stl_karateka

Yup --- I think it keeps them encouraged when they see what there is to come and also helps them appreciate the art when the realize maybe that spin hook kick ain't as easy as it looks!

My list is pretty small: 2 bos - 1 kata, 1 kumite (heavy) 1 pair sai 3 pairs kama 2 nunchuck sets - 1 foam with rope, 1 metal with chain Sword set - display only

In isshinRyu one of the weapons kata is Kusanku-Sai. I started doing a bunch other katas with sai and kama when I switched to ShorinRyu For Pinan Yodan I would just do the kick or the strike...not both....you know why! Just like in Kusanku --- in empty hand there is a strike and a kick from the cross stance....in kusanku sai the kicks are taken out. I guess hind sight is 20/20 huh!

Nope I made a point of knowing how to mirror katas when I started teaching..... (then the fiirst time our school introduced pairs kata at a tournament -- I was able to do a mirrored Seisan --- sweet!) And I use it with kids as well as adults. Rather you know your right from your left, its just one less thing to worry about when going thru moves. Kita

gotcha!

Well, I'd argue that point, actually. Yes, you have to turn as you kick to execute a back leg side kick, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And it is a much different kick then when done with the front leg, in my experience, primarily due to the amount of momentum that is generated in the process of lifting and thrusting the bak leg forward as well as that generated by pivoting the upper body forward...but I digress. One thing ihate about message boards is not having the ability to demonstrate what I mean, so forgive me if I'm not explaining myself adequately. I agree with TSDguy. My definition of a back leg kick is any kick where the kicking leg is the leg farthest from the opponent at time of execution. Back leg side kick --- perhaps a better term is spin side kick? Also, the front leg on the back leg side kick have different effects. The front leg side kick can be used offensively with a hitch step . The back leg or spin side kick is more defensive. I like to use it on people who haphazardly run in on me. Kita

Be careful giving out your e-mail and AIM for your own sanity!!! The pre-teen set and younger look up to you and probably think you are the coolest thing since sliced bread and crustless toast! You will be chatting EVERY time they see you online...you will get EVERY teen forward letter ( I still get some) Also --- once they start dealing with you outside of the dojo it can be hard for kids to turn it on and off again...ie getting serious in the dojo. I'd stick to the group outings --- include parents on some, and just hang out with the group on others....but other than that I'd suggest keeping it separate. Kita

Well I've been fortunate enough to be part of 2 awesome dojos! One in NY and one in STL. The funny thing is --- there teaching style is completely different --- but both work! At my old school we learned kicks in this order: front kick - white belt 45 degree blade kick - white belt side kick - yellow belt round house - yellow belt back kick - orange belt back round house - orange spin side - orange hook kick - green belt crescent kick - blue belt spin hook kick - puple belt double jump front kick - purple flying side kick - brown flying front kick - brown jump back leg round - brown jump spin hook - black chinese cresent kick (scissor kick) - black * That is when you were required to know those to progress. Sometimes we had seminars on kicking or did extra kicks in class and allowed people to follow along...but for the most part we kept it basic At the school I am at now --- the adult class is all ranks 16 and above. On any given night there are at least 5 black belts in the place to help the underbelts --- on a good night there have been up to 14 dans roaming around. So when we do advanced kumite techniques they get to do them to. And I've seen some yellow belts throw and land some nice hook kicks as a result! Of course when we are partnered up if the lower rank doesn't get the basic front kick down (or side kick for that matter) --- that pair should continue to work that basic kick My opinion is as long as the basics stay the MAIN FOCUS -- there is no harm in exposing the lower ranks to advanced techiques. Kita

Can an Okinawan martial artists add her 2 cents??? Front leg is faster and more apt to get off without gettting jammed or clocked Back leg: CONS - unless you are lightening fast you can see it coming and gives your opponent time to get out of the way - you square your shoulders to your opponent, opening up your body to a reverse punch etc PROS - Can be great if used defensively. For example, someone is running in at you and you spin and catch them with a hook to the head, or spin side kick to the body --- SWEET!! - Can be great in a combo....especially against runners and fanners. Fanners are those fighters that block at your leg instead of actually guarding there body. Anyway....backfist --- as they back up, square your hips are reverse punch -- they still moving back --- you are in perfect postition for a front kick to the body (and since your legs are longer than your hands you should have em there) --- no --- change that to a double kick --- front kick to the body and round kick to the head. Quicker than you can say BAM BAM!!! Summary - Front kicks are quicker, easier and safer (as in you less likely to get hit as a result of throwing one) Back kicks also have their place Thanks for listening! Kita

My old karate instructor had a cat named Ninja

I wanted to revive this post as I am looking for ideas! Specific examples...something upbeat.... Maybe a techno remix of Beethovens 5th symthony, Mission Impossible, Knight Rider? Help!!!!

