ps1

I have a special class for 4, 5, and 6 year olds. It's not actually a Karate class however. More a "movement" class. I use karate movements (kicks, punches, Taikyoku kata) to teach them balance, coordination, focus, and control. I also teach some very basic self defense concepts to them. It is most important to me that they have fun. Afterall, what is a childhood without fun? Just sad I say. Also, no matter what age they begin training, I will not promote them to Shodan-ho before the age of 16. This is to ensure they will be able to better understand the many lessons they will learn during their journey to the first step, and embrace those that come thereafter.

Many, Many of you have pointed out the obvious...UFC and Pride are sports (K1 is also, it's just kickboxing though). People get paid to do it. If they were'nt good, they wouldn't be paid and people wouldn't care to watch. Several of them have had more traditional backgrounds: Maurice Smith (kick boxing), Yoshida (Judo), Chuk Lidell (Kempo) to name a few. It is a sport where being weak in even one of the three areas can mean the difference between winning and loosing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Does anyone here really believe that these people don't also know how to jab the eyes and thrust the adam's apple? Any money down says these guys are among the most skilled fighters in the world. I have trained in various standing arts for 20 years (4th degree in Poekoelan Kungfu, 3rd degree in Shotokan, and 2nd degree in Kwanmukan). I remember when Royce Gracie won the first UFC. I thought to myself, "there's no way someone would get me to the ground! I'd just kneel down on them and blast away." I believed that for a very long time. It all came to a halt last year when I began training in BJJ (Brazilian Jiujitsu). It is amazingly effective. The truth is, if someone is skilled at takedowns (not just the guys who say, "I wrestled in highschool.") they will take you down. There is not enough time to throw a knee or drop an elbow effectively against someone who does this. Trust me, we train with a guy who wrestled at Iowa. Also, as a military man myself, I get annoyed when people use the argument that "Karate" was used in battle. If people were using empty hand techniques in battle something went terribly wrong. They used bows and arrows, Spears, Swords and other such weapons primarily. Military history proves that people would much prefer to use weapons to empty hands. Also, military commanders didn't go into war saying, "My soldiers all know the Dim Mak so we'll be fine." No! They counted on casualties and deaths. So the whole war thing is a very weak argument on that point alone. That's without discussing terrain, time, mission goals, and the environment. As far as the respect issue goes, I'd guess that 90% of the people out there are completely ignorant of what is taught in any martial arts class. So, who cares what they think? They simply demonstrate their lack of education. A skilled Karateka/ Kung Fu practitioner/ fill in blank martial art... will fare well in many situations. Other's just demonstrate their ignorance, let them stay ignorant. When their lack of respect for other people gets them hurt, then offer to train them.

My 1st level (black belt in Chuan Fa) test was a surprise. I had been a brown sash for some time and, like Ninjanurse, we trained everyday like it was a test. One day I was asked to take a student outside and teach her some movements with the long staff. When they called us back in the school, the tea ceremony began. Similarly, my Shodan in Aiki Jujitsu was the same way (different school of course). I was asked to "demonstrate" what the students will be soon learning. At the end of the test I was awarded Shodan in Aiki Jujitsu. It was all very cool. Congratulations in earning Nidan.

You fulfilled your responsibility to her when you said, "I'm sorry." Even that is more than you are required to do. I will assume that you bow before and after sparring. It is important to fully understand the purpose of that bow. It say's many, many, many things to your partner. The most important thing it says is "thanks for training with me and I respect you." However, it means much more. The bow represents a "meeting of the minds." A general shared understanding of the situation at hand. In this case, it's like saying to your partner, "I'm not going to try to hurt you, but it could happen. I understand this and respect you for understanding it as well." If your partner bows as well, it is an understanding of the situation. Kinda like saying "sorry" in advance of any injury. You have acted honorably to her in the admission of a mistake, nothing more is needed. Also, a strike to the common peroneal (femorial plexus as you call it) is, in no way ever going to damage the kidneys. Her "back pain" is due to something else. That nerve controls what happens below the striking point, not above. You should harbor no guilt. If you feel you must speak with her about it, also speak with your Sensei. It is not the place of a student to correct the behavior of other students. However, be direct about how she's making you feel. Do not apoligize again. Do not be rude or overbearing either. State the facts and paraphrase her words.

My most sincere congratulations to all of you. You have made your next step toward becoming a white belt again. May we all be so lucky one day! I bow to thank you for your effort in preserving the martial way.

simply try to attach two of your combinations to one another. Also, remember that you can throw all the techniques you want, if they are not well timed, they WILL fail. Work on timing the techniques and using proper distance to your advantage. That should tide you over for the next 20 years or so.

