Ok, so I'm coming out and admitting I have a shoe fetish. Of sorts.
No, it's not what your thinking. I swear! Instead my "fetish" relates to how my shoes perform when executing karate techniques. Since I train using footwear, as I recycle my shoes whether Velcro strapped sandals, leather loafers, sneakers of all varieties, or hiking boots, they are used in turn during karate training. Loafers while kicking heavy bag, or performing the Tekki kata on my driveway, or using my hiking boots doing kihon or kata on the gravel and hard packed dirt trails in the area. Regardless of the shoe type, I need to know how they feel when using karate techniques while wearing them.
For some, it's all about the Bass, but for me it's all about the tread: is it too slippery, or to "grabby"? How will it affect pivoting techniques? How well built is the shoe to withstand blows and deliver them as well? Shoes are vital tools in the success of many physical pursuits, and with karate this is especially true. I firmly believe knowing a pair of shoes performance capabilities is vital as part of full karate training.
Along with varied terrain, using various types of shoes, at least periodically, is a necessary part of a completely balance regimen of karate training. Compare a somewhat loose pair of leather loafers, to a firmly affixed pair of Teva hiking sandals on a loose dirt and gravel path; which would you prefer wearing in an altercation with a drunk hiker?
Well, that's all for now.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Something Different for January and February
This month marks the fifth year of resuming self training in Shotokan karate.
Somewhere on a January day five years ago I decided to attempt Tekki Shodan. Of course it was a failure, but I realized I could relearn all my old kata via Youtube. The process worked very well, and since that day I've added thirteen more kata to my self training regimen. It's been good and I will continue in this vain.
Yet, for January and February I've decided to take a break. The only kata I'm planning on training are the three Tekki kata. The balance of the training is light dumbbell weight training, coupled with balance training and heavy bag training. I firmly believe that if you are not hitting something somehow nearly every training session then you are wasting your time.
So far I've been spending the first ten minutes or so warming up with light dynamic stretching. Next is the weight training. I mix the following exercises on different days. One hundred reps of squats into presses, into bicep crunches... repeat. I also do four different upper body exercises while balancing one one leg, then the other: equal sets for both sides of course. Another favorite is lunges into combination shoulder height dumbbell lifts - one to the front and one to the side. Other exercises as well, including core training via planks, etc.
After completing the above which can take thirty minutes or so, I will work the heavy bag(s): upper body only, combinations ... ambidextrous. Next is focusing one one kick: the front snap is of course the go to kick in Shotokan and it is for me too. Finally I'll mix and match: kicks and strikes, strikes and kicks into control and limb destruction and evacuation techniques. Once I can reliably train outdoors in March I'll pick up my kata training using some creative formula of repetitions over the course of weeks.
Well that's all for now.
Somewhere on a January day five years ago I decided to attempt Tekki Shodan. Of course it was a failure, but I realized I could relearn all my old kata via Youtube. The process worked very well, and since that day I've added thirteen more kata to my self training regimen. It's been good and I will continue in this vain.
Yet, for January and February I've decided to take a break. The only kata I'm planning on training are the three Tekki kata. The balance of the training is light dumbbell weight training, coupled with balance training and heavy bag training. I firmly believe that if you are not hitting something somehow nearly every training session then you are wasting your time.
So far I've been spending the first ten minutes or so warming up with light dynamic stretching. Next is the weight training. I mix the following exercises on different days. One hundred reps of squats into presses, into bicep crunches... repeat. I also do four different upper body exercises while balancing one one leg, then the other: equal sets for both sides of course. Another favorite is lunges into combination shoulder height dumbbell lifts - one to the front and one to the side. Other exercises as well, including core training via planks, etc.
After completing the above which can take thirty minutes or so, I will work the heavy bag(s): upper body only, combinations ... ambidextrous. Next is focusing one one kick: the front snap is of course the go to kick in Shotokan and it is for me too. Finally I'll mix and match: kicks and strikes, strikes and kicks into control and limb destruction and evacuation techniques. Once I can reliably train outdoors in March I'll pick up my kata training using some creative formula of repetitions over the course of weeks.
