Senior Black Belt Competitor Needs Advice

[bushido_man96]

I know the overhead move with the open hand. Looks great but too risky for my seniors group.

Fortune favors the bold. By taking a risk like that, it may get you the competitive edge that you need.

[cleung]

That's true. I did do a bo release toss and catch at some competitions. Dropped it at two events. I can still clean up my basic moves so there's work to be done there. What I'm finding is that in our seniors divisions, somebody like Kevin Thompson has no real fancy or risky moves but his form is just so solid and powerful. Nobody has been able to beat him this year and I've only managed to tie him once.

[bushido_man96]

Its cool that you have a tight rivalry to look forward to like that. That will help to push you harder!

You are right on about the basics. Make them sharp, and that will open the door for other techniques as well. I wish you luck!

[obiwansbane]

heh yah it is good that you have someone to rival you... at least he's your age.. in my divisions (17 and under) its a 12 year old who cleans up everytime...

just work on that snap, and your form will seem much more powerful, also hold your techniques in some points... not like in a sense of a slow breathing guide or something but just snap hold it for about half a second and then boom snap again with a kiai.. anyone who wasnt paying attention to you definately is now...

one last thing... this is quite subtle but WORKS regardless of what anyone says... ive seen it work

get every single person from your club and anyone else you can, to cheer like crazy after your form... the judges do actually give u a slightly higher mark due to how much the crowd appreciated your form (like i said ive seen it done, dont believe me if u dont want to but at least try it)

good luck in ure future endeavours

[Sensei Tom OBrien]

Hey cleung I can identify with your feelings about going up against much younger competition. I went to the FIMA Fall Classic karate tournament last Sunday. They had no 45 yr. & older div. so they bunched us together both young & old. I immediately felt that I was going to lose. There were 10 competitors. I took second place. Some of the younger guys just had no passion. I learned that a lot of it is in our heads. I'm 59 yrs. old so 'keep on truckin'.

Thanks,

Sensei Tom

[cleung]

Actually, I do quite well against younger competitors for traditional divisions as well as soft style. However, if it's an open creative division where tricks and gymnastics are allowed, I might as well not compete. Fortunately, in the NASKA division I compete in, there are 40 and over divisions. In some other events, it's 35 and older. Too bad there are no senior divisions for soft style (Chinese) forms and weapons.

[bushido_man96]

I am not a big fan of the gymnastics stuff either. It is fun to watch, but I can't do it, so I prefer not to compete against it.

[Sensei Tom OBrien]

WOW cleung, if you are up there competing against guys like Kevin Thompson you are competing against the best. I can't do the gymnastics either because I'm too old. You are on the right track with the traditional. The gymnastics look good because they are flashy but the meat & potatoes are in traditional. A good strong traditional kata is for real. This is the stuff original karate was made from. This is the stuff that will work in a combat situation. Good luck in the future I'm rooting for you.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope everybody's family is healthy & happy & we all eat lots of good food.

Oosh,

Sensei Tom

[cleung]

Thanks so much. Actually, I would consider Kevin Thompson sort of quasi-traditional.