Kumite988

I think he means unsu. It is one of the most difficult katas I have ever performed, EVER. I wouldn't recommend trying to learn it from a tape.

I fail to understand why you wouldn't begin karate because of a problem with bowing, this is a small thing you shouldn't let get in the way of a very enjoyable past time! Again as other's have said it is a matter of respect and I see no connection between respect and religion.

Oh by the way Aefibird, I could've sworn i've seen you say you practice shotokan...or I might be imagining things =\. But I don't think Rohai is an original shotokan form is it? Do you also practice wado or goju or something? Sorry I might just be making thing up

Probably Supyrenpi (Wish I knew how to spell this one)...eheh

Well all styles take a long time to master(it can be argued no one can ever master a style, but that's a different topic) I know the style I practice has I believe the most kata's out of any type of karate. Bringing with that a lot of depth, bunkai, applications etc. As for bowing, I would'nt recommend not bowing. It has nothing to do with religion. It is just tradition and is used to show respect for the place and people you are training in or with. It's a lot just like a normal handshake. All styles of karate should, if taught correctly, improve your focus and concentration. As for reflexes, speed, flexibility, I would reccomend my style again. ONLY going of of what I see at competitions however. Karate will last you forever if you want it too

You'll be unlucky if you catch XMA which i've seen on there a few times

Oh yeah I forgot, I've ran through Kururunfa a few times and I was just overwhelmed, seems really hard to learn. I liked it a lot though just because it's unconvential. Espeically that part where you thrust your head upwards...

Mine are Chatanyara Kushanku: Because it has a cool name..no just joking =P. I like the really fast moves in it and also the crossleg stance parts. The beginning is very fun to watch/perform also. Nipaipo: I like chatanyara for the fast moves, nipaipo for the slow ones =). The crane stance part is fun also. Unshu: I like the middle section of this kata, when you pivot on one foot and then block. Pinan Godan: Because it is one of the first katas I learned and I feel like i've gotten it down quite well. Superennpi(Spelling?) I like it because it's so long, and takes so much focus, and can be very beautiful to perform.

Wouldn't try Anan or Gojyushiho unless your pretty advanced (blackbelt). What belt are you? Probably some kind of Kushanku would be good, or Rohai or something.

Stay away from that plz

I hold a 3rd kyu in shito ryu

Maybe try out some grappling, BJJ?

USANKF.org has some pics of stances, in 3d too so you can rotate and see everyangle. However the best way is to just go down and watch the teacher and practice it. Not look at it on a comp.

Get a Shureido, the best hands down. However, can be expensive.

I doubt the fool has a blackbelt. Blackbelts learn respect, he has none. He sure doesn't act like a blackbelt. If he has one he in no one deserves it, I don't care about his skill in JiuJutsu.

I'd chose Wado Ryu. Shotokan is SO common nowadays and it would be cool trying something different like wado ryu. Also, wado ryu katas are more graceful and beautiful. (at least I think so). Wado ryu also is similar to aikido I believe as it has some joint manipulation in it which is nice. But yeah between those two I take wado.

Nevermind I just looked up US Open again and i'm guessing its this one(Complete with a total idiot wearing no shirt and holding two kamas) http://www.usopen-karate.com/ Am I right?

Is this the tournament you guys are talking about? http://www.usankf.org/Tournaments/USAopen/ If it is I guess it's not that bad. Except it's open so there are going to be complete fools doing flips and splits in the middle of their katas. Anyone who does a flip or splits in their kata should be DQed right there right away. I've seen it happen before and man I was laughing. The guy did splits and the ref said STOP- OUT. It was great.

Shito ryu was oringinally a very effective self defense martial art. Nowadays it is refined and polished, however still very effective. Shito ryu has so much more to offer than just self defense however, so maybe you should rethink your decision. HOWEVER if you ONLY want self defense I suggest taking a self defense course, maybe at a local community center.

The big four: Shito Ryu (Mabuni Sensei) Wado Ryu (Forget the founder of Wado) Goju Ryu (Miyagi Sensei) Shotokan (Funakoshi Sensei) Shito Ryu is the only style that includes kata from shuri te, naha te and tomari te. Shito ryu has over 40 kata.

That game reminds me a lot of quantum physics.

Odd, I thought USAKF was absolete and was now USANKF. Apparently I was wrong.

Please don't tell me this is the same USA open i saw on "xtreme martial arts" omg that was just sad. Their "forms" were ugly and they were screaming througout the entire form. Their sparring had no technique.

Well what came to my mind almost instantly was, speed is good in point sparring. In fact speed is almost all you need in point sparring, not too much power. Just very very fast. In an actaul confronation or maybe even kata practice you should try 50/50 or actually it'd be better to say 100/100 on speed and power, and dont forget focus either.

Hmm Kanku Sho...that's probably the same as a kata I practice called Shihokosukun. Does Kanku sho have around two jumps and a jumping kick in it? And does it start with the triangle looking at the sky thing? Followed by knife hand, turn knife hand, knife hand, knife hand, spear strike. Turn chop to the neck, front kick....etc...Bad description but it should be enough to see if they are the same.. hehe.