Sensei fighter

As I always thought - it's not the quantity that matters but quality. Several years ago I new all the Katas of Shotikan (not including forms from Taiji Chuan and Shaolin) for 7th Dan. - Shotokan practitioners know that further Dans are rewarded for contribution - The point is that I just don't understand the meaning of higher Kata, even though I gained my NiDan already. As a result - do one Kata and be the best at it rather then make 20 useless. Anyway Sensei is not looking what Kata you perform but how you perform it.

Well, to tell you the truth - I'm a bit too traditional in this way and think that there is no competition possible between karate masters. With no disrespect to the best Funakoshi's student Nakayama - it's due to his activities Karate in Japan has gained sport aspect. Before it was pure Martial Art, Bushido. There are two sides of a coin in the question you submitted. First As soon as Karate becomes Olympic, it's popularity will increase tremendously and hordes of people will come to Dojos. It's fine because they will get fit, be in shape, less sick and more friendly. That's good. Second. On the other hand I believe that sport kills real Martial Art and it only will take time when real masters will go to background behind the commercial pointed trainers of sports champions. It's up to people which way is better for them - the golden medals which empty their soul, or dirty Gi with sweat and blood that makes the brighter.

I totally agree with my honourable colleague AEFIBIRD. There are too many sportsmen nowadays in martial arts, not only Karate, but all of them. I constantly compete (when my injuries let me ) but that I do only to see what people can do and what I have in my pocket to suggest. Most of the Karate sportsmen train only for Kata or Only for Kumite...Men, that's bullshit, it's not an art, it's a sport. I say such people should not call themselves Karatekas (or any other name of a real Martial art) let them call themselves SPORTSMEN - that would be fair. You know, though I'm a vice champion of Russia in Kumite, I have never trained to take points on the tournament and actually I have no respect for people doing that. But sometimes a sportsman can win the fighter. But guess what - that's only for points. You imagine the result of the fight without rules between sportsman and real fighter? Here's your answer. No matter how gorgeous you look, the point is how real you are!

Well, Gentlemen I'd say I must disagree! If you ever had problems with your back - that can only mean you were doing something wrong. As you see in the pictures from 2nd and 3rd ling the stances of Funakoshi are not short at all (two shoulder widths). Diffenet Masters teach different stances, for example Kinazawa has wide and low Kokutsu while Kubota's pretty much like Funakoshi's. Karate is not a dogma, it improves and develops. And the idea of Kokutsu Dachi is defence - not shifting your weigh backwards, for experienced fighters would agree that will deprive a man from moving forward with any speed and stability of the position. Funakoshi: It takes 2 years to master a stance. How much would you spend to master a Kata?...

I would tell you guys something about harmony. Certainly everything depends on what your aim is. If you're looking for great stretchng, fleshy and beautiful jumping rotation kicks to look cool - you can really take TKD (ay school at all because they are all good in that). But! If you're looking for a way to master the art of combat you need to define in which way you want to develop your skills. Did I say TKD is not good enough for it?? No way! That's not the point what has been given to you from one master or another - the point is what you take!! Here is the example for you Gentlemen AND Ladies of course. I have a friend who's tripple Russia's Champion in TKD (WTF and ITF), he also studied Judo and Boxing. I will tell you that's a man, who's perfecting himself as Bushi - he's after mastering the art and philosophy of combat. That's what I'm trying to do. The point is - harmony with what you are after! Dedicate your time and strenth and you'll be the best at your way.

Even theoritically rotation will give the kick a bunch of kinetic energy (of course if we consider uninterruptable movement). On the other hand if a stop takes place on the route of the leg - there is no reason at all to perform such kind of a kick - it's a simple waiste of time. The power of that one would be equal to the power of closer leg performing the same kick without additional movements.

I don't know what we call serious injuries... I have broken parts in every extremity, couple of broken ribs, uncountable dissections. My point is that you have to stay concious regardless the injury you have - then you still have a chance to servive.