Daimyo

WORK = KUMITE When you spar or do kata - the death of you is going in to tense or have too much emotion. If you are relaxed and calm - it's easier to see attacks, plan a strategy, and respond with speed and efficiency. Because of Karate, I now handle my job the same way. Bombs, deadlines, and fire can be falling from the sky. When this happens, like I do before kumite, I take a quick breath - assume my mental "kamae" and face issues head on - with confidence and without stress. Karate has taught me that (thanks Gichin!).

Maybe the assumption is that when our collective enemies see our awesome fighting moves - they'll all run away like school girls after our last block!

Maybe the assumption is that when our collective enemies see our awesome fighting moves - they'll all run away like school girls after our last block!

Hmmm.....interesting food for thought. Why so many Kata's "finishing move" doesn't actually "finish" an opponent when it's a block. For Shotokan, that would include most of the Heians (1, 2, 4).

Great post Jiffy - very good context as to the intent of this kata (makes me want to practice it more)! Question to all regarding the first move. I have been taught that it is an augmented block - but I once had a sempai teach it's bunkai interpretation as a strike. Has anyone else heard this, and if so, isn't this against the Funakoshi principle of karate being "self-defence"?

I've had 4 dogi's and all but my first (was given to me) have remained patchless. I have nothing against those who wear them (including my sensei). I'm personally very proud of my dojo & style (iskf), just always felt I didn't want to look like a Boy Scout. Hmm....maybe I need some psychoanalysis???? Hehe

Fantastic post Jiffy - very well put. I second the motion that this should be a sticky! I get your reasoning for the thread name, however I don't think it does justice to the great fundamental principles you've collected here. It should be "mandatory reading" for new (and old too) martial artists.

I've been lucky enough to be offered a few trips to Japan for business. With a little planning, I was able to train in both Kobe and at the JKA headquarters in Tokyo. I can assure you they did not repeat their instruction in English! It would have been pretty embarassing were I not able to understand the basic Japanese callouts (it was stressful enough just trying to make sure my techniques were sharp). Overall, it was an awesome experience - and you never know when a chance like this could come up for you. Why not just make the extra little effort to learn the original names? Will it give you better technique - debatable. Will it make you a more informed and well rounded kareteka? For sure. Just do it!!

Hi there Storm! Excuse my ignorance...what's Ahlan??

Welcome Jason.....enjoy KF!

Welcome Roberto....

Welcome! If you make it to Vancouver - we can spar. Can't help you in Tampa though. Good luck!

Wassup Daniel....welcome!

Guyana - use the resources that are already out there, study them every day, and practice like hell! I really recommend the "Best Karate" book series (there is a Bassai Dai / Kanku Dai edition) and study the subtleties of the pictures such as hand / feet positioning BETWEEN the steps. Also - there are lots of links on the net with videos of the katas (ie. Kanazawa sensei blue videos). These are also great to learn the moves (although timing is at a slower "instructional" pace - so be careful). There are also some really old JKA videos at full speed - which will help you with your pace. Finally, video tape yourself doing the kata and see what you really look like (or share with others). Oh, I did I mention practice practice practice??

Wow - my hats off to Alsey and those others who did Kanku-Dai for grading. Good on ya!