shogeri

We learned it at the beginning prior to Green Belt. At least I did. It depends on the instructor. If I were to teach it now, I would do so from day one, just as I as teach Qigong from day one.

In Goju Ryu we had 6? kumite under the system we did. But for the most part they followed this principle of thought: "Yakusoku-kumite is the performing of movements against an opponent structured by the basics with an opponent by having the kind of techniques and the directions arranged in advance. It is decided by how many techniques the attacking side uses. It can be ippon-kumite [one-point kumite], nihon-kumite [two-point kumite], or more. The most basic techniques, which are standing, thrusting, and catching techniques, are used. It follows the basics, and both have the same standing position -- if the opponent has the right leg out in front, the other has the right leg out in front as well, or if the opponent thrusts with the right hand, the other catches his hand with his right hand. In yakusoku-kumite, the person who performs defense will use attacking techniques at the end. On the other hand, there is applied yakusoku kumite, in which the basic and applied techniques are structured promisingly for use in an actual fight. The number of techniques used are not limited in applied yakusoku-kumite; therefore, the number of structures are uncountable. Still, this is promised kumite and is usually performed by two people; however, there are practices in which three, four, or even more people perform what is called applied kumite. When applied kumite is practiced by many people, depending on how many are involved, the person on the opposite side will be indicated." Just putting out some FYI... Also, what are you looking for in regards to meaning of words? kogeki means offense (ive) hangeki means defense (ive) Tori - A generic term for the person performing a technique. Giver, winner Uke - The person to whom a technique is applied; often taken to mean the opponent. Receiver, take, loser, etc. Some alternative for attack might be: raishuu, atakku, batsu, shuurai, kougeki, seme For offense/offence: kiki, kyoujou, zaika, ofensu, buman / hankou, sashisawari, seme, zaika, rippuku, ofensu offensive movement: kousei offender: toganin, hannin, geshunin defender: bengosha, bengonin defense: benso, mamori, bengo, difensu, bougyo, boubi receiving:shuuju, shuutoku, outai, ukeire ---------- Just some more thoughts.

I have read many of those. They are great! This is a good thread!

Great opinions, advice, and input!

I make a small exhale when striking, but not the loud KiYa...Similar to what other's have said they do.

Heavy bags are good. Bob is better. Kung Fu Post/Tree is good to have as well. Wavemasters (standing) always fall over with me. Speed bags, and similar equipment never hurts either. They both have their place. I want something that responds like a human would. Something that can either get knocked back, bent over, or thrown down. Good luck!

Many other's have posted great replies! In regards to relaxation, the mind should be the first organ that is trained to be both relaxed. When your mind is relaxed you are both prepared for the unexpected, and yet expect nothing. When your body is relaxed, and flexible, situations may arise, however, you are more prepared to react appropriately. Even if you are relaxed, if you have little or no flexibility in either your mind or your body, then you will be slow to react. If you are flexible, but not relaxed, then the same end result tends to occur. Flexibility is the key to power and speed. Learn to teach yourself the difference between moving fast, and moving slow, and moving somewhere in-between. Watch others' and watch yourself in the mirror. Add light weights to your routines. Either punch (slowly) holding 1 to 3 pound weights, or use a spandex rope and practice punching slowly with that type of resistance as well. The same can be applied to kicking. Do this until you are exausted. Do not rapidly increase weight and or speed, as you can tear muscle or tendon, or throw a joint out of place. Consult a physician before starting or changing any routine noted on this board or by any other person. It is always good to get a second opinion from someone who is familar with your strengths and weaknesses. Just some brief thoughts...

