Takeda Shingen

thank you so much for the good opinions and advices...yes, I agree that everyone should treat others with respect..all the time regardless of rank. In this case, at the end of training there was discussion on a particular waza when one of the sempai commented that the kohai should not speak up with such opinion as a white belt...clearly me and others could see that he was no white belt--- and we felt that the sempai was picking on him...the "kohai" quietly walked off and some others admonished the sempai to be more respectful...he said...he did not have black belt and had no right to speak other than osu...and this sempai also is strict on kohai to sweep the floor, show him respect, and listen to his commands etc... yes, respect is earned in action, kindness, and helping -- more than words and rank.. Very unfortunate and pigheaded in my view. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences. osu! TS

A new member joined the dojo - we later find out that he has black belts in other disciplines, but humbly joins as white belt. Some sempai treat him as a new white belt...I think he should be afforded additional measure of respect due to age/experiences.. Thank you for opinions. Osu. TS

How can people talk such nonsense: "...And though Ohshima has practiced karate over 40 years, he has never accepted rank higher than fifth-dan black belt, simply because that was the highest rank that Funakoshi ever gave." http://www.shotokai.cl/entrevistas/oshima.html Osu. TS

there was a man who only could ski alpine, but refused to try telemark, snowboarding, cross-country, or free-style short-boards..is he a good skier?...he will never know. Osu! TS

Age old problem..maintain tradition or give into to needs and expectations of "paying customers"..fortunately, I have been in dojos both small and large with one common denominator -- the Sensei was true to objective standards of rigid discipline and promoting only those who were mature enough to handle all aspects of being a sempai....karate is more than ability, it is understanding and carrying on tradition and values of humility, respect, etiquette, perspective, and sublime spirit. If he is a true Sensei, he will do the right thing. Osu! TS

Hi Dark Angel: Look at this earlier poll about the age one should/could become a black belt..interesting results. In the dojos, I have been associated with, youth (under 18 ) are not permitted to out-rank/line up ahead of adults. Meaning an adult white belt "beginner" has many "life experiences" that are recognized as priority to ranks of youth. http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=23174&start=50 Osu. TS

Chigao..are you talking about the maneki neko tsuki?

oh, ...yes, I should have said.. "ten ants" Osu. TS

I am sorry I did not come across correctly. I meant that non-Shotokan does this... Shotokan is good for mushin...just doing it over and over. Not so much talking...learning so you body does it automatically...not time to think Osu. TS

KM - Arigatoh gozaimasu. Very, very insightful explanation and description. This is true. Some people go to Ke-rah-ti or Mcdojo, as some say, then enjoy endless discussion, debate, breaking pine boards, punching clappers, and talking in meaningless detailed explanation of moves ... "when attacker does this, you do that..." "when an opponent comes in, you block, grab twist, sweep, twirl, strike, dance on the top of bamboo chasing Zhao Ziyang, etc". Solid Kihon done correctly will humble anyone....doing the basics, training earnestly and hard, pushing your limits, quiet like a still ocean - ready to whip into a maelstrom -- and outside the dojo - no need to talk about it. Just put on the gi and let the waza do the talking. Osu. TS

must try this... sounds like exceptional training...KM - thank you for sharing. You are very fortunate.... Osu. TS

I re-read the many good comments. Nothing wrong with giving less than 100% as long as you are not cheating other karate ka. One of my colleagues told of his Sensei who talked about his young hey-days…..we did this, we did that, in the waterfalls, in the ocean, no heat, no a/c, our knuckles were bloody, we trained all day, took a break at noon to eat, we sweat so much we tried to dry the gi, put on the cold wet gi, sparred 10 people in a row…etc…etc…etc. So, why do we kohai look at such Sensei or Sempai who are swagering, talking memories, and maybe “zoning out”. I am here to give my soul in the dojo..and experience these tough trainings to push my limits, just like what they did..just because he is later in life or something and ready to wash dishes and eat chips at home in front of TV…don’t line up in front of me in kumite at half speed and tell me about back in the days… Yes, karate and every martial art is up to the individual, but after all, let’s not kid yourself, it is a martial art. Why should kohai be denied anything less than a 110% example from Sempai? Do it, give it all, if you give less, you can always find someone who is coasting like you, go off to the side of the dojo and make some new memories of that level of training. Osu. TS

Sorry, I have received some shinai in my days and thought this was funny... Osu TS

Osu KM. Personally, I cannot break the habit of turning foot in...provides - as you point out - excellent lateral range of motion/reaction..opponent does not know where i go...also provides nice for turning into ushiro geri...tension is the indeed the culprit...going full steam forward and to a dead stop with foot turned is what puts the pinch on knee joint....knowing when to ease into that is crucial. Osu. TS

