Shorin Ryuu

Yes, you can do strength training with it. Tofu, for example, contains as much protein as chicken and is a much safer source for it in my opinion. Recently, a lot of protein shakes and stuff now offer soy sources as opposed to others.

Very lengthy, but this is part of an email I sent to someone when we were discussing striking methods... From the instruction I received, books I've read and the incredibly lucky circumstances that have allowed me to just sit and discuss martial arts theory and practice with numerous 7th dans and the 8th dan head of my style (Shorinkan Shorin Ryu) for North America (Doug Perry, the finest karateka I know personally and one of the finest I have heard of in present times) on multiple, lengthy occasions comes this method (definately not mine!). I mentioned in my email to you and in other posts what I believe to be a misunderstanding of the laws of physics by many karateka (Japanese AND Okinawan). Most anyone will tell you power is generated from the hips during the punch and thus they shoot (using the hips) the fist forward as fast as possible to hit their target with the maximum force. The more experienced (although this is not always true) will keep their hands relaxed as it goes forward and tighten only on impact. Using the hips is not bad, nor is wishing to achieve speed. However, this method of punching assumes that the body is just a machine with the waist as an energy source. Those with strong muscles and natural ability will always excel at this, while those without it must train extremely hard to gain it. There is also only one or two hip rotations in this method (save that for later). However, the Shuri-Te punch in Okinawa is a bit different. I will divide this into two sections. The first is in regards to the manner of execution and the second is in regards to the issue of fist rotation. First up...If you've read up on Okinawan karate out of curiousity or whatever reason, you may hear it being described as "whip-like" or "snapping". I ascribe to this, as the body is more complex than a series of simple machines, which is what the above theory would have you believe. With the Shorin Ryu punch, the hand is completely relaxed always, until the punch pierces (I didn't say hits...) the target. The body's need to become like gelatin is the best way I've heard it described. The fist travels in a straight line towards the target. Initially, the fist, arm and elbow stay close to the body until it reaches the center of the body. Once it has done so, the fist begins its rotation to end in a 3/4 rotation (between the full rotation punch and the vertical punch). I'll leave the discussion for that to the next part...All this time, there is no tension whatsoever in order to gain speed. Note that this speed is a constant acceleration. It is not simply as fast as you can go from the get-go; it accelerates till the very end, like a whip. As you come into contact with your target, your fist will snap back and relax naturally as you transfer the energy into your target. This is in not in contrast to the "pull with the left arm and hit with the right"...rather, it is of much greater emphasis, an addition so to speak. So how do you achieve the whip? Most people say "It just happens naturally because you through it out there quickly and it will snap back." Close, but not quite. I said there were only one, maybe two rotations on the Japanese punch or more sport oriented punches. With the whip punch, there are three hip movements (possibly a fourth...I am not sure on this). Once to set, once to hit, once to snap back. But that's not all...if it was, that would be merely an "innovation" of the modern karate punch, although perhaps that terminology is misleading as it is more of a preservation of the older techniques. The added bonus is the term and concept of gamaku. This is a word you don't hear too often, even on Okinawa. When I trained with Doug Perry for a week in his place at North Carolina, he would speak incessantly of gamaku, whether it was a beginner's class, a yudansha (black belt) class or the private lessons he gave me and my friend. Forgive me for the added translations every once in a while, I don't want to insult your intelligence but I don't want to use terms that you may or may not be familiar with... Anyway, I've heard gamaku referred to as the use of your hips to generate power. This is incorrect! The gamaku is the use of the muscles in between the lower ribs and your hips. The moment your fist comes into contact with your target, you must contract, not tighten, those muscles. This is not the tightening of the abs to protect yourself from blows! That is something entirely different... Incidentally, gamaku is also used in generating power in everything else, including when you are on the ground and it is more difficult to use your hips. It is an incredibly bizarre phenomenon, but I have seen Doug Perry move his belt (as if you were rotating your hips to get that tell-tale snap back and forth)...only his hips were stationary. He has, in my opinion, mastered gamaku. It sounds akin to Chinese dan'tien manipulations, I suppose, but I don't know as much about internal Chinese systems, so I won't claim a relation. This whip punch is best employed against targets like the head, where the energy snaps into the target, causing the "loose head" to absorb it fully and can really cause some internal damage rather quickly. It can easily be adopted to soft targets within the body. It is not as effective in attacking big sheets of muscle, but will still cause pretty good pain. Finally, there is a word of warning about the whip punch...some people may hyper extend their elbows practicing it as it is easy to do if you are not