The true problem with Shotokan Karate

by **fujicolt** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 12:04 am

money well spent indeed.

and that says it all - sounds great!

by **james luke** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:15 pm

A month gone already? Last Sunday I had my second taste of kobudo and learned, over 6 hours of relentless training, techu no kata. This is more of a Te form and I found it much more accessible than the Jo. The Techu is a fascinating weapon when utilised correctly and the kata could be adapted fairly simply for empty hand or the use of tanto or even kobutan. Techu no kata had similarities to Kanku-dai and consequently many of the Heian kata and the bunkai for this certainly opened my eyes to implications in my own training. I do not know what is coming next but I cant wait!

by **fujicolt** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 5:40 pm

the enthusiasm of your post says it all James - hope you share some of your thoughts etc - sounds very interesting - good luck

by **james luke** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 4:17 pm

To continue the saga, we were very fortunate to have Fujii sensei visit us this month teaching Iaido over the course of the weekend. 2 four and a half hour sessions with a grading at the end! I thought I was finished with gradings! Still had the dry mouth syndrome, very daunting although I did ok overall Fujii san did advise me to "get some coordination"! Anyone know where from?
If you have ever watched an Iaido demo and thought it does not look that difficult let me revise your opinion. it was so difficult, a bit like learning to drive, the whole mirror, signal, manoeuvre thing. Fujii sensei left us in no doubt that this was serious stuff, battle tested and not some effete spiritual practice. His Bokken would sing as he sliced downwards and he demonstrated how our technique was at fault by making it "sing" at the top of its arc instead of at the end where it should be cutting. Amazing stuff and left this old geezer not only fumbling and frequently at a loss but completely worn out. Anyhow I am now the proud possessor of a certificate for 6th kyu in Iaido and am off for a couple of well earned lagers.

by **fujicolt** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 10:45 pm

Hope they where 'sapporro' to keep you in the groove - congratulations sounds great!

by **Robert S** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:54 pm

The problem in Shotokan and possibly other arts is politics, organisations, and largely a lack of training and current methodology in the senior ranks.

They say power corrupts, and I think it is true.

When a senior trains, they are still a student, and the mentality may not be as 'egotistical'.

When a senior becomes the power base, the training all to often stops, administration and other things seem to take the place of renshu.

To be honest I have been on all sides of this coin.

Karate for me is no longer what it was, but that is because the cardiologists forbid me to train.

Recent surgery, one month ago, has put an end to donning the do-gi, and the warnings have been made by those more knowledgeable than I.

I can not sit on a sanctimonious base and I can not be hypocritical .. I no longer train. Therefore I am not able to embark on the voyage of discovery, the shugyo.

All I can advise is that people do not give up what is the important issue ... training and learning!

The problems as I see it with organisations rests in the senior echelons.

The juniors who just enjoy training seem to go on in ignorant bliss. That is perhaps the best way.

by **fujicolt** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 1:16 am

Robert - at risk of diverting the thread for a minute:

I have had a Heart Attack - was thrombolised in the ambulance (or woulda died) it gave me a stroke and i have had several TIA's since. I suffer with hideously painful Arthritis (go in hospital in a few days for surgery to help with the pain - please let it work), I take enough medication each day to wipe out a small village and would STILL respectfully and politely suggest:

NO you will never be physically what you where - and that HURTS like F*%£ BUT you have so much experience that cannot and should not be lost.

your body is injured NOT your mind SO:

Go Teach - pay it forward and in doing so you will find MANY young fit Karateka that are desperate to get good info - have great spirit and attitude and aren't interested in whether you are still physically 28. NO - they are interested in what you know and how you can help THEM do better karate. Adjust your teaching and make it work for them - they turn - up to learn from you NOT to see a demo of your skills.

I have a friend who is sometimes so crippled with arthritis that he teaches from a wheelchair - but he teaches and his students love it and are grateful for his 40 years of experience. (Steve Rowe).

Get your GI on man - it'll keep you alive (trust me on that one) just be sensible and do not (as i did at first after the HA) try to prove you can still do it all.

I'd book you tomorrow!

by **Robert S** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:42 pm

Steve,

I do go to the dojo and sit and offer guidance/advice. Call it teaching.

I do not don a gi, as I know that the second I do I will through a punch or block. My issue is the location of
a lead that is susceptible to sub-clavian crush! That is the issue.

My point is that karate-ka should as long as capable 'train'. Those who stop training and run 'pyramids' tend to be the ones creating troubles in our karate world.

Thanks for the kind advice (Seriously).

I cannot go into reasons why 'training' for me is at issue in this forum. Those who know me will understand the reasons. I have been a karate-ka for 42 years. I am not giving it up.

by **james luke** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:48 am

I am going to stop whining about my dodgy knee. Take care guys.respect.

by **fujicolt** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:30 pm

Robert

'those whom train' - if i may totally respectfully offer the following -

As a full time professional instructor for many years - some times with Dojo within fully equipped Gymnasiums and various other classes such as Yoga and circuit training etc going on - there was a time when i would literally train four hours a day and then teach and train for another four, six days a week. BUT:

now is now and my circumstances mean that my physical input into training is a fraction of previous periods - not because of laziness - NOT because lack of desire (in fact i have to be very strict about my desire to 'go for it') it is simply because of reality and health (need) versus desire (want) and IT CAN be a struggle sometimes.

Therefore, i train to the extent i can - some days more than others but something everyday - even if that is simply walking through something and REALLY thinking about it..

I am honest when i teach and make sure the students understand why i may not be able to do certain things BUT promise them i will use every aspect of my experience and understanding to HELP THEM do it.

It means i have to get inventive - and that is actually very stimulating because it makes me think very deeply about what i wish to teach and how i shall achieve that goal.

It appears to be working because they ask me back and that is from small local clubs (with students of all levels of karate and a wide range of personal situations and education) to University Students whom are exposed to the most modern teaching and educational processes on a daily basis - so something is working.

More than the above I have been overwhelmed at how students see past my 'Disability' and are eager to glean info that will help them, that is based on my longevity in karate.

Put your GI on and learn to 'CONTROL' yourself. - the GI says 'I am here to teach' - the explanations make things clear - the control is about you - and the outcome is 'they benefit and SO DO YOU!'

GOOD LUCK!

by **bushin** » Wed May 12, 2010 8:04 pm

Time to take a look at Taoism and zen-buddihsmen concepts again...

by **Paul Bedard** » Sat May 15, 2010 10:12 pm

Like James Luke said..
`OSU`
Paul B

by **fujicolt** » Thu May 27, 2010 10:57 pm

Robert - just to prove that WE ARE BUT HUMAN and to be honest about my advice above about 'personal control'....

I have just returned from an 8 day teaching tour that included local clubs and two visits to a university. Despite my health history i did my best and am proud to say that i have had e-mails from various students (both club and Uni) that have thanked me and said they learned things!
BUT - did i come home unscathed = NO!

Why - was it Karate = NO!

One of the senior Karateka I visited is a very accomplished Musician and for several decades they have organised a 'Jam Night' when musicians from all over the City get together and play brilliant Music and have fun. I have attended everytime i visit for many years. I went along - they - as always - made me welcome and bought me drinks - (I suspect you can see where this is going!)

One of the lovely ladies whom attend asked me to dance - me being me i started 'Dad Dancing' - caught my foot under a table leg, tried to turn and CROCKED my knee.

How dare i preach to you about 'personal control' eh?

I am currently limping like a tortoise with one leg! :roll: