http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php A virtual dojo where knockdown style martial artists and enthusiasts can meet, and offers a range of services to connect, inform, learn and share. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:40:57 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/web/misc/rss.jpg http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=263 Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:44:48 GMT In March, my son and I attended the Ohan Brothers Gold Cup Tournament in Laval, Quebec. http://www.ohanbrothers.com/memorialgc.htm My cherished... In March, my son and I attended the Ohan Brothers Gold Cup Tournament in Laval, Quebec.

http://www.ohanbrothers.com/memorialgc.htm

My cherished memories:

- Listening to the astonished admiring sound of "Oooo" explode from the spectators on my right as I went from Yoi to the first move of Naihanchi in my performance on stage. That sudden collection of loud breathed out sound nearly popped me out of my mental concentration. I had to quickly push any more thoughts out of my mind, and refocus on the Kata. To my delight, the sound was captured on the video that my son was taking on his camera from across the room. I still have a pleasant content smile at this reaction to my efforts. I will always carry that memory with me.

- Watching my boy show courage, determination, and strength as he faced an opponent that had more experience, more reach, and more skill. He stood firm, and gave his best, and walked away proud.

- Participating in the Seminar with Shihan John Taylor, Shihan Klaus Rex, and Shihan Roman Szyrajew was a golden moment. I walked away with a deeper understanding of angles, and fighting combinations. The Mawashi exercises were challenging, and "fun" at the same time.

- Sight-seeing around Montreal, and taking in the Oratory, Mont Royal Park, Museums, Old Montreal, Cosmodome, and Science Center. It was fantastic.. and I'd love to do it all again one day. ]]> supergroup7 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=263 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=262 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:09:20 GMT Shame on me.. double shame.. Oh well.. now that is out of my system I will start anew and blog some about karate :) Working on improving... Shame on me.. double shame..

Oh well.. now that is out of my system I will start anew and blog some about karate :)

Working on improving everything, but focusing on bits at a time. Right now I'm thinking about sweeps, and how they work, how to get them from strange angles, where they fit in Kata, etc.

For example, I'm starting to wonder if the opening set of movements in Pinan Sono Ichi could be an inner sweep with the left leg pushing onto your opponent's inner right leg as you grab your opponent's head, and toss them over your bent knee with a Gedan Berai movement. Something of the dynamic seems wrong there.. but there seems to be a "key" to unlock another option if I could just locate what it is that I'm missing. Darn it all that I can't find consistent training partners who wouldn't mind me flipping them dangerously around in order to feel the balance/unbalance of the application. So far my kids are my only victims, and I have to use them sparingly as they get this "What are you up to?" look in their eyes when I get too close.

I'm preparing for a trip to another Tournament.

This time I have chosen to do a Kata that is rarely seen in Kyokushin public events. Sosai Oyama performed this Kata on video in the 60's (?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci0R6OdzJdc

Naihanchi ( also known as Naifanchi)

It is my delight that my Sensei was familiar with this older Kata and has provided me with such solid guidance. I have been working on it consistently, and it is deceptively simple. To execute the stances, and movements correctly you are placed into quite a challenge because it calls for a solid Kiba Dachi despite what you are doing with your upper torso. ]]> supergroup7 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=262 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=261 Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:07:46 GMT Osu Now THAT was a great event! The Ohan Brothers Gold Cup Tournament 2012 held in Laval, Quebec. I just got back from there, and here are my... Osu

Now THAT was a great event! The Ohan Brothers Gold Cup Tournament 2012 held in Laval, Quebec.

I just got back from there, and here are my cherished memories:

- Fantastic, and impressive competitors ( over 200 of them from different countries, and different styles)

- Training seminar with Shihan Klaus Rex. Wow.. I just have to say WOW! That was something else as he shared a taste of what training as an Uchi Deshi under Sosai was like with us. The key of the seminar was basics, basics, basics, but at a depth of understanding and focus that revealed so much more than just one day could provide.

- The hospitality, friendliness, competitiveness, and supportive welcoming presence of Shihan Roman, and his dojo students. They made it a pleasure to visit Quebec.