At the highest green belt level, all of the basics must come into play. Here are some basic features of many styles. 1) A solid foundation in the basic blocks, basic kicks, basic strikes, and basic stepping patterns. 2) A solid foundation in the basic self-defense techniques along with their principle use and application. 3) A student should be aware of the basic fighting techniques, such as: parry to the side, side-stepping, hands on guard, wieght shifting, not focusing on body parts but the whole situation, etc. 4) Breathing, balancing, flexibility, and overall dojo/dojang/school structure and focus. 5) The above should be reflected in the kata, kumite, bunkai, 1,2,3 step sparring, sabaki, etc., of the person who holds the rank of green belt. 6) A Green Belt student should be able to demonstrate, and explain, the basic features of kata, self-defense, stepping, strikes, blocks, kicks. falls, and takedowns on a level understandable by those at or below the same level of skill. 7) In sum, a Green Belt should have the same basic techniques as that of Black Belt. The core structure of any style should support the idea that by green belt (or equivalent) level, the student has all they need in order to train, and grow into a better fighter and Martial Artist. As the instructor slowly adds the advanced techniques, they are allowing the student to juxtapose all that they have learned in regards to basic technique, and the principle application thereof. This moves the person closer to what it means to obtain a Black Belt. Again, from Green Belt to Black Belt, there should be less technique and more principle application. This is done, so that by Black Belt level, all the advanced techniques learned from Green Belt forward also juxtapose into one common unit with the corresponding principle applications of those advanced techniques. From Black Belt forward, this is when the kata are further explored. The fighting skills are perfected, the kumite/bunkia/san sou take on a life of their own, and so on. Just some brief thoughts...

I need a patch for my right eye, since I can't see out of it anyway.

Humility and pride should always go hand in hand. Otherwise something will be out of balance. Too much humility, and your break a spirit. Too much pride, and you could make a costly mistake. Self-respect and respect of others plays a crucial role. Self-awareness, and confidence also have a place.

Many great posts! I also have seen the 'Run, cringe, and duck while running' technique used many times... It is true that even the most dedicated Martial Artist should not take their self too seriously. There is nothing wrong with laughing and smiling, so long as it is not done at the expence of another's feelings.

A great many replies have been placed on here. I agree with many of them. Meditation is a personal endeavour. The point of meditation is to clear your thoughts, and to prepare for something. If you are Christian, or Jew, or Muslim, or a follower of any other deist belief, then it doesn't hurt to also give time to your God through prayer. If you do not follow any particular religion, then at the very least you should, after meditating to relax your mind, body, and spirit (emotional), recommit yourself to being the best you can be for yourself, your trainning, your family, friends, coworkers, etc. Those are just some general thoughts... Later!

I enjoyed your post as well, and many others who have put time in on this subject.

I have also practiced tong fu, spoon fu, shoe fu, Pull The Hair Te, and many more...

I use to be able to. An hour was my max. Now I am just old.

