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!

I've seen some gutsy folks do Kanku-dai when grading. I love that kata too, but at 65 moves - doing that for grading is like ritual suicide! I think I'll just practice them all for the love of them all! When we grade for Shodan (ususally with Okazaki-sensei or Yaguchi-sensei) - the elective kata they choose for us is one of the Heians or Teki-shodan. Last grading, they made everyone do Heian Yondan. Personally, I think it's genious, as it forces everyone have to perfect the BASIC katas, which are such an important foundation for the advanced katas (and good kihon). Remember, the translation for "shodan" is simply "first step".

Nice Jadnek ...... Yes, I'm still here in the west ..... Vancouver is a pretty tough place to leave. If you've been here (or any other part of BC) you'll know what I'm talking about. Great karate community too!

Funny you mention those two Angela....I've been flip flopping between which one I'm going to do in my Shodan grading. Bassai Dai....Jion....Bassai Dai....Jion....etc...etch... Personally, I love the power of Jion - but my sensei feels I'm stronger in Bassai Dai. Ahh...decisions.

Great video and kata. Sochin is an beautiful kata and watching it on top the mountain was pretty cool. I'd love to shoot myself doing some kata's by the ocean .... great to keep and look back 25 years from now!

Thanks for the welcomes guys - appreciate the hospitality

Thanks for the east coast support Koko!

Greetings all - have been a forum voyeur for some time now and thought it about time to actually contribute. Was introduced to martial arts training in Japan in the early 90's and started Shotokan seriously in Vancouver after that. Have been fortunate to train in varius parts of Japan on a number of occassions, including at the JKA head dojo in Tokyo (AWESOME experience). I've haven't been able to train for a few years due to family issues - but with their support, am back at it in full force. (If anyone has insights on how to approach training after a long hiatus - I'd love to hear! Need my old foot callusses back fast!) This forum has provided great insight and inspiration. Some real quality posters here. Osu!

1st Kyu - Shotokan

I also believe having Japanese instructions adds context and tradition to Karate. I find the biggest benefit, however, from learning Japanese terminology is when attending seminars (or even grading) from Japanese guest instructors. I rarely can understand their call-outs in broken-English - but when I hear "Jodan Mawashi-Geri"....OSU!!

Like you, Kez, I am always finishing my kata's at the slower range of my classes. The important difference from my colleagues, however, relates to kata pace - NOT the speed of my technique. I find the lower belts in my class tend to hurry their pace to make up for a lack of technique / balance / poor stance. It is desireable, to slow one's pace / rhythm to show kime and understanding of each move. However, one should try to execute the individual moves (or combinations ie. block/strike) with full speed as one would in any "bunkai" life-or-death situation.