Shorinryu Sensei

I did a quick search on google and came up with a few HUNDRED hits..appears most are in German. I'd start with that first.

I was in a similar situation for about 5 years. I taught in a gymnastics school and couldn't hang a sign out front, not store anything in the gym. We were able to hang a heavy bag over the floor and had an "interesting" pully system rigged to pull it up and away so not to get in the gymnasts way. As for getting students, your best advertisement is your students themselves. Word of mouth (posative, or negative) will bring in, or keep away students. If you students are happy, they will be talking about it. if they're not...well...it can go the other way too. You might try to do demonstratiosn if the opportunity arises. You're in the UK, there are summer festivals there quite often, right? See if you can get involved in one and do a demo on the grass. Those are always GREAT (I think anyway).

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong here...but karate means "Empty Hand"...and karate-Do means Way of the empty hand. BOTH are generic terms for karate, not a specific system of martial arts per se. It's like saying you want a manual on everything there is to know about an "automobile" (this is your karate or karate-do), when you're not being specific as to what KIND of automobile. There's a huge differance between a Model T Ford and a modern Posche, for example. There are GENERAL books out there that will show a few examples of basic blocks, punches and kicks, but you specified that you are looking for one that shows ALL of the techniques...and it just isn't out there because there are so many different ways of doing different techniques. Or as G95champ stated, there are books about SPECIFIC sytems, and I've never seen the one he mentioned, but I'd be willing to bet it doesn't contain ALL of the techniques to that system...right G95champ? Is this clearer now?

Since there are literally hundreds of different types of "karate" (a generic term), you'll need to be more specific as to what particular system of karate you are interested in. Also, as far as I know, there are no books for any style that list or show ALL of the techniques of that system. To attempt to write a book like that would be an undertaking that would make War and Peace seem like a childrens book! My opinion anyway.

ahhhhh......I got it now..thanks guys/gals...uhhhhh..whatever's? Well, basically I don't know what percentage of dojo/dojang/schools out there put an emphasis on tournament-type martial arts as compared to self-defense. My experiences have been about 50/50 or so, with TKD being the most prevalent system (remember, in MY experiences) that is geared primarily towards tournament-type karate, and not effective self-defense skills. Of course, you're experiences might differ, so don't jump on me please!!! An uninformed observer new to the arts will have a tough time (I'd suspect anyway) of telling which is which (sport vs self-defense emphasis)as an observer to a class. Best bet would be to take someone along that knows a bit more what they're looking at.

shotokanwarrior...I have no idea what you're asking here, and treebranch's answer just added more to the confusion. Could you restate your question please? MORE EGGNOG AND RUM PLEASE!!!

Since you didn't specify martial arts, I'd say that my favoirite stretch in the morning is just a good, all body stretch before, or just after you get out of bed. Accompanied with a good, long yawn of course! I love to hear the sounds of my back and knees popping first thing in the morning! As for best exercise, making love to my beautiful lady is always my first choice, and a distant 2nd would be running through a few of my favorite kata at medium intensity for about 5-10 minutes. It wakes me up and gets me going while I'm waiting for the coffee to get ready.

I've heard of that toe-crossing before, but that's not the way that we do it..or not that I know of anyway. We use the big (great) toe only, however I know it is also in our system (I'm not quite this hardcore though) where you curl all the toes under and kick with them. A wee bit to hardcore for this guy. Actually, now that I tink of it...WAY back in 1978 in Havre, Montana, Master Yuichi Kuda was visiting us from Okinawa and he walked up to the 1/2 plywood we had on the walls and kicked it with his toes, leaving 3 tiny little indentations from his big toe and the next two. My jaw hit the floor with that one!

Not to get off the subject, but it appears we've pretty well reolved the initial question of the thread anyway at this point. A few years ago, I moved to Houston, Tx for a short while (6 months) to do some "soul searching"...long story. Anyway, while there I would do searches on the internet, the yellow pages and just cruising down the streets in the evenings looking for different systems of martial arts that I had never seen before (I live in Montana ya know...lol). I have never seen so many Master-this, or Master-that's in my LIFE! I'd say 90% of them placed an emphasis on flash over effectiveness, from what I saw. Flashy techniques, flashy uniforms, flashy dojo's...YUCK! I would always introduce myself to the sensei if possible and explain that I had recently moved to Houston as was looking for a place to train. I was amazed at the hard-sell sales pitch that soon followed. It made me feel like I was in a used car lot! I saw in many of these dojo's, kids as young as 8 wearing black belts, and adults that, IMHO, didn't have the skills to be wearing a blue belt, let alone one...or more black belts. I understand that standards vary from system to system, or dojo to dojo..but some of these people were TERRIBLE! Amyway, it was an ainteresting 6 months down there. I found some really good schools, and many more that I wouldn't bother to visit again. I've never understood how some sensei can cheapen the art, just to make money? Values are screwed up somewhere....IMHO