As many have said, sanchin is the basis of Goju Ryu. This Kata serves to promote proper breathing, Kime(shime), focus and great power as well as tremendous resistance to body blows and strikes with continued practice. It is the three battles of body, mind and spirit. When a person can bring all three beneath one umbrella of concentration, they in turn bring the battle to a close, and harmony is the result. I read this along time ago, and think it is relevant here: "Sanchin kata is classed as a Heishugata, meaning that is literally a 'closed-hand kata'. This does not mean that the kata is performed with the hands closed at all times! It implies that the body is in a constant state of tension throughout the kata. Therefore the muscles are 'closed' or better still contracted. Only on completion of the kata does the body return to it's normal state. During the entire execution of the kata the body is in a constant state of tension and the tanden is the focus of concentration. This is not an easy task, however, with correct teaching and training, the benefits of Sanchin training are enormous. Your stamina, physical strength and breath control are enhanced. Tensho kata is also classed as a Heishugata. The original version was Higaonna Kanryo Sensei Sanchin kata, which was executed with three steps forward, a 180º turn, four steps in that direction, another 180º turn, one step forward and then one step backwards. This version of Sanchin Kata was practiced and taught by another of Higaonna Kanryo Sensei's senior student Juhatsu Kyoda (1887 - ). Kyoda Sensei was the founder of To'on Ryu Karate-Doh. Miyagi Sensei developed his version of Sanchin kata with no turns, but with three steps forwards and two steps backwards. http://www.eastcoast.co.za/buddy/shimetesting.html" Without proper Shime, sanchin is just a breathing, and dynamic tension kata. The following shows what it means to apply proper shime. "The job of the Sensei is to assist the student being tested, to be aware and to focus and tighten on various muscle groups whilst performing the hand and arm movements, all at the same time. Full power Sanchin training should never be performed if one is unwell, however, light, no-powered, good form and deep, light breathing is very refreshing. Children should also never perform full-powered, hard Sanchin training, and, they should also never be tested as rigorous as a senior adult student would. Slaps and kicks should be replaced by a pressing, feeling action to the muscles and areas to be concentrated on. Young or old, well or unwell, form must never be sacrificed for power. The testing on a student new to Sanchin must be a pressing and feeling one - no slapping etc. This would assist greatly in making the student more aware and thus develop good habit for beneficial Sanchin training. SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR CORRECT SANCHIN SHIMÉ TESTING These should always be performed in the same sequence and once completed another cycle must be administered. Start by moving to the rear of the student and down at the soles of the feet and feel the inside edge of the feet to check that the arches of the soles are not raised. Do the same with the outside edge of the feet. Grab the ankles to assist the student in rooting his stance to the floor and to concentrate power into his legs and feet. Place your toe in front of the students toe and press your knee onto his knee, trying to force it backwards. The knee should not move back, this ensures that the feet are rooted to the floor and the quadriceps (thigh) muscles are activated. Care must be exercised that too much or erratic pressure is not applied - a firm and consistent pressure would be the right blend. Slap against the side of the thighs at two short intervals so that concentration of power is focused here and locked in. Apply the same slaps to the buttock muscles and kick up gently but firmly between the students legs. This ensure that the muscles inside the thighs are also focused and tightened. Place you palm against his stomach and firmly gently against the tanden. Check that the students spine is straight by running your hand up along it to the base of the neck. Then with the palm of your hand press at regular intervals against the students back so that focus is also maintained here. Move up the shoulders and firstly placed your hands on them so that the students tightens the muscle in that location. Then slap down firmly making sure that you stay clear of the neck and its immediate surrounds. Reverse the procedure that was used to ensure that the spine was straight, by starting at the neck and running your hand down the spine the approximately its base Go around to face the student and feel the tanden again, making sure that strength is focus here as well. As the student extends his arm on punching, add resistance by placing you palm heel on the fist and firmly pushing against the punch. Do not add too much resistance so as to hamper the students posture and concentration. When the student blocks chudan uke, apply firm resistance to that as well. When the students performs morote osae uke and mawashi uke apply pressure using both of your hands and adding equal resistance to both the students hands Continually observe the students face and skin color and stop the students if signs of undue stress or pressure is noticed. The teachers slaps and kicks should be firm but never damaging. Whilst the teacher is applying the testing he must also observe that the students breathing is co-ordinated with his movements. Continue the cycle by going back to the soles of the feet and starting the procedure again. The purpose of shimé testing is also focus on parts of the body that is not actively being used and not to forget about them, thus enabling one to concentrate and focus on the whole body at the same time. http://www.eastcoast.co.za/buddy/shimetesting.html" The closest equivalent to sanchin in chinese kung fu, is 3 circle standing tree meditation, or Zhua Zhuang. Which has alot to do with the mental relaxation aspects along with breathing and proper body dynamics. ---------------- Hope that helps...

Traditionally those terms are tori and uke. But with kumite, they might be called: attacker (kogeki) and the defender (hangeki). p.s Google search on the phrase: "Yakusoku Kumite"

ouch...that doesn't happen at my age.

In goju ryu, it was practiced as stand and deliver. That is you moved into the stance, rooted, and with a twist of the waist put out a reverse punch. One could use it as transitional with say a stepping power sidekick or a skipping sidekick. You could also be rooted, and use it with various jujutsu locking methods, or the Farmer's Carry. In sum, it had many applications, but in general one was planted. More often than not, Karate is about planting your feet. They hardly told me to hit, defend, and parry while in motion. Even most of the senior black belts were all focused on hard strikes, blocks, and stances. However, we were to be relaxed while in motion. In shikodachi, could walk with people either parallel, or with a slight angle of about 30 degrees. No I didn't walk for 20 or 30 minutes. If I remained in the stance for that long, many times I would adjust how much I sat into it. It is different for many other's, as results vary depending how it is used, and by whom, their body structure, flexibility, etc. my thoughts...

