PBI

kurome, Glad to know! As you can tell by all the "I'm guessing" and other weasel phrases in my original post, I wasn't positive.

Amen to that!

Perhaps I'm not explaining myself well enough in regards to what I mean by training hard, my expectations and the way I handle myself as an instructor. First, I fully understand that no one, not even professional karateka, can give 100% all the time, and no reasonable instructor would expect them to do so. What I believe every instructor should expect however, is that every student put forth a solid effort and not be "zoned out" or just passing the time. I don't know how to quantify that in terms of "percentage of effort," but I know it when I see it. Second, I am almost never in anybody's face, but I will call a student out if he is setting a bad example as a senior belt. Like it or not, junior belts look to seniors as examples. On an individual level, I'm not going to chase students into getting better. Repeated lack of effort will simply get that person ignored; I've got other students who want to learn and I won't waste my time on someone who can't put forth a decent effort. Third, with regard to senior students assisting, I should have clarified that there is a time and a place for their direct interaction with junior students. I agree fully that they should not be taking it upon themselves to horn in, but by the same token, if I'm engaged elsewhere, I expect them to lead by example. Finally, with regard to teaching as part of learning, within traditional karate, it is absolutely considered to be an essential element of the art, and it is not some personal choice of mine. Teaching occurs at many different levels, however, and is not limited to leading the whole class, so I should have been more clear. (It includes working one-on-one with a junior belt, and extends to - once again - teaching by example in the group setting.) If you choose to believe that teaching in any of these forms is "not for you," that's fine, but you are without question not fulfilling the traditional expectations of karateka. None of this has anything to do with being macho. (Take a look at my original post.) What it does concern, however, is staying true to tradition and expecting students to contribute to the group. I realize that not everyone has that luxury, but it is also one of the reasons that I favor the not-for-profit model... _________________

Haven't been here in a while as I've been relocating and changing jobs, so although this input is probably moot by now, I'll still throw it in: Nope, I am not a full-time instructor. I'm 38, and I'm a professional who puts in very hard 50-60 work weeks. Understood on your level of participation - I have bad days, too - but again, what's outside of the dojo is supposed to be outside the dojo. Neither I, nor anyone else, can be expected to temper our expectations because a student's had a bad day. If things are really that bad, I would expect the student to maybe take the night off and avoid degrading the quality of overall effort in the dojo. Also, with regard to money and business, I think I see where we may be diverging in expectation. I train and teach for very little remuneration; I do it because I love to do it, and it's very freeing in many ways. One of those ways is that it allows me to demand high standards from my classes and myself and not really care if people want to leave because my expectations are high. In for-profit dojos, that is without question a valid consideration. And in all the time I've been teaching, I have never lost a student who has progressed beyond white belt because of my expectations. (The only ones I've lost have moved.)

Sanchin is a kata rooted in Chinese martial arts, and I believe it has both Naha and Shuri versions. I have practiced this kata in both Shito-Ryu and Shindo-Jinen Ryu. In both cases, the kata was virtually identical, (Mostly slow movement, high degree of dynamic tension, closed hands.) and I believe it is the most common version. Additionally, since Shito-Ryu is usually classified as a Shuri-Te descendent, and Shindo-Jinen Ryu incorporates some elements of Shito-Ryu (and to be fair, Goju-Ryu, which is a Naha descendent), I believe it to be the "Shuri version" you reference. I believe there is another version with faster movement and open (bladed) hands, that is practiced within Uechi-Ryu. Since Uechi-Ryu is a Naha-Te descendent however, I'm guessing this is not the version in which you're interested. In any case, you can find a solid demonstration of the Shito-Ryu version of Sanchin on "The Higaonna Kata of Seito Shito Ryu," which is available from The Martial Source at http://www.martialsource.com/shitoryuvideos.htm (scroll down, it's the second video).

No disrespect intended, but I could not disagree more with this post. Part of learning karate is teaching, and if you believe that the only options for teaching are either passive “zoning out” and letting people come to you, or forcing yourself on students as a “hot-shot black belt sent by God,” then you are clearly not done learning. These two attitudes are the extremes, and there is a vast universe of approaches between them that each may be appropriate under some circumstances and for some pupils, but not for others. It doesn’t matter if you are an instructor, a senior student or a beginner; everyone has something to contribute to the success of the karateka within the dojo. Yes, there are broad differences in comprehension, ability and drive among students, but what that points out is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, not that one can’t help because of one’s rank, that certain pupils are hopeless, or that we should all be off in our own little worlds. As an instructor I have learned – and continue to learn – that some people respond better to constructive criticism, some to encouragement, and some (most) to a mixture of the two. As a student of any rank – but especially a student of senior rank - it is my job to help fellow karateka improve, as it is theirs to help me, and that fact is in no way dependent on my acting like an overbearing know-it-all to get my point across. In truth, some people don’t want help, but that’s fine, too. In those cases, I advise that you offer assistance, and if they don’t accept it, leave them alone until they seek it out from you or someone else. But you offer – not impose - first. If injuries are holding a student back from putting forth his or her best effort, it is that person’s responsibility to let the instructor know that fact beforehand, not in the middle of class. (Given the opportunity, many teachers will work to provide rewarding training that accommodates whatever afflictions may be acting up. Case in point: just last weekend I trained at a large seminar with a guy who had polio as a kid. He can barely kick, but he is one tough dude, and a good karateka.) Finally, this will come across as harsh, but I don’t really know how else to say it, so I’ll apologize in advance: If you just want to zone out and put in less than your best effort, please do so in a dojo other than mine. Lackadaisical self-absorption sets a terrible example for the other students in class, and worse, it isn't safe. Maybe it would be better for all concerned if you took up running on a treadmill with your headphones on when that mood hits you. Your points about priorities are well taken, but makosu at the beginning and end of class is specifically meant to address those other life issues pressing for your attention. Clear your head and leave what is outside the dojo outside the dojo; practice hard; help your fellow students to the degree they would like your help, and your life both inside and outside of karate will benefit. Not everybody is teachable, not everyone will accept instruction, and not everyone will succeed. If karate was easy, everybody would do it. It is well documented however, that the group dynamic of the dojo – whether it be through loyalty, desire to please, competition or whatever - often spurs the individuals within it to greater heights than they could achieve on their own. Balance these facts with a healthy desire to improve yourself and those around you, and you’re on your way…

Try the ISKF website. (ISKF is under JKA, and the biggest Shotokan organization in the US (and perhaps the world, but I forget for sure). Go to the Club Index link, and select Canada - you can then search by province: http://iskf.com/clubs/clublist.php?country=Canada

I recommend "Fighter in the Wind" for some good old-school karate. You'll probably have to get it on eBay, but it's worthwhile.

Demura Shihan is actually a practitioner of Itosu-Kai Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. He is very open to cross training, however, has taught at several Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai seminars, and was actually even a guest on the panel of instructors that judged my sandan test for Shindo Jinen-Ryu...

Shindo Jinen-Ryu, currently, although I have also practiced Shito-Ryu and Shotokan.

Congratulations!

I fully, totally, completely realize that. Which is why I called "Ong Bak" a "martial arts movie" and not a "karate movie," as I did with "Fighter in the Wind." Sheesh.

Hey kzshin, I wonder if we've ever met - I was in Anaheim last year (unfortunately not this year) at Yamazaki Sensei's annal JKR International Tournament...

Best karate movie? Are we talking pure entertainment value or realism in technique? (Just to make it even tougher...) Here's one for you: I just saw "Fighter in the Wind," which is a Korean movie loosely based on the life of Mas Oyama, and the fight scenes in it are pretty solid. People who take a big hit go down; there's none of this invincible/impervious to harm stuff, and despite that, the combat is still fun to watch. If you want a martial arts movie that's a bit more fanciful, but is a straight-up blast, check out "Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior." Tony Ja's athletic ability is truly, truly sick...

I wouldn't necessarily go to that extreme, it's just that what's "close range" for you will be different for someone whose limbs are shorter. You both have advantages: Yours is when you can keep your opponent outside of their effective range (which can still be "close range" for you), and theirs when they can get inside your perimeter, which effectively cuts your strikes and kicks short. Honestly, I'd rather have the reach (and I don't; I'm plain old average height with corresponding wingspan), I'm just describing ways to counter an opponents greater overall length.

If you're not already doing so, work to close your opponent (i.e. tie him up with his own limbs). Once your opponent's initial attack is on its way to you (say, for instance, a lead hand jab) use nagashe uke to push his arm across his body. It will destroys his angle of attack as you press the arm and slide past him to end up roughly next to his back, and also present him with very little oppotunity to counter whatever you deliver in the way of your own attack. And once you are inside the reach of an opponent with longer limbs, the advantage is largely yours...

