Omega14

I seriously doubt that the article is authentic. Then again, I have seen people do pretty stupid things in the dojo.

Competitions are frowned up on by some martial artists. So, your instructor may have just held the opinion that competitions should not be included in his program.

Favourite kata thus far, its either Hangetsu or Sochin.

Thanks for all of your help. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a place where I can do chin ups. Nonetheless, I'll be trying out the movements that have been recommended.

That is such a bad stereotype of Japanese dojos. I know at least of a few well known instructors in Japan that have adovated that innovation is strongly needed in traditional karate, and have put forth such actions (mostly Shotokan). Nonetheless, it is not a good idea to try to train with them for a short period of time. You'll just become an "experimental" thing for them. As for temples, I would urge you to visit Kyoto. Tokyo does not really have much of its traditional structures left (of course, there are some well known temples, such as Meiji jingu or Asakusa, but not as many nor as pretty as the ones in Kyoto)

Do it the Japanese way; you do nothing or you say "I am still practicing, you are being too kind"

XMA is sometimes aired on TSN. I think the west coast gets TSN right?

I see it quite often at general karate tournaments. However, I haven't really seen it at shotokan tournaments. I wonder why...

I don't think its lack of upper body strength. Its is actually what most beginners experience (I used to do that too). With some more training, you will mostly be conditioned to relax your shoulder during the movements.

For Unsu, one can probably follow the general movements of the kata by watching a video closely. However, many movements may be performed incorrectly. This is especially true of the 360 degree jump. To often, I see the move performed in a unrealistic manner, where the movement is overly exaggerated. Ironically, a lot of the senior instructors I know shun the kata because so many karatekas practice it for the "appeal" rather than the applications. Then again, some people say that the older instructors are just jealous cause they can't perform the jump properly anymore .

I believe that most people overlook the aspect that their backs needs to be trained as well. However, I am having difficulties in finding effective methods for training my back. Since I am not currently a part of a gym (the nearest gym is really far from my place), I was hoping people can give me some tips about how I can train my back at home. I have some free weights, but I don't see how that can possibly be beneficial (This is one aspect I really have no knowledge of).

If I recall correctly, the idea of "wheel chair" karate was developed by Sensei Asai. As a result, you may want to check with clubs that he is associated with. He currently heads the organization called JKS. I guess that could be a good starting point. Since you have not disclosed your location, I really couldn't help much

The 1 hour of light exercise may not do much. In order to lose weight, the emphasis should be placed on aerobic activities, such as jogging, swimming etc. I run to my friends hour ruotinely too. 1 to 1 1/2 miles there and the same distance back. should i be running more or is this fine? That should be enough. if you are running at about 6-8 miles/hour, that will give you a good 20 to 30 minute workout, which should be sufficient. Another note that may be helpful is to do your running within 30 minutes after your weight training. This will allow for the maximum amount of fat to be burned.

The 1 hour of light exercise may not do much. In order to lose weight, the emphasis should be placed on aerobic activities, such as jogging, swimming etc.

Hangetsu is not necessarily an upper level kata. In some dojos I have visited, it is part of their kyuu level program. However, in most cases, many shotokan students are taught this kata in their later years of training because some instructors believe the benefits it would provide to the beginner would be limited. Emphasis placed in the early stages of training is usually focused on ensuring students are able to perform front and back stances correctly. Hangetsu, for the most part, utilizes the "hangetsu" stance (duh). Also, some of the applications for Hangetsu does not become appearant until the later stages.

Old school is the way to go. I think a lot of the "fad" diets are one time solutions that are not sustainable. the low carb diet may not be good to one's body, as the brain needs carbs to function.

The amount of "fitness" activity provided at each dojo will differ depending on the instructor's beliefs. I know an instructor who believes that he/she is responsible for the students' fitness level, and 30 minutes of each class is devoted to running, jumping etc. On the other hand, another instructor I know believes that karate class should be solely about karate; physical conditioning should be done at the student's own discretion. Personally, I am leaning towards the belief advocated by the latter instructor. Additional training is good, but I don't think its the responsibility of the instructor.

I have been training for a few years now. With regards to Shotokan, unfortunately, some clubs are more concerned about being associated with the "JKA" than teaching. As for the martial art itself, all I can say is that all martial art styles have strength and weaknesses. The more I train, the more unsatisfied I am with the style. However, this is not unique to shotokan. People training in Goju will feel the same way too. In most cases, cross training will be necessary at one point or another.

Its funny because I prefer the medium weight over the light weight, and light over heavy. In most cases, I find the heavy weight to be too hot. Well, my opinion may be influenced by the fact that my heavy weight gi is oddly designed. Light weights are good because they dry quickly . With the washing part, I don't use bleach because I find it to shorten the life of the gi.

Ususally, when people talk about "Shotokan", they are referring to the JKA style. Therefore, one can argue that JKA Shotokan is in fact, the "normal" Shotokan. Another similar style is one that is practiced by the "Shotokai" (I believe commonly referred to as the SKA). Different stances and some principals exist. Weight distribution differences among the stances is probably one of the more pornounced distinctions. Some websites on the internet feature SKA kata, have a look, and see what the differences are for your self.

From my experience, bunkai is usually not deeply emphasized at the kyu levels. Many have argued that to be able to come up with alternative applications requires the student to have a lot of experience. In some cases, knowledge from other fields (such as Judo) is benefitical.

Having seen and learned both Goju and Shotokan's katas, I cannot agree with that statement. The truth is, katas in both systems are simple to learn in terms of memorizing the correct sequence of the movements. However, to truly master (being able to reverse engineer the kata, apply it, perform it well) the kata, both styles require extensive training. By asserting that katas in shotokan are simple, I am afraid you are only looking at Katas in a superficial point of view.

Well, my favourite probably has to be, sochin

To be honest, it doesn't matter that much in the beginning. I believe the most important thing is to ensure that you get an excellent teacher. Develop good fundamentals, and develop techniques that are suitable for yourself.