Wushu means martial art. Similar to budo meaning martial way or way of the warrior. It is an all encompassing term. All categories of Chinese martial arts, traditional, contemporary, hard and soft, can be called Wushu, this includes Wing Chun. Kung Fu means, "skill", or "prior lifelong work"... Thus one can say that your kung fu is good, any apply it any facet of another's life. The following is from wikipedia and is farely accurate, though not all inclusive: Principles of Wing Chun The tenets of Wing Chun are practicality, efficiency and economy of movement. This core philosophy becomes a useful guide to practitioners when modifying or refining the art. New techniques which do not conform to these principles are often discouraged and discarded. Practicality Wing Chun was designed purely for fighting rather than artistic or sport applications. As such, its techniques emphasise practicality and effectiveness over aesthetic or athletic value. Most strikes are fatal and target vulnerable areas of the body such as the throat, groin, eyes and lower torso. Following this utilitarian approach, the names of Wing Chun techniques are purely descriptive. For example - spreading hand (tan sau), wing arm (bong sau), slapping hand (pak sau). Wing Chun terminology is traditionally rendered in the Cantonese dialect of Chinese. Efficiency Wing Chun believes in using the least amount of required force in any fighting situation because it is a more efficient use of the body's energy. Wasted or unnecessary movement which does not produce a combat advantage is discouraged. Wing Chun believes that small movements, properly timed and correctly positioned, can and should be used to defeat large movements. This is achieved through balance, body structure and relaxation. The famous Chinese "8 taels to move 1000 catties" (referring to an old Chinese measurement system) is appropriate here in describing how a small amount of force, precisely applied, can repel large attacks. Strictly speaking, there are no blocks in Wing Chun because they are believed to be inefficient. It is better to deflect the force (as opposed to meeting it head-on) and counter-attack at the same time. The practitioner uses parries to deflect the incoming strikes and offset the attacker. A parry usually requires a very small amount of energy when compared to harder block. A parry can be used to deflect the strike of the opponent and launch a counter-attack at the same time. Also there exits an idea to offset the striker's balance and attack vulnerable points. Economy of Movement Wing Chun believes that the shortest path between two points is a straight line. Thus, most Wing Chun movements are linear and initiated along an imaginary centre line. The Wing Chun punch, for example, is delivered centrally from the practitioner's chest rather than diagonally from the shoulders, because the distance is shorter. Wing Chun uses all four limbs in fighting because this offers the practitioner more options in selecting the best limb for the task. Now if you are refering to contemporary Wushu, which is really distinct form the term Wushu, you have the following: Contemporary Wushu Wushu, modern wushu, and contemporary wushu often refer to the modern recompilations of traditional wushu forms created in the People's Republic of China. These are practiced as a demonstration sport, much like gymnastics, and judged and given points according to specific rules. Originally practiced just in the PRC, the contemporary wushu forms have now spread all over the world through the International Wushu Federation, which holds the World Championships of Wushu every two years; the first World Championships were held in 1991 in Beijing. -wikipedia Contemporary Wushu is primarily used in the Chinese Opera, and in Chinese Martial Art films. Again, according to a wikipedia article, "Probably the three most famous Wushu practicioners in the world are Jet Li (李連杰), Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. Jet Li started Wushu as a competition sport, and gained fame as a five-time national champion of China; he is now a famous movie star who uses his wushu skills onscreen. Many of his old teammates have also appeared onscreen with him, especially in his older movies. Jackie Chan never practiced modern wushu, but learned similar skills at the Beijing opera as a child, along with Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Yuan Wha, Yuan Qiu, and others. Beijing Opera martial arts are in many ways similar to modern wushu, as both are performance-oriented; however, Beijing Opera also includes singing." I hope that is helpful...

I have practiced under an authentic instructor of pressure point fighting, and it is real, and pressure points are real. The sad part is that people like Dillman, and other so called "experts" take a little knowledge of something and try to apply it to their own understanding of the martial arts. This creates bad news for those truly looking to find the truth, and or find something that works for them. The sad part is that any reputable person who knows how to kill someone with a dim mak, isn't going to use it in the first place. Thus, any open challenges to those people are fruitless. Only those looking to prove themselves will try for such things. There is a different between pain compliance (dillman method), pressure point fighting, dim mak application (as implemented in Traditional Fighting Taijiquan), and Japanese pressure point MA systems, such as Ryu Kyu Kempo Karate, Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, etc. those are my brief thoughts on this...

