Shorinryu Sensei

My apolgies to all on my previous post on this thread, as mine is one of those that KSN Doug deleted. I've had many experiences with TKD dojang's/practioneers over the years in various locations throughout the USA, and a few in Europe. All of them have told me they are doing "Traditional TKD", but I've found them to put much more emphasis on flashy, and in my opinion, ineffective techniques than oan techniques that would actually work in a real street fight situation.. My suggestion, like others have already stated, is to get back to their roots, forget the flashy stuff that will get you killed in a street fight, use more hands, improve their blocking skills, forget breaking boards and learn (through good technique) how power is generated, lower your kicks, learn body movement, etc. Again, I apoligise if I offended anyone with my previous post. That was not my intent.

I didn't look over the entire site, but one thing caught my eye taht I thought was particularily significant. They listed various kata that they practice. Among which, were "Sanchin, KuanKu & Bassay" For one thing, the Sanchin kata is not of Okinawan origion as far as I know. It is a Japanese kata (from Shotokan?). And "KuanKu and Bassay", I would suspect, are the misspellings of the Okinawan kata Kusanku and of the Japanese kata Bassai, which is a adaption of the Okinawan Passai kata. So, to me anyway, it looks like somebody down the road of the system is using Japanese influence in a so called Old traditional Okinawan system. Also, under Shorinryu, they say "SHORIN RYU is the most illustrious style of Okinawa Karate. It is made up of a handful of schools: Matsubayashi Ryu, Kobayashi Ryu, Saybayashi Ryu, Matsumura seito Ryu, Sindo Ryu and others." I've been involved in Shorinryu Matsumura Seito for nearly 30 years now, and I've NEVER heard of Sindo Ryu before perttaining to a Shorinryu branch. It must be REALLY secret, huh? For me, any system that is "secretive" makes me suspicous anyway. What are they trying to hide? And full contact without any protective gear is just plain nonsense. Can you imagine two beginners going at it full contact, and wanting to come to another class afterwards? I don't think so.

Traditionally, in the Okinawan culture anyway, the "staff' (aka bo) should bethe same height as you are. In my case, I'm 6'6" (198cm) tall, but I still use a 6' bo for several reasons. 1. I haven't ever seen a bo longer than 6' for sale, and 2. any loinger than 6' long would cause numerous bangings to the top of my dojo ceiling! As it is, I had to place tongue nd groove boards on it as the sheetrock was starting to look pretty "frazzled" between frequent contacts with the bo and the nunchaku smacking it all the time. Also, a 5' long "staff" is a called a jo. Unless of course, you stand 5' tall yourself? then yes, I suppose a 5' "staff" would be your bo. I believe some of the Chinese systems have "staff's" as long as 10'.

I find it interesting that so many systems seems to "need" numerous blackbelts, even the head of the system, present to test someone for a black belt. Why? don't they trust the sensei to do a good job, or do they have to make sure the sensei is turning out good students? To me, I would take that as an insult to my teaching abilities, training curriculum and opinion that the student has reached that certain level and is ready to wear the next belt. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that is a bad thing, but in our system, we feel that a students sensei has promoted them up through the ranks by themselves (usually) wkth no help from the head master or other high ranking black belts...so why can't he also promote the student to a black belt without help? We are a very small system compared to most, and the next nearest sensei (outside of my own students that are in my class) practicing this particular system are in Seattle, WA or Minnesota. This makes it very difficult to have other sensei present if I want to test a student, regardless of rank. Our association has faith in me that I know what I'm doing, and if I feel a student deserves a promotion to the next level, whether it be a yellow belt, or a 2nd Dan (the highest I can promote someone), I just do it, and need no permission from anyone to do so. Even if there was another sensei of this system locally, I am under no obligation to invite them to witness a promotion in my dojo. I have had the opportunity to witness many testings in many different systems, including the system that I practice with other sensei, and I would take any one of my students and belt for belt, say that they are at least as good, and usually considerably better in the quality of their training and techniques than the majority of the students testing for the equalivant belts in other systems. I demand a certain amount of quality from my students, and either I get it, or they don't get promoted. Like I said, multiple testors is fine I guess, I just would, as an instructor, feel that my teaching is put into question and under scrutiny if I can't be trusted to test and promote my own people to the next belt, regardless of what color that belt might be.

