Takeda Shingen

Ariq san...could you kindly show us your vidClip or a details of the match...we are all worried about you and hope that you are OK...

Osu

TS

...i have absolutely nothing to gain from the fight.

...how dumb this situation is.

sorry, just re-read the post. i got carried away. i take it back - never mind.

Osu

TS

great advice from all...avoid the fight and kick the crap out of the first person who calls you a whimp..no seriously... if you MUST fight, you know he is a boxer..he will try to soften you up before going for your legs...if you are smaller/lighter than him..tire him and wear him down...feint backpeddling and avoidance, then counter with rapid, striking combos. when he comes in for the "kill", he will try to grapple your legs - going for the backs of your knees..give him what he wants...time it so that as he dives for your legs...you land the crushing knee to his face, or upper cuts. If he gets in , as someone said, drive his face into the floor, by coming down hard on the back of his neck...do not punch if you have gloves...employ striking elbow techniques...coming in from the side of his head. Temple shots and to the edge of the eye sockets, bridge of the nose, ears, behind the ear, collar bone, solar plex, floating ribs, under hte armpit, edge of the chin/jaw, preferably as his mouth is open (presumably tired and breathing for air). Kicks when he is down is good, but be weary of his attempts to go for your planted foot/leg.

if you find yourself in the tangle, keep your chin down, and your hand/fingers free to slide between your throat and his choke hold...do not let him get behind you. do not flail in panic, lest he employ an arm bar. Stay in a tight ball, roll tightly, keep him at bay, kick his knees out to prevent him from gaining leverage....then side step/slide and strike...if you are not a grappler, do not even attempt to go to the mat with him... get up and away, but do not turn your back and run, or he will pounce you...use your strengths - speed, stamina..sounds like a musclehead who will attempt to hit you with power punches and then try to grapple you.

again, if you are smaller, torque your hips to avoid a head on head clash, roundhouse kicks to the inner knee/thigh will drop his hands, then you can stike high...do not forget, that merely punching to the head does not win a fight.. giving him a charlie horse to the bicep, the thigh, the calf, the stomach, even the forearm will give you advantage.

you will not die, your wounds will heal, you will live to laugh about it. and you might even make a new friend. do not take it personal. keep your composure and dignity no matter what happens.

wishing you luck has nothing to do with it. you know yourself. no matter what happens, if you do one solid waza that makes an impact, that is enough.

just do what you must.

Osu.

TS

24FC:

Good editorials. I imagine ivette and other people are allowed to read those same books and draw their own unbiased conclusions and opinions. Opinions and beliefs are really only important to the people who make the conscious choice to live their lives according to those ideas. – if they choose.

My Judo, Kendo, and Karate Sensei's were hard core old school Japanese samurai ethos...but I must say, I developed a sense of loyalty to them because of their kindness, generousity, and sense of fairness and values....they were tough, and demanding, but I did not respect them because they demanded obedience, blind loyalty, or espoused certain philosophies -- fortunately for me and others..they led their lives and trained by example. Along the way, I came to realize also, it was not just because I was Japanese.

I like your philosophy of letting the practitioner decide, so, I took my quote from previous post about “civilized societies’ I presume you are talking about the US of A.

“US society - taking its cue from democracy - a Greek concept. Read about Plato, Socrates, and while you are at it the origins of Xenophobia - fear of outsiders, the unknown; literally meaning "fear of the strange".

Another Western/Greek phenom - Spartans. Good parallels between them and Samurai. I guess the Japanese did not have a monopoly on all that "nasty" stuff. We all can learn from the good and bad of humanity.

Once again, YOU decide what is best for YOU.”

Still cracking up on your description of B.O.F.R. -- and still see the Western biz man in the trench coat waving the paper and briefcase like Dai-sho…so, 1980s - good one!

Thank you.

Osu.

TS

Good posts -- thank you. I thought that many of the great karate-ka have roots in judo, kendo, ju-jitsu, many with samurai ancestry --- Though I was raised in the US and Japan, I would never claim to know the bottom line of anything about either country.

I would suggest that you read a few of the following:

Again, not saying this is the whole story, but at least some solidly researched info, decent scholarship, history, lore, and others to help you find your answers. You decide.

The Zen Way to Martial Arts -- by Taisen Deshimaru,

Book of Five Rings -- by Miyamoto Musashi

Bushido -- by Tsunetomo Yamamoto

Hagakure -- by Yamamoto Tsunetomo

The Code of the Samurai -- by Yuzan Daidoji

Secrets of the Samurai: A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan -- by Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook

Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice -- by Fumon Tanaka

Osu.

TS

Can someone tell me how to say a few words in Japanese?

Inhale

Exhale

Posture

Follow me

Relax

Practice

Thanks in advance. One week to go and I'll be in Kobe, Japan.

