Revario

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.

Hello to all, introduction is brief, text and questions will be long. I have a few. Here we go, what makes a Kata beginner level or advanced level? With that being said, some schools (styles) will teach Sanchin as the first Kata. In our school Seisan is the first. Is it related to how one see the importance of a specific Kata and place it first? Is it the technical difficulty in its performance? Is it the principles that it teaches that are advanced as they would have been learned in other Kata or material prior? Is it the ease to use the movements of the Kata in real application (not the performative Bunkai, stress drilled Bunkai only). Speaking of Seisan, our school (Chito Ryu) does it in a variation that is not seen elsewhere. It is said that Goju and Chito Ryu are similar in that both share same teacher (Aragaki Seisho), would we be correct to assume each student chose the Kata that resonated the most with them to be the main one and first taught in that style? In the same vein, would it not be correct to practice Seisan in the Sanchin position as it encourages close combat and Sanchin dachi is more comfortable for closer combat? And last but not least, seems many Masters of the old, created their own Kata. Based on Your experience, knowledge and combat skills, which Kata that presently exist would be the closest to the way you truly approach Karate?

I would even say spar with people from various arts. And most importantly Spar Karate and don't let your Karate become kickboxing. To me it is primordial that sparring focus is on closer combat and more usage of Kata movements in Kumite. Too often there is a disconnect between kihon kata and kumite. They should indeed be as one. Like others have mentioned, I seem to be a mix of a few people here: I like to wait and counter; when going on offensive, I misdirect a lot, I dont tend to move around a lot but I do like to manage the space and decide where the opponent goes.

The film was very good!!! Not for everyone but enjoyed the long battle. Exhaustion is felt properly. If one keeps focus as they would be figthing themselves, it becomes a better experience. Not much of a film for story or effects. Its just combat. Beautiful

Been a long time Sub Zero card carrying member myself. Well since 94 tbh. They were good from then until now.

They all use different type of woods. I would posit that Century is also mass produced BUT I never tried theirs. I have all handmade ones. Broke a few... Broke a pr24... Even the best can be broken... So you are probably right lol

I got a custom made pair of 2lbs per tonfa for training by Okuden dojo. Great for practice. Hickory wood selection and allows pretty much any customisation. Mine are octogonal and a bit tapered. Love them a lot. Found the person on instagram

I use these preferably. With cloth shim guard. Opponent wears mma gloves with supersafe headgear and a bogu. Shinpads as well. Protect the attackers targer and let the defender be as free as possible. I like to do mostly hard drills or bully sparring using Kata movements.

I use the Arawaza and Jukado myself. The Shureido is always a winner.

I am a weird one, I seem to only see the negative in organisation. Mainly the hierarchy and the unmovable curriculum. The lack of will to evoluate and adapt. The resistance to practicality and being stuck in the 50's with the 3Ks. The lack of acceptance towards functionality and cross training. Which that is another subject all of it's own as Karate has all that one needs when studied properly. We are in an era where we are finding our techniques and movements being used in practicality in various different arts yet most Karate curriculum don't touch these applications or methodology. The unwillingness to evoluate and see internet as a positive (one can choose how to use it) source of information and exposition to proper Karate. The will to hide techniques and claim certain things are only for very initiated members yet those highly initiated members don't display greater or better fighting skills. The lack of fact checking and dissemination of lies based on hierarchy and respect. One can claim wtv as long as it makes relative sense and they say it to adults who don't know any better or children. (All those samurai vs Karateka legends and Kobudo sources). And this is from a "reputable" organisation. Mainly because it has been long standing and mostly because when challenged they simply turn people away. One positive is definitely quality control, but that can be done via testing/sparring anyways. I may be too pragmatic in my approach, that is a thing, yet I fail to see the point in practicing in a way that is far from reality only to keep things the way they are and be afraid to lose face. I am very alone in my area who wishes to practice Karate in this way, I am seriously thinking of moving out. My area is stale. To a point where one who is looking for what I am is better to look for a different art, like Muay Thai, MMA, Krav Maga or even some Kung Fu schools. BUT, as i said before, all of these things are in Karate. I simply wish to practice it with right minded people.

I know he was also one O Sensei Chitose. I have heard legends that the closest thing to his style was Goju Ryu.... as well as t Chito Ryu. Which from my understanding both style do differ in their Kata. CChito Ryu Kata are quite unique even if they share the name of some in other styles. It seems like a very unique style in that way. I am fairly new to it myself and have lots of questions in regard to the origins and choices to have kata in that specific method.

If I may also ask, which methodology of Karate or Kata as per you most reflects the teachings of O Sensei Aragaki Seisho?