telsun

I would never confess to knowing all styles/ systems What I wrote was simply my humble opinion. Which I stand by, but I do not judge or codemn others, although the manner that I wrote my response may have implied this. Please accept my apologies if it did/has. You also highlight another area for discussion Kirves. The fact that styles use different racking systems and belts causes mass confusion the world over. As you said a yellow belt in one system is totally different to another system. Yes I do believe that it would be nice if every system followed the same belt pattern!!! If transferring from style to style was easy. If we all belonged to one huge worldwide association where we were all equal. If people followed their individual ideas in their training/ instruction yet excepted everyone elses ideas and critiscm. Okay going way of track here but in an ideal world we could all train together....... Yes I believe that the Okinawans didn't have belts. If memory serves me right: I think it was Chojun Miyagi who dismissed the belt system when it was introduced. Saying that if someone deserved a black belt they would not want it..........I think that there is more but I do not recall. There is nothing dishonorable with individaulism. Which is the reason we get all the differences. Hey Kirves I could never confess to being all knowing I have just grown to see how karate seems to be on a decline in the view of the general public.

Yes adding a technique on the forward motion is something that should be practiced if your ability will allow it. You got the right idea so I will not elaborate on that. But don't forget back fist (Uraken). Also when you step up to the mid point step forward with the same leg rather than stepping through. This is a much better way of chasing your opponent and will keep your strong side forward or back depending upon how you like to fight. You will also find it is much faster than stepping through. Although it may take practice.

I'm into bodybuilding. But would not say I am a bodybuilder. I have some knowledge and prefer the abbreviated approach. But my body is very, very, very far from being near competitor physique I just lack the discipline to continue with training. Unlike martial arts that keep me enticed almost all the time

Are there actual puddles around your feet Does the sweating cause you a problem with your training or is it just an embarrasment issue? If it does not cause you a prob then don't worry about it. Has anyone ever complained about it? Maybe you are just being paranoid other peoples feet will be sweating as well you know. Spraying anti perspirant on my feet works well for me.

2 hours in horse stance I bow to you sir!! I feel that I need to elaborate on my original question. I believe that grades are being handed out nowadays. Albeit a few people failed their grades when I took mine it still seems too easy. Please answer these questions: 1. Should your fitness level be part of the grading i.e 10 pushups for 1st belt esculating upto say 100 for BB? 2. Should you be required to take a written test/ submit essay on a martial area of your art? 3. Should you be graded over a matter of days instead of just an hour or so? 4. Should you perform 100 man kumite (as I believe kyokushin does)? Are gradings too easy nowadays? Please be honest. It is not a reflection on you. I set high standards for myself and gradings are often an anti climax for me as I feel that they are not challenging enough. Your view please.

Don't expect too much power from your hookl kick. It is extremely difficult to get any hip movement and the lower leg has very little momentum to generate power. However this kick when placed right will easily have enough power to knock your opponent out. You may be able to relate it to a back fist strike. Although you can generate alot of power with this technique in practice (i.e sparring) it is used more as a fast near flicking type action again you do not require the power for this technique to be effective. Your spinning kick however should be reasonably powerful. I cannot comment on it too much as it is not something that I practice . However, to generate as much power as possible think this way: Momentum (spin) hip (power) leg (delivery of power). The key to this kick is focusing on technique. You need to have the confidence that you will hit the target every time so that you can really let rip. The kick that I really have to work on is my sidekick. I can make it look nice but it lacks the power I desire on the bag. However all my kicks need developing, they can never be too good

tenkamusou I was just thinking some more about your dilemma and I came up with this........... Take some plumbers pipe lagging (you know the foam stuff they stick around pipes). Cut them into strips about 18" long. Bundle them altogether and wrap loads and loads of carpet tape (gaffer tape) round it. Secure to lengths of wood behind it that stick out either side so that you can attach it to the wall. And hey presto a wall mounted punch bag for next to nothing. Soft but firm, little risk of injury but a very beneficial training aid. Might make myself one.............

I have never heard of anyone having to grade as a white belt So what are you before a white belt? White belt is to signify that you are a beginner how do you grade to rank of novice. What do you wear b4 that? It seems to be just another opportunity to get an extra grading fee out of everyday folk that might not be sticking around for aslong as instructor would like. Yet another downwards decline for this honorable artform

Please excuse me from saying so tenkamusou but you appear to be a little mad In our dojo we have an old car tyre as a makiwara. You require an old car tyre. If Brazil is anything like England and I truly hope that it is not for your sake, you'll be able to get a tyre that has been disposed off at the side of the road!! Right now hang your tyre on the wall as though you were looking at the side of the car, so you can see the wall through the hole. Fix a thick piece of ply across the whole, about 18mm thick and about 150mm wide. Do not cover the whole hole overwise it will not flex so much. Now pad the ply with something, old foam will do. This does give, but not a great deal. I think that the better alternative is to cut the tyre in half and mount it on the wall on its side, with the tread facing you. Wrap some padding round it and that should be ideal. Use the other half of the tyre underneath it and you will have a makiwara for low kicks as well. Not sure about the T-book idea. You must be careful with your joints when hitting fixed targets.

These charlitans only further damage the downward view of karate by the public. Clubs run in this way do more to damage our art than to promote it. It makes me sick

What did you have to do for your last dan grade? Just a brief outline will be fine I do not desire a long list of every technique you performed!!

I am afraid that I cannot confess to having heard of him over here in the UK. Although Isshin Ryu is very little practiced style in these parts. The superior grades seem to show little of their skill against an opponent. I don't thinkl that they have anything to prove by it.

Black belt means to me: The public think I am superman or karate kid! I must maintain my integrity to inspire my juniors and respect my seniors. Responsibilities come with grade......any grade! Other than that it really is just a belt but one that should be worn with pride. You would have worked hard for it and it is an honour to own.

I have never heard this! I do not belief it to be true, but I do agree that both styles may prove to be effective given the right amount of study. Although I maybe mistaken (I will read the comparative M/A section in a mo) Kyokushin is pretty much a mix between Goju and Shotokan, from my experience I would say that the Goju side reflects more in the Kyokushin style. The best way to find out is to DO it!!!!!!

My sensei is 5th dan but he will only grade upto 1syt kyu. As with others their dan grade will be taken by a senior council.

I have just started studying Jujitsu alongside my Goju training and must say they complement each other beautifully!

You wish to "build aggression" May I ask why? And you would like to know how to stop aggression in a fight I presume that you mean that of your opponents(?) or is it to control your own so you do not kill the guy? I do not belief in building aggression. You should go with your natural character if you are placid then fight placid, wait for your opponent. There are many advantages to this anyway. You will make far too many mistakes whilst in aggressive 'mode'. Your own easy going character may prove to be enough to calm someones aggression failing that a stop punch generally works Controlling your own aggression will come with experience. Studying some sort of philosophy will help you respect your fellow man. Building aggression in fighting will (probably) filter through to your life outside the dojo. Do you really want to be that kinda guy?

Wow!!!! A special category to introduce myself......I'm impressed I have been training for about 15 or so years. I started in Shotokan, which I achieved 1st kyu. I then moved onto Goju-kai karate where I took my 1st dan in 1994. The club closed a little while before I was due to take my 2nd dan, I couldn't find another so I opened my own!!! This was after about 2 years in wondering around different schools and styles but not actually settling. I currently study Okinawan Goju ryu under an extremely proficient instructor. I no longer run my club and I am still 1st dan!! A very good one though!!! Please forgive my immodesty, but I am trying to paint a clear picture, although you may have a picture of arrogance after that last comment but please I promise you I am not. Any how that is a brief(ish) background on me. I look foreword to creating threads, answering posts and getting to know you all.