In goju ryu, we used to walk around with people standing on our legs while in the stance. In my style that has grown out of what I have done in the past, I now use the stance as a transitional stepping technique rather than stand-and-deliver technique. In order to build endurance, 20 to 30 minutes is a good time to shoot for.

You can drill Principles (P) into a mind and body, just as you can Technique (T). The less the better, and that includes both P & T. It comes down to learning, applying, relearning, and reapplying ~ the basics. It is about stripping away all that you know, in order to create a strong foundation. Build better fighters, not robots. A good fighter is dynamic, and knows 3 to 4 basic techniques, and from there can add an array of endless combinations, simply by understanding and applying certain principles. Here is a brief comparison. I know how to block (anything), and counter with a reverse punch. I also know how to reverse punch, then lung frontkick. These are technique driven methods. Now Master NoMo DanMe only applies the principle of side step(in any direction) and complete the circle. No matter what I do, the Master will prevail in both cases within the framework of the above. Why, because within the array of (P), the Master has more options, than the student (or teacher), who only focuses on the array of (T). Consider than P is a four dimensional array, while T is a single array. My point is that both technique and principle are important, but the primary foundation should be in developing a person's fighting skills, which in my view, have little to do with learning a million techniques. In fact, a person needs to be working on basic fighting principles which are given through skill training, and focus pads, and stepping routines, speed bags, and a personal trainer to pick out the good things, and the bad things in form, delivery, timing, reaction, and so on. The only good thing I appreciate about boxing, is the training methods. They teach people how to fight. Though they limit both technique and principle, it's their intention in the first place that creates the best fighters in the world. That is why mixed martial artists do well. They combine boxing training (the basic principles and a few techniques), along with the same applied training methods to ground-fighting. It has little to do with having a great style. It has to do with methodical training based upon the application of a wide variety of attack and defend principles. If a person can't determine who they are fighting, what there options are against several opponents, how to take on a knife without getting hurt (in a big way), etc., and all they know is technique, then it is not different than sending a person off the street, into a corporate accounting firm, and letting them settle the biggest account in history with only an academic book on how to do Financial Accounting. Accountants, lawyers, doctors (et al), are trained not just in knowledge (technique), but in learning who, what, where, when, why, and how to apply such knowledge, and they are given the foundation in which to encourage growth in such areas. Those that are more successful, tend to have a deeper set of principles and experience in handling a wide variety of cases, patients, and clients. A Martial Artist should be no different. Those are my thoughts for the moment...

Personal combat skill wins the fight. Not solely technique, nor methods of attack or training. Then add unforeseen circumstances, and sometimes just luck. It is about the person. I would not limit myself to boxing rules, nor would I expect someone to live up to any other set of rules either. So, strip away the pride and arrogance, put on some gloves and fight with no rules, save for death blows and bone crushing strikes. Both karateka and boxer should learn to get something out of such an experience. When we stop learning, we are dead.

There are linear styles in both, and circular styles in both. There are those that do joint/locks in both. Both have styles which focus on in-fighting, or just high kicks or low kicks. The list goes on and on. If you created your own style, what would it be? More than likely it will be based upon your physical strengths and weaknesses, along with whatever accumulated skills and knowledge you have at the time. It will contain your preferences, and your thoughts about what it takes to win, demonstrate, and express the martial arts within you. It is an cumulative summary of all things that are you. Your social status, your ethnic culture, your economic status, your view on death, war, health, and on life. It would represent your attention to detail or lack thereof. It is many things, but it is the person or collection of people who created such style in the first place. It is even all those who have come before you, doing just that: Creating something that works, not just for them, but possibly ~ for all people. A true style fits the person, and it should always be that way. Though it goes deeper, the abbove represents what is typically found at the core of any martial art, both kung fu and karate. my thoughts for moment