Ken Po: As expected, 24FC right on, but just a few extras to consider -

* Inhale/exhale - quite simply: sutte/haite

* Inhale - Shinkokyu (often said during practice - stretching time - when you inhale deeply - doing breathing exercises) Alternatively, kuuki o suu (breathe air); iki o suru (draw a breath); suikomu...

* Exhale - iki o haku (haite - command form) (also when you are out of breath - haha o suru).

* Posture - Shisei (posture) o tadashite (adjust); shitai (pose); you will also hear - kon mama de (do it like this); kono katachi de (like this position)..etc while showing you the correct posture.

* Follow me - I believe you want someone to copy what you are doing...? So, kono yo ni (..like this); or watashi o maneshite (imitate/copy me)

* Relax - at the end of the set - after yame - you might hear - yasume (rest/relax); if you are too tense - chikara o nuide (let the strength out/don't tense up. Also "ri - raku" - shite (suru) (literally Japanese pronunciation of relax. But after practice - relax and chill - nombiri/bura-bura o suru.

Practice=renshu shimasu (suru) (v) - Training - keiko (n)

Enjoy....Osu.

TS

imho: Go with the best Sensei/dojo...one who is objective, does not let personal opinion taint your own perspective, teaches with understanding, and leads by example. This is true with anything you wish to learn. Someone shows you the various ways - YOU choose your own path. This is the beauty of America and its great society.

Though I would agree that Karate will teach you a lot about basics to better understand your own body/movements/strengths/weaknesses - you can also learn much from Kendo - similar to Western fencing - not for killing, but as a sport.

With regard to Samurai interest...go for it...but like any other pursuit - going native and mindless worship can have its drawbacks. Check out: The Ways of the Samurai by Carol Gaskin, Vince Hawkins. Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, William Scott Wilson.

Bushido: The Way of the Samurai by Tsunetomo Yamamoto. Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi and many others in your local library.

Good references on how these amazing people - not just men - focused discipline from Bushido;Confucian ethics, Zen, culture, training, lifestyle, and the attendant weapons and ways/reasons for their code of honor.

Finally, US society - taking its cue from democracy - a Greek concept. Read about Plato, Socrates, and while you are at it the origins of Xenophobia - fear of outsiders, the unknown; literally meaning "fear of the strange".

Another Western/Greek phenom - Spartans. Good parallels between them and Samurai. I guess the Japanese did not have a monopoly on all that "nasty" stuff. We all can learn from the good and bad of humanity.

Once again, YOU decide what is best for YOU.

Best of luck...regards.

Osu.

TS

Use your speed and quick/sharp lateral movements or circular movements to your advantage...also remember that when you block, do so enough to "receive" - uke(ru) with yoriashi; it is the deflecting of the block that is effective.

On your counter-attack, it is natural to punch/kick toward the groin area of your taller opponent --- you will make them think about attempting to over-run you...but you can not simply move straight back in blocking a technique, or you may in fact be run over...understand the concepts of Judo/Aikido to use your opponents momentum, weight and strength to your advantage.

Remain calm, relaxed (tension will kill you) *BREATHE* and confident - don't over strategize: Mushin.

Osu.

TS

Thank you for the posts. I am learning a lot of information, gaining good perspective, and insights....why do you think the poll is as dead heat?

I thought that Western responses would have been totally in favor of approving of a young BB since there is more independence of thought, recognition of just ability, and none/less of the Japanese bushido militarism (sic) - hierachy...is it that, or do you think there are still some who believe in/observe traditional MA? And if there is youngster burnout, where they promoted too fast...burntout...did not get immediate gratification, or the "$3K - My Goal is BB Guarantee in 3 months" - "Jenny Craig of MA-type response..now that's no fun...

As for the liability issue...I would think that there would be more thought to this...especially in a litigious society...even if you sign a dojo waiver, there is no preventing one's right to sue.

So, I am not sure that if you train a young or immature/unstable adult..and he does some damage around town......(!).

"Your honor the video games made me do it..."; could very well change to: "Miyagi Sensei told my pre-pubescent child that she/he was ready for BB...it went to her/his head and that made her/him do it.."

Laywer: "Well, the kid is not yet, 18...we gotta sue somebody."

Osu.

TS

I am glad you are LOL, but in all seriousness I meant to address you in a way of respect to me. Thank you for clarifying your preference.

...It is not within the scope of authority of a karate instructor to attempt to control the behavior of his students outside of his karate class....I don't think a karate teacher has any business what you do in your private life.

...Mr. Miyagi, your 15 y.o. hot shot BB Chachi is using that stuff to beat up Ralph and Potsie at Arnold's and smack around Joanie. Richie Cunningham is thinking of taking you to court.

And thus, ranks are done away with...so how does one - entering a dojo for the first time - differentiate between those she/he should emulate, and those she/he should not...is a non-rank system possible?

