Topic: The Spirit of Karate

[Liam]

Over the last few evening in my spare time ive been going over Kawasoe's dvd, no so much watching what he does, but what he say's!

"Many western students hurry their Kata" - I definetly agree with this, I myself am guilty of this, and looking at my fellow karateka in the dojo I'd say they to perform kata to quickly, and what Eryl said on thursday is true aswell "Must finish, mush finish" I find that often I dont finish off a move properly because I am rushing my kata!

Also how many new karateka know what kata is? I didn't really know until a few weeks ago, just before grading! Do they know that in a kata you are fighting imaginary opponents? am I correct in saying it is about proper technique rather than speed and that it should be perform with Kime?

The reason I named the topic "Spirit of Karate" is because everything comes from kata, well I hope im right in saying that! So if your spirit is wrong, then does the rest of our karate suffer aswell? I think my words are more directed at new students like myself, rather than those who are Dan grades.

I await some wise words from those who know lots more than me!

[JimmyTheHoover]

Liam - I agree with most of what you say 

Regarding Kata (and Karate in general) I think that one of the important performance factors is the ability to finish techniques "quickly" - as in short Kime/Focus - but "properly" - full techniques.

When this is combined with the ability to "keep your motor running" (Continulation  ) and move quickly on to the next move then all that's (pretty much)  left is to understand the "possibilities" in the moves you are performing 

BTW - I think that your comments are probably equally applicable to all grades - I know that they are certainly applicable to more than Kyu Grades up here in the North - including myself..... 

EDIT: .....but of course there's also Tempo and Timing to consider/worry about 

[Liam]

Cheer Jimmy

What I find, and I do this myself is, I feel we try and perform the kata from start to finish is as short a time as possible. I agree that from move to move should be quick, but I dont think we should be rushing through the whole process so we can finish it as quickly as possible.

[JimmyTheHoover]

Cheer Jimmy

What I find, and I do this myself is, I feel we try and perform the kata from start to finish is as short a time as possible. I agree that from move to move should be quick, but I dont think we should be rushing through the whole process so we can finish it as quickly as possible.

I don't have a problem with "Finishing the Kata as quickly as possible" as a primary goal - provided - it's performed with good form and you can still see some "interpretation" of the Kata seqence/tempo..... so the fast bits as fast as can be done properly and the slow bits done as slowly as necessary and with pauses where your interpretation places them.......


e.g.

Kihon Kata - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9........ WRONG ?

Kihon Kata -  1 - 2,3 - 4,5 - 6,7,8..... Not Wrong ?

Kihon Kata - 1,2,3 - 4,5,6 - 7,8,9..... Not Wrong ?

[JimmyTheHoover]

Wassup !

..quite frankly don't believe that NOBODY at Seki (esp. Little Liam) has any further comments on this 


....however if this is indeed the case can I politely request that Huw changes my Forum ID to "JimmyTheThreadKiller" ? 

[Liam]

Nobody takes karate seriously like I do Jimmy!

Hmm think I just signed my own death warrant there!

[JimmyTheHoover]

LOL - you've certainly accumulated a few "beating" markers recently Liam - but I know that deep down the Seki crowd just want to "Forgive and Forget" 

[Annette]

LOL - you've certainly accumulated a few "beating" markers recently Liam - but I know that deep down the Seki crowd just want to "Forgive and Forget" 

That's what you think - we bide our time and pick the right moments - at least i do anyway.

[JimmyTheHoover]

LOL - you've certainly accumulated a few "beating" markers recently Liam - but I know that deep down the Seki crowd just want to "Forgive and Forget" 

That's what you think - we bide our time and pick the right moments - at least i do anyway.

Oh Really - I'm shocked and disappointed that you can all be so petty minded over few (dozen) youthfull infractions   

[Liam]

Shall I get you a bigger spoon Jimmy, you'll be able to stir more with it!

[JimmyTheHoover]

Shall I get you a bigger spoon Jimmy, you'll be able to stir more with it!

No assistance required Liam - but thanks for the kind offer - remember what doesn't kill you makes you stronger 

[siwan]

I dont want Mole bach to get a big head about this,but I ve just been watching osaka Sensei doing enpi kata and my god, I see his style so much in Mole Bach. There are so many similarities in how their bodies move - transition and technique, its uncanny!

[JimmyTheHoover]

I dont want Mole bach to get a big head about this,but I ve just been watching osaka Sensei doing enpi kata and my god, I see his style so much in Mole Bach. There are so many similarities in how their bodies move - transition and technique, its uncanny!

ARe the kata performances online Siw - any linkies ? 

[siwan]

go to youtube and write osaka kata. he does a performance of enpi, sochin and gojushiho sho after each other. No performances of Mole bach doing Enpi on youtube yet  - you ll just have to come to seki to train to see him doing that.  It was in the enpi kata in particular that I noticed the similarities.

[JimmyTheHoover]

Cheers Siw  (get your Video Camera out !  )