Zaine

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!

I would have to say that the defining kata for me is Chinto. As Kusotare mentioned there seems to be a build up in many of the core kata to Chinto (via the Pinans, Naihanchis, etc).

I disagree. When it comes to the defense of your life, it is precisely the rehearsal (via kata, kumite, etc) that we use to defend ourselves. We practice a certain block against a certain technique so much because when that technique gets used against us, our bodies know what to do. This is the "rehearsal" you reference. We "rehearse" so that we can act immediately, without having to go through a database of knowledge to figure out how to defend. An actual fight does happen very fast, and its the practice and drilling that helps us use the time we have for defense more effectively. This is also why we focus on bunkai. This move can be translated into a defense against that. Then, we take that and drill it so that it becomes a part of us and then move on to the next technique. So yes, the difference between a martial artist and a non-martial artist is that we know how to move our bodies for defense, but there is so much more to that than you suggest. We know how to move our bodies if someone punches us, or kicks us, or throws any technique at all because we incessantly drill those movements via kata and other practices.

My school at one point was in a dojo for rent. It was a really great deal, and we used it for years before the school disbanded. From what I remember the experience that we had was enjoyable, and the requirements (other than rent) were that you left it clean and tidy after completing the class, which is something that most dojos require anyway for their own places.

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!

That's awesome! Congrats to your Sensei! That was a very well executed Chinto.

There's a story about old practitioners only receiving one belt. Through training the belt would get so dirty and change colors, eventually turning black, and that is when you knew you were a black belt. As far as I know, the myth comes from there.

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!

Congrats cathal! Well deserved!

Welcome to KF! It's good to have you!

Ninja_Zaine approves.

One day I may rise to your level, until then all I can do is train. Also, are you selling these totems? A low monthly payment of $500 seems reasonable.

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!

The question isn't whether or not teaching Japanese terms is necessary, because it's not, but whether it's worth the trouble. To answer that, you have to decide how beneficial it is and how hard it is. What do you gain? In my opinion, it's one of the things that separates most martial arts training from things like boxing and wrestling. You're teaching more than a collection of techniques and strategy. You're introducing students to a new philosophy and culture. Learning Japanese terms helps them connect to the material and to feel more a part of the dojo. It enriches the experience. How hard is it to learn? It's harder for some than others, but that's true about anything, from a reverse punch to a complex kata to whatever. If a student has trouble with something, you work them through it. If that doesn't work, maybe you make allowances, but you don't drop it from the curriculum. And if you do decide not to teach Japanese terms, how far do you take it? Do you not make them learn the name of the style? Do you not teach the names of the kata? Do you not teach your students what a dojo is or a gi or a sensei? I'm fine with a kid in a martial arts studio, wearing a uniform, learning Orange Belt Form #1 of the American Family Self Defense System from Mister Kevin, but I doubt what's being taught would be a very traditional, Japanese style. Great post! When I started Shorin Ryu, my teacher only counted in Japanese. We knew the correct names of the Kata and weapons, but other than that my teacher taught in English (until he started teaching in Hebrew, long story). His reasoning was that he wanted to strip the Eastern mysticism out of what he taught and that was important to him, and he was a good teacher and so I didn't care, and I still don't, I think my MA education was good and I don't feel that I am any less of a Martial Artist for not knowing the terms in Japanese. That being said, when I started using this forum I often had to look up terms, and that was frustrating. I still have to look up terms from time to time, but I'm just less frustrated by it now. So a good reason to teach the Japanese in class is so that your students can engage in the discourse with students who are taught the terminology without having to stop the conversation to get definitions. I also don't think that it is a burden to teach it. You aren't asking the students to learn another language, just a handful of terms that are related to the art that you are teaching. Currently I'm going through the process of learning Italian (Friulian, really, but close enough) terms for wma and it doesn't feel burdensome.

The Getty and the PD are what we mainly use, and wiktenaur fills is a good resource for filling in the gaps. Also Sword in Two Hands by Brian Price has some good history, but it is out of print and hard to find. The problem is that we know Fiore through what he wrote in prologues, and that's it. Everything else is either speculation or vague 3rd party accounts.

It was mostly a knowledge test. There were 6 plays that I had to know and demonstrate. I also had to demonstrate all of the Posta stances), both unarmed and with the longsword. Most of it was answering questions about Fiore's history, what certain concepts meant, and what was happening in Europe at the to me Fiore was active.

I got promoted in the Schola! It was a really easy test, but enjoyable. I am now a Compagni (yellow belt).

Welcome back!

The short answer to your question is yes. Tai Chi is a martial art and it has martial applications. However, I cannot tell you what they are because I don't have any experience with that art. I would suggest doing a search on Google or Youtube for some combat applications if you are interested in what those techniques would look like.

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!

Welcome to KF! It's great to have you!