Goju1

Nothing wrong with your trainer, everyone has their opinion and if one doesn't understand karate, they could very well see knuckle push-ups as damaging. They probably are to some extent, but in a discipline where you're trying to toughen your knuckles, ya gotta do what ya gotta do -m just minimize the negatives.

The slow muchimi double block in Shisochin, followed by the body twist and elbow strike is actually a block, wrist hold and elbow break

I feel that if you are in a good style with a good instructor, just stick with it, it'll be worth it. Otherwise, get out and find both of the above. Some of the more traditional styles still teach traditionally so maybe this is it? Anyway, old style karate is the real thing and people that want modern touchy feely stuff should look elsewhere (IMHO)

Good thoughts - I always thought this made sense (although all are valid reasons). Most sports also use this principle, i.e. putting weights on a baseball bat so that when you remove them, the bat seems lighter. I'm guessing the old masters were aware of this obvious principle and used it well.

when doing knuckle push-ups, focus on keeping only the first two knuckles in contact with the ground. This will keep your shoulder, elbow, wrist aligned properly and will toughen the knuckles you want to toughen. There shouldn't be any problems when done properly, I've been a personal trainer for 20 years and consider knuckle push-ups a very reasonable way to condition. Of course, if one doesn't want any risk of injury, then one should not be taking karate anyway. It always amuses me to hear people that are against knuckle push-ups and makiwara because of the injury risk, go on about how tough they are and how they like to fight, etc...

Hmmmm... How do you know this, mi amigo? Did you used to train with us, or have you been sneaking into classes? (Just kidding)

Our style uses the basic counting system, with the exception of Shodan (as opposed to ichi-dan) which means something like "just starting over". And black belts are affectionately refered to a as "sensei" as a recognition for their achievement, but they are not 'teachers', although they can be. All of the instructors at our dojo are at least Nidan, even for the junior classes.

When we have our Japanese/Okinawan instructors visiting at the Dojo, they try in broken english and japanese, with the help of a translator, to get their mesage across That's really the point isn't it? To say if you can't say it right don't say it all is ridiculous IMO. I know these esteemed gentlemen certainly would not agree. They appreciate any effort to learn and carry on what we all love - our art.

Sorry, got my quotes in the wrong places, still learning! What was the original point of this topic anyway???

Just kid-ding! hehe.... No offense intended This dude tried to use his excuse for a hard life as an excuse to be a sadist. He liked fighting and reaffirming his self-esteem. There's nothing noble in that. Why perpetuate drama and hate? I know folks who went through more devastating and traumatic childhoods than "Mr. Feel-Me-And-Fear-Me".

Strengthen your toes so that you can hook as you sweep - makes it a lot more effective.

16 is too young

Makiwara, knuckle push-ups, any bag work. Start easily and work your way up.

I suppose so, but think that crosstraining is probably the best way to go, as you do. Its too hard to pick a single style. If you look at the UFC's they all eventually end up on the ground, so that may be the 'ultimate' style, but if we;re talking simple self defense, any could work just fine.

After reading 10 pages of posts, I think I will have to weigh in that it may be more dependent upon the fighter than the style. There are certainly dozens or more good fighting styles but who's fighting? I've seen people from many styles I wouldn't want to meet in any alley

Good post, Laurie! I had a similar experience back when I thought I had to win every fight/spar and got humbled a few times You probably wouldn't think a 'powerful man' would feel like you felt, but yep, it happens! I learned to look at sparring as not so much a win/lose ego thing as a learning experience and I've become even better. Everything moves slower, I breathe better, and when /if confronted with a more real situation am calmer and more confident. So keep sparrin' - its good for the soul (and thanks for sharing)

hahahahaha - good luck kid

I think its a matter of perspective too. It depends what you want (and what you can handle) out of the martial arts. I would have loved to train with a guy like this 25 years ago, but now at 49 with a business and family, a serious injury would spell disaster! Plus I am into the tradition, katas, and all that. But certainly there is a place for this type of training for those who want to be 'as tough as possible'. Is it a martial art? I don't know. Certainly could be. Whatever, its an interesting post, thanks!!!

TJS - Thanks. A couple observations: a) the guy I worked out with must have been MT, because his main weapon was devastating low kicks b) the style of Goju Ryu I practice focuses on low kicks, never high and very similar to the MT style - quad pressure points, shin/calves, groin, inner thigh, abdomen, some ribs. Works well for me because I can't kick all that high anymore anyway

Here's a link I found that some of you might enjoy! http://www.iogkf.com/honbu/destination.html

whew, sounds like a serious bad-* (and doesn't mind telling us about it either ) Pretty inspiring reading though, I must say, i would not want to piss this guy off!!!

Wouldn't a Japanese instructor appreciate the effort, though? Better than ignoring the roots of your chosen art, I would think.