To all Shotokan practitioners..

[Aiyo6o4]

I've been to a lot of competitions and noticed how shotokan practitioners do their kata. It looks strong and fast, but it looks like a lot of 'poundage' on the joints there!!!

I'm a shito ryu karateka, so we don't do that much pounding (plus we have mats in the dojo to decrease the pounding on our joints), and my knees and elbows hurt occasionally.

I wonder what you guys do to cope with the pounding? Or if you never had a problem, HOW IS THAT??!!? Just wondering how you guys tough it out . Has anybody had surgery because of karate??

[Killer Miller]

Good and proper technique will provide the strong "tree trunk" type of pounding you are probably seeing when executing techniques. You are probably seeing a combination of good starting speed, solid stances, rapid and proper kime (focus), and at the better levels, a very relaxed body as well when executing technique. It is what Shotokan is known for, and with proper technique, doesn't hurt a bit. Poor and improper technique is when you see injuries happen. A good instructor will watch your technique close enough to not let it get to a harmful point for you body. Some not so good instructors allow improper technique to progress and continue, that's when you start to see injuries...

- Killer -

[Shinta]

I've never felt something like "poundage on the joints".

But mae-geri in the beginning can be a little harsh on your knees but as long as control it it's ok. But that's not just shotokan...

The rest was said by Killer Miller

[wanderingbudoka]

I used to feel the "poundage" when I was first starting out, but as I got older and smart I adjusted.

[Shotokan-kez]

Yeah i know what you mean about the pounding. I did experience it at the start but eventually with the right technique and control it works out ok. I do however often have problems with one of my elbow joints and one of my ankles. Not so sure this is caused by my karate though.

[granitemiller]

There is a lot of power in the techniques, but I have never felt the "pounding", there are also softer forms.

[Shotokan-kez]

I agree granite, there are much softer katas such as hangetsu and nijushiho. But if you think of the three moves in Jion where you bring your knee and arm right up and pound them down? Can't remember what that is called though.

[Shizentai]

I don't feel any pounding either. I would notice too, because I'm almost always the most shrimpy full-grown karateka in any dojo (~105lbs). Since I've been training the past 9 years, I actually notice my joint health improved a lot. I don't sprain my ankles nearly as often and my left knee never gives out on me like it used to.

Edited March 3, 2009 by Shizentai

[white owl]

I have notice the pounding either and I have been practicing over 3 years now.

[Shoto-Ryu]

Whoever stated it, your right shotokan is strong with theres katas. You may notice what looks like pounding but after years of practice, your body adjusts and it no longer becomes "pounding". And also note while shotokan has strong katas with low stances; after you learn the basics, and become knowledgable with them, you have to learn to adjust your karate to for you and your body, without destroying the basics. This follows true for all styles.