stl_karateka

Thanks for the info! Definately a cool weapon, but there is not much info on the net! I've learned one kusari-gama kata and my instructor knows 2 more. Thanks again Kita

Nope, your name and styles aren't familiar. Glad to be here anyway Wait a minute---- Laurie from NJ that was looking for a Tang Soo Do school in Rochester? That you!!!!!

I posted a question about circuits in the general section but it didn't get much attention --- I figured I'd try here. Anyone part of any regional or national circuits? NBL? NASKA? ISKC? Kita

Does anyone know of hanging kama katas? I belive this type of form (kamas with ropes attached) -- they are then called gama---something. Any info? Kita

Hello everybody Ive been posting here for a couple weeks and realized I never did an introduction. I've been studying karate for over 5 years. I have a brown belt in IsshinRyu (moved before I had a chance to test for black ) and a 1st Degree black belt in Matsubayshi ShorinRyu. I absolutely love the martial arts --- I love training and competing in traditional and sparring divisions. I went to the Bluegrass this year and my passion for tournaments increased! I look forward being part of this site! Kita

The saint --- whats your team?

Actually we did that --- but its a much faster punch concentrating on speed instead of the isometric breathing and focus of sanchin.

Andrew good info! So some schools do Sanchin with a verticle punch too --- well you learn something new everyday!

IshinRyu has 8 empty hand katas, the only one that punches with the twist punch is Sanchin. The verticle punch not only reduces the changes of breaking the wrist by improper twisting --- it has the potential to be faster and more effective when properly executed and mastered (** I'm not here to dispute this with anyone -- I study IsshinRyu and ShorinRyu and find both punches effective, but that is the reason behind the straight punch**) Kita

WMKA and UIKKA World Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Assoc. and United IsshinRyu Karate and Kobudo Assoc.

Definately not hitting a woman --- and you are not helping either! If anything you are HURTING her progress by not pushing her past her level...does that make sense? Kita

What about training? Do they do anything to help you get better? I mean, obviously you have to be good to get picked up for a team - and I'm sure they'll drop you if you don't keep up your training. But are their seminars, workshops etc? Or is the only time the team sees each other at a tournament?

Thanks monkeygirl --- that is what I meant (I being 'she') I do mean teams like Paul Mitchell, Straight UP, SideKick, CJB etc Take paul mitchell for example --- they have some of the best competitors out there --- they are all from different schools and work out on there own I'm sure --- so where does the team aspect come into play? I would hope they have like intense karate seminars every so often...and I'd imagine their tournament fees are reduced if not fully covered...but this is all speculation -- I'd like to know for sure. Kita

Yeah earning a black belt shouldn't be like getting initited into a gang or something! Don't get me wrong --- our test was friggin hard --- and I am glad it was hard cause I am that much more prouder of my belt -- but I didn't go into it fearing for my life either!

No circuit members out here! I find that hard to belive!!!

anybody?

When I was training in NY I was being groomed to eventually manage one of the dojos my instructor owned. When you sign up for the intro class you are classified as a prospective student, which means you'll get a flyer or whatever in 3 to 6 months if you don't sign up....no big deal -- but there are always strings attached -- even if they are little ones Not saying that every school does that -- but I know of several that do. I've also visited dojos that deal like used car salesman. Now I'm a bottom-line kind of girl so that really gets under my skin and sends me flying in the other direction. My suggestion -- only take the free class if you could honestly see yourself training there. Don't take a free class, just because its free -- you waste your time and the instructors time! Kita

As a gold belt CPU may not know those techniques (but I'm taking notes cause they are def good!!!) Couple good and simple offensive techniques: 1. Double reverse punch...step in punch to the body then head...moving in the whole time....say "under over" --- that's how fast your throw it 2. Hitch side kick -- lift up your leg closest to your opponent, and as you lift your grounded foot shifts toward your opponent (that's the hitch) as you stick that side kick right between their guard and rib cage...if they have a tight guard --- kick the guard -- you won't get a point...but it will make your opponent think twice about running in on you! 3. Backfist , reverse punch. Sweet and simple. Backfist to the head and twist and reverse to the body. Defensive: 1. When someone charges in at you, lean away and stick with defensive side kick 2. For the multi-kickers --- time them!!! Stay out of their way, then when their foot goes down move in with a quick reverse punch. Basically --- master 3 techiques --- backfirst, reverse punch and side kick. All the other stuff can come later!

What are some of the benefits of being on a karate team? There's not much info out there about it. I realize some teams pay there top competitiors' tournament, hotel, and airfare fees. What about coaching and training? Some of the big national teams aren't even from the same geographical area...do they have intense training camps or are they expected to keep it up on their own?

Hey, wondering if anyone here is a part of any karate circuits. I train in St. Louis and we are affiliated with the UKA (United Karate Alliance). MMA is also out here (Midwest Martial Arts). Any others? Any NASKA, RSKC, or NBL members out here? Just wondering Kita

Resell it on ebay --- by white gear

Your stature shouldn't effect what style you choose. What are you looking to get out of the martial arts? self-defense? increase athletic ability? confidence? Some styles help more than others. For example --- some people want a relaxing art like Tai Chi (though I've seen some lethal Tai Chi moves!) Do you think you would like competition? Then I would recommend Japanese / Okinawan styles or TaeKwonDo. Into grappling? Judo How about fluid movements? Capeoria or Chinese Soft Styles like KungFu. As far as the pushy instructor...you should probably rely on your instincts -- if you don't feel comfortable talking to him now --- how will it be if you sign up. I'd continue to watch --- let him know up front you want to watch a few more classes before even taking the free intro classes. Watch how he interacts with his students (esp kids and beginners) and how does he treat other guests in the dojo. Also, if you get a chance, talk to some of his students and see if they like it. Good luck! Kita

I do GojuShiho --- I got first with it at the Bluegrass and 2nd at some local tournaments. Before that I was doing Kusanku , which is like Unsu. Chinto is another good one Kita

They are awesome! I saw DX win at the BlueGrass this year -- what a great performance!

https://www.karatetournaments.com You'll be able to find open tournys in your state of residence.