I disagree. My perception of a complete art will be different than yours. Who sets the standard for the definition of a complete art? You? Me? The sensei down the street? A magazine or book? Isn't it our own, personal perceptions and values that define that? My perception of a "complete" automobile will be different than yours. My conception of a beautiful woman will be different than yours. Religion...political party...abortion views..foods,.favorite colors...complete vacation spot...perfect place to live...I can go on and on, but you get my idea. How many hundreds of thousands (millions?) of people in the world are, for example. students of ITF, WTF or some other TaeKwonDo organization? Since these people are taking that art form, many staying in it for years and getting at least one black belt...wouldn't you say that they consuider it a complete art? If not, why stay in it? The same goes for any system you'd care to mention. In reality, is ANY system really totally, 100% complete? No, of course not. But I believe it's a matter of perceptions, goals, values, and gut feelings that for each individual that if they are seeking an "complete martial art" that covers every criteria that they desire for one, then they have to find one that suits them and meets that criteria as best it can. I study old style Shorinryu (Orthodox). We have different levels of fighting, grappling, tuitte (locks), defenses against multiple opponents and weapons...yadda yadda yadda. Is it perfect and a complete art? Probably not in reality, but for me...it is. And until I find something better, I'm sticking with it. And in 29 years next month, I haven't found anything out there yet that I think is more complete and rounded. You might look at Shorinryu and say..."That's not a well rounded or complete art..they don't break boards or attend tournaments or push their people to do K1 type fighting."...so am I wrong? Are you right? My opinion anyway.

I was thinking more along the lines of a possible belt bactory. I have trouble seeing how with 30-50 minute classes, 3 times/week..you can learn enough to get promoted legitimately. But then again...that's just me, and I'm a picky bastard!

I'm quoting myself here from my first post on this thread. "Complete is going to be defined by everybody differently. What is complete to me, may not be for you. For example, we have no emphasis on tournaments, or K1 type competition...does that make us incomplete? No, just for us, there is no emphasis on that particular aspect. We don't break boards or bricks..does that make us incomplete? No, just wise enough to know that breaking boards/bricks proves nothing (IMHO) and is for show. But does that make us incomplete as a system? No, it doesn't. Other systems consider tournaments of various sorts necessary...even mandatory. Are they complete? Yes, if the participant feels that what they are learning/doing fits them well, and is right for them. Does that make sense, or did I just muddle the waters some more?

If you're willing to travel to Montana, here's a friend of mine that would know everything that there is to know about tourneys in the northwest. School Name: American Kenpo Karate Address: 105 S. 3rd St. West Missoula, MT 59801 Phone: 406-728-0525 Head Instructor / Chris Crews Style: Ed Parker's American Kenpo

Here's an email address for them...give them a jingle and ask what system they are doing. maaosh@vbe.com I just found this, and it's tossing up a whole lot of red flags for me. their class schedule: FLYING DRAGONS - 30 minute class for children 4-6 year old. (This class is part of the Basic Program). BASIC PROGRAM - 30 minute class for white, gold, orange, and green belts. (In this class we learn basic martial arts skills). MASTER CLUB (MC) - 50 minute class for white – black belts. (In this class we learn the basics as well as advanced “Black Belt” martial arts skills). LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (LP) - 50 minute class for white – black belts. (In this class we learn martial arts skills as well as leadership skills). 30 minute class? 50 minute class??? No way!!! IMHO, you can't learn anything ...or next to anything..in that short amount of time. Heck, it looks like UNDER 3 hours of training per WEEK. I haven't found a cost yet (no doubt using contracts), but for that much practice time with a sensei, you'd better not be paying more than $20-25/month! Careful.

When you're aying "your first dojo"..are you talking that you're a new instructor and looking to open your first COMMERCIAL dojo....aka, as a business? If so, my recommendation is to start out small until you gain experience...LOTS of experience. An example would be to start a class in your home, church, school, gym, etc. Get a decent base following of students first, plus see if you really want to teach full time. Pnce you have these "base students", meaning some middle/advanced ranked students that come on a regular basis, then I would consider opening a fulltime commercial dojo. This will also give you time to save some money for that dojo and give you an idea of how many students you might get, and what to charge them on a monthly basis to meet your expenses, plus give you money to support yourself on. That's assuming you are going to teach fulltime as your occupation? Some more info such as your age, experience and business goals would be helpful I don't know of any grants for opening a martial arts dojo, but the SBA (Small Business Association) will loan out monbey to start a new business..but you have to have a pretty detailed business plan to present to them with the loan application, or they won't look at you twice. Remember, this is a loan, and has to be paid back.

Congrats! Now, git off yer buns and get to TRAININ'!!!