I'm not trying to talk you out of opening a dojo bud, just trying to give you something to think about. Like I said, the general public, ignorant of the "politics" and shams that are so prolific in the martial arts (ie: phony masters and over-inflated belt ranks/belt factory's) will say to themselves.."I want to take a martial arts class. We have Master Whatever over here, and we have 1st degree black belt guy over there. Hmmm...which is more skilled?" Whgether it is correct or not, I would think the majority of the martial arts ignorant public will choose the "Master" most of the time. I lived in Houston, Tx for 6 months back in 2000 and travelled all over that city visiting various dojo's to see what "big city" martial arts was like. It seemed to me that just about EVERYBODY was a master of their art, and believe me..many were truly poor to medium in their abilities in my opinion. Yet they had hundreds of students, trophies all over the place, year long contracts and business managers, etc. I saw very few low ranking black belts trying to run a commercial dojo, and those that I did were small places in poor neighborhoods. Generally,m I thought the skill level of these lower black belts was better oftentimes than the "masters" that I witnessed, which may (or may not) be true in your case. Anyway, just something to think about...and good luck to you.

White Warlock has already given you GREAT advice, so the only other thing I'd add is this question. You say you're a 1st degree black belt and never run a school before. It sounds to me like you're trying to start out really big (and expensive), and from what I've seen in large cities around the country is that schools are run by (legitimate or not) "Master This", or "GrandMaster That". I obviously don't know your area, but in the area you're going to open your school, are there many dojo's with "Masters" running them? If so, liek I said, legitimate or not, the general public will always go to a "Master" school over some guy that just got his black belt...whether you're any good or not. See what I mean? The public is easily fooled by titles, mirros and flash.

Well, technically, the student is correct and I would have said "Yes, you're correct in the traditional sense, but since I am acting as your instructor at this moment, then I am your Sempai right now." I would suggest that you thank the student the first time for his input, and then explain breifly to him that you are running the class, and would prefer that he listens to what you have to say, and keep his comments to a minimum. If it becomes a problem and he continues to give advice and comments, I would politely ask him to be quiet please and let you run the class. If he disagrees with a particular application or technique, you'll be glad to talk to him after class about it, and confirm it with your sensei. The important thing to keep in mind when running a class is stay in control of it. Respect others opinions, but if you're sure about what you're doing, then be firm, but polite...and keep in control. Losing your temper, or getting flustered, isn't a good thing if you're teaching. The students are looking up to your for guidance and information, and if you know that what you're showing them is correct, you need to make sure they understand that. If the student continues to be a problem, you might want to talk to your sensei about it, and he might want to talk to the kids father. My 2 cents worth...want change back?

I'm really trying to refrain from commenting on this one smr, as all sorts of things are popping into my head right now. Anyway, my policy in my dojo has been that t-shirts can be work instead of gi tops during the hot summer months. T-shirts must be clean and in good repair, and nothing "offensive" (beer slogans, cartoons, etc) on them. The general rule of thumb is when school lets out for the summer (sometimes earlier if it gets hot sooner) then we switch to t-shirts. In the fall when school starts, gi tops go back on.

It was so long ago, I really don't remember my first test. In the past, I tested my own students on these items for their first test: 1. Basic stances 2. Basic blocks 3. Basic kicks 4. Pinan Shodan Kata Also, and my students know this, they are tested literally in every class on effort, attendance, technique, willingness to learn, etc, so the actual testing is was a formality. I didn't test them until I know they can pass it. As of a couple of months ago, I've discontinued formal testing and replaced it with promotions when they are ready for them. This goes along with the testing in every class. I will watch them for a couple of weeks (basically testing them without them being aware of it) in class, and when I'm satisfied they are where I want them to be for their next belt, I award them the next belt.

Well, I wouldn't know how smart I am...just to dang stubborn to quit before I know everything!

First of all, you need to find out what your Shotokan organization requires to be an instructor. Secondly, if you feel your sensei is a good instructor, watch and learn from him. Learn what he does that you like, and learn what he does that you don't like, so that you don't make the same mistakes. Thirdly, I'd suggest taking psychology and teaching classes if you can. they can be very helpful. Fourth, learn your techniques inside and out. Learn all terminology required for your system, your kata so well you dream about them in your sleep, and strive to be the BEST sensei on the planet! Of course, I already have that distinction, so you'll have to settle for 2nd best...but that's OK too!