One of my best memories is when I finished performing my kata on stage, and my event was over. I went down into the lobby to phone my family to share the results. From across the room, three young orange belt boys came running over to see me, and shake my hand. They had stars in their eyes, and were expressing how impressed they were of my performance. I was taken aback. I did not know these students, they did not know me, but they not only noticed my kata performance which I find unusual for children, but found it so inspiring that they felt a need to express their appreciation. That was something else!
I had met my personal training goal. I have always wanted to bring my kata performance to a level wherein others would see my enthusiasm, and love of kata, and their souls would respond in echo of that joy, and they would find inspiration to continue in their training. That is what I saw in the eyes of these boys.. the echo of my own appreciation of kata. I do hope that these boys find it within themselves to not only match what I accomplished, but will surpass me, and infect hundreds of other Karate ka with the same dedication to kata. ]]> supergroup7 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=261 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=260 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:33:42 GMT It goes to show that being involved in my home, work, and Karate has made it difficult to sit down and type in my blog. I guess that I should... It goes to show that being involved in my home, work, and Karate has made it difficult to sit down and type in my blog. I guess that I should consider this a good thing as it shows that I'm applying myself.

My latest efforts in Karate is to improve on the following things:

Front kick - working towards bringing my knee up higher, and keeping it there. I have found that I've developed a lazy habit of dropping the knee as I kick. I guess that it's easier on my hip that way... but I won't strengthen by taking the easy road.

Saiha Kata - fine-tuning the small moments, and "feeling" the power flow when changing stances especially when turning, and going into Sanchin Dachi at the Kiai points. I want to feel the "why" of that movement, and understand it better.

Nunchuk - speeding up the flow, but realized that the targeting seems to be affected. Am I subconsciously protecting my head by making the weapon go out more? I don't know.. It could be.. or is it the speed of the weapon that changes the trajectory? I will be focusing on learning that as I improve in strength, confidence, and speed. ]]> supergroup7 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=260 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=259 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:32:01 GMT It's been quite sometime since I've scanned the pages here, but it feels even longer. In a sense, everything has changed, but in many ways all has remained constant.

I've left this community a few years ago. I think mostly because of my shift through styles. I thought that I wouldn't care to stay due to my choice of MMA. However, even those days have passed. Some how it just worked out that I would eventually not really pursue martial arts, but enjoy my current study of physics.

I no longer wish for a career, in the typical sense, regarding fighting. I'm currently just waiting to ship out to the Navy and begin my job as a nuclear engineer.

I view this as less of deterioration of my former ambitions and more of an epiphany of my life in a more realistic path.

I came here today with the ideas of a retrospective quest of philosophy. I remember the great philosophy of the karate trade. I was amazed that my old login was still active.

Even though, my ideas have changed since my last activities here, I still dream of that one day that I can walk into a dojo and see what its all about. Osu! ]]> koji112091 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=259 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=258 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:48:17 GMT I fought in my first official tournament today and won first place in self defenses! I fought in my first official tournament today and won first place in self defenses! ]]> SurrenderWithin http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=258 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=257 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:24:31 GMT Training in the heat has never been an enjoyable experience for me, and even with years of practice behind me I still find myself walking into the... Training in the heat has never been an enjoyable experience for me, and even with years of practice behind me I still find myself walking into the dojo with a sigh of resignation when I feel the damp warmness of the air that happens during the summer.

Mokuso helps me push the negative feelings aside as I calm my mind, and focus on the moment, but as soon as the sweat starts on my brow, which usually happens within minutes of the warm up, and drops into my eyes I am reminded of the heat of the air around me. I can't stand the sticky feeling of my wet gi brushing against my skin. I grit my teeth and train past that feeling. I usually end up trying to convince myself that it's not as hot as I think it is, and that it's all in my imagination. Sometimes that works.. sometimes not. ]]> supergroup7 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=257 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=256 Tue, 24 May 2011 00:59:29 GMT This isn't a new concept for me, I've always known that my training doesn't end when the Karate class ends.

However, this month I've been fighting for improvement in an area that I cannot believe existed. My daily attitude towards myself has been challenged, and I'm finding it shocking to see that what I grew up with, what I've believed all of my life, what I've had to carry with me all of my years of experience is not what needs to be.

