Fu Man

I thought I was the only one that did this before class. While I do not meditate, per se, I do ponder on my martial arts training while at work, watching TV, etc.

With the exception of a cousin-in-law, a Hung Gar martial artist, who lives in another state far away, I have no relatives that practice martial arts in my family, to my knowledge.

For some odd reason, all of my non-martial art friends, even those who have known me for many years, and most of my family members either do not know I practice martial arts, or probably do not remember that I practice martial arts. Since I was a teenager, I never discussed my martial arts training in conversations with non-martial artist. Not that I tried to hide it. It just does not come up in conversations. In a self-defense situation, I would prefer that the opponent did not know I practiced martial arts so I can benefit from the element of surprise. Also, the person is less likely to take extra precautions, such as bringing a weapon or extra friends for back-up. More or less, the tactic gives the opponent a false sense of security.

In all honesty, a person might be able to learn the 8 basic kicks, 15 basic upper body techniques, 8 empty hand katas and the necessary weapon katas in 32 one hour sessions. At most Isshin-ryu dojos, not all of the weapon katas are required for sho-dan. However, with that stated, the person will not be able to perform the said techniques or katas at a black belt level until after years of training, especially without previous martial arts training. Furthermore, the person's overall knowledge of bunkai, tuite, kyusho and self-defense strategy/tactics will be severely lacking.

I need that time at home too, Fu Man. I need that time when I can get it to work on where I'm weak, or to concentrate on what I'd like to experiment with for well-roundedness. I was cautioned by my instructor's teacher not to compare myself with the 12+ year-olds, as they attend classes four times a week, sometimes taking two classes in one day, have boundless energy . . . I live in an adult world with adult responsibilities, and so I have to be practical. My instructor is big on us practicing when not in the dojang, knowing that we adults have to budget our time, so that if an opportunity comes up (there's no class right now, but I've got a free hour, and I'm weak on those newest moves in the latest hyung, or some sparring with BOB could make my punching precision even better . . .), she wants us to grab it. It must be hard to be an instructor, someone who has to consider the varied needs of the students, while making lesson plans that can carry those who can attend no more than twice-a-week not be terribly behind those coming more often. I wholeheartedly agree.

I train two days a week at the dojo, and two or three days at home. In all honesty, I truly value my training time at home, as it provides me with an opportunity to dedicate time to improve on my weak areas that are not always covered in class.

In my opinion, I always thought Wansu kata is a good representation of Isshin-ryu Karate

I believe the korean version of Judo is Yudo. Someone please correct me, if I am wrong.

Technique-wise and strategy, Ji Do Kwan is a mirror image of Shotokan Karate. Actually, a Shotokan Karate blackbelt would visit the school periodically to help teach.

I have not heard the term Ji Do Kwan for quite some time. About the only "Kwan" you hear of any more is the Moo Duk Kwan. Moo Duk Kwan and Chung Do Kwan TKD are very popular in my area. I do not recall knowing of another Ji Do Kwan TKD school in the area, at that time. Not that they were not around, but it was just rare.

I have studied Isshinryu Karate for approximately three years now. Prior to Isshinryu Karate, I studied Ji Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do, for twelve years, and Kodokan Judo, for one and a half years.

The "Isshinryu System" by Norbert Donnelly is my favorite Issinryu book: The "Complete Okinawa Isshinryu Karate System 4 DVD Set" by Kim Murray is my favorite Isshinryu video" Both products are very good Isshinryu reference tools. Ted

Just a side note, if you are looking for a close range karate system, Isshin-ryu Karate is a viable option.

I am unsure about Wado-ryu Karate. I can only assume the hiza geri is technique in the system, as it is very common. However, in Isshin-ryu Karate, the hiza geri is one of the 8 basic kicks. Ted

Of Isshin-ryu's 8 empty hand katas, five are of Shorin-ryu origin, two are of Goju-ryu origin and one was created by the founder, Shimabuku. Although the foundation of Isshin-ryu is derived from Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu, Shimabuku included many of his own ideas and concepts to create a practical, no nonsense self-defense system. The following website has some basic information regarding Isshin-ryu Karate: http://www.oberlin.edu/stuorg/obkarate/isshinryu.html I hope this helps. Ted

My choice is two kamas.

I prefer Isshin-ryu Karate for its in-close, no non-sense fighting techniques.

I study Isshin-ryu Karate. Naihanchi is my favorite kata. However, my response will probably change after I learn Sunsu.

I totally agree with you. At the dojo where I train, bunkai is trained quite often. I would estimate, at least, once a week, with 3 classes held per week. After a kata is learnt, the student begins to learn the bunkai principles behind the movements and techniques. This process starts at the lower ranks, and continues through the advance rankings.

In my opinion, earning a black belt means that a person has a strong foundation in basics of his or her martial art. It's in no means an end, but a new beginning.

Although it depends on the circumstance, normally I will simply use a front snap kick (Mae Geri) or front thrust kick (Mae Konate) with bad intentions to attacker's pelvic region or solar plexus to briefly stun him. Afterwards, I will follow-up the kick with whatever technique(s) seems appropriate to end the fight as quickly as possible. Ted

Sure, no problem. Ted

In my opinion, Judo is very effective for self-defense when taught and practiced in the proper context. In the full syllabus of Kodokan Judo, the martial art contains throws, locks, chokes, pins and strikes; which are practiced via repetitions, randori and katas (self-defense drills). With this in mind, Judo is actually more similar to traditional Jujutsu styles, and is a fairly complete martial art. The main problem with practicing Judo as a self-defense system is the over emphasis on the sporting aspect in most dojos. However, that is a training issue that can be resolved by finding the right dojo. Ted

FYI - Yesterday, my virus scan identified a virus while browsing through the forums. This occurred three times. Ted

I own the following equipment: Heavy Bag Olympic Weights, Adjustable Bench & Rack Cage Hand Grips Stationary Bicycle Treadmill Exercise Mat Weapons (Bo, Sais, Tonfas, Bokken, Kamas & Shotgun ) Various Pads and Free Sparring Safety Gear.