Well that's all for now.
Tried Taking Karate Classes...
I recently completed training in the fall session of a new ISKF based Shotokan Karate Club in the area.
The classes were taught with enthusiasm and good structure and were enjoyable in as much as was learned. What the few weeks of twice a week training did was reinforce though why I enjoy self training instead. I simply admit I'm not into the Japanese way and uniforms worn; not interested in wearing a Gi and being barefoot. It just doesn't feel natural. I much prefer comfortable street clothes and footwear for training: much more realistic. I think with a few more years of self training I will start my own personal, western style of Shotokan based karate. We'll see where that goes.
I prefer loose scenarios instead of rigid ones. Movement into action; whether offensive or defensive. It's your decision and reaction to what is happening. Be in the moment, but in a open minded state, so reaction is instantaneous and natural.
I also prefer close in, body contact and control into limb destruction: coupled with strikes and kicks it is very basic yet effective. It's hard to mount an attack if your shoulder has been dislocated, or an elbow hyper-extended. Consider, together with the previous, is redundant striking to soft targets on the head and upper torso. Good stuff.
Well, that's all for now.
The classes were taught with enthusiasm and good structure and were enjoyable in as much as was learned. What the few weeks of twice a week training did was reinforce though why I enjoy self training instead. I simply admit I'm not into the Japanese way and uniforms worn; not interested in wearing a Gi and being barefoot. It just doesn't feel natural. I much prefer comfortable street clothes and footwear for training: much more realistic. I think with a few more years of self training I will start my own personal, western style of Shotokan based karate. We'll see where that goes.
I prefer loose scenarios instead of rigid ones. Movement into action; whether offensive or defensive. It's your decision and reaction to what is happening. Be in the moment, but in a open minded state, so reaction is instantaneous and natural.
I also prefer close in, body contact and control into limb destruction: coupled with strikes and kicks it is very basic yet effective. It's hard to mount an attack if your shoulder has been dislocated, or an elbow hyper-extended. Consider, together with the previous, is redundant striking to soft targets on the head and upper torso. Good stuff.
Well, that's all for now.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Thoughts on Defining My Own Style of Shotokan Karate-Do
Straight up: I think Shotokan Karate-Do offers a wide variety of self defense applications.
From Striking specialties; hand and elbow, or knee and foot. Close in fighting, or penetrate then retreat fighting, Shotokan has it all.
For me though, I view it as a controlling/Standing grappling to take down and throws as my primary attack philosophy. Striking is integral, but the ultimate goal is to either put the person on the ground in intense pain, or control their joints, typically arm, shoulder or neck, in a standing manner, using available resources, such as walls, to aid in controlling. Taking the joint to its limit as to provoke surrender. The striking is either an entering technique series, or an immediate attack from an advantageous position, such as arm/elbow/wrist control is being applied - release attack then regain control.
Throwing and Take Downs are equally important. If the opponent is on the ground in such a painful situation - thrown in such a manner as to break a limb or clavicle for example, he will be very hesitant to continue the attack which he instigated.
This is my aim. There is more of course... For another time though.
That's all for now.
From Striking specialties; hand and elbow, or knee and foot. Close in fighting, or penetrate then retreat fighting, Shotokan has it all.
For me though, I view it as a controlling/Standing grappling to take down and throws as my primary attack philosophy. Striking is integral, but the ultimate goal is to either put the person on the ground in intense pain, or control their joints, typically arm, shoulder or neck, in a standing manner, using available resources, such as walls, to aid in controlling. Taking the joint to its limit as to provoke surrender. The striking is either an entering technique series, or an immediate attack from an advantageous position, such as arm/elbow/wrist control is being applied - release attack then regain control.
Throwing and Take Downs are equally important. If the opponent is on the ground in such a painful situation - thrown in such a manner as to break a limb or clavicle for example, he will be very hesitant to continue the attack which he instigated.
This is my aim. There is more of course... For another time though.
That's all for now.
Dojo Kun, and Personal Thoughts
Seek Perfection of Character.