Now I'm faced with a void because I don't know what else can fit in this mental spot. Now that I chose to go forth with a different viewpoint, and there seems to be nothing inside me that can fill what used to be there, I feel "empty", and lost.

I keep thinking back to a phrase that I've read on this forum "When in doubt, train." So that is what I will do until I can figure out how to make everything make sense again. ]]> supergroup7 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=256 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=255 Wed, 18 May 2011 20:50:18 GMT Every training hall is full of men with only a few ladies amongst the lower grades, so obviously instructors tend to teach fighting methods aimed at... Every training hall is full of men with only a few ladies amongst the lower grades, so obviously instructors tend to teach fighting methods aimed at the needs of their male students. This creates a dangerous sense of security amongst female martial artists. More applicable training is required to help those who need it the most-the average female student who has to live under the constant threat of rape and sexual harassment from people close to her.

Rape can be divided into two main groups: rapes committed by unknown attackers and rapes committed by an attacker known to the victim. The cases of non-violent rape from a known attacker could virtually be eliminated if all the victims studied the martial arts.

In many rape cases the victim knows the rapist before the rape takes place. This would include family rape, rape by a friend of the family, date rape etc. Society does not seem very sympathetic to victims of this kind of rape and these cases are seldom reported. The criminals stay free and rape again and again, often abusing the same victim over a period of years.

Instructors must be aware that this field of self defence training is a little more complicated than just punching and kicking. Students must be taught to make the correct decision, quickly. They must be given the correct training to handle this specific crime.
Imagine your 16 year-old female student breaking her 70- year-old grandfathers nose with that perfect punch and then finishing him off with a jumping spinning kick. No matter that he deserves it, she would not do it and if she did, she would have endless problems with her family thereafter. The actions are to obviously violent and a better course of action would be to bite effectively.(soft parts of the body with a tearing motion.) Let the old goat try and explain that one! Victims must be alert to any escalation in the level of violence and stay ready to change tactics, but an over-amorous drunken boyfriend can be brought back to earth with a solid slap on the ear.

Teach students an open handed slap to the ear with the hand slightly cupped. Work parties lead to a lot of rapes, especially when there is a lot of drinking. It may not be very prudent for a secretary to put her boss into hospital for a couple of months when she could just apply an immobilizing locking choke and turn the situation into a joke. After all, she will still need a job on Monday morning.

Not just the attacker and the victim are involved when it comes to family or friends of the family. The victim must realise that she may never be able to discuss the incident with anyone and will have to face her attacker on a regular basis. In a case like this, a clear superiority must be won by the victim: a really painful lock will do wonders to shift the balance of power.

The degree of consent must also be considered. A date invited in for coffee can be a problem if there has been a form of consent that could be interpreted as an invitation to intimacy. It is then important for the victim to send a very clear message. The message must convey categorically that the attacker is not welcome and could very easily get hurt. The student must be taught to fight effectively while on her back and trapped. With training this can be made to look effortless.

Trying to throw punches when you are being pinned down on a couch is not very effective, and a good grappling knowledge is required. Do not expect a student to be able to throw a groin kick just because it is easy- it must be practised. An entire area of self defence with minimal violence exist, which is seldom addressed by martial arts instructors. Maybe a little correct training can prevent a lot of heart ache and even the male students will have fun training.

OSU-EN2 ]]> ashiharakaicho http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=255 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=254 Fri, 13 May 2011 15:14:46 GMT Closer to home, lets have a look at a technique series given as an example by a well respected Karate instructor on her website, which is dedicated... Closer to home, lets have a look at a technique series given as an example by a well respected Karate instructor on her website, which is dedicated to self defence workshops (not Karate instruction). To me this illustrates why assuming that your clear expertise in a traditional art makes you an expert in self defence might get your students killed.

Right. Photo 1 shows the attacker grabbing her one wrist with both of his hands. Her response is as follows: Her first technique is to use her free hand to execute a “one knuckle punch” against the hands holding her. The second technique is punching him in the nose with that same hand. She then kicks him in the groin, this causes him to bend over forwards and she “finishes” him with a descending elbow to the back of the neck.

