Menjo

that's not completely true. shuai chiao, judo, boxing, wrestling of any form... none of these were created for self defense, although they can be used for such. Yes, I would like to add to this point. The whole self defense is only one aspect of Martial arts training, many Japanese arts and arts across the world use training as a way of life and self defense naturaly comes with this training. But I see why this was said, but as long as these statements don't become meaningless words which are repeated from different mouths.

Ok your statement of saying that hitting air is useless, then almost all traditional arts that hit air are using a completly ineffective way of training, why every morning do I do at least 1500punches hitting air and using proper technique? To develop my muscles and power that I have been gaining since my training, bags are great no doubt, but dening entire systems of training is a little Farfetched. Somehow I havn't gotten one hyperextended joint and neither have other millions of practitioners in my and their years of training...hmmm...this is saying that all the powerful and effective techniques I see from other Karateka somehow developed this power from nothing? I think this is an absurd discussion, what about even showdow boxing, thats not the point anyways. I dont even know where to start to argue this. Sorry for the mess, perhaps I am not understanding the situation.

Hitting air full power has helped me, you have to do it right. I dont understand the thinking that it wouldn't help. Plus it wont hurt joints...Many MA do this...

The above is good advice, I also recommend working on your deepest and most difficult stances or movements for some added strength and speed. But mostly repitition of course.

Train harder, and the train more, and then youll learn to learn without asking. I know its sounds corny, but youll develop a clear mind, and then you can really learn these little things, until then, I suggest more practice in overall. I often reflect on what Master Funakoshi once said..." dont think you have to win, but think you dont have to lose". I used to have this problem with large opponents, now no matter who it is in regards to body type, it really doesn't matter.

While I dont have good advice for your overall topic, I have a say for this post(it was briefly mentioned before here also). Those people you refer to as "scum" will never learn to "fight". Its not in thier personalities to become great fighters in my definiton anyway. Two main reasons, one they lack understanding of the Martial Art way and Two they dont have a "clear" mind to understand a combat situation with a proper MA attitude. Just my 2 cents...

Indeed it is. I made a long post talking about it, but in the end I couldn't get my ideas in a logical order...otherwise I wouldn't have ended up with this.

Yea I agree, I beleive Funakoshi did beleive in sparring, its just he didn't beleive in tournaments and the fact that practictioners would soon base thier success in MA by tournaments. Its said that Nakayama in Shotokan had managed to convince him to allow tournaments. I think that point sparring did water it down, although in thoery...I also think point sparring could work very well, as it holds in my opinion a well thought out construction. I'm starting to like the point sparring system in my club, as I find it not as "light" as other clubs... However, point sparring in my idea was once again "Poisoned" in general by arbitray point systems that have been added over the years.

I've actually found a balance by now, thanks for the advice everyone. I sat down one evening and took a couple hours to sort EVERYTHING out in terms of my daily routine and Shotokan training, its working well...although I am always tempted to train the extra 5 min in Karate. Plus, there are other ways of training besides the physical drills.

This is for point sparring in tournaments..to emphasize your strike so it's more visible but in real life it's pointless to do so. It's also pointless to do so in more full contact matches. There are different ways of doing this, your explaination I disagree with. I guess it depends on what art you practice.

Very impressive.

Depending on the style slightly, but 99percent...yes, you can Kiai in a way where it would hinder your training in a certain aspect.

Interesting, have I heard of your sensei before?(I mean is he one of the "big names" in Karate?

Well when put into such empathis, if one person only practices kata, and you judge them as doing the "wrong" thing, you must look at thier motives and why they do their style. There are MA that only have kata, I believe their ideals should be heard and should have just as much say in a situation, usually.

Good luck

Thats the way to go though. Makes good stories and adventure.

Well just to get things going...Is it possible for an extremly skilled hunter to kill a deer with a knife by sneaking up on it? (I doubt it, but I've havnt gotten a solid answer on this yet).

This is just my philosphy, however its what many great martial artists and fighters alike belive in through history so I find it effective and a good reference. I would consider in any combat situation that if you want to dominate your opponent, you should be setting the timing and pace of the situation for yourself and him. This way, you are unpredictable and many other factors will come into play. Regardless if you knew this or not, I felt it was nessacery to send the point out. I don't disagree with that. you want him to fight your fight. but kata begins with defense - that implies that he attacked you first. Ok I see now, fair point.

This is just my philosphy, however its what many great martial artists and fighters alike belive in through history so I find it effective and a good reference. I would consider in any combat situation that if you want to dominate your opponent, you should be setting the timing and pace of the situation for yourself and him. This way, you are unpredictable and many other factors will come into play. Regardless if you knew this or not, I felt it was nessacery to send the point out.

"Failure to prepare is preparing to fail." - Unknown

Bassai Dai first, then for second place(in opinion) I'd say Jion.

Ok thanks for clearing that issue up! Maybe someday It'll come in handy one day and I wont make a fool of myself.

Right, I'll go with this. Many people miss alot of the little things in kata, only through training does our vision become clearer of the world. I realize I'm swaying off topic, but stay with me. In a sort of Taoist and traditional way of thinking, the only "hidden" things are in anything in life(or most) is because we dont have the mindset to realize the more suttle things in an act or object, such as fighting. I may not be Taoist, but I can see how this is a effective way of thinking and appling it to a real life situation. So in a sense, what Im saying in a tedious manner, is that to certain people(most non-MA), parts of a kata may seem hidden, when really it was their "unclear" minds deceiving them. Alot of what I've said has come from Miyamoto Musashi's ideals(although many many others have thought of the same ideas, I chose this for referance), I enjoy his thoughts of taking away all the "useless" acts you do in martial arts, and you start to benifit from clarity. This clarity through hard training and dedication...ect is an example of achieving speed and power through proper technique. Some refer to this as a certain state of mind, which is useful in all aspects of life. Just my 2 cents...

First of all, Welcome. I dont practice the same style however I do have a tip or so that is mostly related to your question. My advice is to concentrate of proper breathing and expansion and contraction, along with body connection for a small set of techniques(5-7) at a time. Then, the memorization is being burned into your head and body while you develop proper technique right off the bat, without setting yourself up with bad habits down the road. While RARELY it is good to set little tricks and things to help you memorize these difficult movements required in kata, its best not to fill your head with so many ideas and formulas as it may hinder training later. Remember that there is no way to avoid the tedious work it takes to master kata, you need simple repitition.(you may know this already, but for anybody just starting out I wanted to get this across).

You ARE lucky, unfortunatly I dont have the luxury of a Archery training club or organization. Question for myself and the ignorant of archery though; I dont think people can, but is it actually possible to shoot more than one arrow out of a bow at one time and still hold decent accuracy?