Shorin Ryuu

I wouldn't mind be able to make it another day a week, but I've never actually had a situation where I was able to have an instructor more than 2 days a week while training in karate (due to my personal situation). On the other hand, I've always worked out excessively on my own and with other people outside of class. Here's something I wrote in my blog a while back that is kind of related to this topic: One thing I've noticed about people is how much many of them brag about how they go to martial arts class X days a week. I think it is great to be able to attend class as much as possible. However, unless you have the time to practice by yourself, you're not really getting the necessary free space for your own development. Don't get me wrong. I love going to class and having the opportunity to discuss concepts and techniques as well as train with my instructor and other students. I think there is a certain danger in that going to class as many times as some of these people because it makes it less likely that they will train on their own. Not training on your own is disadvantageous. For one, the "class" environment has a tendency to change the dynamics of your training. When there are other people doing kata with you, you have to change your pace to match a consensual tempo. The presence of other people when you are doing sparring or what have you adds that extra layer of analysis to all your sensory inputs. That isn't a bad thing, but sometimes you really need to focus on yourself, especially in regards to biomechanics. When an instructor is there pointing out your faults or explaining things to you, it relieves some of the burden of self-discovery. These are all good things in their context. However, I think it is much more difficult to grow as a martial artist if you are almost always only in the class setting. I acknowledge the existence of those that train 4-5 days a week and workout much on their own. On the other hand, there are a lot of people that don't fit this model. Most people practice only when they go to "practice". My opinion is that class is only for the learning of new material, the correction of mistakes and the discussion of ideas and concepts. Many people short-change their learning by using class time to go through the necessary repetitions of kata, drills, or whatever they train in. Again, my gripe is with emphasis here. Repetitions and drills aren't a bad thing in class. It's for the sake of correction, discussion and letting the instructor know where you stand. But never, never should it be used primarily for the purpose of getting the material down-pat. That's just a bonus. The building up of repetitions for training in whatever you do should be done outside of class, in my opinion. You may do some things incorrectly, but that's what class is for: to correct those mistakes. Class time is often too short to go through every single thing with corrections as it is, let alone struggling to do something that could've saved precious time (yours, your instructor's, your fellow students'). Getting as much done outside of class ensures the most gets done during class. It's very simple and quite obvious, but many don't do this? Why not? The answer to that lies in busy schedules, conflicting obligations, etc. I understand that. But to those people that go to class 5-6 days a week, I dare suggest it would be better to skip class one night and work out on your own. An added benefit to this is that it really forces you to think about what you're doing. Well, ideally anyway. Once you do that, you'd be surprised what you can learn and come up with on your own. Having an instructor tell you everything and correct everything is nice. But it doesn't mean you're learning. It just means you're copying. At some point or another, you have to start taking those conceptual leaps on your own. It's something most people acknowledge and espouse, but actually don't do rather often. You probably won't discover anything that hasn't ever been discovered before. There's very little that's new under the sun when it comes to martial arts by now. However, most masters didn't become great by simply getting everything from an instructor. There really isn't that much time. They had to figure stuff out on their own. I was once told by Kyoshi Doug Perry, the head of my system for North America that out of all the martial arts knowledge he has, only 10 % of it was shown directly to him. The rest he had to figure out himself. Now math isn't necessarily my strongest suit, but I figure that's 90% he had to figure out on his own. That's quite a bit. I for one am very envious of just 10% of what he knows. So what does this all mean? It means you got to start thinking for yourself. I don't care what rank you are, but if you're just a carbon-copy martial artist, you really have to turn yourself around. Sure, it's awfully hard to drive down a street without any lights to show the way. But if you're just in the passenger seat, you're not really driving, are you?

Excellent post, Sauzin. I was trying to think of a good way to say it, but you're right on the mark.