Not bad, I hear you say, perhaps. Where microseconds and millimeters mean the difference between life and death, “not bad” is not even close to “good enough”.

Firstly, when he grabs you, he is not expecting you to fight back, otherwise he probably would have chosen someone else. So, you have the element of surprise, at least for your first strike. So this is the strike that counts. If you get this one right, you can probably push him over with your pinky as a fourth or fifth move, if you wish.

So…both his hands are tied up with holding your wrist. His throat and eyes are wide open. Why in heavens name would you hit his hands first? To get him to let you go? If you poke him in the eye or hit him in the throat he will do that anyway, believe me (or don’t, grab my forearm with both hands, I’ll demonstrate).

Right, next she uses her fist to punch him in the nose. He has now let go of her, so he is no longer as stationary a target as when he was grabbing her. If she manages to hit the nose, she will break it, no argument there. If she misses even by an inch, she will either hit his forehead and possibly break her hand or hit his mouth and cut her knuckles on his teeth (ask any bouncer, every time you punch someone in the mouth, you end up with cuts on your hands. This happened to me often, but this was 1978 to 1983, BEFORE AIDS…do you really want the blood and saliva of your attacker mixing with your blood? Hmmmh?).

The next two follow up techniques I have no issue with, but they don’t really matter, do they now? If your first two techniques were good, nearly anything works as a follow-up, if you just made him angry with them, your problem has escalated because he now definitely wants to seriously injure or kill you.

Please, I have nothing against this teacher on any personal level (don’t know her and have never spoken to her) and respect her as a Karate instructor but as self defence, this illustrates a lack of expertise or practical experience or both. Could it work? Sure it could, if your attacker is relatively unskilled, inexperienced or hesitant. Is it the best possible response? Not a chance. Not because “I say so”, but because of the logical reasoning outlined above. And it matters, as I said, because this is a matter of live and death.

I could go on, give more examples, but I believe that I have made my point.
Shop around. Weed out all the “general purpose” styles and combat sports IF you want only self defence training (otherwise, enjoy it…both the traditional arts and combat sports have so very much to offer!).
Then analyse the small number of “pure self defence” options and select the one you think is best.

Ask yourself:

1. Do I need to be strong and athletic to do this?

2. Would I need to warm up first to be able to do this? (high kicks, for instance)

3. Are they punching to the head with bare fists?

4. Are they specifically targeting and emphasizing target areas such as the eyes, throat, groin, ears, knees, shin and instep? If not, why not?

5. Do they teach defences against common weapons attacks?

6. Do they stress the difference between predatory violence and dominance-related violence (an argument over a parking spot does not constitute “self defence”, it constitutes anger management issues and would NEVER justify the use of dangerous techniques to areas such as the eyes or throat!)?

7. Is self defence on the ground covered? If your attacker is standing? If he is on the ground, on top of you or kneeling between your legs?

8. Is defence against multiple attackers covered?

9. Are the legal issues relating to self defence clarified? What level of force is considered legally justifiable? At what point do you need to “stop”, before the law starts seeing you as the aggressor? There are ALWAYS consequences to your actions.

10. Are the people in class respectful and careful in training with each other? Being injured in class is clearly not a good idea.

11. Does the instructor get his point across clearly and with ease? Are most of the students “getting it”? It does not matter if he is “champion of the known universe”, he won’t be there when you need to use his stuff. Do you feel that you can learn from him?

12. To judge those last two points, you need to be allowed to watch a class or take part in a trial class. If neither of those are allowed, I for one would become doubtful.

There you have it. There are other points, but if you find a school that passes on all (or nearly all) of the above, you may have found yourself some good self defence tuition. Enjoy your training!

by Erik Petermann (Ashihara Yudansha)

Feedback welcome ...

OSU-EN2 ]]> ashiharakaicho http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=254 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=253 Fri, 13 May 2011 15:11:13 GMT *Self Defence Nonsense* Ask nearly any martial arts instructor whether his art is superb in a self defence context and you will get “absolutely” as... Self Defence Nonsense

Ask nearly any martial arts instructor whether his art is superb in a self defence context and you will get “absolutely” as an answer. From Tae Kwon Do sports practitioners who leave their arms dangling by their sides in sports competition to Tai Chi instructors who have never sparred in their life and move at a snail’s speed, everyone thinks they have the answer to a life-or-death street confrontation.

