Makushi

I do agree that body mechanics are important. But, at its heart, Karate is an art or method of self-defense. The "do" aspects of character development is only a relatively new addition to Karate, and was preceded by the kata and bunkai which is the true core of Karate and seperates it from the other "dos". As a method of self-defense, it would seem to me that instruction in the defensive techniques, IE the bunkai, would be an important part of any serious course of study. To not teach the bunkai for several years is to deprive the student of the real tools of the trade and, at the same, misses out on the importance of visualizing the bunkai while doing the Kata. Are you saying that you change the kata, or just the suggested bunkai for a particular section of a kata? I don't see how kihon or ippon kumite practice equates to "practical fighting technique". For one, kihon is simply basics without a partner. Ippon kumite, as is typically practiced, doesn't involve realistic or practical attacks. It inolves a person in zenkutsu dachi stepping forward in an launching either a straight punch, reverse punch, or some type of kick. None of these are realistic attacks, and therefore the defense utilized cannot be considered practical. A more practical approach would deal with grabs, chokes, kicks, and other situations that one would face in a true self-defense scenario. That is where the true value of the bunkai can be seen. Remember, self defense has very little to do with the point kumite that we see at tournaments. It has much more to do with preventing and or dealing with realistic attacks in a decisive manner. I might actually agree with you on this. It might possibly be that we are talking about two different paths to the same destination.

Weren't the white uniforms and belt system an import from Dr. Kano's judo system? As such, they really aren't tied to "traditional" Okinawan Karate. Going back to the original question, competitions can serve a couple different uses for the traditional, non-sport, kareta-ka. Firstly, the intese training leading up to the tournament can help with the development of both skills and conditioning. Secondly, participation in a competition can help a person to grow accustomed to perfroming techniques in a stressful and upredictable environment. Both of the above will help the traditional karate-ka to be more adept in real situations.

There are some very "successful" and highly regarded schools in the NW that don't teach any bunkai until after the shodan level. One school in particular does especially well in kata competitions even on the international level. However, the students don't know or practice the bunkai. IMHO, it seems like bunkai IS the true essence of the self-defense aspects of Karate. Karate without the bunkai really isn't Karate.

A good thing to do when working alone is to simply "go off" on the conditioning. The best things to condition? legs and abs! For legs, do squats w/left leg front x 20, right leg front x 20, legs even x 20, on toes x 20, jumping x 20. Do three sets. If you do this three times a week, your stamina and ability to take leg kicks will dramatically improve in short time. Abs....crunch, crunch, cruch! OSU!

It's my understanding that kata is a method for an individual to practice bunkai in a safe and repetitive manner and also build the physiological foundation needed for the lethal execution of the technique. However, many schools put kata at the core of their cirriculumn without even teaching the bunkai. So which is it? Is karate about the bunkai, or is karate about kata?

Yes, but I've read several articles about how all the older Goju practioners in Japan had severe health problems and most never lived past 60. The hypothesis was that the breathing caused high blood pressure and other problems. Not sure if it is substantiated, but somethng to thing about.

Powerofone, the rules for the tournament you are entering are shown on the website for the tournament. You can download in pdf file. Each tourney will have slight or large variations of these rules. For example, as you know the Sabaki events have dramatically different rules than the Kyokushin events.

I like to focus on just one or two techniques when I'm sparring. If I simply try to "win" be reacting, my improvement is limited. However, if try to set up a technique by leading my opponent into it, and then execute the technique I actually get much better at the technique. Sparring to win doesn't really belong in the dojo. If you are better than your opponent, it is your duty to help them. If you are not as skilled as your opponent, by definition, you can't win, and you shouldn't take advantage of a sempai that is allowing you to practice your technique. That said, pre-competition, especially full contact competition, sparring should be an almost all out deal. IMHO

I have five years of Sabaki Challenge videos. I agree that the judges tend to reward fighters for using Sabaki technique. So, if two fighters are equal, the one that demonstrates greater Sabaki technique will generally be given the nod by the judges. Angie Yeoh is an example of a non-Enshin fighter that has done very well, winning three Sabaki Challenges.

Hey Power One, Where do you train now? I've done some training with the Seattle Enshin gang, and a few of the local Kyokushin guys.