You have to remember styles aren't merely compilations of techniques. If they were, then no one would ever practice the same "style" as everyone would be slightly different. (there is some validity to this argument) Instead, styles are (should be) integrated systems of principles expressed through certain techniques. There are certain characteristic techniques within the style, and then there is a lot of room for personal interpretation (style). You can either try and distinctly manage and maintain both styles, go for a merger, or put one on the back burner. Most people choose the latter two options although it isn't impossible to do the first. In my case, when I switched from a Korean style to Shorin Ryu, I did so completely. I felt my previous style was lacking in many principles and concepts, so I didn't bother maintaining the techniques through which they were expressed. Even when I practice some of my Matsumura Shorin Ryu stuff I took for a year last year (I do Kobayashi Shorin Ryu but was in between teachers), some of it has a Kobayashi feel to it. That isn't necessarily a terrible thing. The reason why we have so many styles in the first place is because we are practicing individual interpretations of karate (or fill in your martial art here). As you progress, you'll start to have your own interpretation of your own style anyway. My Kobayashi Shorin Ryu is different from Skeptic2004's Kobayashi Shorin Ryu, even when we were back under the same instructor in college. Long story short, there's only so much you can keep when you switch styles. It's better to maintain any extra principles you've gained rather than specific techniques (other than maybe a few kata or drills here and there). There's only so much time you can spend training. To borrow a phrase from my college days, you'll be so well-rounded there's no point.

I can only manage to go to practice twice a week, but on those days I'll work out in the morning and have my 2 1/2 hour practice in the evening. Letting the whole day in between the two lets my body rest up sufficiently. Even on days I don't have practice, I tend to split up my workouts with physical exercise in the morning and karate in the afternoon/evening. It just makes things easier on the mind and body.

I have to agree with those who say see a doctor and rest. Never let a minor problem turn into a big one. As a sidenote, I've had a torn ACL with reconstructive surgery and glucosamine chondroitin works pretty well for me in making my joints feel looser.

I'm in your position already (worse, actually). The dojo I go to is 120 miles away (About a 2 hour drive with traffic). I have no regrets other than wishing it was closer.

A lot of people have said a lot of what I wanted to say. Basically, the tradition of seriously wearing belts in karate is less than a hundred years, and it is even less recent in the more Okinawan styles. Many of them didn't really start doing it full-time until after Chibana Chosin started to do so or even more so after his death (he was considered one of the last "old masters" and was the head of one of the larger Okinawan inter-style karate organizations at the time). In most traditional schools on Okinawa, shodan really did (and still does) mean absolutely nothing, nor are the tests really hard. I think part of the build up in the mystique surrounding the black belt, in addition to the other things mentioned, is the huge emphasis and overly rigorous black belt grading tests in many places such as the States. Having a day long, two day long or weekend long testing where most of the time spent is doing push-ups or techniques past the point of exhaustion doesn't test your technique or understanding of the martial arts. All it does is test your mental limits, perhaps discipline, blah blah blah. All fine and good, but making such a large milestone test out of something as insignificant as shodan contributes to the current perception. Sure, if you want to test someone's character and discipline, do it in class, not at some specific test. By associating a specific rank with such a large (for many people) hardship during a test, you mix in the minds of students and others the concept of overcoming a large physical hurdle with the concept of achieving great martial skill.

Here's a link to the topic from the comparative styles board you might want to check out. It was entitled "Shorin Ryu vs Goju Ryu". http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=16770&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

People should also read what respected and renowned martial arts scholar Donn Draeger had to say about So Doshin's supposed links to the Shaolin temple. (I'm sure you can imagine what it is from the implication here) He doesn't attack the style, only it's supposed origins.

I think techniques should be structured so they will work well without pressure points, but have enough leeway to take advantage of them. In other words, even if you mess up the pressure point part, in the worst case, you shouldn't be vulnerable and in the best case, they should still be completely incapacitated or under your control.