careful... Now for a section that really deserves another email on its own...the three-quarters punch. Many people advocate the use of the full rotation punch because they say it improves energy transfer and creates the most force. Once again, I believe this to be a misconception and an idea that "more is always better". Bruce Lee almost stumbled upon this when he advocated his vertical punch. He was correct in surmising that the full rotation punch makes the bones in the forearms cross and the energy biomechanically is reduced. Furthermore, the muscles at this point start to work against eachother, contracting against each other and sending the energy back up along your arm. He advocated the vertical punch because it developed more power due to proper alignment, etc. He almost had it right. The optimal configuration is in fact the 3/4 punch, as the body just aligns a little better than it does when vertical. For more on Bruce Lee's stuff, I would recommend looking up the term "chinkuchi", which means one inch power. I'm not a big fan of Bruce Lee, so I would prefer recommending a traditional style that has practiced this "one inch power" far longer than Bruce Lee did...Chinkuchi is a punch that generates much power, but is slightly slower than the whip punch. Incidentally, it is better against less flexible targets (the body, as opposed to the head) and you see it in many traditional arts that engage in competitive sparring for that reason. Goju Ryu would be an excellent place to practice this punch...I've heard it may be dangerous to train heavily in both types at once, since they stress different things...I don't, as either punch can be modified to hit the lesser-suited target. Anyway, back to the 3/4 punch. Not only is it more aligned (allowing for optimal energy transfer), but it is best suited for you and worst suited for your opponent. That means that simply, it is dangerous to teach the full rotation punch to beginners in my opinion because the vigorous ones tend to overextend and can hurt their elbows. Furthermore, there are various pressure points that are vulnerable in the fully extended arm then there are in the 3/4 rotation arm. (A lot of grappling positions would also prefer to have a fully rotated arm to work against as well for various joint mechanics reasons). It is more damaging to the opponent because the human body is designed to take hits straight on (vertical punch or full rotation punch). It is not designed for impact at an angle, as this allows optimal energy transfer in. Just one handy example of the advantages of both the position and energy transfer is the ribs. If you hit vertically or with a full rotation punch, you will hit several ribs. If you use the 3/4 punch, you can isolate just one and break it rather easily. Plus, it is easier to access many other targets with the 3/4 punch than with the others in terms of simply how it fits (in terms of a rather strange and painful puzzle piece manner...). Interestingly enough, I am starting to take a jujitsu class (because I want it to supplment my understanding of iaido which I am also starting under the same teacher) and the instructor teaches a 3/4 punch for the same above reasons. Since he teaches classical Japanese martial arts, it is interesting to see that he still came to the same conclusion, considering classical Japanese arts and Okinawan arts pretty much developed independently, for the most part. In karate, the full rotation punch was introduced when karate itself was introduced in the early 1900s (1905-ish timeframe) by Okinawan instructors like "Ankou" Itosu. I've already mentioned this type of stuff in my other email, so I won't go into it. Suffice it to say, it was purposely watered down to prevent schoolkids from seriously hurting eachother. Now, after I explained all this stuff about the punch... The use of the simple punch as the prevalent method of delivering power is actually relatively recent. I believe for the same reasons that the full rotation punch was introduced, the use of the fist in general as a large majority of technique (including in kata, even) was so that it was less lethal and safer to do for the beginning practitioner. Traditional Okinawan styles are heavy into using the palm, various combinations of knuckles and bones (on the top, side and bottom of the hand or the wrist) and fingers in their hand techniques. Therefore, even the punch, which is easier to do, is not even considered the classic core of fighting in Okinawa, which makes sense. If Okinawan karate is supposed to be very heavy on grappling, joint manipulation and pressure point manipulation, then why would they use primarily only the fist? But luckily, since a lot of the same principles apply in striking when not using the fist, this discussion wasn't a big waste. As a note, I was recently shown a book by my instructor that actually does a great job of explaining some of the above concepts. After reading it, it has enabled me to explain it much better than I was able to before. Therefore, some of my words may ring close to his, as he is much better than I. However, these concepts were in my training and discussions before I even encountered this book, so it is not something "new" to me. I intend to buy this book, as I only had it on loan and read it in my spare time over a weekend that also encompassed a belt test... Anyway, the book is entitled The Secrets of Okinawan Karate: Essence and Techniques by Kiyoshi Arakaki. A great read, in my opinion. He also has an interesting theory on ki, saying that energy in that regards is the manipulation of the laws of gravity to your advantage. I especially want to buy the book because I was only able to skim that section at best and want to reread it again...

