Brandon Fisher

Goju Ryu offers so much to the practioner strength training, body conditioning, some excellent kata, self defense is typically very good at least of what I have seen out of Goju Ryu schools I have competed against. I do not know a great deal about Isshin Ryu though I have not had a lot of exposure to it. Just be prepared for your legs to hurt from the stances at first if you choose Goju Ryu. But it is a system that I am interested in and respect very much.

Bassai Dai and Kanku Dai

Bassai Dai is one of my favorite katas bar none for tournament use. Jion is a excellent kata even though its short still a excellent kata in my opinion. However some don't understand it fully. Bassai Sho is not a great tournament kata given the angles and how short it is.

Judging Kumite is so difficult sometimes things may not seem fair but they are. Things look different from different angles so sometimes things just don't go your way. A not so simple solution to the problem is make sure your technique is clean and very clear who made the point.

All the things mentioned already I also look at. But to answer your question in a good solid kata you can see the fight between to people as long has all the movements are done properly and with power and focus. Experienced black belts will recognize this and should use this as criteria. Unfortunetly it doesn't always happen. Just go out and do your best.

I am not a fan of XMA. I like the intensity but the gymnastics and kiai are not that impressive to me. The energy and excitement they build is great but I am tradtionalist and not a fan of people incorporating so many gymnastics into martial arts. As far as Matt Mullins goes his traditional kata is very good I think he should focus on that and I am sure Mike Chat's is very good also. Matt and Mike have a ton of power in their technique though just look at the XMA discovery special.

Good question. I think it is just a western philosophy difference is the basics of it. Keep in mind Budo (way of war) or Bushido (Way of the warrior) inparticular a samurai thing to say it bluntly. The bushido was a code followed by the samurai clans in feudal Japan. I know there is someone who can expand on this more I am kinda rusty on it.

Jack, Excellent explanation of a Shotokan style Mawashi Geri. Using both the hip and knee can increase power and speed. But I have seen some fast Kyokushin mawashi geri as well as extremely powerful.

I am surprised she hasn't gone looking for someone else yet if it is this bad.

Thats a good suggestion

No problem on the offer. I am here to learn and help. Let me know when you have it done.

I say its truly a lack of understanding of the martial arts. Of course her Judo experience would most likely be alot different then what she would experience in Shotokan. But sounds like she is just not into taking care of herself.

I do that also except I imagine multiple attackers from different angles attacking. I imagine these people being very angry and agressive so that I respond to it that way.

Whats the hand position problem? Are we talking about the same George Alexander. The one that is a 9th Dan and learned Hakutsuru on Okinawa historian, author, and owner and producer of Yamazato Videos.

Farifax-Uechi, That is what I have heard about Uechi. Please correct me if I am wrong but doesn Uechi Ryu incorporate alot of Sanchin Dachi? Many of okinawan systems are higher stance and more circular espeically those that ultimately came from Naha-te. Its interesting how the Shuri-te and Naha-te systems and how they evolved to what is basically Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu and the systems that were created from there. Thats what I love about martial arts theres always something different.

Sensei Mark, I didn't mean if you had a video I meant for the person having the problem so I could help make suggestions. Also please if you address me either just call me Brandon or please use the title of Sensei with my name. I am not edgy about title many times I just prefer Brandon. I am a 5th Dan though so its been awhile since I had the Sempai title. I am familar with the Kyokushin mawashi geri is very interesting how its executed and very powerful probably one of the most powerful I have ever seen. When I practice kumite I do my mawashi geri very similar to the Kyokushin way because of the speed and power it has.

Hakutsuru is the longest kata I have ever seen but one of the most beatuiful to watch when done correctly. I got to see Hanshi George Alexander perfom Hakutsuru on a couple of occasions and I was amazed. The longest one I know personally is Kanku Dai or in the Okinawan systems Kusanku.

My system has 17 empty hand kata up to the rank of Godan. 3 Kihon Kata 5 Heian Kata 3 Naihanchi Kata Empi Bassai Dai Bassai Sho Hangetsu Kanku Dai Jion

Depends on the system and what your background is. There will always be slight differences.

Do you have a video of you doing the kick? Also Kanazawa Sensei has a DVD video out on Ashi Waza that is very good and might help you. awma.com has it available.

Typically they are all tired the same in square or traingle not. Japanese Karate styles are typically with the square knot. The biggest difference in tying the belts normally is whether is crossed in the back or not. But I have seen masters and grandmasters of the Okinawan, Japanese and Korean styles all tie their belts the same way. The belt system came from Judo so the way I see it is it all should be similar when you get right down to it.

It happens to often. Many just don't realize the value of the hard work. To many people these days want it the easy way. There is no easy way in true martial arts.

My students

I agree keep working hard and keep your head up. Some don't respect the lower ranks because some forget they were once there. In my opinion alot of it is ego that is not needed. Ego in my opinion as no place in a dojo or dojang.

Son Goku the monkeyking, Yes I am very familar with the tournament. In fact it was the first tournament I ever competed in. The tournament is a great learning tournament but not all high level competition however there is some very good competition. Where do you train and who is your Sifu?