Yasutsune Makoto

That's a really great thing to hear, Jiffy. How do they like it as a whole? Does there seem to be a high retention rate?

Talisman Razor Alchemical Cut Charm

As I said a little earlier I'm all for evolving. I think it's our purpose as martial artists to evolve. No karate person until the founding of the JKA taught exactly the same thing over and over. There has been slight modifications with every generation of instructors. I don't see why shotokan should be any different. I myself have had experience in JKA/ISKF, and AKJU. Both of these systems teach shotokan karate, but have rather different philosophies. My Shihan, when I started training in the JKA club at my college sent me off by saying "Don't let the JKA close your mind". As you said, open-mindedness and evolution. Pushing ourselves and our styles to the next level are very important. Major Shotokan organizations (JKA/ISKF, SKA, etc.) are like a cookie press, popping out the exact same thing over and over again. Very little personality behind the individual, very little room for error. Then, when someone is "out of specifications" they are cut off from the organization. Hence the stagnation. It would be nice to see a new organization develop, one that teaches students to take what they are taught and push it to the next level. Possibly restructuring the belt system to promote that (24fightingchickens). Especially if that organization were to use "traditional" shotokan technique and practice, showing that it doesn't HAVE to be just a pretty, competition, point-style, cookie cutter system.

very pretty. After one watch the only thing I noticed was that the transitions had a lot of excess motion in them. He moves so fast though, very sharp. Beautiful competition kata. Does he do any heavy kata (AKA Sochin, Jion, Jitte, etc.)? That would be a very different look, it would be interesting to see.

We are the next step in the evolution of Shotokan. Which has stayed stagnant far too long. IMO. By recognizing the issue and doing something about it we all make a first step. Good luck. Have fun.

good posts, 24fightingchickens, very good. I can't really disprove or argue against anything you say because from my past personal experiences it's all true. I can say, however, that if you want to, it is easy to find the "Feed me a wrist and I'm going to wrap you up in knots while I beat your face in." Also from personal experience.

kgcobra320. Kata IS the training. Basics come from kata, kumite originated from there (depending on how you use it, it's either close to the trunk or out on a limb). Keep searching, everything eventually comes together. They teach you on a formula, and wait for you to put together the final equation. sorry for all the bad metaphors and cliches. IMO, The best way to find the real spirit and application is to get some MA buddies and go fight. Not kumite, but really fight (minus the killing and maiming and stuff). It might hurt at first, but then it clicks! *click*

Since I haven't seen this posted on this thread yet... Shotokan is also seen as a sport style because (I believe) it was the first karate style (judo not included) to have competitive sport fighting. It also has a substantially large number of members, most of whom enjoy sport competition. This being a big factor of the sport style shotokan, I want to point out that although it's been modified, its essence hasn't been watered down. I've recently begun using shotokan in heavy contact fighting, no pads, allowing leg strikes and light groin (w/ cup) and face strikes, throws, knees, elbows and joint manipulations with no restrictions except for don't maim/break your partner...we are friends after all. Staying loyal to the style I manage to do very well, and even can use many moves from kata during the fighting. All that was to point out one basic thing... If you use shotokan to point spar, it will look like a sport. But when you begin using it in a more combative situation, its essence comes out, showing how martial it can be.

Many good points brought up. IMO, Fighting spirit is that determination some people have to never give up, always win, etc. This is both natural AND train-able. A great article on this can be found by google-ing "Fighting Spirit by Isao Inokuma" (it should be the first hit). Killer instinct is different, like others said. I think it's more of a subconcious ability to see an opening, sense a weakness, and then exploit it without making concious efforts to do so. Also, it's an instinct and willingness to bite, claw, gouge, maim. Destroying the oppenent by whatever means possible.

I've always believed that padding is there to leave the tournaments sponsers a little comfy feeling in their stomach. As you all have mentioned, they do very little to protect the opponent, the only thing they protect is your own knuckles (sometimes). This said... 1) No, probably not 2) Yes, but not in the match, before beginning I would realize that injuring my partner is a possibilty and make sure that I know where my fist is going and have control of it at all times. (ideally) 3) Artform, yes. But that depends on what you're sparring for. It was already stated that good point fighters, with good control can't necessarily hit hard, which is very true. The point is control, if being able to hit hard is the key, then being able to control that power is the advanced stage of kumite. Not needing full contact sparring to hone your abilities to make a killing/KO blow. off of that. The attitude when stepping into the ring should never be "this is for points". It should be, I will kill him! Then delivering that strike with control...Kumite is like friendly/psuedo killing practice. So I don't see any reason to injure your opponent. Hurting is fine, injuring is bad! imo.

Thanks for all your help, I understand the technique now and am starting to get it down. To everyone: Try the kick AnonymousOne described, to me it feels way better than the traditional yoko keage geri. To AnonymousOne: You said that you felt side thrust kick was too slow, I beg to differ. By developing the kick so you can throw it without a huge chamber and having to reposition your body, such as throwing it with the back leg in zenkutsudachi, you can get the same speed as a front kick or a roundhouse kick out of it.

It matters because you need understanding. You may know everything that you need to know in a year, but to understand it completely and apply it with the correct spirit is the goal of a lifetime. Without the proper mentality and spirit behind the knowledge and ability there is nothing of substance. Just movements that look good (maybe). Too many schools out there pass a student because they can go through the motions that are written down on the requirement sheet. Technical proficiency is important, but it's only the skin of the martial arts. Learning techniques is like reading the back of a book. Do you know everything because you read the excerpt?

thanks everyone I never needed this technique until I started JKA training, so it's a little hard when you're used to the side thrust kick to make the change.

so I need to develop some really whippy knees? Are there stretches for that, because after training the kick today they are a little sore. Is that likely to be a form thing?

I haven't max lifted in a super long time. Last time was three reps at 170 when i weighed 150 as a freshman in high school. I never found bench that applicable in a practical stand point, so i never pushed it and instead worked on bi's, tri's, back, shoulders, abs. Which helped my power tremendously.