bushido_man96

I like what you are saying here, about root and structure. It does appear to me, though, that size can be an advantage in applying the force you are talking about in root and structure. Do you have any advise on how the smaller guy can make this work for him? Or when the other guy comes in with force, as well? I do like your point about attacking the elbow, and how that helps you gain control.

This was the only other one I had ever frequented, and the quality wasn't even close to that of KF. This is definitely my home.

Congratulations on hitting this milestone, Heidi! You've been a great example as a moderator and community member here at KarateForums.com. You epitomize what the community is about, and your affect on the community has been profound. Here's to another 10 years!

Long lay off, I know, but here are some 6th Dan forms! WTF 6th Dan Poomsae, Jitae: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPWY_EJIZCc I count 35 moves, done in a T pattern. Very basic kicks, and really nothing too technically complicated about the form. It does have some very flowing movements, with the high block to punch at the beginning, as well as following the low knife hand blocks into the slow outer forearm block, as well as the stance shift. The blocking series that follows is interesting, too. There is one section on the stem of the T where he faces sideways for a series of blocks and kicks, and of note on the kicks were that they were in a one leg stance, and a down block is done prior to the kick, then retracted, and the the kick is done, so no "arm out" symmetry with the kicks. Also, most of the moves on the stem of the T are done facing forwards, but moving backwards towards the starting point. ATA 6th Dan Poomsae, Jhang Soo: 96 moves. This form is interesting for the ATA, in that it has a core set of moves, and a series in the form that is "open" for the student to put in his own moves. So, I have provided a few examples to show how some choose to do it. This is interesting in that it allows the student to "freestyle" the form to an extent, giving their own personal flavor to it. In the second link I posted, the practitioner explains how the form is laid out, and there are 30 freestyle moves each practitioner has to plug into the form. As for the core of the form, it seems to run some cross leg stances, some front leg kicking and then some balance work from the kicking chambers. We also see lots of multiple, single hand technique combinations (with no retraction hand), and also quite of spinning hand techniques. There also appears to be a sweep/downward side kick while standing combo. The first video shows an interesting kicking sequence with a jumping 360 crescent kick, landing down to some ground kicks, and a kick while standing up in base. He also does either a vertical kick or a twist kick, I can't tell which. He also does what looks like a Boxing combination with some slipping. In the second link, some of his freestyle moves are an interesting combination of knee, elbows, and a superman punch. He also does a long series of continuous kicking combinations. In the third video, he customizes with an interesting set of moves that look like a drunken opening, and then looks like he does what I would call a Hapkido like section with a joint lock, takedown, and finish. He does some very interesting circular hand movements. So, there we go with 6th Dan. I'm sure that there is probably a lot of controversy about the ATA 6th Dan form with its flair of freestyle to it, but at the point of reaching the rank of 6th degree, I think that many practitioners have figured out what they like in particular, what their specialties are, and what their preferences on techniques are. I think it is rather admirable that the ATA allows the student the opportunity to add their own flair to the form. As always, thoughts and discussions are appreciated! And thanks for being patient with me!

I like your pressure application here. I can see how it would be helpful, but we don't grapple with the gi, so where you get the grips near the knees, I don't know how I would adapt that to make it work for me.

Welcome to KarateForums! Glad to have you here!

Thanks, Bob. I probably even have a review of each of those titles posted somewhere...

5/4/2015 Defensive Tactics Club: 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Bag work, and some rolling. Had a pretty good role with our conference champ Wrestler. Although I ended up tapping in the end, I was able to defend his attacks for a while, and keep in good defensive positions. I did manage to improve my position once or twice, but his superior skill and experience kept making sure I was back on the defensive. Boy, was I tired, too! Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 155x5, 170x3; work sets: 190x5, 190x5, 190x5 Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 65x5, 85x5; work sets: 95x5, 95x5, 95x5. Really focusing on form and technique, which starts to slack when I get heavy on press. I lay back too much. Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 165x5, 185x5; work sets: 255x5, 255x5, 255x5 5/6/2015 Defensive Tactics Club: 1:30 - 3:00 pm. I worked on long gun disarms, and did a little stick work. Not much, though... Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 135x5, 155x5, 175x5; work sets: 200x5, 200x5, 200x5 Bench Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 95x5, 115x5, 135x5; work sets: 165x5, 165x5, 165x5. Really hurts the right shoulder. Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 165x5, 185x5; work sets: 265x5, 265x5, 265x5

I haven't got to watch all of it, but there are some fun demos in there. You can definitely see the technical differences in the two styles, including the different flair to each of their demos. A great contrast. Thanks for sharing these!

That's great! Training with family is a great experience!

I agree with your approach here. I like to have a stance at least a shoulder width apart (for front stance), and a stance can't be so deep that it becomes an effort to get out of it. Some more flexible students can pull off a deep front stance or back stance, but for me, its more difficult, due to age, knees, weight, etc.Good fundamental, applicable movements first, and then adjust for competition or aesthetics.

