mixing shotokan with street fighting for protection..

[mbt9000]

but with what ive put am i going in the right direction, i want to be the best (not being big headed) but i always like closure and answers uno

[DWx]

but with what ive put am i going in the right direction, i want to be the best (not being big headed) but i always like closure and answers uno

TBH with the exercises and drills you listed earlier, that could mean anything. I once trained with a guy who had us do similar things, sit in a stance for half an hour, continuous punching on a bag... once he made us stare at our reflection in the mirrors (not sure why) and it was all pointless. I was fortunate because from previous training I already knew how to punch and do the kicks but the beginners had no idea because he'd never taught them the kicks or had taught them bad form and they were doing all these exercises with no real benefit. But then again my current instructor does similar drills too sometimes and I think when we do them with him they're a great workout.

As far as the style goes, there's nothing wrong with Shotokan for self defense if you train hard.

[jsteczko]

Your training sounds nice. I also like the fact that your sensei is teaching you grappling. My karate sensei has no idea about grappling... which is bad.

I like high intense trainings. And your training seems to be good.

[bushido_man96]

Be wary of statements claiming "the best this" or "the ultimate that." They are often nothing more than an advertising plug.

Also pay attention to the types of applications you are putting together. Do they seem logical, or are they just moves put together? If you are putting things together with a partner, and you have some resistance going with each other, then that is a good sign, too.

Like the others have said, if you are enjoying the training, then keep it up. It sounds like you'll be in good shape, for sure. If you have questions, do some research and see what pops up.

[StrangeBacon]

Be wary of statements claiming "the best this" or "the ultimate that." They are often nothing more than an advertising plug.

This.

Also be wary of the "kill or disable" statements, theres alot of grey areas in the law and level of acceptable forces comes into it alot.

However your training seems to suit you and the way you talk you seem to like it and have clicked with him, regarding the styles and which is best alot of it is going to depend on the individual, we can all do alot of training but how each person reacts to a given situation is always going to be different.

The type of training you're doing will certainly make you hardy if nothing else! keep at it!

[Spartan17]

If you are learning, and what you are learning works, then yes, he is a good sensei. If you cannot apply what you are being taught in a real situation instinctively and quickly, then the techniques should be discarded, and you should begin searching for a new place to train.

[KumitePanda]

i managed to get a guy that was going to stab me on the ground with a kizami and a leg sweep. the guy was out long enough for the cops to be called and have them arrive....25mins. he was arrested and charged.

he was a 23yr old male built alot heavier than me and slightly taller than me plus im female. so you dont need to mix MA with street to protect yourself if you understand each technique and its purpose.

[xravenwingsx]

wow your sensei seems pretty hardcore--it'd be nice to have a place like that around here. I know you'll be in great shape soon, and as far as being good on the street...it all depends on how you and your body interpret the instruction and how you apply it in sparring. Keep practicing and most of all....have fun!

[phoenixfire]

Welcome to the board and welcome to the sport! I agree with some of the other posters. We don't know your sensei and haven't seen him practice so its really hard to tell if he's "good" or not. I would do some research. Some good indicators are if you can trust your blackbelt or not. If you can't, leave. While it is important to know how to defeat your opponent, does your instructer use self-control? If not, then leave.

Also, pretty much any kind of fighting experience is beneficial in street fighting. I don't live in a rough neighborhood and I try to avoid dangerous situations when possible, so I am coming at this from a different point of view. My school does focus on a lot of self-defense. My teacher used to be a cop and he always said he didn't want me to be another statistic.

The biggest thing I can reccomend is to try to avoid a dangerous situation. Then often times the kind of punch thrown on the street is a "haymaker", they come in swinging. Those are easily blocked, if you can block and counter quickly, that is usually enough to discourage the opponent. My school only encourages excessive (bone breaking) force if the fight escalates or the person is a real danger to you. Generally attempting to diffuse the situation completely is the best option. While you may be good, there is always someone better and you don't want to find that someone. That being said, if you don't mind carrying pepperspray, Mace brand has one that is a gel with UV dye and it will stick to the opponents face. Another benefit of the gel is that it isn't a mist or spray and is less likely to blow back on you and harm you as well.

Well good luck and sorry for the long response.

[phoenixfire]

Also, if your teacher is more interested in self-defense rather than competing, that can be good. There are a lot of teachers out there more interested in tournament and "looking good" rather than the good of their students. Again, good luck.