This was posted on another forum. http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2003/12/12ky/met-7-karate1212-3195.html =========== 2 karate teachers charged with rape -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By CHARLIE WHITE cwhite@courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal Two karate instructors, a man and a woman, were arrested yesterday and charged with several counts of rape and sodomy involving two girls who at the time were 13-year-old karate students. Richard McKinney Woodard III, 38, owner of Richard's Karate Academy, 7275 Dixie Highway, was charged with six counts of second-degree rape and seven counts of second-degree sodomy. Lori Marie Franklin, 37, who police said was Woodard's girlfriend and an instructor at his school, faces four counts of second-degree rape and two counts of second-degree sodomy. They both live in the 7700 block of Brookview Drive. Woodard and Franklin were head instructors at the school and often spent time alone with their students, such as on trips to tournaments, said Detective Leigh Whelan of the Louisville Metro Police Crimes Against Children Unit. The alleged crimes occurred approximately two years ago. "Both children described these abuses as having happened over a period of time," Whelan said. Whelan said police interviewed several students during the monthlong investigation and found their statements helped corroborate the accounts of the two girls. Richard's Karate Academy closed about two weeks ago, Whelan said. Franklin, who also works at the Louisville Medical Center Credit Union, was arrested outside her workplace at 130 Medical Towers South at 3:45 p.m. yesterday. Her bond was set at $35,000. Woodard was arrested five minutes later at the corner of Broadway and Brook Street. His bond was set at $50,000. The two were indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday. The charges are all second-degree because no force was used. Police are investigating whether other children may have been molested. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crimes Against Children Unit at 574-2465

I'll agree with JerryLove on this one. Taking two arts at the same time will not give you as rounded "experience" as taking one complete art will. Taking two arts at once will end up giving you two incomplete arts, unless you study both arts for years and years each. There are some very good arts out there. Finding the one that YOU personally consider complete...that's the hard part.

The temple or the eye? Obviously, you aren't using the groin or knees as a potential target if you consider those as "toe targets"! Generally, targets considered suitable for the toe are below the sternum, the sides of the torso below the ribs, plus specific nerve targets of the leg between the knee and the groin.

Agreed. In point sparring, it's a game of tag...and the idea is to tag them before they tag you! Defend to much and you might very well lose. The street, on the other hand, is different.

Is there such a thing as a "complete art"? Yes, I think so, but it depends on what YOU consider complete I think. Everybody is going to define that differently. I do Orthodox Shorinryu..the old version, and for me, it is a complete art. Someone else may look at it and say it's lacking possibly, because there is no emphasis on sport or competition. Nor do we do breaking (other than bones). To us, those aspects aren't necessary, but to others, they would be.

Breaking your toe is always a possability everytime you kick someone. You can toe kick with either a froint snap kick, or a roundgouse where you invert your foot and hit with the toe instead of the top of your foot.

I hate to be the "doomsayer" here, but I see all kinds of loopholes with any sort of checking organization in regards to the martial arts. There are many people out there that have gone to one eminar with some artist of note, and then put it on their "resume" that they trained extensively with that person. For example, I was invited to meet and attend a seminar by the late Ed Parker about 2 years before his death. I did, it was interesting, but so different from what I do that I got nothing from it. Regardless..to me, I attended one, two hour seminar with the man. This is not, IMHO, enough to justify saying I've trained with the man, nor studied under him..yet many would I think. But assuming that I DID claim this, how would you verify, or disprove it? Also, who's going to fund an organization to check up on instructors credentials? We're talking a lot of time to do this, stamps/envelopes, long distance phone calls, etc. I used to do some checking on new instructors that came into this area, just to make sure they were legit..and it can be a very time consuming process to tack down references. That's assuming of course, they will give them to you. Many won't when they find out you are just verifying that they are who they say they are. My personal experience anyway. Again, I like the idea of it, because fakes in the arts hurt all of us that truly are legitimate..but I see no resolution short of the government *shudder* stepping in and licensing all of us and setting standards. There are just to many variables involved in the different arts to be able to do this fairly just for the legitimate TMA's, let alone for all the "new and improved" arts that spring up everytime you turn around.

I believe that most would classify a full time dojo as one that you work at 5 days/week (or more), 8 hours/day (or more. Basically, it's your job. I ran one for several years, 6 days/week and about 8 hours/day starting at 10am, and ending at 9:30 at night. I closed for a few hours during the day when there were no classes scheduled. It nearly burned me out and made me lose my love for the art.

It's my turn to agree with you SMR..lol. It's true! If you're involved in a martial art...ANY martial art, you can expect to get banged up a bit. We're not doing square dancing here ya know. God, I remember those days when I'd come honme at night and could hardly raise my arms, they hurt SOOOOOOO BAD!!! The next day they would be black and blue from the elbows to the wrists. But I'll be honest with you, I never had so much fun in my entire life!!! I don't know about your instructor goedikey, but the way that I handle students that are afraid of sparring is like this. I take them one-on-one with me, and I'll admit I can be rather intimidating at 6'6" (198cm) tall and around 240lbs, and I make them spar with me. I will tell them what to do (assuming they don't try anything), offer suggestions to try..praise them when they do something good, correct them if they are doing something really dumb, and give them some slow, easy punches and kicks to practice blocking on. I try to make the experience as positive and fun as possible, and it seems to work. I under no circumstances, try to dominate, embarass or make a fool of them! Sparring is a skill, just like any other. You can learn it if you pay your dues and put the time and effort into it. You can't expect to be skillful the first few times out..it takes time. Talk to your instructor about it. Express your concerns and fears to him/her. Ask them if they would spar with you a few times, taking it easy of course, and give you soem pointers. Injuries will happen..don't be afraid of them. Just remember..what doesn't kill you...makes you stronger!