Many governing bodies have their own requirements for instructors. Things like instructor certification within an organization might lend itself to the NGB covering you with their insurance. Certain requirements to attain instructor status will likely be in place by the NGB, like first-aid/CPR certification, among other requirements. If you are planning to teach under a governing body, check with them to find out what your requirements to become and instructor are.

Loren Christensen has put out some nice books on solo training: Solo Training: http://www.amazon.com/Solo-Training-Martial-Artists-Guide/dp/1880336596/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Solo Training 2: http://www.amazon.com/Solo-Training-Building-Effective-Grappling/dp/188033688X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 The Way Alone: http://www.amazon.com/Way-Alone-Your-Excellence-Martial-ebook/dp/B009GIVPM4/ref=la_B000APSJ1M_1_36?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431515949&sr=1-36 I have all three, and they are pretty good resources.

4/27/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 155x5, 165x3; work sets: 180x5, 180x5, 180x5 Bench Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 95x5, 115x5; work sets: 155x5, 155x5, 155x5 Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 165x5, 185x5; work sets: 225x5, 225x5, 225x5 4/29/2015 Defensive Tactics Club: 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Palgwe 1 and 2, 3x each. Mitt work. Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 155x5, 165x3; work sets: 185x5, 185x5, 185x5 Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 85x5, 95x5; work sets: 100x5, 100x5, 100x5 Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 165x5, 185x5; work sets: 235x5, 235x5, 235x5 5/1/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 155x5, 165x3; work sets: 190x5, 190x5, 190x5 Bench Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 95x5, 115x5, 135x5; work sets: 160x5, 160x5 Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 165x5, 185x5; work sets: 245x5, 245x5, 245x5

Welcome aboard, Gary!

Welcome to KF!

Way to go!

I have done some work with my oldest son here and there, but by and large, I find it better to let my son kind of go his way with Wrestling with the coaches he has. They do a good job working with him, and it eliminates him trying to separate the dad/teacher component.

I disagree. I think there is a place for all of those things in karate while we maintain internal harmony. I don't believe that a focus on fighting necessitates a dis-focus from meditation or internal awareness.I agree with Zaine. I think its possible to have a balance. I also think many people find meditative benefits from all kinds of different activities, and they aren't just reserved for specific activities. I think a lot of it has to do with how a person is wired, which includes their philosophical views. I think this is why there are so many different styles out there.

4/20/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 145x5; work sets: 165x5, 165x5, 165x5 Press: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 55x5; work sets: 105x5, 105x5, 105x5 Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 155x5, 175x5; work sets: 200x5, 200x5, 200x5 4/22/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 155x5; work sets: 170x5, 170x5, 170x5 Bench Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 90x5, 115x5; work sets: 140x5, 140x5, 140x5 Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 165x5, 175x5; work sets: 205x5, 205x5, 205x5 4/24/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 155x5, 165x3; work sets: 175x5, 175x5, 175x5 Press: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 95x5; work sets: 115x5, 110x5, 110x5; form was going down with too much layback, so I have to back off the weight to get good form. Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 165x5, 185x5; work sets: 215x5, 215x5, 215x5

Ballet dancers do pleaees (not sure on spelling here) that work the ankles. Perhaps something of that nature would help you out?

The side kick is one of the toughest kicks to gain flexibility and height for. The main obstacle, I think, is the way the hips line up when a proper side kick is performed. I find that I'm able to get high round kicks up more easily than I am able to get high side kicks. Stretching is important, but so is developing the muscles on the outside of the leg that are used to hold that leg up in the air. Use a wall or a chair to hold your balance, and do slow, tension side kicks, holding the leg out when you complete the kick. Then pulse the leg up and down about 6 inches. Doing these exercises will help those muscles get more used to holding the leg up when you try to kick high, along with the stretching.

Bob is right on here. Your instructor will bring you along, and most of the time, instructors have their student's best interests in mind. If you trust your instructor at all, then just keep training and the gradings will take care of themselves.

4/15/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5, 95x5, 115x5; work sets: 155x5, 155x5 155x5 Press: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 55x5; work sets: 90x5, 90x5, 90x5. Got a bit too much lean on these. Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 155x5, 155x5; work sets: 180x5, 180x5, 180x5 4/17/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5, 115x5, 135x5; work sets: 160x5, 160x5, 160x5 Bench Press: warm-ups: 45x5, 90x5, 115x5; work sets: 135x5, 135x5; really hurts my right shoulder. Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 155x5, 165x5; work sets: 190x5, 190x5, 190x5 4/20/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 135x5, 145x5; work sets: 165x5, 165x5, 165x5 Press: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 55x5; work sets: 105x5, 105x5, 105x5 Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 155x5, 175x5; work sets: 200x5, 200x5, 200x5

Has it always been done that way, or is it a change that made its way into the form?