ps1

What do you think they were used for? Centuries prior to the Meiji restoration, the same techniques were utilized and developed in and for war. This is fact that is backed up by historical documents. Funakoshi's family and teachers were all of the warrior class, they killed for more than just self defense. You don't have to like it, but it's true. Your system is listed as karate-jutsu. This is the art of the empty hand. The switch from "do" to "jutsu" usually indicates that a system is geared more toward the warrior methonds. In ancient times, that's exactly what it indicated. Jutsu, as you know, meaning "art," pointed out that all facets of the prefix were studied. Whereas do, meaning way (again I'm sure you know this all too well) means "path" or "way." The "jutsu" arts were those practiced by the warriors for war time use. The "do" arts were practiced by others and were infused with Confusian and Shinto thought. While, in the ideal world, Karate's purpose would be to soothe the soul, find peace and only be used in self defense, this is not that ideal world. You don't have to like it, but Karate is very much used in war Sadly.

I do have combat experience. However, most of it was in the military and involves handling searches of Iraqi Nationals. Sometimes they would get frisky. Of course you can't just shoot someone; so we would utilize certian skills to bring the person into compliance.

That sounds extremely cool Sohan.

Good points.

Again I preface this by saying I've never seen this bunkai before. That said, moving closer to the ground moves the horizon to eye level. This allows you to identify sillouettes (targets). This is used all the time in the military. It also makes you less likely to be a target of projectile weapons (arrows, and nowadays...bullets). Additionally, for an opponent who is standing in a low light environment, it's more difficult to find an opponent that is in a low profile. It seems to me that anyone who's ever served in a war time environment should be able to respect that. Self-defense is not war. As I said in my previous post, applications of kata are for self preservation, not fighting. Uhh...Yeah. They certianly come from the ancient warriors of Japan (among others). They are taught to militaries all over the world. The word Martial translates to "of or pertaining to war." Why would you think it's only for self defense for your average person?

The judge was Ernie Reyes Jr. He must really be hurting for $.

I suppose you could wash the belt. Most schools tell you not to. But if it's stinky...just wash it with the gi. If you have a belt that has tape on it for stripes, you may want to take them off and replace them after washing.

This is an excellent point. I would suggest a martial arts shoe that can be bought through most MA suppliers.

It seems to me the "fighting" is way too limited! It's hard to use good technique and create openings when all you have to do to defend is cover up your midsection. Yeah...it's terrible. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3mjcRVnJV4&search=Final%20Fu Here's a fight that's on you tube. A guy puts a nice round house kick to the head (very controled too) and gets a warning for it. Just crazy.

I agree 100% here. This alone is why Jigoro Kano is one of the most genius martial artists to have ever walked the earth. Probably an even match to his genius was Helio Gracie. Kano removed all techniques that required force against force from Jujitsu. Then he removed all techniques that could not be practiced safely by students of all levels. Now you have students able to train at 110%, using 110% with a diminished likelyhood of injury. The only consession was that if you were in a bad situation, you need only concede by tapping out. While Kano became extremely proficient at the throwing aspects, when Meada brought Judo and Jiujitsu to Brazil and the Gracie family, they became just as adept at the ground work. Again, students of all skill levels are able to go at 110% and not get injured. There are extremely dangerous things in both situations. Take the basic hip throw for instance. Simply change the timing of the throw, or execute on a person who doesn't know how to fall, and the opponent can land on their head...very hazardous. How about the Rear Naked Choke, extremely effective, you can make the person pass out or simply break the neck. In combat, when your sympathetic nervous system kicks in, your fine motor skills tend to go down the drain. So things like wrist locks and eye jabs and the like become more difficult by 100%. However, things you have already practiced in a high stress situation are easier to do. This is fact. Ask any police tactics or military tactics expert. They will tell you the same thing. It's all about your training being able to duplicate your environmental conditions. This is why what UseoForce has been point on in these posts. As for the original thread. Go for it. Ameture wrestling will be plenty. Probably the best thing you'll learn is how to recognize an thwart a take down attempt. This will keep you on your feet where you're comfortable and able to strike at your best. Plus you'll have the opportunity to really feel what giving 110% truly means! You always think you've done it until you go up against good wrestlers. They just don't know how to slow down!

The best people to ask would be the instructors of those respective dojo. If it is not a problem for those instructors...then it is not a problem for you. The only thing you may have trouble with is rank promotion. Each instructor will only see you for a limited time. Therefore you may progress through the ranks very slowly. In the end, Judo is Judo. For the most part most schools teach the same techniques, the tactics may be different, but that would be to your advantage.

Good luck and Best wishes

Several UFC fights have been ended in the stand fighting range. Lidell v. Ortiz, Lidell v. CotureII and III. Just to name a few. And those were three of the bigest names in the sport. All of them ended in KO from striking while standing. To say take downs and grappling is all it's about would be very false.

Check it out and see. It's very hard to tell from a website.

Again I preface this by saying I've never seen this bunkai before. That said, moving closer to the ground moves the horizon to eye level. This allows you to identify sillouettes (targets). This is used all the time in the military. It also makes you less likely to be a target of projectile weapons (arrows, and nowadays...bullets). Additionally, for an opponent who is standing in a low light environment, it's more difficult to find an opponent that is in a low profile. It seems to me that anyone who's ever served in a war time environment should be able to respect that. This is not to say that the kata can only be done at night...just that it also has application for fighting at night/ low light.

This is really hard to say. From what I've heard (and we all know how much that can be worth) Bruce Lee was not the kind to turn down a challenge of his skill. However, he would have to learn some take down defense and more ground work before going in UFC. Otherwise he's on his back and in trouble. I do think that if he was around now, he would have quickly began to learn BJJ and practice takedown defense as soon as he heard of it. He practiced hard and had alot of drive. He probably would have done ok.

No doubt there.

Really the only evidence required is that it works. If patusai has a bunkai that works...then it is credible. As far as the gaze toward the floor, not everyone does it that way. I have judged may tourneys where the practitioner looks around while on the ground. While I've never practiced it as patusai proposes...I wouldn't be overly critical either. It does seem viable. Besides, I can think of a number of kata where the bunkai requires slight changes or adjustments in the movements.

Now why has no one else thought of this!!! Genius...pure genius!

congrats

Woohoo belated congrats Sohan.

Yup...see it all the time.

It took 4 months for mine to heal. I gave it about 4 weeks of light workouts, no contact what so ever and light drills. Then I slowly weined myself back into things. The problem is the ribcage is a huge support structure and is always in motion. When you breathe it moves, boy it hurts when you sneeze and cough though. Good luck and take care. Remember...don't push it. Karate will still be there when the rib heals.

That's kinda like saying if a Boy Scout earns Eagle and doesn't stay in scouting, they aren't an Eagle anymore. I see where you're coming from...but I'm not totally convinced. Afterall...they may not practice the physical techniqes, but they may practice the over-riding concepts every day. Things like indominable spirit, respect, honor, trustworthy, critical thinking, strategy and so on. I say once a black belt (or tan or whatever belt) always a black belt. There are many grandmasters who aren't able to do what they used to do...does that mean they are no longer grand masters?

I think I see where this line of thinking is coming from. In low light circumstances if you get low to the ground you will be better able to see the silluotte of an enemy against the background of the horizon. I never looked at it this way before. Seems kinda viable. Am I on the right track Patusai?