I have a 9mm Beretta, pretty much standard Air Force officer type (although its my personal one, not issued).

For me, it was tearing my ACL...not so much when it happened, but the day after (and especially 2 1/2 years later after my surgery when I got an infection).

Heh, in the old days, they didn't have black belts...Jigoro Kano introduced the ranking system to judo in the late 1880s I believe. Funakoshi promoted the first black belts in the year 1927 (or around there). In Okinawan karate, they really didn't get into the belt system in full force until around the 50s or the 60s...

2 Bo (both purpleheart) 1 Jo (purpleheart) 2 pairs of tonfa (one ash, one purpleheart) 2 pairs of nunchaku (one ash, one purpleheart) 2 pairs of nitonbo (one ash, one cheap wood) 1 pair of tekko (ash) 4 bokken (red oak) 3 shinai (bamboo) 1 Iaito 1 pair of kama (kind you pick up in an Okinawan hardware store) 2 pairs of sai (both Shureido, natural) 1 eku (purpleheart) 1 crappy $50 katana some random knives 1 Chinese broadsword 1 Beretta, 9mm 92FS The vast majority of my weapons are all handmade by good companies...If I'm going to use them very frequently, might as well go for quality... Take a guess what my favorite type of wood is? (not ash...) The only ones I don't know well are the eku (should start learning that one very soon), the Chinese broadsword and the iaito/bokken (although I'm learning that one now)

My knowledge of that only extends to pressure point theory...what exactly do you mean footwork? Obviously I don't know what you are looking for...

Learning the Japanese language and culture(and related geekery like anime, manga, the like) Singing (I'm from a musical family) Learning the Shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute...its transverse like a Western flute) Reading Games (computer, board, card...all of them) Political Science and Philosophy (My academia personality I suppose) Wasting time...I mean...discussing things on online forums? Exercise in general (although most of it runs concurrent with my martial arts) History Travel People Watching A+ Ares Long walks on the beach...

Dude, Where's My Car? was bad... Enter the Dragon...I never liked it (or much of Bruce Lee's movies) Tomb Raider...the worst movie I never saw because my friends rented it and I fell asleep within a few minutes... I didn't like Blair Witch Project either...a nice try...but...

I just drink soymilk or water...but I'm wierd and healthy... After giving up carbonated drinks for about 5 years, I can't drink them because they really burn my throat (not that I want to anymore, anyway).

Hehe, you're welcome. As I mentioned in other posts, I'm not following the specific meal program, but I use the info in choosing what food I want to cook for myself. I first found out about it because I had a friend always talk about it at our breakfast table in college. She and a bodybuilder who sat at the table would always have the funniest discussions because he was all "Meat...Argh..." and she was all "Soy!!!" I finally picked it up because it sounded interesting (and had Okinawan in the title). I got my best friend in college to buy it and my sister to read it...and now you...hmm...maybe it's contagious?