Be Faithful.
Endeavor.
Respect Others.
Refrain From Violent Behavior.
http://www.iskf.com/dojo%20kun.html
and I say:
Seek First The Kingdom of Heaven.
Through Jesus Christ Alone.
Be Faithful.
Endeavor.
Respect Others.
Refrain From Violent Behavior.
http://www.iskf.com/dojo%20kun.html
and I say:
Seek First The Kingdom of Heaven.
Through Jesus Christ Alone.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
The Art of Self Correction
I think it's safe to say, "To excel at any physical endeavor you must know your own body."
Regarding karate, or any martial art, this is especially true, For it's not the mere performance of the techniques which makes one an expert, but the deeper understanding of how these movements translate to self defense scenarios and the ability to apply them in non-compliant situations.
This is where the art of self correction becomes so important. As you absorb your teacher's lessons and are corrected in the dojo, you must remember and correctly apply them on your own. As you become more proficient you begin testing what you've learned to the point of making their application your own. Listening to your body, interpreting what it's suggesting, is the best way to learn karate techniques.
For a new karateka, learning very different gross motor skills just feels "strange". As these skills (think stepping punch) are practiced they begin to make sense, but only to a certain point as dojo learned in a class situation, unless you have a knowledgeable and willing upper level student willing to spend time pointing out the finer aspects of each technique. Even with this assistance only a certain plateau of knowledge can be attained. It's the personal, self training which elevates the karateka to the next level of expertise - self training based on understanding one's body dynamics and limitations, as well as the purpose of each part of the body's synchronized members working in unison.
All technique must be seen in three stages: beginning, middle and end. The technique must be practiced repeatedly in a relaxed manner in a 1-2-3 format - slow thoughtful comprehension of the stage of the technique you are performing it is being translated from your body to your mind; then back from mind to body. The instantaneous response only comes with repetition which corrects itself through comprehension of the purpose of the technique time over time over time. Over time the practice of relaxed movement into intense kime then nearly instantaneously back to a relaxed, prepared state (to retreat or continue the attack, decisions made in milliseconds) is made natural. For this is what you strive for in karate.
Well, that's all for now.
Regarding karate, or any martial art, this is especially true, For it's not the mere performance of the techniques which makes one an expert, but the deeper understanding of how these movements translate to self defense scenarios and the ability to apply them in non-compliant situations.
This is where the art of self correction becomes so important. As you absorb your teacher's lessons and are corrected in the dojo, you must remember and correctly apply them on your own. As you become more proficient you begin testing what you've learned to the point of making their application your own. Listening to your body, interpreting what it's suggesting, is the best way to learn karate techniques.
For a new karateka, learning very different gross motor skills just feels "strange". As these skills (think stepping punch) are practiced they begin to make sense, but only to a certain point as dojo learned in a class situation, unless you have a knowledgeable and willing upper level student willing to spend time pointing out the finer aspects of each technique. Even with this assistance only a certain plateau of knowledge can be attained. It's the personal, self training which elevates the karateka to the next level of expertise - self training based on understanding one's body dynamics and limitations, as well as the purpose of each part of the body's synchronized members working in unison.
All technique must be seen in three stages: beginning, middle and end. The technique must be practiced repeatedly in a relaxed manner in a 1-2-3 format - slow thoughtful comprehension of the stage of the technique you are performing it is being translated from your body to your mind; then back from mind to body. The instantaneous response only comes with repetition which corrects itself through comprehension of the purpose of the technique time over time over time. Over time the practice of relaxed movement into intense kime then nearly instantaneously back to a relaxed, prepared state (to retreat or continue the attack, decisions made in milliseconds) is made natural. For this is what you strive for in karate.
Well, that's all for now.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Getting Your Kicks From Kata
Some people get their kicks on Route 66. I get mine performing kata.
When performing kata for trophies high kicks are often the norm, and this makes sense since the kata is an "artistic performance". But for me, in attempting to interpret kata for real world self defense, I target my kicks to either the lower abdominal area or legs. Certainly there is a training and aesthetic benefit when performing head level kicks - and certainly there are those who can successfully use these kicks in real world situations. But for most people, I think, it would be extremely dangerous attempting to kicking someone in the head - unless they've lowered the target first via some other technique.
