cathal

I definitely think it can; most people who aren't trained in martial arts can confuse our focus and spirit for aggression.

It's a pretty good idea to occasionally do it to see how your body responds.

I see what you're saying and I tend to agree that doing is a much better way of learning. There is only so much one can understand from reading, speaking, or watching something. Someone must definitely do what it is you're learning in order to have a full appreciation for what it being taught. So on that I wholeheartedly agree. So in going back to the use of kata I also believe that Kata trains us to get the fundamental movement down. Bunaki takes it a step further into the practical application, and then helps us to train for specific eventualities.

I definitely disagree with this. Kata are a wealth of information on just about any situation. They give us sounding boards to jump off from in several different techniques. They provide us with a base of movements we can work off of which will get our creative juices flowing so we can figure out the best way to defend ourselves in any particular situation. A punch to the head, a kick to the side, etc are all in there. We get to see in the kata how they moved, how they avoided the attack and how they retaliated. Kata are a set of guidelines during ideal circumstances, ergo we learn from their example. On the topic of knives you can learn how to defend yourself against a knife and practice the bunkai of that particular section of the kata over and over and over. You and I are essentially learning the same thing, in much the same way.

Thanks

I do remember learning this framework before the actual technique. But I also am looking back at it and feeling kind of cheated. When I learn a new technique now I'm never sure if it's the proper way or the "learning" way. I am the type of person that would prefer to learn it, and practice practice practice. I don't want to get used to doing it a certain way just to be asked to learn to do it another way a few weeks later. Then again, Bearich did make some good points. I can see teaching those who are discouraged, learning slowly, or maybe even children that way. Because they would get a sense of accomplishment and it would help to fuel their interest.

I have not heard of this style before, I'm afraid. As for histories this website has a good write up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate

You can go easily back into your fighting stance, front stance, etc from this kick. When you've performed the kick, bring your foot back as though you were doing a front snap kick. Begin with your hips and move them to face forward again, and use the pendulum action to lead the forward movement. Everything else falls into place.

I've not boxed before. Is a hook the same as a cross for boxing?

I've noticed my sensei teaches beginners a slightly different technique than what we use. I've never noticed this before because the techniques are so closely related...as well when the students get to the advanced class (the one I'm in) they are doing the techniques properly. I'll use the Age-Uke (upward rising block) as an example. When teaching this sensei has the new student move their arm up and then do the deflection...the arm is about a fist away from the forehead, and on a slight angel...the lats are tightened, as are the ab muscles, and the triceps. So the new student learns the basic movement. However our system actually has us draw our arm up along our tanden (centre line) so it starts off looking very much like an uppercut. Then when the fist (palm facing your nose) reaches mouth level the arm twists and deflects the attack. It seems he uses the basic movement as a framework, then when they are comfortable with it, he introduces the rest of the technique as a refinement lecture. What do you think about this method? Do you think it is effective? How do you teach basics like this?

I agree with the junior black belt as well. The reason being they've worked long and hard enough for it. In our system a black belt is an advanced beginner so it truly does not matter. When the youth is 18 they test for their adult Shodan and move on from there.

You know, it's OK to not agree with all of the Bunkai. Karate is an art form and just like every other art form it is an interpretation. The whole point is to get your creative juices flowing so that you can fully understand and have a greater appreciation for the art. Once we understand the art and it's foundations we can move on to create our own masterpieces.

Oh, that's a good one! Ha ha that's definitely a good one.

Distance is a factor I agree. If they close the distance, getting into your personal space - and are behaving agressively - well there you have it. You can defend yourself. If you feel threatened you are allowed to defend yourself afterall. It's just how far you go I think.

I thought that Shotokan meant 'house of pine waves.' Shoto is actually the meaning you're thinking about. It's actually more of the sound the wind makes when it moves through the trees. Shotokan is the house where it resides.

Does that school's style train with submissions at all? Perhaps they are there because they don't have submissions as part of their syllabus.

That is a good point. I didn't even think of that. I'd love to do that but our sparring guidelines don't allow us to grab in tournaments. We can grab to deflect, but not grab to hold.

I am quite impressed. There is more here than https://www.martial-way.com/

Good job Syphax.

Did you know that Masutatsu Oyama was not his given name? He was born in South Korea and his name was Choi Bae-dal.

Ha I totally did.

You did do fine, the person who kicked you seemed to lack some control. No offence intended.

Good to have you To answer your question I'm doing good. I hope you are as well.

Nice to meet you - welcome

Welcome aboard