TraditionalDan

Sometimes I just can't fit enough katas in one class! Last night I worked on one kata for two hours, and I just wanted to keep going, trying to get it right. Unlike some other elements of my training, kata just makes me want to really perfect it. Which is a good thing for attaining a good standard of karate and fitness overall.

You sound like quite a small guy, so Uechi Ryu sounds like it could be effective to me (but I am obviously slightly biased ). But all I can suggest is to look around and do your research, and see what you like. Also, what is it you really want form training in the martial arts?

I do agree yes Maybe I might make it a point to cover in my next class, I will play around with lone techniques compared to setup techniques etc.

Something else that helps is to keep your height at a constant, and to not bob up and down. This is as we are always taught in kata, but it's another measure to prevent telegraphing attacks.

Anyway, what I have found is that with the use of a mirror you can learn to keep your body movements more subtle. But the key is, to try and generate power at the same time. I am still working on it, and mawashi geri is a challenge. A full power and wound up mawashi, may need a setup technique or a distraction to be landed. Many factors are of involved of course.

Music can help motivate me, but can distract me. I find it much easier to concentrate without it.

Please explain how an 'art' can overcome a person!

They look quite good, I have set reminders for when they are on over here in the UK. The guys look like they take a real beating a couple of times, in various disciplines.

Looks like I will be working with the mirror tonight then!

What I mean is, is it telegraphed if the opponent sees any imminent attack. Or whether the opponent sees a specific attack? I suppose any kind of give away is a telegraphed attack.

I cannot agree more, for instance, I am sure there are many grapplers that will do just that (charge like a bull). Exept that they will have a trained technique on you, and a maniac might not! Another thing to consider, is that with a decent martial artist, you will actually find it much harder to perceive what they do. If you do, then it will be much harder to stop. Depending on the ability of the martial artist, it might be game over in the first technique. This can be said for non trained people, but I am sure you get the idea. At least we live in the comfort, that most potentially dangerous martial artist are very unlikely to get into a fight with anyone anyway.

Upon reading that, I suppose there is a differences between a 'movement', and telegraphing your intended technique.

I'm sure I have seen plenty of loose enough tuxedos around, Thomas Kurz is one example. But also there is Jet Li and Jackie Chan, I am sure they have done films in various suits.

Whilst I agree that you should not commit yourself fully into a kick if you are unsure of its outcome, or if it could compromise balance. I can't agree that it is the 'worst' thing he could teach himself, I think he brings up and interesting detail. Of course, a perfect karate kick would be completely untelegraphed and with full power. But it seems that no matter how hard I try, with full power kicks there is always some telegraphing, due to the sheer force generated. This does not mean however, that your opponent will not think that it is actually another technique that is coming his/her way. I will work on the kick shield/heavy bag tonight, and also in the air and see the difference. I believe it is all to do with the situation you are applying the kick in, and what particular aspect of your kick you are intending on training.

Yes, I do love my books too! So you didn't mean that the book was so good, that it actually did karate itself?!

Does anyone have this book? http://www.jka.or.jp/english/goods/goods.html How much was it, and more importantly, what was it like?

What I have learnt is that, karate is a martial art with many techniques. Because of this an experienced practitioner, with time, can narrow down and/or shape his martial art to what he wants it to be. But I am glad you have come on to this forum and stated how one should remain open minded towards other arts, and not to be arrogant.

The reason I mentioned bending and breaking a finger, was that I assumed that his face was out of reach. As I am sure an experienced grappler would try to keep it that way. I personally feel that my strikes, (as I mainly train in striking) would be more effective than grappling.

I think grabbing a finger with either or both hands is a good one, if not, striking the elbows inwards or outwards can reveal more opportunities to attack more vulnerable areas.

Walking or running away really isn't a bad thing, and it is not about cowardice. It's about being above resorting to combat (unless you have to). When you have walked away, if you are a confident, capable and dedicated martial artist, it is easy to think that you should have 'taught them a lesson'. It does cross your mind, but you need to rise above it, as they could have had a knife or other weapon that may have been unexpected. Also it does help to avoid the deep feeling of shame and or guilt that comes with actually having to use your technique, when you coud have escaped. Especially if the technique was too strong for the aggressor to survive. This is not to say to always run, sometimes using your martial prowess is necessary.

Wow! It's a good reminder of how martial arts can seriously strenghten your body and better your health. Well done, keep it up. Who knows how you will change in the years to come.

I knew that the European armour was tough, but I was also taught at school (I'm British) that it was very heavy and not easy to move quick in. One thing I would be interested to know is how long 'European' warriors trained to fight. I personally don't think it would have been as much as the Samurai, and not as in depth. We can look at and research the details, but we'll probably never know. Unless we can recreate a modern Samurai and medieval European warrior, but even then would it be accurate. More importantly, does it matter?

Martial arts (over some time) increases your awareness of potential threats from other people. As such self defence is more of a mental game than most people (non martial artists) realise. Martial arts training is almost entirely geared towards self defence, and the mental aspects of this can not be underestimated if you have never trained in martial arts. I can see some similarities between martial arts and parkour, but all in all, they are very different. I am impressed that someone who practices parkour/free running would use it to get out of a physical situation. Rather than stay and fight. Which should be done if possible, no matter how competent you think you are at combat.

I'm not sure if this was a reply to my post? But if it was, you will see that I was saying exactly as you are. Alot of people criticise him, but what he offered to martial arts is far greater than what his wrong doings did.