Good analysis of strengths and weaknesses, SyracuseJundokan!

Very interesting to see the variety of answers from across styles! Here's another one I've been playing with that was proven very effective by the great Choke Motobu: * During the course of the match, bait your opponent by beginning to square up from the normal, slightly angled stance used for kemai. * Accent this by bringing your elbows/arms up a bit higher than normal, and the result is an irresistably open stomach shot for your opponent. (Or so he/she will think.) * As they move to take advantage of the opening you have left them, allow them to commit to what will likely be a punch. When they enter, pull your lead leg back, using fast, quick hip motion, and at the same time punch with your trailing/back hand. * The end result is that your body is pulled out of the way of the opponent's attack, and that momentum is used to power a hook (or sometimes straight, depending on timing) punch to your opponent's head. They won't even see it coming.

What are some of your favorite tactics and combinations in kumite? Do you have something that's your "out pitch" as they say in baseball, upon which you can depend when all else fails or you need to finish off an opponent? Are there techniques you admire and are working to master? For me, I have had success with a "delayed gyaku-zuki" that involves starting the reverse punch before moving forward, creating an effect that your strike is "pulling" you toward your opponent. (Hard to describe if you haven't seen it done.) I find that the unconventional timing and body movement really mess with people. As far as techniques I'd like to improve, I'm working on front leg sweeps and jodan uramawashi giri...

I think the previous posts have covered the most important points, but I will add the following: If you can identify the source of your fear, it's the first step in conquering it. If you are afraid to be shown up, continue to train until you have truly given everything you have. You'll probably still lose some matches, but you'll know it's not because you didn't try. Likewise, if you're afraid of being tagged, I might suggest avoiding the tendency to focus on the concept of "hit but don't get hit," and accept that you're going to take a few shots. As a fighter whose name escapes me once said: "When some people get hit, it makes them skittish and afraid. When I get hit, it makes me want to hit back. HARDER." Cultivate that attitude in the ring, let your aggression carry you, and you may find that your nervous is quickly a thing of the past. "Hit and don't get hit" should be a strategy, not an exercise in desperation!

Interesting - I've never seen red placed in such a junior position before. More often it precedes brown, which was the case in my old ISKF Shotokan dojo, as well as in my current JKR Shindo Jinen-Ryu dojo. (My Shito-Ryu dojo was old school: Just white, yellow, green, brown, and black, with tests once a year...)

It isn't negative, you are offering something positive to prevent a negative. Plus it will help bring in new students during a dead time of the year. I have used this one and had good reaction to it. You have to use different stratigies for different times of the year. Not trying to gang up, but I think I have the same reaction. It comes across - at least to me - as targeting people's fears, and I think it can also lead to false expectations on the part of the parents regarding what their kids will be learning and what they will be able to accomplish with it. To each his own, however; just my two one-hundredths of a dollar!

"BI" is for my last name, which is two separate words: Belle Isle. It's a place name, originally for an island off the coast of Brittany, France. It means "beautiful island," and there are actually A LOT of other Belle Isles around, including one in Lake Michigan where the Detroit Grand Prix is held, an area in Oklahoma City, and even a landfill outside of Syracuse, NY. So I stick with the one off the coast of France. Thanks for the warm welcome, Mr. Mike and everyone else who was kind enough to greet!

How about this question: Who would win a fight between Superman and the Hulk? Anybody can beat anybody else on a given day; just ask Buster Douglas. Does a "trained" fighter have advantages over someone else of equal stature, nature and athletic ability who has not been trained? Yes. Does someone who has been in numerous "real" fights with threat of genuine bodily harm have advantages over someone who has never been "pushed" in a real-world manner? Sure. (And both of these avenues of experience are effectively "training," anyway. One is just more formal than the other. ) Does either of these scenarios guarantee victory? Absolutely not. But one would be a fool not to take whatever advantages present themselves. Train hard. Train dilligently. Listen. Learn. Do. Gather whatever experience you can wherever you can find it. Try new things and figure out what works for you. Repeat. That is all anybody can do, and it might still not be enough. Good martial arts training not only imparts valuable skills for combat, it teaches you how to avoid situations in which you actually have to fight. It helps pull the odds in your favor, and THAT'S the goal, not to worry about whether you can "take" some imaginary caricature of a "street fighter."

Sandan in Shindo Jinen-Ryu (2002) Shodan in Shito-Ryu (1999) 1st Kyu in Shotokan (1997)