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*

If you're interested in the style of fight the USANKF has, here is a link to a video. The only video I've found so far. http://yourstruly.ch/karate/movies/nationals2002.html No...it's not me. I'm 6'4" 200lbs. These guys are small. I did see the NASKA, website. I don't think that's for me. I hate wearing full body armor. I like a mouth piece, hand pads and a cup. That's it. Oh and one more thing. The guys in this video are black belts. That just wear red and blue belts so it's easier for the judges to call points and make a distinction.

I've never attended a AAA nationals. To be honest, not to sure what they are. I'll be checking in on them though. I stick to two organizations, USANKF and USAKF. http://www.usankf.org For karate, they are the national olympic commitee. As for saying I'm good, well, I hold my own. I've fought against some of the olympic team members and they are good. So compared to them, ehh, I'm OK . I guess that's a matter of perception. I feel the minute I think I'm "good" I start loosing my edge. I'm a Yondan (4th). WILKO9999 You don't have to have rank in order to place well in a tournament. You just need to practice. If you think you train hard, remember.....there is always someone out there training harder. Just go out and have fun and gain experience. That's a big difference in the "game" of tournaments. *Rei*

First of all...good luck in the tournaments. I would suggest you talk to your instructor first. He/She should be your source of such information. Not sure what you plan on doing in the way of competing, but most competitors enter kata and kumite. When I train or any of our students train for competition, we focus on the katas we will be competing with. I practice those katas 3-4 times more then my others, in order to be able to complete them without error. When you get out on the mat, you'll be nervous. As for fighting (kumite), it's kind of specific to your style, the tournament, etc. I run a routine that goes something like this: (1st Round) 2 min sparring 1st tournament kata breathing kata ...30sec. - 1min break.... (2nd Round) 3 min sparring 2nd tournament kata breathing kata ...30sec. - 1min break.... (3rd Round) 4 min sparring 1st tournament kata breathing kata ....1min break (water)... Strengthing drills Kick drills Punch Drills Movement Drills Stretching (15min - 30 min) As your indurance increases, so does the time for each round. Ultimate goal is 3 rounds of 5min intense sparring. May need multiple partners to achieve this. They may not be in the shape you will be

Does he train with you? The bad part about training partners is that they know what's coming and can prepare for it. If someone off the street grabs you, do you think they will know the technique you are going to throw? When I have a male attack me I do all that stomping and sweeping as well. It's effective. The easiest solution (for me) is to sway my hips to the left or the right to expose their groin to my hand and pull it like a draw string. Even if you can't pull out, you can squeeze with your hand. Please be careful though. You want him to come back tomorrow and train again

Welcome....I'm new to the forum too. So I won't eat ya In my 9 years in Karate, I've only had to use my skills once. I was a first degree black belt at the time (shodan). My college buddy had just purchased a new house and myself along with other guys headed over for a house party. Needless to say, we had way too much to drink. If that wasn't bad enough, we all decided to head to the bar down the street. (From what I remember and what my friends have told me.....) While there I must have been eyeing up some girl too long and some guy came over and started talking trash to me. I politely said I was sorry, said he was right about every nasty name he called me and moved him along. Well he didn't have enough and started to talk trash to my friends at the bar. One thing led to another and someone threw a punch. I grabbed him by the throat (thumb and index buried in his juguler around windpipe..only way I grab the throat), sweeped him to the floor and pounded him. Well the bouncers, not liking that, jumped me. One tried to headlock me from behind. His arm around my neck in a classic rear choke attack, I grabbed his shoulder and elbow and flipped him over on top of the guy already on the ground. I proceeded to hit him too. I know....but how was I to know he was the good guy or bad guy. I was just reacting. After that I remember waking up, with my friend whispering in my ear to "let go". When I regained awareness, I had a hand full of shirt and someone on my back. I let go and stood up. I was in a pile of bouncers with the entire bar watching. I was scared. I didn't realize what had fully happened until my friends told me. My conscious mind had taken a back seat and my body just went into action. I had blacked out. I don't remember much in the way of the fight beyond a bit or two and the information my friends filled me in on. I was in no way proud of my actions because it was not self-defense on my part. I was intoxicated and I could have really hurt someone (bouncers) for no reason. It was scarey to realize that I could black out like that and wake up in a heap of bodies that I had created. I remember everything else that night, except for the fight. That is my one and hopefully only tale of my use of force on others. Hope this is something for others to learn by, because I know I have.

Well I'm of Isshinryu practice, which is a primarily a combination of Shorin ryu and Goju ryu. Our traditional punch is delivered from the hip with our fist clenched as though you are grasping a joystick with a button on top. Your thumb is on the button. The traditional strike is delivered with the thumb knuckle pointing vertical and is delivered in them same such matter, vertical. In reality, we do add a twist slightly before contact. If using the right hand, the fist will rotate 1/4 to the left placing it in the same position you are describing (I think ). The twisting action does have a lot of anotomical benefits for the attacker. Those you listed above and one of greater "destruction" to the receiver of the strike. As your punch continues it's twisting action on the body it will (if done properly) increase the damage by seperating muscle tissue in the "twist". This has an even greater effect on nerve areas. It helps reveal the hidden nerve by shifting the protective muscle to the side. I like to equate it to a drill. The drill can do more damage with less effort as compared to a hammer.

I must say, I find it very frustrating sitting at a desk 8+ hours a day. By the time I get to the dojo, I feel like a stiff board. It takes me quite a long time to loosen up. I've started stretching more at work now. Yes, the occassional odd look, but worth the pain of trying to split after 8 hours in the chair. Anyone else in this "position"? What do you do to keep yourself limber during the work hours? I find myself drinking quite a bit of water now. It helps reduce the stiffness of the day.

I believe 5+ hours of training a day is commendable. I think you need to realize that Martial Arts is not something you leave at the entrance of the dojo when you leave for the day, it's a way of life. Can anyone with years of experience honestly say that their Martial Arts training does not effect their daily lives in some form or fashion? If you are referring to 5 hours of training in a specific area, such as fighting, then I would say that could be excessive. Especially if going at 100% every day. If you're thinking about everything that makes a Martial Arts' style, then 5 hours is nothing. It's been made clear to me that many M.Artisits from asia hold full time jobs and get in 4-6 hours of training in at days' end. You don't have to train that long in order to be a MArtial Artist. We all have lives outside the dojo, just make sure that you dedicate yourself inside the school when you do show up. I'll take a 2 hour warrior over a 5 hour talker anyday

I love competing. It's a great way to meet new people who have similar interests, try your skills outside of your own dojo/school and learn new concepts ideas etc. For the first time tournament attendie, word of advice, don't get discouraged if things don't go as you may have hoped. I've seen tournaments be beneficial and detrimental to a student's attitude towards MA. Remeber, it's about having fun and learning. You should always walk away with something to learn from. As for me, I try to stick to nationaly sactioned tournaments. One, because I train for such a level and two I enjoy the professionalism of the judging and competition. Have fun!!