Take today for example: it's a wet and rainy fall day - wet leaves abound and the asphalt in the parking lot is slippery as well. If I were to be accosted while walking to my car - even if the opportunity presented itself - would it be wise to attempt a head kick as an initial strike? I think the answer is obvious - no. There are too many variables working against me. Another reason to avoid high kicks - clothing. In the dojo your gi pants are loose fit allowing greater movement, but on the street wearing your stylish tight jeans is another story. Restrictive clothing obviously restricts movement. So unless your an expert fighter when flat on your back please don't try head kicks in the tight jeans you are wearing. A third reason head kicks aren't ideal - time of day and the weather's effect on the body. When I arrive at work around 6:45 AM my body isn't nearly as flexible as it is by late afternoon. Factor in a cold winter day and I'm at an even greater disadvantage for applying techniques requiring flexibility. While this may not apply to the same degree to a twenty-something karateka, I believe it still a a factor of some degree.
Now back to kata. I think it's safe to say all kicks found in the Shotokan kata syllabus are part of a combination of techniques meant to immobilize your opponent offering you the opportunity to escape. A kick to the knee or shin, as part of flurry of techniques, may be all you need to temporarily injure your opponent enough to run and seek help and safety. A kick to the groin or lower abdomen will have the same effect - it's hard to chase someone when you're doubled over in pain. Lower kicks also are safer for the karateka as well, since they are less likely to be caught by your opponent. Additionally lower kicks can be more sneaky - you can supply sufficient power while "cheating" by not applying full leg motion as done when kicking to higher levels (look up the flick kick).
Remember, when performing and interpreting kata, keeping it real is the best way to understand its intent - and this especially applies to kicks I believe.
Well, that's all for now.
When performing kata for trophies high kicks are often the norm, and this makes sense since the kata is an "artistic performance". But for me, in attempting to interpret kata for real world self defense, I target my kicks to either the lower abdominal area or legs. Certainly there is a training and aesthetic benefit when performing head level kicks - and certainly there are those who can successfully use these kicks in real world situations. But for most people, I think, it would be extremely dangerous attempting to kicking someone in the head - unless they've lowered the target first via some other technique.
Take today for example: it's a wet and rainy fall day - wet leaves abound and the asphalt in the parking lot is slippery as well. If I were to be accosted while walking to my car - even if the opportunity presented itself - would it be wise to attempt a head kick as an initial strike? I think the answer is obvious - no. There are too many variables working against me. Another reason to avoid high kicks - clothing. In the dojo your gi pants are loose fit allowing greater movement, but on the street wearing your stylish tight jeans is another story. Restrictive clothing obviously restricts movement. So unless your an expert fighter when flat on your back please don't try head kicks in the tight jeans you are wearing. A third reason head kicks aren't ideal - time of day and the weather's effect on the body. When I arrive at work around 6:45 AM my body isn't nearly as flexible as it is by late afternoon. Factor in a cold winter day and I'm at an even greater disadvantage for applying techniques requiring flexibility. While this may not apply to the same degree to a twenty-something karateka, I believe it still a a factor of some degree.
Now back to kata. I think it's safe to say all kicks found in the Shotokan kata syllabus are part of a combination of techniques meant to immobilize your opponent offering you the opportunity to escape. A kick to the knee or shin, as part of flurry of techniques, may be all you need to temporarily injure your opponent enough to run and seek help and safety. A kick to the groin or lower abdomen will have the same effect - it's hard to chase someone when you're doubled over in pain. Lower kicks also are safer for the karateka as well, since they are less likely to be caught by your opponent. Additionally lower kicks can be more sneaky - you can supply sufficient power while "cheating" by not applying full leg motion as done when kicking to higher levels (look up the flick kick).
Remember, when performing and interpreting kata, keeping it real is the best way to understand its intent - and this especially applies to kicks I believe.
Well, that's all for now.
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