Isshinryu Man

Very interesting thread. I'm not sure who else here is an instructor, but as one myself, I see this type of frustration with my students from time to time. At some point in everyone's path within the Martial Arts, they experience some frustration because they feel inadequate at some particular event (kumite, kata, kobudo, etc.). Your instructors are there to help improve you. If I were to merely fight at your level or below, you would notice that your skills would reach a pleateau with only minimal increases in skills/performance over the months/years. On the other hand, setting my level one notch above the student's current skill set, I force them to reach for that next level. Yes, you will experience "loss", but understand that when you get a hit in, sometimes the instructor was not expecting it and hence you are gaining that skill s/he wants you to obtain. Secondly, as stated already, you must understand that you are surrounded by other skilled individuals. Your skills could be notches above an other student's skill set in another school, but you won't see that. One student of mine (green belt) was getting very frustrated about her inability to get a "point" on me. I explained to her in similar words as above that the students she is surround by are top notch. That she can't gauge her skill soley on someone else within the school. Luckily there was a local tournament she attended, shortly there after where she was able to see first hand the skills she had aquired. She was so happy after seeing what she could do, outside of the dojo. So, don't get discouraged. Keep that chin up. You have a better skill set then you realize.

Can't deny the man that. I come from IsshinRyu. A style developed from Goju ryu and Shorin ryu. Sanchin is a real body toner. If anyone tells you they are not tired after sanchin, they didn't do it right. As for the original question....Instructor is a major key to your development. You also need to find a style that suits you best. I'm not a great high kicker, so my style suits me perfectly. No kicks above the waist.

I looked over the "about" page for this style and although they share a very similar name to that of the okinawan style "ISSHINRYU", there is no mention of that style with the other mixed arts. If hijacking a web is wrong, what about a style's name? I feel it's too close to the original style name and hence causes confusion for potential students. This may just be my opinion, but it does not sit well with me.

From what I've heard....Steven Seagul was real. Not that today's performances dictate his realness, but back in the day, I believe he really did study in Japan for Aikido and had reached a high level of Dan. That's my gossip for this month:)

Yeah...it's called the "Run Away" technique or the more technical term of "Flee" *Rei*

I'm reading your posts and am a little confused about what everyone's definition of "Full Contact" is. I'm wondering if each person's definition of "Full Contact" is different. For instance, when I think of "Full Contact", I'm invisioning 100% power behind each punch and no pulling strikes at the point of contact. Basically trying to hurt or disable your opponent. When we spar at our dojo, we make contact, but there is a bit of restraint as to not injure the person across from you. I'd call that semi-contact. That way I can spar that person again tomorrow. Yes, the occassional bloody nose, bruised ribs, etc, but they can fight again the next day. Is this what everyone for the most part considers "Full Contact" to be? Just Curious.

I've already started taking stretching breaks twice a day while at the office. I've already noticed the difference in "feeling" more limber. I don't have that constant stiffness. Although I still experience the same thing ZR440 does. I'm tired to the point of needing a nap when I get to the dojo after work. I usually sit in my car and power nap for 15 min. before heading inside. It takes the edge off. *Rei*

Woops...I miss read your question. No I don't think I have too much trouble with katas. Yes I occasionally have difficulty competing, but luckily many of the tournaments I attend have an Okinawan division which makes life easier . *Rei*

When I first started judging it was a bit difficult. When I judge, I'm not too interested whether or not it's a black belt kata or a beginner kata. I look at stance, power, focus and to some degree attitude. You'll probably notice that there are many katas that are seen in many different styles with their own interpretations. I will say I lean towards the traditional katas, so the flashy jumps and kicks in the "sport" katas never "awe" me. The only real difficulty now is when I'm presented with a Chinese style (Kung Fu, Shoalin, etc.). They are much more "circular" or fluid then a linear karate-ka kata. So not having a deep understanding of their normal stances, it makes for a tough call. *Rei*

Practice is the KEY. You need to concentrate on the basics of the move. Break the moves into parts if you need to. Just concentrate on the spin with out a strike, etc. The key to improvement is repetition. Practice, practice, practice. *Rei*

And their style. Point taken, but not all titles are to inflate egos. In the ranking system the term "Master" is an english translation from that of Renshi. Renshi is a japanese termonology for "Master of Training". This usually falls upon 4th, 5th and 6th degree black belts. Although my Master holds the rank of 7th dan and is now classified as Kyoshi or Mentor, the title has somewhat stuck. Yes the ranks are also still referred to as Sensei. Hope this makes a little more sense as to why I call him Master. It is in no way a belittling experience, but a way of respecting his knowledge as a "Master of Training". *Rei*

Yes...He trained me and holds the title of Master. I treat him with the same respect I ask of my students. He has, is and will always be my "Master". As for being only a few Isshinryu karateka here, oh well. Chance to learn from others..... *Rei*

*Rei* Yes....I am a head instructor at my Master's dojo. As for combinations, it's rather difficult to explain moves online. I'd much rather explain, correct and explain again in person. I feel sharing a technique or two would be more harmful then helpful especially if you learn it incorrectly. A word of advice though. Start out by choosing 3 moves you do very well and that are practical on the mat. Make those your base strikes. For instance, my base moves are reverse punch, flip kick (lead leg) and sweeps (terminology my be different for you). From there I work other moves in when the opportunity arises and a target opens. Don't overwhlem yourself with 20+ moves, when it only takes one to strike and/or counter an opponent. *Rei*

We have a Leadership "Team". It's a way of bringing in the higher kyu ranks and providing them an extra level of instruction on how to educate a class. They learn how to properly run a class without the Head instructor being on the floor at all times. Primarily for brown belts. As for everyone else, they are expected to help others when they can. Ignorance is not tolerated.

*Rei* 10 years is very commendable in regards to dedication for your first black belt. Although I don't agree that 3-4 years for a black belt is any less of a journey. The first few years of under belt training is to learn and perform various physical techniques, strategy, etc. Trying to incorporate the advanced understanding of technique, their interpretation, spiritual application and more would be a knowledge overload. That's why attaining the level of shodan is "really" the beginning of your education. At this point the student begins to think on their own, outside the routine of charts, drills and repetitive kata. Also take into consideration that some styles have different time tables then others for possible advancement. *Rei*