either I have to stop trying to bring others to see things in a specific scope or simply let go. Only person I am letting down by removing myself from the Martial Arts is myself, and that makes it complicated...

How much of your mental health are you willing to give up for martial arts? Where it is something supposed to bring people together and build communities of like minded people, I have found that it caused more divisions and isolation especially when people have opinions and dont wish to just join to be a mindless follower. At what point does one decide that Martial Art is costing them too much and isolating them more then it brings joy to their life, is that the moment they should call it quits, or betray themselves and just continue while joining the group and hiding their true feeling? Idk, at this point I truly wonder WHY do people practice martial arts, I think most people have interest in health benefits and looking at nice forms or competitions and making money via martial arts. I am highly thinking of quitting all and make my life less stressful and more happy. I dont see a reason to keep hitting my head on a wall of unacceptance. I tried to make something else/ different. It was in vain. Good continuation to those who choose to keep Martial Arts alive, I dont think I have more to give in that aspect, Ill focus on other areas in my life.

Hi to all, bizzare question here. How would you look or feel about a student wanting to offer a specific presentation of their skills based on what you taught them and their own interpretation of it. Student has very good understanding of Martial Arts and combat with over 20 years of experience in various arts. Not the curriculum stuff that is to be regurgitated for basically confirming one can copy paste what they were shown. Would you consider this offensive? Would you appreciate the initiative? Would you find it a waste of time? Would you make it count towards actual ranking? Would you find it insulting towards the other students that do follow curriculum by the book? As ultimately a test is to confirm that the student has understood the material. Now if we want them to teach exactly how we teach I would see that it is important they stick to curriculum. If the goal is to pass on knowledge for them to live with then their adaptation and understanding would be preffered. I post here as it relates to testing but it does relate to Karate as the situation is in a Karate context. Thank you

Anyone actively spar Kobudo techniques with weapon replica either foam or of other types. With padding and protection that technology has allowwd us to have, I see no reason why we shouldn't spar and pressure test Kobudo techniques as much as we do with Karate. Having that said, does any of you have any recommendations on store options for solid replicas that can withold heavy contact. What I found in Martial Arts circuits seems to break when working harder with them. I am tempted to look into HEMA stores and LARP that may have solid version. I have had a sword of this kind so far and its one that seems to last.

Thank you both for those answers and options I didnt even think about. My Sensei is pretty old school not sure if he would be ok with camera but will definitely ask as it would be a very very viable option. As per training, I sure do on my own and with partners, it helps to perfect details and work on my own Bunkai for Kata. So it is correct to say all I "need" is the Kata forms. In quotation as I feel there is a lot more to gain by having a in person relationship with an instructor. That may be the best option for all to do it virtually. Thank you very much!!

Yes, I am looking for Kata knowledge from him. Only and specifically Kata. Not the way Bunkai are interpreted, as it is done in a non realistic manner. His focus is on curriculum and knowing things by heart, not the why but the how. My own Sensei (which I dont get to see often) teaches same style but different method and understanding of Karate. I get all knowledge needed from him. The other man would be an extra (which would become the main as I would see him more often but never relate to him...) On the other hand, why would you want someone to specifically learn a style or method they have no interest in before going to what they have an interest in? I understand having a basic knowledge and understanding of how a body moves, knowing various schools of HEMA exists, why wouldn't someone be able to start learning with a Kobudo weapon in hand? I understand tradition, I simply question the reasoning behind as I have mentionned, some style and schools have students starting with a weapon and take it from there.

My background is quite diverse. Started with Karate for a while, dipped quickly into Kung Fu Wing Chun, delved into Krav Maga with a very technical and realistic instructor (I feel important to mention it as the name has a bad reputation), and back to Karate with a specific for practicality in Karate. As part of my experience I also had the opportunity to have sparring of high intensity with people from Muay Thai and MMA. I quite agree, it makes for a poor relationship, if any at all...

Thank you Very Much!! This is quite appreciated. I am speechless

I am not a TKD practitioner myself. But my wild guess is that WTF practice it more as a sport then Martial Art focused on defense. Break falls are not important in competition. I had such a moment of realisation when sparring Kickboxing people who had great skills but didn't knew how to fall. As they explained to me, they do sport, I do Martial Arts. Certain things are not covered as not needed in competition setting.