Yeah, I've no doubt about his martial abilities. It was (a lot of) other things he did which resulted in him getting cut from the organization... Sensei Tadashi Yamashita kind of parted ways with Shorinkan when he hit the movie scene, but has since returned to more "traditional" ways. He is no doubt extremely skilled, once a "favorite" of Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato before he went his separate way. Training with him would be a treat, I'd imagine. Clark AB, Philippines? Maybe a stretch, but did you ever know Jason Perry? He is a Marine that was stationed for a long time in that area and son of the current North American director for Shorinkan Shorin Ryu. He has quite the fearsome reputation as a skilled fighter. I've never met him personally, but have heard about him. I live in Monterey, but I actually train in San Francisco. Even so, Monterey is a bit aways from LA, and San Francisco is two hours further north...My instructor there actually doesn't do belt testings (he gives you the belt if he feels you are ready), and the only colored belts he uses are white and brown. I kind of share his philosophy that belt tests in most places do not do what they are supposed to do: test your knowledge of karate. Instead, they tend to emphasize more of a rite-of-passage thing, which is all fine and all, but I don't think it's really necessary. I think the momentous buildup of the awe-inspiring ultimate black belt test also adds to the false allure and status of the black belt in America, which we all know means nothing in the larger picture, either here or in the Orient (especially in the Orient...everyone has at least a shodan over there...). That being said, I only moved out to California last August, so I actually tested for my black belt under Kyoshi Gravelin (my first instructor is a student of his). The test was somewhat similar. The first night was more of skill testing (kata, self-defense, techniques, etc.). The next morning was more the random exhaustion stuff (running, carrying cinderblocks, pushups, lots of repetition of techniques and kata, etc.). I think we had a little less rigorous test than usual, simply because our test was the first time seeing him and he didn't know our limits. To be honest, I was feeling somewhat unmotivated for my test, as it just felt kind of silly. I had all those mind games/physical exhaustion games well down during my basic training and time at the Academy, so it just felt...cheesy, almost. But I recognized it's their way of doing things, so I went along with it. Different strokes for different dojo, I mean, folks...At any rate, despite my thoughts about testing in general, I appreciated the time it took for him and others to actually conduct our tests. If nothing else, it blew a good part of their weekend spending time with us. As far as all the technical requirements, they are about the same. We didn't have to do any papers, although I don't know if that's because we weren't main students of Kyoshi Gravelin or not. We had some questions asked of us, but nothing too complex. You can also ask Skeptic2004, as he tested with me. He might remember more details and such. What organization do you train Matsumura Seito with? I trained in that for a year (in between teachers) and really enjoyed my time doing it. I was doing the Kenshinkan version of it.

Took me only a few minutes to find what I think you're looking for. For future reference, state and national legislatures all have websites where you can look up laws, bills and other actions undertaken by the legislatures. Good stuff to know if you're a concerned citizen who actually wants to have a voice in the government... I got this off of: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/port-bilinfo.html and simply searched for "driver's license". You can also search for "provisional licensing program" to find all the bills they are trying to make in regards to the current laws and statutes, but as far as I can tell, all they are doing is trying to make more penalties for violations of the law and some more minor restrictions here and there (but nothing about age). As it stands: 1) Existing law, the Brady-Jared Teen Driver Safety Act of 1997, allows for the issuance of a driver's license to a person at least 16 years of age but under 18 years of age under the provisional licensing program. This was just cut and pasted from several bills found using the Bill Search option. So yes, the permanent driver's license is 18 years of age, but you can start applying for the provisional at age 15 1/2, I believe. At any rate, you're going to have to go through DMV to get all this info anyway, so you can always check up with them when you apply.

Geneologically speaking, this could technically be called a Shorinkan dojo because of it's origins, but politically speaking, it isn't correct to call it one. I'm not going to go into all the details, but suffice it to say the head of the organization listed here is no longer in the Shorinkan organization...

Twice a week.

ShorinRyuGurl: Well, best of luck to you in your efforts. In addition to the week I'll be spending out there in June, I'll also be attending the camp in August (hopefully). Are you (or Radok) planning on going to that?

