Valithor

Over the years I've become familiar with most of the katas from Shotokan and Goju. The kata I practice most now are my two favs from each style: Kanku Dai, Unsu, Kururunfa, and Seisan.

Nice jump indeed.. Jumping 360 degrees from an awkward stance, doing two kicks and then landing solid... takes practice.. and patience..

Yes, that's quite a challenge for some of the advanced kata! Some other things to try are kata in a mirrored image, and kata with your eyes closed.. (not as simple as it sounds)

Heya, Welcome along

Heya Welcome along!

Hi, welcome along

Oh? I thought it was real.... Next you'll be telling me there's no such thing as left-handed golf-balls..

I agree that overuse of computers and video games is common amongst children in the 21st century, and will-have a negative long-term effect on their physical and intellectual development. However, with regards to champions. I don't think it would be acurate to suggest that 30 or 40 years ago there were no distractions. It sounds like your saying that they had "no life". I suggest that the nature of man will produces a normal distribution in any generation: Champions and failures alike. Sure, the context of what makes a champion will change with time, but human nature is strong, and I don't think that everything is handed to us on a platter quite yet...

Yes, I think if you are serious about your studies you should start tertiary when you finish secondary. Although a year of military training makes you grow up fast..

First, I wouldn't be in a pretend fight and throw the fight for the video... Seriously, this karateka had an extremely high stance, ran at his tackling opponent and didn't throw any techniques until he was grabed.. all wrong! Don't get me wrong, I have great respect for BJJ artists. I would not like to have to face one. I know its not the same as studying grappling, but I've played a bit of rugby and there are several ways to try and avoid being tackled. I would employ these whilst attempting to use my strikes from the far or mid-range. (For the americans - rugby is real football without helmets and shoulder pads.. ) Keep smiling!

Being a better fighter than someone else has little real value.

Very true. Why would two so-called martial artists want to fight in the first place?

This is a valid question. I think many senior karateka need to address this issue. Well, I would think its best to stick with what you know best. Someone skilled in the striking arts should not attempt to out-grapple a grappler!

Perhaps you are suggesting that world's greatest martial artist is the person who has avoided the most fights? I think you're suggesting there is a difference between a fighter and a martial artist? If so, I must strongly agree..

For the same reason I know it would make a sound...

What a strange concept to not allow students to wear their gi to and from training! The usual practice for the local dojos in our club is to wear the gi pants with a tv shirt or jacket, and then change when you get to dojo. There are no change rooms, so some people don't like getting changed in front of everyone and wear their full gi to and from training. Having said that, I've often stopped off on the way home at McDonald's or somewhere similar with a group of karateka wearing full gis. It occasionally get some funny looks or comments but karateka shouldn't be bothered by such things. Your gi, and your belt, should be special to you. But they are not holy or sacred items. Our club regularly organises beach-training sessions. Its a whole new experience to do a full class with the waves crashing around you!

No, Sanchin and Tensho are not related to any of the Shotokan kata. I know these kata, but I was hoping to find some footage of perhaps more original versions so as to compare and contrast the versions I have learnt. I'm also hoping to find some free versions online.. if I'm lucky

Why can't you use the ball of your foot when wearing shoes? I have had my students wear shoes before in class to illustrate the differences involved. Even if you're not highly focused on the street-fighting element of martial arts, its still an interesting variation for training.

Well I think the front kick is the best of all, it fits nicely in combinations as well. Whilst I use the roundhouse kick in sparring, I think it tends to be a little overused by many. I also like to use spinning kicks on tired opponents, as they can be very powerful as well.

Very interesting quote pmh1nic!

Welcome Ryan, a very interesting poll question! I seem to be the only person who has answered... well i'll be interested to see what everyone thinks.

Karate Experience Module 4Dan_V1.01a is FANTASTIC! I bought a lifetime licence. In 15 seconds it felt awesome! They then wanted me to pay for it.. but since I was a 4th Dan I just fought them all off and walked out. At least I would have done.. but apperently their security guard was trialling the 5th Dan version cause he got past my guard.. and made me give it back..

Hi everyone, I'm interested in finding some footage of some katas. Anyone who knows such sites, I would be grateful if you could post some links. I know there are variations on some of these kata. Goju's Suparenpei Goju's Sanchin Goju's Tensho Shotokan's Unsu Thanks

Go-Kan-Ryu Karate Its based on both Goju and Shotokan.

Interesting question! It depends entirely on your perception on what makes a martial artist "great". I think their philosophy and way of life is equally important with being a great fighter. I must admit I haven't done tremendous research into the past, and I'm quite keen to read about some of those mentioned here and elsewhere. For the moment, I'll vote for Mas Oyama. Bruce Lee certainly made a very public influence on the martial arts.. does that make a difference? Whilst they are excellent, I don't think Jet Li or Jackie Chan could be considered in a category for "the greatest ever". As for Chuck Norris, I might be too young.. but I'm not aware of any significant influence he has made. I'm not even sure what style he trains in. At the moment I don't think the Gracie's would be at the top, as their influence hasn't been completely felt. Although depending on how the world of martial arts develop, they may well end up number one.