Help! I am entering a talent show and I want to dress up my form a little. I am using ksari-gamas (swinging kamas with rope) --- and the kata is already awesome. But besides swinging the kamas like nun-chucks through some moves, there are no advanced transitions, kicks or spins...basically I am going to use this kata as a base to build a creative musical form but putting in some kicks and spins. I want to add some music to keep the audience on edge. Anyone know any fast paced form music? That's what I really need suggestions on. Kita

I know you said you wont be taking proper nunchuck training -- but are you part of a school? Most dojos have catalogs where you can order from. Champion and Asian Martial Arts are the prominent ones --- and may have websites were you can order if that is your best option.

Most tournaments (at least the ones I go to) --- ask what school you are from. I think its a matter of accountability that this person is actually trained in martial arts.

Air Force

I think musical forms have their place. I like to compare it to the WWE --- for the wrestling fans --- WWE is great....for the 'real' pro wrestlers...maybe from a college team, or in the olympics...its all flare...but that is what gets the hype. I do traditional only. But thats been cause I've only attended schools that teach traditional. My reason for joining karate was not for show. But I don't hate on others that can do these creative and musical forms IF they have a strong foundation. What I can't stand is underbelts (lets say green and under) doing musical forms. You can have the greatest form in the world, but all the time and energy spent on that form could have been spent towards achieving your next belt. I'm sure some will disagree with the statement above, but its my honest opinion. Ciao, Kita

Care to elaborate? My first instinct would be to agree with CloudDragon, but thats based just on what I've heard, not on experience with either of those arts

Anyone go the the Diamond Nationals? I wanted to go but couldnt this year I'll be there next year though! BlueGrass and US Open too Anyone want to play reporter and give me the scoop? (I'm sure it will be on sportmartialarts.com soon enough though!) I'm especially interested in who won grand in men / womens forms, weapons and sparring....though if I'm sure I could guess! Kita

Yes! That's me. How are you? I was wondering how you were doing. We lost contact I did find a school that was similar, so I'm happy now How is your training going? I'm guessing you didn't find an Isshin Ryu dojo? Anyways, feel free to PM me and I'll give you my email again. It's good to talk to you again Says you wrote this on the 30th -- how'd i miss that!! Good catching up with you --- I'll PM you later!! Ciao, Kita PS Thanks for all the warm welcomes. Me thinks I am going to like it here!

I actually know a lot of those....it was a hard choice. Chinto was my fav for a long time until I learned Kusanku --- that was my favorite for a long time and still may be --- its running close with GojiShiho. If Kusansku / Unsu was on the list I don't think I'd be able to decide! Kita

Well at my dojo in Rochester I was a rarity and started at yellow belt....mostly cause I overheard the head instructors talking about them desperately needing help -- the dojo was growing rather quickly. By this point I had about 3 years professional childcare training so I was allowed to help with the beginner kids class. Mostly getting them to line up straight and pay attention, and every once in a while I would work with an intro. Most people didn't start helping until green -- and that is when I really got involved teaching. That's the way it is in ST Louis where I train too.....green belt volunteers, brown are expected...at least a few times, as it is a pre-requistite of black belt.

Hmm --- I've caught myself bowing in a couple places but more often I say 'Hai" instead of Yes when agreeing with someone --- they are like "hi what?!" Kita

AKA --- I forgot about that one! I'm planning on going to the AKA Nationals --- they'll be in Chicago in Feb 04. The tournament I went to last year usedd to be NBL but now its a regional tournament -- works for me cause it was cheaper to compete I was reading that the NBL's size is decreasing -- there is a new circuit --- WSKF (World Sprort Karate Federation) and a few promoters left NBL for WSKF. I like NBL --- they break up everything....Korean, Okinawan and Chinese divisions --- stuff like that. Kita

I've been doing this for a while now Or maybe its just when I am being tail-gaited I realize my windows need cleaning! haha Kita

Kusari-gama was what I was looking for. Thanks, Lakita