Kyle Funakoshi

[Tom O'Brien]

There is a good article in Black Belt magazine, January 2010 issue, about Kyle Funakoshi entitled "Key Components of Kumite" by Robert W. Young. There is some good info in here about broken rythem & it's use.

Thanks,
Tom

[nathanso]

A few short videos associated with the article:

http://www.blackbeltmag.com/kyle-funako ... videos/204 (The sticklers among us will notice that they mislabeled the technique.)

http://blackbeltmag.org/kyle-funakoshi- ... videos/208

http://www.blackbeltmag.com/kyle-funako ... videos/209

[Tom O'Brien]

Niel,

Thanks for posting those brilliant vids. I think Kyle definitely has it in his blood. Look at the way he moves. I was just on the BB mag site & I did not see them.

Thanks Again,
Tom

[Shaun]

Just to let you all know, we have a NEW EXCLUSIVE interview with Kyle Funakoshi coming to TSW very soon.

We also have a very indepth NEW EXCLUSIVE interview with his father Kenneth Funakoshi coming soon.

[fujicolt]

Oh Dear - here's me causing controversy again!

I watched the Vids and found them to be very simple, very old hat concepts and demonstrated no better than (and i am not exaggerating here) 100's of Dan grades/Instructors that i know and have experience of (whom names aren't Funakoshi) and they definitely were not exceptionally fast given his age and fitness levels. Go to a number of Organisation's Dan Grade classes and you will see MANY in the line ups to equal and exceed what is on display here.

SORRY!

[nathanso]

I agree that the techniques themselves are pretty standard combos that I would assume that most people have practiced by brown belt stage.

That said, I have seen him in person and think that the videos did not do him justice.

[RenegadeMonk]

I couldn't get the vids to work for some reason.

However I have trained in a few seminars under Kenneth Funakoshi and I think he is a great Karateka, not least of all because he is the only full Shotokan traditionalist I have met (though I'm sure more exist) who has a great grasp of realistic applications. He is one of those who set me on my path.

My only gripe was that he made his students practice useless bunkai for far far too long before teaching them the useful stuff.

[fujicolt]

I agree that the techniques themselves are pretty standard combos that I would assume that most people have practiced by brown belt stage.

That said, I have seen him in person and think that the videos did not do him justice.

get your point neil - but it did appear to be filmed for release as an instructional vid - he needs to contact Legend and have Ged and his team do it - then he will be shown in a true and fair light. I mean no disrespect to him but i just called it as i saw it = wazari not Ippon

[Tom O'Brien]

You know what! It is 'old hat' but it demonstrates the 'art' of Shotokan. And yes there are hundreds of good karateka out there that can show us that. The beauty is in the simplicity. I don't know that much. I am not the 'sharpest blade' in the drawer. I know that the most beautiful & practical thing about Shotokan lies in it's simple, direct, fluid & powerful approach. This stuff might be old. Guess what - old works.

Thanks,
Tom

[fujicolt]

at our age Tom I sincerely hope it does!

[Tom O'Brien]

Yeah - but I only work when I am watched carefully & scrutinized.

Tom

[kylefunakoshi]

Fujicolt,

Traditional karate has many "old hat" techniques that have existed for many years through dojo matches, tournament settings, and self-defense purposes. I have demonstrated some of the "simple" techniques that are effective if performed correctly. As to judge someone fully without even facing them in a match is having a limited perspective. If you were to kumite with the other instructors and then myself, then you could have a more informed and genuine opinion to what you have seen and experienced, regarding speed, timing, distancing, and fluidity of the techniques performed.

For example, lets take professional boxing. The "simple" jab has been around for many years and has not changed. However, different pugilists employ and execute the technique in different ways (technique originating from back leg or just upper body), putting their own personal trademark to it. I could go more in depth, but I will save that for the Kumite video produced by Black Belt Magazine.

Kyle Funakoshi

[fujicolt]

Hi Kyle

Sorry but i don't really get your point - why do i need to face you or your other instructors to KNOW what i know. With total respect despite the fine origin of your family name i have probably been doing karate longer than you have been alive and have over many many years faced Karateka - both Japanese and non-Japanese of extraordinary skill. i also spent several decades earning my living by facing real violence. so with respect - WHAT exactly are you tring to say to me - i LONG ago withdrew from feeling only those of Japanese origin KNOW.

I am sorry if i appear rude but read your post - how presumptive of you to assume you and others would change a lifetime of learning with those who went before you and were (some passed) or are astonishingly skilled and able? - just by 'facing you in a match' (which i am happy to do at anytime by the way despite my age

Calm down a bit! and tell me what you mean.

as for Boxing - i started training at six with my Father - whom boxed professionally and 'Booth Boxed' if you know what that is. don't assume ignorance without asking Kyle.

Very best wishes - lets meet up some time and talk eh - I may without doubt learn from you - as i always try to when meeting other Karateka and you may learn from a non- japanese origin Karateka who has 'done a bit' - tis possible you know.

[kylefunakoshi]

Stevo,

I sense your blood pressure rising, so it's highly recommended you get a deep tissue massage.

Kyle Funakoshi

[fujicolt]

'Stevo' - i haven't been called that since my teenage years - thanks for that brought back memories, some about Karate many many years ago as well = great! -

yes your assumptions and - well 'veiled' challenge did raise my attention somewhat but heyho I can cope. lets keep in touch and i would love to meet up with you and have a chat. i am sure we would both learn something. if you PM me maybe we could swap e-mail addresses etc.

shame you simply didn't answer or comment on the points i made above - people may have been interested to hear it!

Be well Sempai! and yes that was a jibe to see how your blood pressure reacts in the Hawaiian SUN! tis raining here today!.

be well - i hope you get in touch.

A funny for you all i spent minutes trying to delete a Full Stop after the word Hawaiian until i realised it was a mark on the computer screen. HAHA!