Jiffy

Chuck Norris is primarily based with Tang Soo Do. I would say that means the style CAN be great!

The answer for that is very simple. Every block can also be used as an attack (in Shotokan at least). So what might apear as the kata might not be the origninal intention. Maybe look deeper into the movements. As for Bassai Dai, yes, we emphasise the first technique as an attack.

Hi There, Welcome to KF and to Shotokan. Shotokan is a great style, particularly to start your Martial Arts journey with. The funakoshi book isn't bad. Personally, the best books I have found for Shotokan are those written by Keinosuke Eneoda.

Rising Sun 14oz Gi for Karate Heavy-Weight Gi for Jiu Jitsu 14oz pants and a polo shirt for Hapkido

Chi is actually the chinese word for air. It is believed that by redirecting the blood stream around the body in certain ways, it would increase the nutrients in that part of the body, one of which is oxygen. It is well proven that added oxygen increases muscle performance and therefore power. No conclusion to my comments, just food for thought.

Correct, they are often referred to as such though. Ki is just one element of Zanchin.

I would say that the jab and backfist tend to be about the same speed. I will definately say that the jab has more power. With the jab the hips can be put behined it more than with the backfist. Having said that, I think we should loose focus on the fact that neither are designed for the power shot. The rear hand is where the power is. The front hand is for speed.

Hi karatekid1975, It appears to me that you have been doing MA for some time (by your post count). It's sad to hear that you have decided to leave. I thought I would bring this to your attention though... you're not leaving MA, you're simply choosing not to physically practise it. Over time, MA integrates itself into your life and becomes a way of life. While you may not be practising the physical techniques, I hope the principle that you have learned in your MA continue to guide you and become a rich part of your life... even if you're not aware of them. As for the physical practise, who knows, you may return one day, but if not, that doesn't matter. It's all part of the natural circle of life that we must respect. All good things come to an end. The only constant, is change. Good Luck!

HAHAHA Funny Stuff. Nice McDojo.

I happen to agree with you Zorbasan. You don't need to travel back in time to find Einstein if all you want to do is learn some basic physics. I think too often people think that you have to find the best teacher when in reality, you just need to find someone that knows more than you. No-one is saying that someone with 2 years expereience can teach as well as someone with 10. All they mean is that someone with no experience can still learn something off someone with only a little experience.... even if only for a little while till they have to find someone else to teach them.

This is a great. First of all, it's rather amusing, but more importantly, there is some great insight. It never ceases to amaze me where people find great ideas and principles. Well done guys!

Just have it in your sign up that there are no fees as the purpose of the school is to further the knowledge of Martial Arts. Then put in there that anyone not working to their full ability will be asked to leave... at the absoloute discretion of the instructor.

I've used videos before. I think they are a great source of information, particularly in areas where people can't get to an instructor of a style they want to learn. Sure, they are not as good as real dojo experience, but work well where all else fails, or even better as a suppliment to dojo training.

I agree completely, technique, muslce tension etc aren't everything. I'm just saying that neither is mass and speed. I think it's a combination of all those things.

ah ok. Not here. But who knows, maybe they will be. Do you know why they are banned?

I agree! That was one of the biggest factors for us. We already were teaching Shotokan Karate, Jiu Jitsu and Kobudo, so it was easy for people to expand their knowledge with the ICHF curriculum.

HAHAHA, I think you might be waiting a while Sohan. Just a little more on this, I think it's somewhat shallow of some people to critisize their masters that are putting on weight. Generally these people have donated their entire lives to Martial Arts. Do they not deserve a beer every now and then? What about a bit of chocolate. Are they not allowed to have this because their students are more interested in what is on their stomach as opposed to what is in their mind. After all, that's what we should be looking for isn't it? Sure, it's not the most respected image, but I think we should look past the old man who enjoys a bit of luxury in his old age, and seek what really matters, his wisdom.

Personally I do enjoy Jion. It's a nice Kata and follows the traditional shape. Unfortunately, I don't really get much chance to do it. I'm now starting to get my but into gear and do Kata in the mornings now, so I'm doing more and more.

To answer the question on speed... Never compare your speed with someone like Bruce Lee. A lot of it has to do with the make-up of the individual. More particular, the twitch speed of the muscles. Some people have what they call fast twitch which allows them to accelerate very fast. Then there is obviously slow twitch people. In addition, Bruce Lee's reflexes were contantly on edge, which while it over-worked his brain, was fantatic for physical speed. In regards to just increasing your speed, technique is the key. Think about it, the best way to get somewhere is to increase efficiency. The less you have to think about it and the more direct your line, the faster your technique. Then of course there is muscle efficiency. Get a copy of "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" from Bruce Lee. He talks a lot about efficiency being the key. As previously stated, get the technique perfect, then drill it over and over and over. Then when you come to practising at speed, reduce all tension. Practice light and then eventually, you can add the power back in.

Sohan, that's certainly an unusual way of looking at it, but unfortunately, probably quite accurate.

The first thing I would suggest is to be a little more open minded towards other styles. At the very least, go and visit the schools in your area and see what they do. Failing that, then any practise at home is better than no practise at all. Try to get hold of as many books and videos as possible on your style. Get hold of a large mirror and put that in your training area so you can self evaluate instantly. I would also suggest setting up a video camera from time to time so you can * your technique. Perhaps even see if you can find a school somewhere else in the world that will allow training via correspondance (eg. Video). Hope this helps.

I wish there were more games out there for PS2 and XBOX that were more realistic. I'm sick of all these ones that do 20 jumps and mystical powers that shoot ice balls out of their bare hands. Give me a basic old fight game with realistic movements and good graphics..... PLEASE!!

Wow, some classics there. Don't forget "street fighter" Also, "Kung Fu" on the original nintendo. Absolout classic.

HAHAHAHA Hillarious!!

The physics equation for power does not apply to the power in a Martial context. As well all know, it's about energy transfer. I could strap a weight to my hand and swing it fast, that won't give me a powerful punch. Using correct hips and mussle tension and yes, speed will however help with a powerful punch. I've been looking for a good formula for power, but unfortunately, it's just not that simple.