shotochem

The left illustration shows a poor stance the rear foot should be at 45 deg. While striking the rear leg should be straight not bent. Other than that it looks like a reverse punch. Also, should be sinking down a little lower in the stance to generate more power.

About a foot higher than the waist. We never lean over while kicking in shotokan

So do I, only it wouldnt be black.......

The linear one step sparring is used to work on timing, distance and reaction. It is used to help you lean to attack and defend properly and to prepare you for multiple attacks then free sparring. When we spar it is not a good idea to move like we do in drills (or you will get drilled ). We move around quite a bit and attack and defend at all angles and distances.

Now youre thinking This is when it really starts to be fun. Keep an open mind try and think of your own bunkai. Experiment on your friends, family, small children or even the family pet... Just kidding leave the dog out of it

On the physical side mountain climbers just kill me... What I find mentally tough is what I call the never-ending kata drill. You start at Heian 1 (or Pinan) do it the regular way then go right into the same kata opposite mirror direction then go straight into Heian 2,3,4, and 5 both ways without stopping. The killer is the half speed with exaggeratted deep stance version of this drill Physical endurance is one thing, mentally this ones a killer. Give it a try, I want you all to feel my pain.

It goes without saying....... stupidity and ignorance have no race, creed or color. There is always one of those kind of people everywhere you go. If you find one in the dojo they generally dont last very long. As Darwin stated its the survival of the fittest.

I wont leave home without it !!!

I agree with Ramy, damn the organisations they are not instructing you. A good sensei is the most important (and hard to find). I suggest you speak to the sensei of the dojo you are interested in and observe a few classes to see if its right for you. Good luck in your search.

Unless you are in a tournament, dont try to win. Every time you spar, work on a single defense or combo until you get good at it. Winning in the dojo is not important. That is when you should experiment and learn to improve your techniques. Over time you will find what works for you and find yourself scoring then winning without trying to. I used to be terrible at point sparring, now Im not as bad . This approach has worked for me. The most important thing of all is to relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself it will all fall into place in time.......

A well trained shotokan karateka is a formidable opponent. I must say that it takes years of training and hard work for it to be effective. IMO it boils down to size, strenght, agressiveness and each individual situation to determine the outcome of a fight. The style does not make you a good fighter. A brawler is a brawler, the style will help but it will only add to what you already have.

Maybe not the heavy bag but the old bag at home (Just kidding please dont tell her ) It will take more than training to survive that Candy, flowers, dinner, ....... and of course a babysitter

Mine are pretty cool...... Unstoppable arm of the north and Iorn Scorpion Who da Masta? Who Da masta ????? Sho Nuff!!! Sho Nuff!!!!(For some reason I love that movie )

My shoulders, my knees, my hips ect.........

Once again I lament........ If only I knew then what I know now.....

I train on them. They reduce wear and tear on the ankles and arches of the feet. A lot better than the old cement or tile floor. The only thing is your feet tend to stick to the mat a bit or you may catch a toe where the seems meet.

I agree, addiction....... A few too many shots to the head is known to impair judgement

"A clean uniform (or desk) means you havent played in the game" I just dig in and literally get into my work

HI Zweis, When I was about your age I had a similar problem only it was the hip. At your age the bones are still growing and sometimes the dont grow at the same rate. In my case one bone grew faster than the other and came out of joint. I would seriously consider seeing a specialist before taking any sporting activities or using any type of support or brace. This could lead to further problems with your bones growth and development. You will most likely outgrow it, be patient and careful.

Ive been taking 1500mg a day since last Feb and I can honestly say it has helped me a lot. GS does not eliminate the snap crackle pops entirely but it significantly lessened them for me. Note: I also started a stretching regimin shortly after and that also helps greatly.

Hi, As you all know by now I study shotokan. We are not required to break but do it occasionally to work on focusing our strikes. My first break was a straight reverse punch..... quick, easy what a feeling of accomplishment . (it took me 5mins to convince myself to try it) It was fun but I really prefer not to break I dont want to risk damaging my hands(I cant work left handed )

In most cases the big beastie will give us "vertically challenged" people a very difficult time. I am learning however the more I train that as good as your technique may be, conditioning plays a big factor in the outcome. If you can hang in there long enough, you may gain the advantage. Big SUV's use a lot of gas more quickly where the little sports cars can go faster and further without a fill up. I still would rather face a blind 1 legged dwarf on crutches though, I could run faster

I would rather stuff it in my matress The 401k took a pounding the IRA the same. The only semi safe thing is the good old long term US treasury bonds. The only way they would go is if the entire govt is overthrown. If you have the stomach and the money. stick to the defense contracters like boeing, lockheed martin and raytheon (they make the missiles). Health care stocks always seem to do well too.........(I wonder.... is that why I keep paying more for insurance ). Note: I am not a financial advisor these are just my opinions

Are you using spacers between the boards? or 3 together? Ive punched and kicked through 2 without spacers quite easily. We rarely break(makes too much of a mess). I would think an elbow strike would be quite effective on the triple break. I never bothered trying for three since breaking is not required in our organization. I personally prefer the Black and Decker circular saw..... much smoother cut