Kyokushin Karate !

[Safroot]

for sure I will

[Safroot]

I found this post on Yahoo answers about disadvantages of Kyokushin :

" One of Kyokoshins biggest disadvantages in my opinion is the lack of punches or hand techniques to the head at most schools. Yes kicks to the head are allowed, however kicks are generally much easier to see and avoid then punches. I firmly believe the way you train is the way you will fight.

Another disadvantage is whether people want to admit it or not, Kyokoshin is definetly more sport oriented, as opposed to most Okinawan styles. Kyokoshin teaches you to stand there and basicly becomes a war of attrition, abnd comes down to whom can take more punishment. Most Okinawan styles teach you to avoid, and resolve the situation as quickly as possible, whether by taking your opponent out, or getting out of there.

Another disadvantage ids the lack of knee's, elbows, and grappling, all of which Shotokan contains in it's kata's. I am sure Kyokoshin has them in it's kata's also, but i have yet to see one in their fighting. "

Is that true?! .... any comments guys?

[wagnerk]

I found this post on Yahoo answers about disadvantages of Kyokushin :

" One of Kyokoshins biggest disadvantages in my opinion is the lack of punches or hand techniques to the head at most schools. Yes kicks to the head are allowed, however kicks are generally much easier to see and avoid then punches. I firmly believe the way you train is the way you will fight.

Another disadvantage is whether people want to admit it or not, Kyokoshin is definetly more sport oriented, as opposed to most Okinawan styles. Kyokoshin teaches you to stand there and basicly becomes a war of attrition, abnd comes down to whom can take more punishment. Most Okinawan styles teach you to avoid, and resolve the situation as quickly as possible, whether by taking your opponent out, or getting out of there.

Another disadvantage ids the lack of knee's, elbows, and grappling, all of which Shotokan contains in it's kata's. I am sure Kyokoshin has them in it's kata's also, but i have yet to see one in their fighting. "

Is that true?! .... any comments guys?

That is a matter of opinion (and the following are mine)...

In kyokushin, yes there are a lack of hand techniques to the head in competitions. However you are still taught them in class.

As for Kyokoshin being sport orientated, it is... However it is down to the individual on whether or not they go down that route. If you want a martial art that is really not sport or competition orientated, then look at some thing like Shotokai (not Shotokan), ninpo or any other art that is non-competitive (the more self-defence orientated associations).

As for lack of knees and elbows, people that practice kyokushin karate do practice these and they are allowed in Kyokushin matches. The "lack" of them are the fighters own choice, not the arts.

As for grappling, I can't say as I didn't stay with Kyokushin for very long. Grappling in a "striking" art would be a secondary skill, normally taught at higher levels, whether or not it is included as part of a class or syllabus, I don't know. But saying that arts like kickboxing do not have grappling in them and I can't say that they suffer. In Shotokan, for example, normally you're not taught grappling until your post black belt (and that's if the association teaches it at all).

[Safroot]

Thx wagnerk ... Very informative post

[Nabil Kazama]

I think that one of the problems with "The Strongest Karate" is that some people interpreted as the "best" Karate system. It's actually interpreted as the "strongest." As in one has to be literally "physically strong" to participate.

Many participants actually pump weights to supplement their training. It's not a coincidence that the Kyokushin guys are a little "beefy" as a result. That being said, it's not for everyone.

IMO, it's probably easier to start with another style to get proper beginning instructions. Then as you get your basics down, you can move into Kyokushin.

BTW, they don't use pads. You get a mouth piece and a cup as protection.

I KNEW it! That's the reason why I couldn't handle the style. Thanks man.

[Safroot]

Nabil, Thanks for your post. Can you work on improving fitness while you are training ?! I mean for example Gym + Karate class ?!!!

[Nabil Kazama]

Nabil, Thanks for your post. Can you work on improving fitness while you are training ?! I mean for example Gym + Karate class ?!!!

lol can you read minds? That's exactly what I'm doing!

There's a Kyokushin dojo near where I live, they invited me to train with them and my god are those guys tough. Their training is physically and mentally demanding, their sparring is really tough too, being trained in Shotokan they were impressed with my skill and that I actually 'Lasted a day'.

But in the end I think I need to tone up and really work out if I ever want to go back there again, take it from me being strong and able to take blows does help

So my personal advice to anyone wanting to practice this style, try and work out and tone up as it will help. If not, try a softer style like Shotokan. This is all IMO.

[Safroot]

Thanks Nabil .. that's exactly what i am planning to do

btw what is IMO ??? I have read it in couple of posts ??

[wagnerk]

... If not, try a softer style like Shotokan. This is all IMO.

Just like to say to those that don't know, Shotokan isn't a "soft" style (in case there is any mis-understanding), it's just not as full contact as Kyokushin

...btw what is IMO ??? I have read it in couple of posts ??

IMO = In my opinion

IMHO = In my honest opinion

[Safroot]

Thank you Wagnerk for clarification much appreciated