Sandan

Has anyonce come across the wider stance that they seem to be using in Europe, I learned Hangetsu with Zanchin dachi but now I'm seeing a very wide sort of kiba dachi stance but with knees sort of in a bit. I know I'm not explaining that well, but it's starting to become very prevalent... anyone know any reasons for this?

I have to take issue with the point that This is kind of true, but the truth is that the school was generally known for a type of kata, i.e. tekki, gankaku etc. But people were encouraged to know as many kata as possible, they would generally also have known weapons kata. My weapons instructor from Japan speaks of many kata that are all but forgotten and he will say that he learned it from such and such a person...

Yes but you see this class was by invitation only so those who came along were 'up for it' so as to speak. Still I'm female and sometimes guys do hold back, not at this course... it was brill!

I totally agree. I recently attended a kumite course and it didn't matter what sex or age you were, everyone was in good form and went for each other. It was scary but fantastic!!!

It has less specific applicability to competition because the more "advanced" interpretations of it are composed of doing things that are not allowed or as a set-up to things that are not allowed, like breaking bones or grappling, for example. Yes, but the closed you are legally going to get to a street fight. I've used jodan barrai but never age uke!! Such a block is a learning ritual and should be used as such and not romanticised during the teaching phase.

aye, but the message is all to often lost. I've recenlty fought with a parent about the suitability of their child grading, I agreed to let this person go through, then 2 weeks after the grading, the child came to me to say that she was leaving Karate!!! I've become less lenient!

Sandan -Shotokan hachi kyu-kobujutsu

I think it's normal for people to fail a grading at least once, it's sort of a normalisation ritual. If not fail, at least to feel that one came close to failing. I see it all to often that people stroll through kyu gradings and when it comes to shodan etc. they are told either they are not ready or they fail. Either way, the results are not good. I think also that people are and should be failed for bad attitude or even over confidence-though I've never done it myself

Recently I have been talking with a number of clubs through out Europe and there are not a huge amount of clubs doing, what I would term to be regular Kumite. Now in my mind Kumite is an integral part of Karate and should be done at least once every training session though not always at the same intensity. Then once a month or so I would host a 'squad training' session for my club with a very high intensity on Kumite, surprisingly I don't just get people who are on the squad. So with or without competition, (which is another conversation) Kumite... thoughts please...

I have to say that I was in japan last summer and I can't think how difficult it would have been if I didn't understand the japanese names. Having the techniques in one language internationally makes it so easy to travel with your karate, and also to train with other styles!! Though there are those who mix up soto and uchi, that can be a bit head wrecking!

I used to practice on the landing of my building, but had to give up 'cause the neighbours were complaining!!! Well not really, but they were giving me strange looks

...though I have to say.. not to be done at work... very strange looks whilst doing Unsu...you can guess what bit!

mean, maybe not for 20 times, but you can even go through the movements in the bathroom while it work if you had to I had to laugh when I read this!!! Brilliant, I once broke my toe practicising Yoko Geri whilst brushing teeth!!!

I honestly see this as a training step. I've been very active in competition and I've never used it!

Anyone for Kankusho? I'm between that and Gankaku... both are for my next grading and so am spending a lot of time with these Katas.

I spoke with a 8th Dan at a recent course and he does one Kata for 2 weeks and does it 20 times each day with varying levels of speed and strenght... food for thought.

One thing that I say to my students is that when should make sure the body is covered, then open index fingers to see where the fists are pointing towards. If that's at the ceiling, well then a readjustment needs to take place before then can punch their opponent. It's an easy exercise and it works. They guys in the photo don't look very efficient in their stance, again posed for pictures and I'm guessing neither of them would fight like that.

HI I trained with the recently late Sensei Kase who used Osae very often, I think it's better understood if seen as a passage to another technique. Generally osae was used to bring the opponent in closer as the force of the 'press' generally brought the torso forward for another technique. Of course it can also be used as a transition to a grab or lock. Also worth looking at the weight position during and after the technique, there is a transfer of power that is very interesting. I saw this with Sensei Kase and was amazed by the amount of power that was focused on a small area.

I was recently in Glasgow where I met someone who graded for Shodan at 65. He didn't do the same grading as everyone else, and his physical condition wasn't the same but he did very well. He was asked to demonstrate Bunkai and to teach a class along with his Kihon. He was very positive pre grading and didn't seem at all nervous, though it meant so much to him he hugged everyone afterwards!! A true karateka.. I just hope that I'm as active when I'm his age!

Have you ever read a book called 5 years one Kata. It's very good! Myself I think the best way to make sure that you are 'fresh' on the Heian Katas is to go along to junior classes when ever possible. Then concentrate on one Kata for yourself and specialise with that one.