Sauzin and Shorin Ryuu, Thank you for your corrections. I'll have to rework a better definition. Either way, the first definition offered was far too narrow. domo

Of course you bring up an excellent point Killer! However, I read an interview with Bill Wallace once where he said one of the most difficult transitions from Karate Point fighting to Kick Boxing was when you hit someone with that "Killer" technique and they just keep coming. So from the point of view of a classical martial artist... "you are exactly right." From the point of view of someone who's been there... "even if you get that perfect hit, they may keep coming at you! Try hitting someone who is doped up. They may die from it tomorrow, but they'll keep coming today." Back at ya Killer

Funakoshi wrote: "Deep stances are for the beginner, natural postures are for the advanced." One day we'll all get to practice natural postures I suppose. Until then, practice perfectly because only perfect practice makes perfect.

One main reason you won't find mention of "pressure points" in your Kyokushin book is because it's designed as a guide for all students. The book does, however, have shin kicks to the thigh. That strike is actually going to a nerve called the Common Peronial. This is a pressure point strike. A very problematic downfall of "pressure points" is they are dependant on pain compliance. This means when applied, they hurt, thus stopping the aggressor. However, many drugs used by would be attackers block the pain response. Therefore pressure points do not work on them. For that matter, many joint locks cease to work on these people as well. In defense, I broke a person's wrist (terrible sound) only to have him continue at me. The subsequent dislocating of the knee joint did the trick. Although, he tried to stand several more times. I also believe the offered definition of "pressure point" is too narrow. I would define it as any point of the human body where pressure is applied and, either by physics, or pain compliance, a predictable response is observed.

Karate Tag I like that. It's got a good ring, and it's true. Sparring, no matter how you cut it, is a game. At times it's very dangerous, but it's still a game. Never confuse any game with reality.

You bring up a good point. Attempting to correlate any sport to real life is difficult. Point fighting is good to teach different tactics. But if you use point fighting exclusively, it will hinder progress. I've found a good approach is to use a ladder. When a person is first learning to fight we teach set sequences of techniques. Next they learn to point spar. The targets are limited to the torso and head. This teaches good distancing and control. Then we add more allowable targets and require good combinations of techniques. Also during this period we put boxing gloves on them and allow "boxing style" matches. This teaches them to use more than one technique at a time and how to use good technique even after being hit fairly hard. At the highest level, we allow a "NHB style" of sparring. While we do not condone attempting to knock out a training partner, it is very interesting to see what happens when full sweeps and take downs come into play. If taught properly, it brings out a very strong karateka. What do you think?

SevenStar, I was wondering who would call me out!! Of course, you're right. Even Funakoshi Sensei wrote in his 20 precepts of Karate. "Kata is one thing, fighting another." While kata demonstrates the techniques and applications for techniques, you are not performing them on a person! You can drill bunkai, but this is also not fighting. I also agree with Shorin Ryuu. Sparring, while a very fun game, creates poor habits. Even though you perfer jabs to back fists, when is the last time you gave someone your best jab during practice. You simply don't. You hold back. In the last year I have begun practicing BJJ. Several of my classmates have asked me how kata works, why we do it, so forth and so on. The fact is... understanding Kata takes a very long time. Some would even say a lifetime. I've only been practicing it for 20 years. So I explain it to them this way. Kata contains, literally, thousands of techniques and counters and applications. So does BJJ. That dosen't mean you will use it all. But BJJ isn't completely applicable to everyone either. If you have short stubby legs, a triangle choke is going to be very difficult for you to perform well... but your halfguard might rock! It's the same with kata. You will take what you need. But you must teach it all because the other stuff may work well for one of your students. Do you see where I'm coming from? To answer the original thread. I love playing the game of sparring, it requires strategy, atheleticism, and spirit. But I enjoy more, practicing the art of Kata, not just for application, but for the sense of peace it brings forth.

Omega 14, I respectfully decline your request. As a warrior, I can not refrain from using Osu. It is a term used among fellow warriors... it demonstrates our connection and our spirit! Many of the people in this forum, myself included, have been trained in the traditional manners, by those who are Japanese. Just because you find it rude, does not mean we need to stop using it. But thank you for your insight toward the issue.

Please explain the differance between "kata" and "fighting." Afterall, kata is fighting. What do you think?

Let's try to remember the liniage of what we study!!! We practice martial arts, many of which were derived by the warrior class of Japan. Anyone who has any military experience will admit that warriors have their own language. Sure, it's based on a native language, but it's much more. Osu to a warrior is like HooRah to a Marine or Hooah to a Soldier. It is an understanding, a meeting of the minds. Those saying it are understanding eachother perfectly at the time. They are in sync, a harmony of thought and action. This is Osu! It is a vocalized representation of the Warrior spirit. Hai means "yes." Nai means "no." Iie also means "no." But it sounds more like a growl.

Found it!!!!! IF the symbol is the one I think you're looking at, you'll also notice that the Shotokan tiger is inside a black circle. If you picture the symbol without the tiger, it's an InYo. This is the Japanese version of the Yin Yang (Chinese) or Um Yang (Korean). I found the answer while reading through a book last night. There was a section discussing the three symbols and that's when I realized it. The crescent moon isn't a crescent moon at all. It's one part of the InYo. Here's a link to the patch:https://www.sakura-0.com/images/acc/acc-6106.jpg However, I can't think of any reason the two symbols were combined. It was probably done by an orginization of some sort.

