Revario

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.

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?

A bit sidetrack but asking, do you feel rank is equal to proefficience with the art or depth of knowledge or a combination of both? Reason I am asking is basically that I see and know many who may outrank me in time spent in a specific organisation yet their skills (whether to teach or to combat or understand Kata and Bunkai that does not include 20 enemies coming from all angles) is lacking... Officially my ranks are as is Chito Kan- 1st Kyu Krav Maga- P5 Chito Ryu- 8th kyu My standards for myself are very very high and I have often refused to test even if I was seemingly (or from an exterior standpoint) "better" than my peers. I felt more needed to be complete to pass to something else, I require a proper mastery of my own level to go further. And to be very very honest, I feel like a beginner and do not know much and probably should start everything from scratch again. (but that is not true, I already know too much to be a true white belt). I also am a bit hurt when some seminars or classes are specific to Shodan and higher yet they are discussing and exploring concepts that I fully understand (because it is taught earlier in different arts such as the concept of blocking and attacking at the same time, basic concept of Krav Maga but advanced concept in Karate) and wish to practice but am restrained because of the "belt" I have.... My knowledge is vaster than what my belt rank... And at the same time, I still feel like a beginner and have much to learn. Perhaps I am simply due to test... Hence my initial question; what does rank mean to you? I am pretty sure I could join a McDojo and be awarded a Black belt and a few dan levels within a month, but that would also not be legit and feel like a lie. Therefore, I am not sure to fully understand the nature of the question. Sorry for the sidetrack and I am truly curious as per why asking? (with all respects, i do not mean this in a disrespectful manner).

Very true indeed. I think I also have partially answered my question by the way I ended up asking it. Some is better for a specific type of situation or learning tool while the other which is equally good is for training a different set of skills. In my ignorance I was comparing apples to oranges and I can clearly see how they differ and complement each other. I also know I need to obtain those parts as well as I have neglected that from my training. Being a big fan of Makiwara in general I feel it is a part of my training I need to incorporate more often. Karate sometimes forget to strengthen the weapons (commercial and more sport oriented schools around here at least) Another point was touched in regards to civilian dressing compared to what is worn in classes. I will keep it brief as this could be a whole subject on it's own. When in civilian clothing, a martial artist should consider their highest kicking point with said pants, confirm level of comfort on one leg with said shoes (which should be preferably steel toed, yes I am a kicker) and a non restricting jacket. Those are things to take in consideration at the moment of purchase. Civilian clothing should not hinder one's skills but ampliphy them where possible.

In regards to sparring and realism; I am wondering which approach you find most effective (effectivity in regards to teaching and learning while staying as close to realism as possible). In particular in regards to the gear/where it is worn. I am of course speaking of non competition sparring, aimed more towards self defense or simply full contact. There is the conventional approach where participants wear hand and feet protectors as well as headgear where head contact is allowed. A different approach is the way of Koshiki where the participants wear a chest protector and headgear. No protection to hands and feet are given with the idea to strengthen these parts while delivering blows. I can highly appreciate the non wearing of protection on hand and feet as I highly discourage those for heavy bag work for Karate. I do use gloves every odd times on the bag but this is not the regular. I like my open hand strikes and to be able to work with an elastic band and the bag gloves are simply in the way... In another way, protection on hands and feet help people deliver blows with less restriction or "fear" of hurting themselves. Perhaps one method is better suited to either full contact or self defense sparring. Thank you for your comment and sorry if not posted in proper section.