Really? What dates? I'll be there from the 19th-25th (but really only that Monday-Thursday)

I'm getting my master's at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey...does that count? (probably not)

Wow, you got to train with Kyoshi Perry? Lucky! I visited his dojo for a week last summer and am doing the same this June. He's such a great martial artist and a person. I never even met him before last summer and he paid for me and my friend's hotel room that week, set up private lessons with him or other students, literally giving us the key to his dojo for a week, and took us out to eat many times. Truly a generous man who has won my respect on so many levels. Maybe I'm just mapquesting this strangely, but it says Hendersonville, NC is only 38 miles from Greenville, SC. In my first post, I misread the location of Greenville. Either way, that can't be two hours away!!! I'd SO go back!!! (I would love to be 38 miles away from my instructor, let alone Kyoshi Perry) Now that I remember, Greenville, SC was actually a place he recommended for me to fly into when I visited his dojo last year in case the Asheville, NC airport was too expensive! (I ended up flying into Asheville though) If I did make a mistake, the two Shorinkan dojo in SC are in Charleston and Summervile (one Summervile is about 190 miles away, the other Summerville is about 85 miles away...I don't know which one it refers to). But if your former instructor is Kyoshi Perry, than as North American director he would obviously know for sure if there are Shorinkan dojo near you. I'd give him a call, actually. (You still seem very close to Hendersonville...) Kyoshi Jerry Taylor (I've only had some email conversations with him a couple of times) is in Mt. Airy, GA, which is about 85 miles away. In response to the other questions, I go to practice twice a week (as much as my schedule allows simply due to the fact that class starts at 5pm and it takes two hours just to get there...). I simply wasn't too impressed by what was in my area. What's more, my first karate instructor trained under my current instructor last year and he came highly (and justifiably so) recommended. At the risk of a bad pun, let's say I'm a very "driven" student...

According to one of the websites with a Shorinkan dojo locator (http://www.karateshorinkan.com/main.html), there are only two in South Carolina, both very far away (about 200 miles). You may want to get into contact with your old instructor who may know if there are any there that are not on the website. (Speaking of which, who was your old instructor? I know a few, but not too many Shorinkan instructors) Even if there aren't any Shorinkan dojo in the immediate area, they may know of good instructors in the area in other styles you could learn from. I have to drive 120 miles to get to my Shorinkan dojo, but it's worth every one.

Wouldn't that be evidence that it was not constructed with enough flexibility (either the post or allowed range of motion) rather than resistant power specifically at the base? Oh and Jimmy, you may want to see if you can contact someone at Kyoshi Perry's dojo in Hendersonville or Kyoshi Roberts' dojo in Asheville. While Kyoshi Roberts isn't there right now (I think), he has sold and made makiwara in the past and there may be some old ones left over in his store (or maybe some of his students know as well). I'm pretty sure there's some people who would know at Kyoshi Perry's dojo as well. It wouldn't be too far of a drive to make if it turns out to be the case.

Well, since I know Skeptic2004 personally, I'm pretty sure he isn't talking about physical inability in terms of his body not being strong enough. I personally suffer from the same malady. My brain knows more concepts than my body, which is simply not accustomed to implementing them with the skill and finesse that I academically understand can and should be achieved. However, it's simply a matter of time, dedication and patience. Personally, I think it's a good thing to have, because it means you know where to go, you just have to get there. I feel a good many people have no idea where they are going or how to get there... Somewhat related to this matter, I'm always an advocate of train smarter, not harder. Training hard is necessary to gain anything, but simple physical exhaustion will never be a measure of how practical and useful your training is. I know (hope) most people aren't advocating this, and I know (hope) people won't say I eschew all physical training altogether (the truth is quite to the contrary and anyone who knows me knows this). I'm merely saying tiring out the body should never be an indicator of how useful your training is. It is merely a side effect of a lot of training, good or otherwise.

I'm not (I can't get away for it). Are you attending the one in NC in August? I'm aiming to be at that one.

Sometimes you may not always want to look as you turn, especially if you are envisioning a throw in your bunkai. Some places always look before a turn, other places do not. I suppose go with what your instructor asks you to do.

I agree with solar_kid...you have to be a bit more specific. Also, is this the one based on Pinan Nidan or Pinan Shodan? Many of the Japanese systems switched the order of the first two...