The Pinan kata are also know as the Heian Kata. Perhaps you've heard of them refered to in this manner?

ShorinRyu Sensei wrote: Although you do gain more power from rotating your hips, you lose your defensive posture because you are overcommitting to the strike. It's fine if you make contact...but miss or get blocked, you're SCREWED! I think a more appropriate term would be hip movement into the strike. Many good martial artists limit themselves because they use only rotational movement of the hips. Remember that the hip girdle also moves up and down. This movement is controlled by the very strong abdominal muscles and low back muscles, making it very powerful. In many cases, it's more appropriate to use this hip movement, and it dosen't put you in as vulnerable of a position.

Here's one explination of the tiger http://www.concentric.net/~Tjcooper/3tiger.html and another http://www.karatebulgaria.com/tiger/ I have been able to find nothing about the cresent moon.

Not to be too morbid, but I've also learned the opening movement of Bassai Dai to be an assination choke used on someone from behind while seated in Seiza. Imagine, if you will, having someone dig their thumbs in behind the trachea while while crushing it, then a strong knee strike to the back of your neck and a quick jerk. Lights out! However, this is one of the more greusome of at least 20 explinations I've heard from various "masters" and Sensei. Remember, Kata are like legos. They don't necessarily need to move sequentially in the practice of Bunkai. At the beginning level we usually teach bunkai in that manner. However, when my advanced students practice, I have them use Bunkai for every movement. For example. The first movement of most of your beginning kata is likely a down block (which I've seen interpreted as a block, hammerfist, throw, and elbow strike, among other things). However, to the advanced eye, it's the crossing of the arms before the "blocking movement" ever begins. They can be an entire technique or series of techniques. As Anonymous One said, it's there to be explored. And to paraphrase Shorin Ryuu, "nothing is superfluous!" All the movements have combat value. P.S. Well said anonymous one.

vert. fist, horiz. fist, dosen't really matter. Your instructor will guide you on proper technique. However, he/she will follow a very important sequence in doing so. This is because it will take you, quite literally, thousands upon thousands of punches before your body begins to be accustom to the basic movements. When your instructor sees this happen, he/she will begin teaching you the fine details. Remember, speed will come later. Practice technique, when technique is good you can add speed, when both technique and speed are there, the technique will be powerful. Take your thumb and bring it close to the tip of your index finger, don't let them touch. There should be a very small space between them. That small space represents the little things you will learn. DON'T EVER FORGET THEM. You see, those little things...they make the difference between good and great.

When I earned my first black belt, in Poekoelan Chuan Fa, my Sifu did it much like Shorinryu Sensei. I was sent outside (not an uncommon thing) to help a junior student with his weapon form. When I came back in, the tea ceremony had been prepared. It was very awesome. It has been the same method for every degree through 4th, where I am now. In stark contrast, when I earned my Shodan in Shotokan and Aiki Jujitsu, I was tested in front of a board with the Highest instructors in the Kwanmukan. It was several hours long. However, since there were many people testing, there were long wait periods. I wouldn't say it was very demanding physically. The same for every rank to Sandan. In Brazilian Juijitsu, the ranks are based on number of classes. From white to blue takes 20 classes for each stripe. A total of 100, 2 hour classes (a little more than a year). From Blue to purple takes 100 classes for each stripe. That's 500 classes (3 to 4 years). The same for Purple to Brown and Brown to Black. A minimum of 10 years of training go into a BJJ black belt. My BJJ rank is a 4 stripe white belt. I have a long way to go:) In my school, I test like my sifu did and like Shorinryu Sensei does. I know when they are ready. That is when I will promote them.

sorry for the double

It was stated in the begining of the thread that this is NOT a life and death situation. This means you are not in a bar or a dark alley or anything the like. Where, then, does the person in your face come from? When you say it's not a life and death situation and NO weapons are involved, there is now only a small element of reality left. Much like Pride, or UFC or some other NHB fighting. In the majority of those fights, the person who gets the solid hit in first usually wins. Skill level is going to play a huge part of your question. You MUST assume two fighters of equal skill. Otherwise, the more skilled fighter will win. This is because it's not a real situation and the elements of weapons, multiple attackers, and luck are now gone. When you begin to advance into higher ranks, you will see that the line between attack and counter attack is razor thin. You may begin to react to things like blinking eyes or seeing toes grip the floor. However, these things do not play into real situations. You do not usually have the benifit of sparring with a real attacker hundreds of times to learn his little quirks. Lastly, your question has no real answer. Afterall, both types of attack should be used at different times. If you have an overly aggressive partner, sure you counter... he's asking for it. If you have a more passive opponent, he will not attack without an opening. Maybe not even with an opening. So you must attack first. To practice one over another is just silly and limits your ability. You must pracitce both. Otherwise you and your training partner just stand there looking at one another.