Ken Po

Ok guys, just a quick update in case anyone is interested. I'm back from my trip to Kobe, Japan. The words I got from you guys worked out fine. There was a little bit of english but they are as reluctant to speak it as I am speaking Nihongo. Anyhow, my friend knew most of what was needed plus his wife was there to translate. All in all it went well. Most likely we'll be returning again next year. Next year though we'll probably take the bullet train to Tokyo. My buddies are into the sword cutting and will go to train with Hataya Sensei and I might just look up the Qigong Master Ji Xing Li. If any of you guys haven't been there yet what are you waiting for? I've found that experiences are as good, and sometimes more valuable, than material possessions. Don't let your purchases hold you back.

Big thanks you guys. I don't know how my buddy handles the teaching but I'm going on the assumption they won't understand any english. Maybe some of his students are also in his English Language class. I asked him how much nihongo he picked up while there and either he's real modest (not a typical American trait) or he's not doing too well with it. I know I butchered the Chinese language from Beijing to Guanzhou during my 2 trips to that country. Also I like to at least make an effort to learn the language and customs of the countries I visit. I don't frequent Karate forums but I'll post here and let you know how it went when I get back.

Unfortunately I'll only be there a week but it will be fun. The only problem will be when it's time to leave. If all goes well with his school we might make it a yearly event. I still get a kick out of the idea of an American teaching Chinese martial arts in Japan but it seems to be working out for him. So far I've got a few of the basics down like - Biiru o ippon kudasai.

Both, but then sometimes business IS pleasure. Besides, I make it a point to find pleasure wherever I travel. Actually I'll be teaching a Shaolin stick set and Yang Taiji 24 Form at a friend's school, then sightseeing and partying the other 5 days. I was hoping to find some interesting training while there but that's not panning out. We'll be celebrating a friends birthday while there so I expect at least one sake overload but that will be after the seminars are over and 2 days before the return flight.

$680 round trip. Not a bad price. This will be my first time to Japan. I've been to China twice and plan on getting to Taiwan sometime inthe future. Trying to cram a few words and some cultural differrences. Guess I need to hit a Japanese restaurant around here before I go.

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.

Thanks for the comments. That's the whole point, going to Japan and back without picking up anything when there may be some quality instruction availabe in the area. I'll be visiting a friend who's been there a couple of years and is currrently teaching Chinese MA. He's not particularly interested in Japanese MA so may not be aware of what exactly is in his area. I was hoping someone deeply involved with JMA might be able to point out someone in the area to look up. Unfortunately I'm not a member of any JMA systems these days. I've spent the last 15 years in CMA. I know when I go to China I can get recommendations in the different areas and was hoping the Japanese were the same but I forgot the extent of formality in the JMA. Not that it isn't there in CMA.

It's been a long time since I've trained in Karate. Recent training has all been Chinese Kung Fu. Now I have the opportunity to go to Japan for a week so I was wondering what was available in Kobe. Any recommendations? I'd like to pick up an interesting kata. I've forgotten my old Kenpo and Shotokan stuff.