We used to do the turned in toes in front (front and back feet are parallel), but now we do the front foot is straight forward. We changed because of the pressure on the knee thing.Osu. "old" style karate did this for strength, stable, gripping (Killer Miller - excellent points)....also, old Okinawan Karate that promoted a lot of Sanchin dachi stance...-- for strength and one told of bend of the knee down to cover/block kicks low and to groin. I do the turn in out of habit...more modern Sensei yells at me.....turn in is strain on the knee...does not ride on the joint ball...pinching pressure on meniscus...after fellow karate ka's knee surgery - I am trying to stop....straight gives more speed, fluid fwd/back motion. thank you. Osu. TS

I was wondering if you might be referring to teisho -- applied as a palm heel strike in kata jion -- or the claw-like scissor action in kata empi....? Osu TS

The prescient statement. Osu. TS

Kanku dai is nice. Contains most all elements for good kihon, five Heian, low stance, some long extension...even nidan tobi geri for those who like flashy stuff ..... ?

Ha - good one. I know from HS American football = there were like benchwarmers who would scuff their helmets for the appearance to look like hitters, but only they really had splinters in their pants seats. Tokaido thick cotton (non-satin finish) long last ... tough, good wear ... razors may not work -- belts should last, no washing, hang dry in sun, and encourage everyone to maintain same waist size - or you eating more than getting a good workout. Osu. TS

you are right .....H2O and deep breathing in exercise - -- fill all the lungs, not just top third...breathing from the stomach - dropping the diaphram, full inhale and exhale is important...for H2O...before and during.... no water breaks does not make one tough. yes, Hobbes is very right about keep hydrated all the time is another critical element for flexible muscle/joint/ligament. Thank you. Osu. TS

sorry slip typo - meant oxygen...8-(

morning stretch is very important...when you rise ...do series of stretches...while you remain in bed...split, groin, back, hamstring, quad...etc. The matress cushions and will provide backside/seat/tailbone support...hold positions for a long time..no bouncing...breathe deeply. H2O must enter your blood/muscles/ligs...also go get good massage. Osu. TS

Osu -- Thank you KK'75 for your response. A few of the things -- whining in general - and smug attitude despite Sensei's gentle reminder before the test to practice humility and respect - moreso, not for this dojo, but after time he would travel likely to return to his native land. At exam - same corrections that Sensei always continuously spoke about to correct him - esp on kihon. Student would reply that he did not have to: (get low, close his fists, do hikite, extend his waza, follow kihon/protocol..etc...as he was no longer a beginner...) Also, giving Sensei disrespectful looks, like..."what are you talking about? I am doing it correctly". The student explaining everything to Sensei about his reasons for waza..criticizing the instruction to others. - and bad influence on kohai. Sempai told him to wait for beer time after class and talk about differences/techniques..etc..but, overall, basically, he had excuse for everything/anything. Other than that, technically proficient, knows kata, good athlete, good speed, kime, understanding of body dynamics, maai, etc...he claimed that he, "did not want to compromise what he thought was right". Osu. TS

I saw this happened before to my friend who is like a sumotori or that Thing on the Fantastic 4...I still laugh when I think of how when the man's look was like shocked! This is also good - LOL, seeing bad guy going in head first! nice...

Situational awareness is everything. In a bar, you see drunken rowdy guys - avoid. Why be near them when there are so many pretty girls around to talk to …someone steps on you, apologize and find a way out…or buy him a drink…never be in a corner, or with no exit. Always exit strategy. In the street, someone comes for your money, take $$ out wallet, and throw it to the wind…he will be on the floor picking up $$, take the wallet and run ....uh, oh, --- after 10-15 meters, if your adversary is still chasing you, he is stupid…and unfortunately after you – not $, so start to zig-zag, run around autos, etc...if he is still chases you, feint a throw of something at him. For him, natural reaction will be to stop, duck, put his hands up to his face....Now you can escape and run faster...if still he is after you, use your peripheral vision (good for you are in shape...he is puffing exhaustion), so see where he is…slow…let him get close, just enough almost…to touch..you..and THEN! Stop, ushiro geri kick to the groin or plant and turn, side-step him then throw him (uki - harai goshi/seoi nage/uchi mata is nice), or as you stop and pivot into him, drive elbow in, or temple or body shot, as you sidestep yori-ashi…he is down….do not turn your back - zanshin – look for his friends… Then walk away…. Karate ni sente nashi... Osu. TS