shotochem

Ahh!!!, nothing like the enthusiasm of a young tournament fighter! I practice the same style. Yes, we hit real hard. So do a lot of other styles. Some of us are faster than others. Im not lightning quick but I have good reflexes and hand speed. I dont think the dream puncher is a shotokan phenomenon. Its more of a tournament thing. We reverse punch alot so you expect to see one coming. I defend against it every class, you cant block everything. I still get hit. The real danger of all this is overconfidence. Tournament karate success will in no way make you an invincable death machine. If its for real there are no points and the attacker doesn't stop after you score. He could grab you, throw you to the ground, bite, scratch,eye gouge, elbow, ect...... We tend to stand a better chance in a fight than an untrained individual in a fight but, that dosn't mean we won't get our clock cleaned either.......

When I first startred training I used a makiwara. The whole asian mystique thing. As I started getting stronger and hit harder it became more and more painful to hit it so I switched to a heavy bag. I just anchor the bottom and attach a bungee cord so it does not swing as much. My wrist and hands feel a lot better and I certainly have not lost any power in the process.

Hi Guys, This is an interesting debate that has been going on for years. The jury is still out. I tend to agree with a lot of statements in this aritcle from another site. It is used in context with a makiwara and punching power. http://24fightingchickens.com/101/28_makiwara.html

Recent embarrassment....... We are all doing the kata Kanku Dai a few moves at a time, one person at a time. We get to the end where you have the jumping double front kick back fist combo. I jump up, the elevation is good, the kick had a lot of snap to it.... Too Much snap!!! My tip of my belt flew up in the air and whipped me across the face and eye!!! The rest of the week I had a welt across my face and one hell of a shiner!!! (BTW, I have a shorter belt now. ) The guys at work are still laughing.............

Even if my legs could do that, my back certainly can't.

IMO "Kime" is just focusing your attack or striking with intent. It is not some mythological zen-like ability. Some people have told me that it is tensing your muscles on impact. Why would you do this? Would you not dissapate the force you are driving foward and reduce power in the process? Until it is proven or disproven Im skeptical about the whole thing. I have never seen an Extra Terrestrial. There may be one out there. Same with Kime. Who knows? Im not actively looking........

In all my time training, I have never seen any behavior or anything else of a sexual nature in a MA dojo. We train with women, yes. A woman is just another training partner to think otherwise would be an insult to her and those you train with. Funny, why havent I seen a single dojo bunny??? The bunnys I see are like the one in Monty Python

If I am alone and there is an escape route I will flee. If I'm cornered or blocked where I can't easily get away I will attack any person making an agressive move towards me that enters my striking distance. If I have my wife or kid with me I would even consider attacking first if I felt we were threatened. When I attack they can get away safely and get help. I do not concern myself about the legalities. If I or my loved ones are in danger, I will attack until the danger is neutralized. If an arm, leg or anything else is broken on the attacker, so be it. Its better them than me. Its disgusting how the courts make the criminals out to be victims. I'D rather get sued and pay a fine than be seriously injured or killed.......

I prefer to be a thinker than a fighter. Violence is a last resort when reason will not work. The most powerful weapon in your arsenal is your mind. 20yrs ago I was the same way, now when I can really fight I don't see the point. You will get more patient and tolerant with time.

Have your wife join up. If she's not into that, my son used to train with me, try getting one of the kids involved. Surely she would not get jealous when you have a kid along. (BTW, my kid still comes along though he does not train anymore.) That way she gets a break from the kid and you get to get out!!!

Work on one technique or combo the entire sparring session. I actually spent 3 straight sparring sessions doing a side shift to aviod attack and counter with back fist and reverse punch. My dojo mates thought I lost it. When I finally switched back to normal my timing, distance and anticipation improved greatly. Do not concern yourself about winning or losing. Just keep working it from every position and angle. Just block and avoid as necessary and work it in. Eventually you will improve. Sparring in the dojo is a place to learn and help your partner learn winning and losing there does not matter. The only place it will matter is if someone outside the dojo attacks you for real. Try not to over think while sparring it will only slow you down. This all may sound a little crazy but this method really works. It just takes a little time and alot of patience, you will most likely take a few shots in the process but it will make you better in the long run.