The same way you do in baseball, football, soccer, tennis, and every other sport on the planet that is not karate.

Ranks really are unnecessary. We just keep them around because we expect to see them.

Oh, you mean that those batting titles and World Series MVPs, Super Bowl MVPs, World Cup trophies, and Grand Slam titles do not differentiate the rookies from the pros? Nor count when they re-nego a contract?

Domo..

TS

Osu, 24 FC San. Thank you for your attn and response. Your opinion carries much weight for me and many. Domo...

Because someone is an athlete does not make him responsible for mentoring a generation of children by exhibiting only his best behavior.

Can we assume that from your reasoning, that any BB, adult and juvenile alike, has no obligation for best behavior in/out of the dojo? Lax dojo etiquette, freely admonishing others, showing off, moping about for not getting her/his way, coming/going whenever, scoffing at the Sensei behind his back...but as long has she/he has technical proficiency to earn BB - they are not bound to lead by example, effort and spirit, nor by adherence to budo/karate/dojo tradition commensurate with rank?

Again, it is my job to raise my kids, not the NFL's. I don't think it would be fair to expect the folks in professional sports to raise my kids. They aren't even adults themselves, emotionally, and I doubt they are up to the job. I know they are not volunteering for it.

And, those incapable of not being adults themselves emotionally are not up for the job and responsibilities of a BB?

It is not pure skill level. It is a combination of factors which render karate rank virtually meaningless.

Anyone taking someone else's rank seriously has, imo, an idealistic view of what karate ranks are really given out for.

Striving for idealism in our daily lives and especially in the dojo give us at least some reason and motivation....

And thus, ranks are done away with...so how does one - entering a dojo for the first time - differentiate between those she/he should emulate, and those she/he should not...is a non-rank system possible? We know many masters/sifus/grand champions and various pedigree who possess questionable qualities not worth the mulititude of their patches...yet, accordingly, if ranks are abolished; we have a fine young technically proficient <17 BB - who, after ranks are abolished, has no BB...will anyone (karate-ka1, shotchem, angus88, weaponless, and others) listen to/look up to her/him as a sempai? How will we know who is who and, for that matter, who knows/is qualified to show the Way?

...and so the question remains...

Osu.

Son'ja...

TS

Osu!

Thank you all for the insightful comments. Clearly one who has the ability should be recognized, but if being a BB is merely technique, then I suppose it is OK for someone like Dennis Rodman, Ty Cobb, Barry Bonds and others to act the bad boy, shun being a role model and act anyway they wish – as long as their performance in the game is good.

So why isn’t Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame?

You also know about when it is time to line up. Many MAs love to “take their rightful place in line”…it means everything to some...or doing kata, or leading a group of kohai in class for kihon, kata, or showing someone on the side before/after class when Sensei is not around. Who sweeps the dojo...does things for the dojo... etc. In some dojos in Japan, they respect a person’s age, wisdom and life experiences and do not allow budo-ka younger than 18 to stand ahead of an adult - regardless of rank.

So the question remains – is it pure skill level? or is it something deeper?

...or brown belt kyu for that matter?

Some argue that mental maturity and ability to function as a sempai in the dojo is also a pre-req...

I see very young children running around with brown/black belts...

Thoughts?

Osu.

TS

I agree with those who said run - mushin.

Osu!

TS

Osu topic members: You make the call: Do you pass him?

The student is ready for shodan, but has some slight attitude problems. Making faces at Sensei when corrected. Argumentative with respect to proper stances, techniques. Complaining to other members about the instruction, kata being taught, kihon is too kihon, and wanting more kumite. Everyone else is good with the class.

Sensei tells the student that technically he is there, but also politely admonishes the student about the attitude. Student seizas stone-faced not saying a word.

Come test day, the student goes about his usual attitude; even to the point of complaining - even though the fans are on - that the air conditioner should be turned on because it is hot.

After a fairly gruelling three hour exam, technically, the student performs at a fairly suffcient level to consider shodan, but the sempai are split in their opinion when queried by Sensei - citing - well, the attitude problems.

You are the Sensei. Sore ja...You make the call.

Osu.

Kore wa katjikenai.

TS

karatekid1975: So you said you "choked'. I did not mean it that way...but sometimes you freeze, have a lapse, whatever. But you have the skill, Sensei knows you were ready..how did she/he handle it..what was it that did not give you a pass?...no probation? or re-test?

Osu.

TS

If a good sensei only tests you when you are ready...why not just give you the belt and skip the test? also, isn't there such a thing as "choking on game day"...or having the requisite technical skill for the grade, but poor attitude?

Osu.

TS

someone told me that there were links to video clips on kumite..some actually showing various disciplines in competition...

any vid clips out there?

Osu!

TS