Not wanting to wander to far from the topic here (but I will anyway! ), I trained in Montana under my origional sensei, who had been stationed for several years on Okinawa just before I met him. He trained directly with the head of the system while stationed there. It was as close as I could get without being in Okinawa myself.

I think that makes you and I the old farts of the forum SaiFightsMS! I know I have gray hairs..lots of them as a matter of fact! lol I got a late start in life compared to most of the "kids" on this forum. I was 22 when I started taking my first class from Sensei Miller.

Personally, I get my own students actually teaching entire classes by themselves (I supervise and participate however) periodically when they get their Sankyu (1st of three brown belts), so that by the time they attain their Shodan, they have quite a few hours of teaching experience. I have run a mixed class in the past of children and adults, and if run properly, it works out well. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, I no longer teach children unless they are "adult sized" and capable and willing to work hand in hand with adults in all aspects of karate training. I would not recommend starting your MA career by teaching children first instead of adults, as children require many more times the amount of patience to work with, and you need much better teaching skills with children. I was fortunate when I taught kids in that I have a Bachelor's Degree (+) in Elementary Education and used to teach children in the educational classroom.

I'm just curious. We have a running poll in the "Karate" thread on "What color belt are you?", and judging from some of the comments about this belt in this style, and that belt in that style, I thought I'd just round it out to how long, counting ALL the martial arts you've seriously studied in your time, have you studied the martial arts? Myself, this coming January will be 30 years.

Geeze...I've been sitting here for half an hour trying to remember my yellow belt test...AND I CAN'T!!! It must have been sometime in the early Spring in 1975...but for the life of me, I just can't remember it! Man, it's tough getting OLD!!!

The only actual "weapon" I carry is a kobutan on my keychain. Bit I agree with White Warlock in that there are many things in your environment to use for weapons, plus the obvious weapons we're training to use on our bodies. The moist effective of which is that big one between your ears.

I'm not familiar with the term "straight blast", but from the other posts, I'm assuming you're talking about a hard, full power, totally committed body movement straight jab...right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that the exact technique that most, if not all striking martial arts learn to defend against first? Speaking just for myself and the system that I do, we absolutly lLOVE IT when somebody punches like that! With practice and knowledge, it is one of the easiest techniques to defend against. Any of my students past 3 months of training is going to get a nasty look from me if they can't come up with at least a dozen ways of defending and countering that technique.

I'd say it's a crap shoot as to who would win. There would be countless factors involved that could change at a moments notice and would affect the outcome of the fight.

As I understand it, Dux has been pretty much discredited by the martial arts community because he's never been able to prove his claims with solid proof and evidence. I know there's websites out there that deal with this man in detail, but off the top of my noggin', I don't have any address's for them.

Agreed! I've found talking to long time martial artists in general, that the longer they are involved in the art, the less concerned they are with attaining higher rank.

Interesting site and great photos. It is however, quite a bit different in many of the movements from the Matsumura Seito Shorinryu version that I do.

*putting on my Oriental accent here* To not know the bunkai of a kata is the same as looking at words and not knowing the letters in them. Yes, you guys can quote me...

I'll 2nd tommarker's comments. I've been a judge/referree at tournaments for over 20 years now, and I've seen numerous lower belts beat upper belts in both sparring and kata competitions. I even saw a white belt student that had been in class for only 3 WEEKS, beat yellow, blue and green belts in sparring (she got 2nd place), and a 3rd place in kata. Admittedly, she was one of my students and an exception to the rule (no, she didn't have prior experience)..and no, I was not one of her judges. At a judo competition I was helping out at years ago, a white belt beat all comers, including several brown and black belts, and was awarded the tournament grand champion trophy. His technique wasn't that good, but through raw guts, willpower and muscle, he overcame the higher ranked judaka's good technique and attempts to best him. Hey...it happens!

Well, a few years ago I tried to get my students to address me as "Lord High Master of the Friggin' Universe", but that never seemed to go over very well for some reason, so my policy is that if they are under 18 years of age, they can call me Sensei, and 18 and over call me Paul. Any other sensei I've met in this system I've always addressed by their first name, with the exception for the deceased head of the system, who I always called sensei.