Thank you very much for your answers. I am lucky enough to have my Sensei who is exactly as defined. We may not share ideas on various aspects BUT he sure explains why teaching is done that way or approached in a certain aspect. He is not shy to say when something is done for beginners to learn a concept that I already grasped or regurgitating techniques as he says. Its nothing that brings progress in the way I am looking for and he makes it clear when it is the case. Also doesnt fuss me too much about those as we both understand why. We do have an understanding and I would like to believe he respects my ways and vision enough to know what I actually need and not focus on all aspects. Very intrigued by the Tai Chi phase of Karate. If I could define mine it is really into practical and self defense approach. Very close range which does not offer very flashy options either. I am quite curious what you mean by it. In regards to testing, I am weird enough that I formulated my own criteria and techniques to be tested on. I really am not in sync with what most schools curriculum or requirements are. By that I mean, again focusing on the why so being able to explain, demonstrate and to use it against an unwilling opponent are more important to me then having foot turn at 45 degree, not 44 not 46, 45... Same with non Kata drill movements, one should be able to develop their own based on what they learned... In regards to the one I disagree with, that persons integrity is definitely there. He is not someone who doesnt know what they are doing. Very good teacher for kids and people with no experience. Quite rigid in his teaching but very on point. I cannot claim that the man is a bad person or teacher that would be untrue. We dont have matching understanding or personalities but that cannot take away his skills and method, the man is good in his understanding. I feel like I am the issue with my disagreements and questions. Mainly because majority of people do not train for self defense purposes so lot is lost on them. They train for health and being in shape, I train because I firmly believe Karate is the ultimate method of self defense when studied appropriately. I see it as a close range art that is right in between striking and grappling. The approach in general dojo session is more on sport karate (Bogu Kumite) which does not bridge the gap between Kata and Kumite, which is what I focus on specifically. To put background and classes in perspective, I use public transport and walk to the dojo, most have a luxury vehicule to show up. I live in a different reality then they do. Self defense to me is real and can happen any travel or time. To them, its hard to run into a violent stranger when one only frequents people they want to. All in all, I will give an honest try to integrate and not ask hard/ harsh questions, take the knowledge and do what I need with it outside of class. As it was mentionned, learning has been affected by it in the past as it didnt make me feel like I wanted to go next class. Its a battle every time to know you will go and have to again (as we do it at work enough) not be myself and follow orders... I guess I simply have to be stronger as a person, step on wtv is my issue with the man and proceed in my path once done with his learnings. (Even if that is not what I want as a relationship with any instructor, they shouldnt be treated as a commodity but a person to develop a relationship with, I may be too old school in some aspects)

Hello to All, I have a bizzare question/ dilemma. I wish to learn certain specific aspect of a style of Karate in my area. To cut it short, me and the Sensei (instructor as we are clearly not walking the same path, in many aspects of life) do not have the same understanding or vision of what Karate is and how it is to be treated and practiced. Him being on the theorical side of things and very much into hierarchy. I am into practicality and informalities; not because my "rank" is higher then someone that this person does not have valuable information, experience or tips to bring. I welcome comments questions critics (based in logic and practicality not aestethisicm) from anyone. He is the reverse of that, if you are not of his rank or higher your word is doesn't mean anything and it is preferable to not speak at all. My question or dilemma is this, I want to learn and he may be one of the only one who specialise in this style, that I can have access (I still pay them as well). Should I attend classes in silence, not involve myself with students anymore then necessairy and let it be? Wait until I have a teacher that understands things the way I do (there is one, we just have scheduling conflict)? Go to a different school where I will most likely face the same challenges as most do not practice Karate for its practicality so they learn and teach in a "How" mindset when I focus on the "Why". I dont mind it as much as long as Sensei can understand my path is not the one they may follow and are able to still teach me. I feel this person wants clones and copies of himself, not Karateka. Without lies, might be an ego thing on both sides I am uncertain. I want to learn, he wants to dominate is the feeling I get. Any ideas or options?

I think that is what I meant by sequences. The way it is explained here makes more sense then the way I was trying to explain it. But yes exactly that!

Very interesting question and topic. The way I do is based on practicality so when doing Kata, I tend to replicate the movements I would do against an opponent in the sense that I will apply power and speed to most strikes, relax or slow down in between (what I see as) each "techniques" sequence. I do not have the chance of teaching anyone presently however, I do think that the initial Kata can be taught (sorry I tend to mispell that word, I'm French) without a specific tempo to it, I feel everyone should have their own based on their interpretation. Then again, I also am of the mind to go trough one Kata fully (all bunkai drilled appropriately against resisting opponent, as well as being able to execute the Kata clearly with power and its own tempo based on individual experience and preference) before moving on to the next one. It is a quite different process then what is seen in most methods of teaching Karate and Kata in general. Yet I feel this is the best way for one to find true tempo in a Kata. I do very much like the musical analogy as I am quite the fan of music myself. I know nothing of composing but Truly appreciate musicians and their craft so it resonates with me quite easily and well. Thank you for the enligthenment on that end. Helps put words to things sometimes hard to explain as they are felt, similar to music.

Adding to the topic, any of you guys know of a good quality reputable company for Karate gear. There are many Martial Arts in general but I would like to support one that is focused on Karate. Shureido as well as Isami are the only two I am aware of. Seido also but they focus more on Iaido. Any name would be welcomed

Thank you very much to everyone. I think that truly does answer my questions in that matter. Sometimes things are a lot simpler then they appear. This was such a case.