[ (For the americans - rugby is real football without helmets and shoulder pads.. ) Keep smiling! Thats what we call good ol 10 on 10 Every sunday, no equipment no ref and no rules I still cant figure out the point scoring system with you guys...

Not all BB can fight. Not all lower belts can't. It is the responsibiltiy of the senior student to fight at the level of what ever rank there opponet is at. Sparring is not really fighting, It is controlled combat reenactment. Remember the old saying........ A belt only covers 2" of your A--, the rest is up to you....... Sparring is a learning experience. Its better to lose in the dojo than to get killed on the street.

The reverse punch in Shotokan is a devastating technique. When it is executed properly with full hip rotation, it can do some serious damage to the unfortunate person on the recieving end. Remember it can also be used while stepping fowards to get more momentum and is also thrown to the face, as well as many other parts of the body. My reverse punch packs almost as much power as my kicks. Work on it you wont be dissapointed.

Brownbelt is a high pressure rank. You get it from the BB because you have to be as good as them. You get pushed by the lower belts because you have to look better than them and be an example. Of course on sparring night the BB love to snack on "Brown"....ies. You know ya just cant beat 1.

Id rather fight the bodybuilder than the boxer, the bodybuilder is not used to being hit a boxer gets hit all day it wouldnt faze him. The bodybuilder also would not move as fast and be an easier target to avoid or strike.

Timing is everything. If you move too soon your opponent will follow you wih his technique and will most likely get you. Try waiting on the attack and not telegraph your intentions. It takes a lot of practice to get good at it but its worth it.

)No matter how proficient and well trained a person may be, there is always the unexpected move, or downright dirty tricks and overall treachery to consider in any engagement. Can you learn every one of them? Highly unlikely. Will years of training help? IMO I would say yes. The average MA that trains 3-4 classes a week for 1-2 hrs should be in better shape with better conditioning than the average guy in the street. He or she should be able to take a lot more hits than someone who does not train and should be able to strike with power and precision where as the untrained person will not. If not you are not training effectively. Im not saying you will become a lethal weapon, you should however be able inflict a substantial amount of damage where you can escape or disable at the very least the average drunk. This goes for men and women. Im happy to say many of the women Ive trained with are quite capable of defending themselves against men. (Ive got the bruises to prove it )

The only way to learn effective techniques is through someone who knows what they are doing. A 9th kyu does not have the experience nor the expertise to teach anyone IMO, unless they held significant rank in another art. Of course there are good BB that do not quite have the knack for teaching as well......

Cheese is evil!!!! There is much evil in the world....... Potato chips, chocolate, pizza, burritos, ice cream........ Help!!!!! junk food!!!! its trying to take over my mind!!!!! (maybe just 1 ????)

Thers nothing like a 3 day weekend to get you up and going. Im feeling fiesty and Im getting the itch. Im ready for class tonight. Bring it on!!! The weeked of margharitas helped. Who would of thought, tequila has medicinal purposes.

It should be available at most wholesale stores. They even sell it at Pathmark supermarkets. Its a lot cheaper at BJs, Sams, and Costco.

MA Short Term- To continue to train hard and learn as much as possible. Long Term- I plan on continuing as long as my body is able and the spirit is willing Life- Short and Long term- To not let the little things bother me, learn to relax and enjoy what is really important. Make everyone you meet and associate with remember and enjoy the experience. I dont remember the words exactly but there is an old native American saying. May they laugh with tears of joy at your coming (birth), And May they shed tears of sorrow at your passing.... If anyone has the actual saying I would appreciate it being posted. ( just a small look at my kinder gentler side. I think I need a hug. )

Why settle for a little cheeze ball when you can have a full size cheeze curl?????

Soaking in Oxy clean overnite works for me too!!!! Heres the Oxy link.....http://www.ascleanedontv.com/oxyclean.html