Traditional or Competitions?

[Simo]

Personally i am a traditionalist, i think karate as a self defence and a way of life.

Even though i see some benefit in competition, which personally i think is the training eg. Conditioning (depending on the competition), carido etc etc.

What are your thoughts on this??

[GOM]

I like the old and new aspects of karate.

I enjoy practising and teaching old style karate and kata but also enjoy the sporting side, be it kumite or kata.

[patusai]

I agree with you.

[yamesu]

I think that both aspects can be trained in unison.

I also think that it is important to keep in mind exactly WHAT it is your doing. Training for selfdefence/wellbeing, or training for aesthetic movement and technique.

Im more partial to traditional karate though.......

[SamuraiDave]

I disagree, you can train to either be a traditional or a sports-karateka, but in the opposite situation you will be in trouble. Your mind is used to one way. If you are a sports-type karateka then you will hesitate to employ something lethal or restrict yourself in a deadly situation and vice-versa, if you are more into combat-karate then you may accidently hurt your opponent in a tournament. I know many senseis that would agree with me on this, but that's just my two cents....

[Brandon Fisher]

I teach traditional kata and my students compete and do well with traditional kata. In self defense divisions we actually use speed and accuracy to show the creative side.

[Simo]

I think that both aspects can be trained in unison.

I also think that it is important to keep in mind exactly WHAT it is your doing. Training for selfdefence/wellbeing, or training for aesthetic movement and technique.

Im more partial to traditional karate though.......

i think tht they can be trained in unison, but what really gets me is the instructor, always relates back to this point and u would get a point if u do that, if they clearly always say that its a self defence..

[GOM]

I teach traditional kata and my students compete and do well with traditional kata. In self defense divisions we actually use speed and accuracy to show the creative side.

What traditional kata do you practise and win with?

[Brandon Fisher]

Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Jion have been the top placement katas but Heian Godan and Heian Yondan have been very good also for the kyu ranks. I personally have not competed in kata for several years though.

[GOM]

So you practise Shotokan kata? Do you think this is "traditional" karate or sport karate?