Yes, the characters literally mean "Grand Ultimate"...really, it is a matter of personal preference in how you translate it, as it the characters can also mean "plump poles" but I doubt you'd be able to go around teaching that... Just some added insight: in one of Sun Lutang's books (founder of Sun style Taiji) he refers to Taiji as being the original qi that can be either yin or yang as needed. Therefore I think it is supposed to mean a whole that doesn't have two halves, but rather an essence that becomes whatever is needed. Sadly, any understanding I have of Taiji is academic at best and quite limited, as I have only read some books and have been unable to find teachers (that seem legit to me). For now, I'm just trying to find ways that I can get fresh perspectives on the internals in my system.

Tonfa are traditionally used and taught in pairs. I find it easiest if you find one that fits you, as they are much more difficult to handle (sometimes literally the handle) otherwise.

Novocaine in a can? Hmm...maybe that'd make a good self-defense weapon. "Gimme your wallet now!" *spray* I said now! Listhen thu me...I..'sherious..." Its hard to act tough when you are slobbering on yourself... Or maybe I could use it to spray the neighbor's dog. "Woof woof woof woof woof!" (two hours later) "woof woof woof woof woof!" *spray* "Woof woof woof....whine..."

Well, these are guidelines that I use to eat: Get more of your protein from plant sources rather than animals. There's a lot of free radicals in red meat, which cause cancer. I'm not saying become a vegetarian; I'm not one. Americans just tend to eat more meat than they need. Fish is a better source than red meat. Soy is good for you. Give in to the soy... Tofu isn't bad if you don't eat it straight up (I'm wierd so I don't mind it that way either) and is a good source of protein. Eat less processed foods. Eat less simple, refined sugars (stuff that makes things really sweet). These hit the blood stream quicker and cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, causing your body to produce lots of insulin, causing the down after a sugar high, etc. Too much of this gives you diabetes. Carbs aren't bad for you. Complex carbs are actually good for you. Trans fat is to be avoided as much as possible (partially hydrogenated oils) as they are simply not healthy in any amount. Some saturated fat is okay, but less is better. All fats are not bad. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats actually raise the levels of healthy cholesterol and lower the levels of unhealthy cholesterol. Snack on fruits if you want something sweet. Fructose hits your blood sugar more slowly than processed sweets. Do you like rice? Eat brown rice instead of white rice because brown rice has more nutrients. Are you living by yourself? I am, which makes it much easier to control what I eat since I have to buy and cook it. Lastly, buy a good book on nutrition. Or two. Or three. It helps to see several opinions on nutrition. I've recommended this book a lot just because I liked it: The Okinawa Program. It has solid nutrition info and if you really wanted to be hardcore, a specific diet regimen that lets you plan out meals for each day (and a recipe section for those meals). I don't follow the diet regimen, I just apply the knowledge of what I know to what I want to eat (and cook).

EDIT: I'll be nice. A book with a scientific approach to ki: Secrets of Okinawan Karate by Kiyoshi Arakaki

Like I said...I've had tests done. I honestly wish I had saved the records, they were more for my curiousity than anything else so I never had any reason to (I had the opportunity to have them done for free on numerous occasions at college). Even if they all happened to somehow just be on the lighter end, that's still about only 2-3% off (on the water tank tests). Okay, so maybe I'm about 5%, if that is true. But I've never questioned it. Maybe it was because I went to a military academy and nearly everyone was in excellent shape, but I've never actually had anyone doubt my stats before. As I mentioned, it was not uncommon whatsoever for my friends to be in the 7-10% range and not think anything of it. There is the extra factor of being born three months premature, which also makes me naturally lower in weight and fat anyway (one source of premature baby death, apart from the obvious is that they have extremely low body fat, making them very susceptible to cold temperature...fortunately, the odds of them surviving are much higher today then they were back when I was born). As far as diet goes, I avoid processed sweets, junk food in general (I may have a hamburger or pizza every now and then) and eat very healthy. My taste buds actually can no longer handle anything above mildly sweet anymore. I gave up junk food when I was seventeen, and years later, it still holds true. I will admit, that is a little hardcore, but your body adjusts naturally to it and you stop wanting junk food after a while. The point here isn't that I'm forcing a low body fat, it's that I'm just naturally at a low fat percentage. Like I said, I knew when I was too low and quit doing that; I have no worries about going too low as I listen to what my body tells me. Responses of people have led me to believe that my kind of metabolism and lower body fat is even more rare than I thought, but as it is me, I certainly believe it is happening . I know people aren't attacking me or anything, but I just find it odd that there is a lot of skepticism out there.