And they fully believe in what they are doing and yes, a head high Tae Kwon Do kick or a Tai Chi push will work better than anything you have learnt in your Yoga class or Zumba session, but barely.

Normally, criticizing what everyone else is doing is at best an exercise in questionable marketing tactics and at worst rude and in bad taste, but self defence differs in one way from most other activities.

The more useless the method you are learning , the more likely it is to get you killed when you need it most! Self defence is like the emergency brake system on trains.

Hopefully you never need it, but when you do, it has to work. Imagine buying a car from someone and not knowing that the brakes were badly designed and how you would feel when you come down the steep road from Kloof Nek and try to slow down..and very little happens…and your car keeps on picking up speed.

If you survive the wreck, you are coming after the car salesman with a vengeance…IF you survive, that is!

Martial arts are wonderful and every single instructor has something to offer to someone, by definition. Some arts are better for sports, some allow you to move powerfully through your forms practice, some focus your mind, some increase your fitness levels and some are more self defence oriented.

Think about it. The more aspects an art or system covers, the more it is diluted for any one specific purpose that is a part of the mix. A Bedford truck is awesome for moving things from A to B. That’s all it does. A Formula One racing car is superb at driving fast. Again, that is all it does. Most martial arts styles are more like a Volkswagen Combi.

You can pick up the kids from school, do your shopping, move smaller household items to your new home, probably even pack in a sheep or two to take to the market. But you can’t outrace a Formula One racer with it or move things like you would with a truck.
These are great arts for all-round life-long personal development.

When it comes to someone trying to pull you into an empty room so as to rape you, you want the equivalent of that truck or the racing car, though. Something that is designed for one purpose only, i.e. allowing you to survive the next few seconds or minutes of violent confrontation.

In anything more violent than a schoolyard fight, someone will get injured. Without correct training, that would be you. Given sufficient training the idea is that your attacker is the one who eats through a straw for the next few months. If that sounds a little aggressive, then it has achieved it’s purpose.

Fighting so as not to be raped, stabbed, shot or repeatedly kicked in the head whilst trying to curl up into a ball on the ground is desperate, ugly and chaotic. Human beings at their best heal each other, write inspirational poetry, listen to music or make beautiful love.

A predator set on injuring or killing you is operating at the opposite end of the human spectrum. There is nothing “glorious” to be found in combat, anyone who has ever experienced it and glories in it needs psychiatric help.

If you are a “normal” human being, you do not glory in the impact of hard physical contact. There are those people, usually men, who are both highly competitive and like contact and are drawn to sports such as rugby, boxing, wrestling and mixed martial arts.
Absolutely nothing “wrong” with those sporting activities, but very few women and only a small percentage of men fit into that mold, physically or temperamentally.

So, to most people, the idea of physical violence is abhorrent. It sometimes makes you feel sick just thinking of it. Which is why the currently popular combat sports such as Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts are not a good self defence solution for most people or situations.

As much as these sports build up attributes such as timing, speed, power and toughness, most people cannot or do not want to handle the training. Also, these sports completely ignore defence against weapons and multiple attackers. Most opponents are equally matched, there is an agreement to “fight” and there are rules. Plus, in those sports allowing punching to the head, the hands are carefully wrapped and gloves are worn so as to protect them (more on that one later).

A twenty five year old athletic male mixed martial artist fighting against one opponent in a street brawl will certainly win, if he can make sure that weapons are not involved and that the other guy does not have friends that will interfere and if he refrains from punching to the head (which would most likely break his hands). So contact combat sports (boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Judo, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA) are good for some specific combat situations, but there is no guarantee that these situations will actually materialize in that specific way, the odds are against it.

Let’s look at one of my prime indicators for truly bad self defence tuition for a moment:
Any so-called self defence training that programs you, in any way whatsoever, to punch someone in the head with your fist, is RUBBISH.

