SaiFightsMS Posted February 22, 2003 Posted February 22, 2003 Cool. And if you don't like it you can always switch to something else later. There are many different reasons people become involved in the martial arts. And quiet often those reasons change after they get started and over time.
ramymensa Posted February 22, 2003 Posted February 22, 2003 Well don't expect too many spiritual things, cause they are not always available and not even important in such an extent. Before you come to cut my head off, let me explain Shotokan, like other traditional MAs has got a lot of philosophy and similar stuff. Don't expect to spend all the time in the dojo with those ... in a way it would be a waste of time. You are there to learn techniques, katas, to condition, sparr and perfect yourself. I'm not saying your character, although I guess you'll hear soon enough about the Dojo Kun. You are not there to become a nicer guy, but to become strong, quick, good and so on. The spiritual thing is yours. There's nobody there to teach you to become a better person. You can do karate and be an ass, do karate and be a good guy, not do karate and still be a gentleman. Don't expect Karate to make you a "saint" Don't be too disapointed if you don't recite the Kun. You can take care of the philosophycal stuff by yourself, read about Ninju Kun, Dojo Kun, Mizo No Kokuro, Tsuli No Kokuro, Tora No Maki and so on ... You can chose from what you read what behaviour to incorporate and what suits you as a normal person ... Bushido was great, but we are not Japanesse When it comes to become the best, be serious in your traning and still modest and always ready to learn, it's OK. Don't become a pseudo Japanesse, be moderate and don't look at your sensei like he was a God. They are normal people, your teachers to respected, not idolised. I'm boring ... I know ... I just want you to have a good start and not be disapointed. All the best from here. Keep us posted World Shotokan Karate
LightFighterZero Posted February 22, 2003 Author Posted February 22, 2003 Thanks for the imput ramymensa, and no what you were saying wasn't boring. Yeah, I'm not looking for a style that's gonna be like a new religion. I just want something that has meaning to it behind the art. Not just learing how to kick or punch someone. But I'm not saying that some styles are like that. I'm just saying the way some people teach can be kind set on just sport fight right? Because I know in football it is about four things: Bringing it hard and bringing it often, Playing as a team, Putting 200% effort in, And knocking the guy that you line up on into the dirt . But that's how my coach would always teach us. Moorpark High Musketeers Freshman Football (9-1) Back to Back Maramonte League Champs!! "All for one and one for all!!" "Defeat is not defeat unless it is accepted as reality in your own mind"
BKJ1216 Posted February 22, 2003 Posted February 22, 2003 Can someone who has studied shudokan karate tell me what it is like compared to shotokan? White Belt- Shudokan Karate
LightFighterZero Posted February 23, 2003 Author Posted February 23, 2003 Sorry BKJ but I don't think I could answer that queestion. I went to the shotokan place today. It is kind of a small place but it is know for being the best in the oldest and best in the county. The instructor that teaches is a Sensai who is a native Hawaiian know for his acheivements. He is a sixth Dan and was appointed to the derector of technical development by the the World Federation of Karate Do Orginization. I don't really know much more about him besides that he is a nice guy. I have watched him during one of the classes a couple of years ago and remember him being very attentive and helping toward all of the students. That is the chief instructor though. There are a couple of a smaller instructor is which I will probbaly be placed under. I have yet to experience class time with them however. Also, about how many classes do you think I should watch before I make a major decision? What should I look for in the instructor? What should I look for in the facility? Should I have to by my uniform and etc. separetely, or should it come with the rate of addmission? And can you plese tell me other things that I should take care in asking the instructor or looking for in the dojo?? Thanks for the help.. "Defeat is not defeat unless it is accepted as reality in your own mind"
ramymensa Posted February 24, 2003 Posted February 24, 2003 A sixth Dan ... in Shotokan is quite impressing (mu instructor is a 5th dan after 27 years of karate so imagine the work ...) If you liked the instructor and the school is well known and has got a good reputation it's almost OK. You must try to imagine you there while looking at the classes. Do you like the atmosphere? Are they respecting each other, are they agressive (if so , go elsewhere), are the instructors willing to help ... and so on. Regarding the karategi problem ... wait a little. If you like, sttle in and after some classes (if you really like the stuff) get a karategi (from the school or elsewhere). Try to stay away from longterm contracts ... and regarding your questions to the master ... anything goes. Be respectful and inform yourself. He'll answer You must know how the belts are given, how much it costs, who's teaching and anything you can think of Hope you'll do fine. Let us know World Shotokan Karate
LightFighterZero Posted March 5, 2003 Author Posted March 5, 2003 Hey again everyone, Ok I checked out all the places and I really likeed them all. They all seemed to really fulfill the things that you suggested that I should look into. I found another style that I am interested in, it is called kempo. The thing is that I don't know anything about it. Could you guys fill me in on it, and also tell me how it compares to shotokan? These are the two stlyes that are on the top of my list. Sorry to bother you all again, but can you guys help me again? Thanks a bunch "Defeat is not defeat unless it is accepted as reality in your own mind"
SBN Doug Posted March 5, 2003 Posted March 5, 2003 Go to the Comparative Styles forum, you may find most of your answers there. http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=5392&highlight=kempo Kuk Sool Won - 4th danEvil triumphs when good men do nothing.
LightFighterZero Posted March 5, 2003 Author Posted March 5, 2003 What is the difference between Kempo and Kenpo? Is there a difference? Or are they just two different ways to spell the same thing? The one that I meant was spose to be kenpo if there is any difference. It was Sasaki Kenpo, or they also called it American Kempo. I don't really know what that means so do you think you guys can help me out? You see, the one that I was looking toward was American Kenpo and I really never heard of it before so I am kind of skecptical. Thanks.. "Defeat is not defeat unless it is accepted as reality in your own mind"
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