shurinahamaniac

When it comes to grading, Kyu rankings (white-brown) are tested at the local dojos, and special trainings are only necessary for testing for Dan levels. However, regardless of rank or experience, everyone is eligible anytime to attend the special trainings. Usually, there are just two training sessions every year—one in the summer and one in the winter. It's essentially a karate camp; just picture yourself attending your regular class several times a day, from sunrise to evening, with breaks of a few hours in between. For example, if one was to test for Shodan, one must have had at least 2 special trainings under their belt with the option of the 2nd being the one where you test for shodan at the very end or last day of the special training, the first could have been done at anytime of your training. Then as you move up Dan levels, more special trainings are typically required to be eligible for next dan and so forth. It is a challenge with the practices but fun at the same time IMO. The summer sessions are my particular favorites since they include accommodation and board in a university dorm (own room, beds, and shower) and three daily buffet-style meals at the cafeteria. I considered it to be a kind of escape. the one practice that is always talked about is the 1 1/2hr horse stance (we do a similar exercises in my grappling classes but with less time of course, we do it by sitting back to back with a partner), and yes, I said 1 1/2 hrs, this practice is divided in to age groups with less time needed for older individuals such as 50 and up. Everyone gets through it, and it certainly toughened me up; I actually revert back to these special trainings when I'm faced with certain problems in life, whether physical or mental, which I suppose is one of the mental benefits of it. I reflect on that while I train different martial arts and see my mates fatigued within one hour of class (and Im and OLDER gent), and I just think to myself that I went through days of many workouts, hardening my mind and body. I'll be honest, I told myself it was grueling and I didn't want to do it again, but I went back and I now have a greater understanding for the experience since the mental aspects can help you overcome some of lifes everyday struggles.

Yes, I can guarantee that there are those in SKA have the same viewpoint and are of a same mind set when it comes to seeing various approaches as distinct, separate skills. Unlike some Karate orgs, they do not excommunicate members for engaging in cross-training. Many members practice other martial arts, including grappling and kickboxing. However, the SKA teaches its techniques in a similar manner to other shoto branches like JKA/ISKF, regardless of whether one chooses to use thrusting or hip rotation when doing a gyaku zuki,They would discuss the cons and benefits of blending approaches as you're learning the style, which could confuse or hinder your progress in learning for that system.. In kumite, I've seen fighters use both techniques. The hip rotation method has the advantage of allowing the fighter to extend farther and cover a little more ground with the punch. It's obviosuly powerful, effective, and common, and it can deal absolute damage or knock out opponents. On the other hand, the thrusting technique feels to me like someone hitting you with the weight of a train behind them so each has their pros. As Ive heard it said before, different karate styles/ techniques are like different flavors of tea but are all enjoyable. The only way you could be expelled from the org is if you committed serious unethical acts (which is understandable) or went AWOL from special training, which I assume has to do with liability, Japanese traditions, or abandoning your fellow Karate practitioners during a serious practice. But that seldom or never happens, and I think everyone finishes with a sense of accomplishment and realizing what your body and mind can do if you push through the intensity. They do allow people to leave for medical, family, injury reasons.

Osu. Glad to be here 🙂

To begin with, I have experience with both the SKA and JKA shoto systems. I have trained in various hard and soft karate styles and have black belts and kyu levels from various organizations. Some of the aspects of SKA that I find appealing are the following: They follow the original 3 color belt model (White, Brown, Black) testing is only done twice a year and is completely covered by your annual dues; back belts exams come after a special training session with a panel of yodans and above; no one under the age of sixteen is eligible for a black belt; and you need a certain amount of special trainings for each dan level as you move up. I have even seen some Shodan candidates fail or had to re take the exam the following year, so they don't award BB like candy.. Method I don't really need to reiterate the information that has already been presented by previous posters on this thread about the principles and workings of the Oshima Shotokan. Overall, I appreciate that the emphasis is on honing the fundamentals—basics, time, distance, and not being overly competitive—with no absurd bunkai or ostentatious approaches. My eyes were opened upon entering the organization from a JKA-style background when I was easily getting popped during one-time engagement practice. I had developed the habit of planting my foot on the ground first, punching my opponent a split second later when he already had his fist in my face as a counter. SKA teaches to thrust forward in a straight line as you would when attempting a full speed attack, and going in as one whole being as opposed to one joint twitch leading to another. Most JKA style dojos, on the other hand, will have you "zig zig" when performing walking basics like oi-tsuki or gyaku zuki while at the same time having a wide stance. Although it took me some time to get used to, this has really helped me. I can now notice this when I fight partners who joined using different styles. That is just one part of the technique; you should also add in having keen eyesight and sensing your opponent while keeping your posture relaxed, all of which will quicken the pace of your attack. Another intriguing topic is kata. SKA encourages you to practice kata at your own speed and does not require you to follow the standard synchronization that you will see in mainstream competition. There are usually no dramatic pauses in the kata because the goal of kata execution is to give the impression that you are genuinely engaging an opponent while executing the techniques. Shotokan Oshima dojo-this Main dojo is the most beautiful dojo Ive ever witnessed and no other org has anything close to it, it overlooks that the Santa barbara coast and is serene, but not fully accessible as members can only go for special practices and events, Yodan and Godan grading takes place there, and it is far from most members The accessibility of dojos Most likely, a group with varying sizes will have practices around the United States. Bunkai-Breaking down of bunkai tends to be vague, this applies to most Shoto groups from my experience. Ive come to accept that one would best benefit breaking down bunkai by practicing with a legit Okinawan style such as Shorin Ryu, Goju ryu, Ueichi ryu, Shito Ryu etc. Overall, I enjoy and highly value training with SKA and think the techniques are effective, just takes alot of patience, practice and most of all a open mind, especially if you come from a JKA background. their are some members who have even fought and did well on the MMA circuit, there are also trasnplants from hard styles such as Kyokushin that ended up joining SKA and earned their black belts, who also became dojo leaders at current.