Whatever anyone says about his martial arts skills (myself included), it is undeniable that he was a training fanatic. I believe a contributing factor to his early death was the result of overtraining, to include unhealthy low levels of fat. When I was a boxer and was about 12-15 pounds below my natural weight (natural weight includes working out regularly and is usually around 3 1/2% body fat due to my premature birth), I was very strong and extremely fast. I lost some muscle, but a lot of it was fat that I didn't know existed...I didn't miss it until it was gone. At the same time, my body kept letting me know that it was not healthy. Bruce Lee was the kind of person that really wanted to push his limits physically and probably ignored some of these limits, and I think he went too far. His famous back injury was another example of this, as he got it lifting weights, not in a match. I think he had to have been below the 3% limit sometimes when filming. Sure, he would use a liberal amount of oil to make himself look good, but he was pretty ripped on his own, a little too ripped. This wasn't meant to further turn this into a Bruce Lee thread...but I'm just saying that 8% isn't entirely uncommon amongst very active people (males, as females have a naturally higher body fat composition for obvious reasons), especially those around the college level I suppose.

If you think in all capital letters, it must be hard indeed... But seriously, I found that if I made myself feel a sensation of emptiness that I poured everything, it would become easier over time. Now, I just "empty" without even having to force anything; it just happens. This isn't one of those cute phrases that people like to say but don't really understand/believe/whatever, but I really do find that the emptying technique works in helping you to "do" meditation rather than to "think" meditation.

That's too bad...between Lindsey and Keller you'd be able to pick up an enormous amount of training...is it really $130 a week? You don't normally find too many traditional karate instructors (and they are legit, too) that charge that much (at least in my experience). Edit: That $130 is for his weekly after school care program...that's actually a pretty good considering they're being watched AND learning martial arts...those after school care programs are really expensive nowadays and at least they would be getting something out of it... I would recommend giving Keller a call and seeing what actual classes cost, it'd probably be much lower.

Not all sugar is bad. It is the refined and simple sugars that are unhealthy because they hit the blood stream a lot quicker, causing your body to produce insulin in large doses in order to counter your high blood sugar level. The complex ones have things like fiber that slow the absorption of sugar into the blood stream, helping you to avoid a "sugar high" and puts less toll on your insulin (which if it burns out, you get diabetes).

First, although my brother is taking it as well.

Pros: Increase in physical fitness, respect, discipline and an awareness of what the martial arts are. Cons: Just like when karate (although it wasn't called that at the time) was introduced into the Japanese school system around the year 1905 from Okinawa, the techniques will have to be watered down and lose a great deal of their effectiveness due to the lack of competent instructors to teach that many children and the worry that kids will really hurt themselves or others by either using proper combat-effective techniques or improper technique in general. I am against it. A good idea in theory, but too difficult to implement.

Drunken Monkey is correct. If you focus on your outward stance, you are doing it wrong. It is an internal technique. Ask a Goju Ryu person about chinkuchi (which means one inch power). This is a very basic technique, yet some people misunderstand it. Maybe as an atonement for my earlier comments in the Goju Ryu thread, I'll let them field this for question for you. They should be able to explain it to you, if they feel like it. I can talk about it later (I feel lazy right now), if they don't want to...

But what about ninjas, dojos, and samurais? Just kidding...that gets on my nerves too. Not that people are dumb, but they just haven't had the opportunity to know Japanese... I just try to pronounce things correctly, regardless of what language. For that matter, it is not sakee or saki (japanese alcohol), its sake (the e is pronounced short like it is in Latin languages). That is one that bugs me too. But enough of my language elitism.