The reason that boxers and kickboxers first wrap their hands and then put on gloves over these heavily bandaged hands is NOT (as is often assumed by the ignorant) to protect the head of your opponent. Blunt force trauma is blunt force trauma, the effect on the brain is pretty similar whether it is hit by a gloved and wrapped hand or a bare fist.

Combat sportsmen do this so as to PROTECT THEIR HANDS. Bareknuckle fighters a few centuries ago ended up with hands that were no longer capable of holding a spoon, never mind writing a letter or playing a piano. I have known several martial artists who have broken bones in their hands from impact with someone’s skull. If they are truly tough, they “eat up” the pain and continue defending themselves with their other hand.
Not a good way to go about things though, if your main purpose is self defence , is it?

There are advanced level Karate black belts who train for thousands of hours on the “makiwara”, a springy punching post so as to toughen their hands. This may help, but then they also need the timing and accuracy so as to ensure that they make impact with the skull at the same perfect ninety degree angle with which they hit the makiwara.

I could write a book on this topic, but I just need to make you aware of the importance of being an “aware and educated” shopper when looking for self defence training, simply because of the possible consequences of choosing inferior training. I have known martial artists who died in street confrontations and have found myself asking “what if he had trained in a different system? Would he still be alive today?”

So, a few more thoughts on the topic. Let’s take a quick look at one or two illustrative examples. In my two teaching trips to Israel I met, observed and trained with Israeli practitioners from several different Israeli combative systems. Krav Maga and its various offshoots and factions trace their origin to Imi Lichtenfeld. Dennis Hannover, originally from South Africa, founded his “Survival” system on the basis of his knowledge of full contact Karate, Judo and Jiu Jutsu. These two teachers and their “descendants” (like Moni Aizek’s “Commando Krav Maga” or Eli Leffler’s “Hashita”) account for ninety nine percent of self defence tuition in Israel.

All Israeli self defence practitioners share a total pragmatism, laser-like concentration, high levels of fitness and an acceptance of violence that could happen at any given moment. This makes them very dangerous indeed and is obviously an outcome of the situation they find themselves in.

Contrast this with what I like to think of as the “Los Angeles School of Krav Maga” which has become popular around the world. Take SOME of the fantastic techniques of the Israeli version, add the “mystique” of the deadly Israeli Defence Force, add hand-wraps and boxing punches and some bodyweight exercises, now set the whole thing to a pumping “aerobics-class beat” (the music is great for pushing you but gets you used to a completely wrong timing, in combat terms) and do some Hollywood style marketing.

What you end up with is happy, sweaty, smiling faces, full classes around the clock, a bank manager who really, really loves you and Beverly Hills soccer moms who would get killed if they ever tried this muck against a determined criminal. I met some IDF combatives experts in Israel who just shook their heads at this watered-down crap.

part 2 following /... ]]> ashiharakaicho http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=253 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=252 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:44:53 GMT As I embarked upon this path known as kyokushin I was blind to the journey that lie ahead of me. I stood for days staring down the darkened path;... As I embarked upon this path known as kyokushin I was blind to the journey that lie ahead of me. I stood for days staring down the darkened path; wondering what lay beyond the first bend. I had heard him (the one would become my instructor) speak of his own walk with such passion that I felt a stirring within my self.



Last September I made a commitment to myself that I was going to find a way back to a healthier me. I found myself locked within an obese unhealthy shell of a body, My medical issues compounded one upon the next; diabetic, arthritis, asthma, moderate restrictive lung disorder, hypothyroidism…and the list goes on. I was an elite gymnast into my teen years. I know how it feels to be healthy and fit. It was the loss of my gymnastics career that ( I allowed… not dodging accountability here) to start me down the slippery slope.



Anyhow back to the darkened path I was staring down. I stood there for days reflecting on the days of old. I thought about the hard work, the sweat, the pain, and even the blood. I stood there reminiscing and found myself longing for that sense of nearly overwhelming exhaustion; that serenity that comes when I know that I had placed practically inhuman demands upon my body and my body surrendered to my will.



Speaking of my will… I took a solid look at my will and asked myself if I has the will and drive to commit to the long haul. I willed my feet to hold their ground until I was certain that I was willing to walk this path regardless of the obstacles that I knew (and those I do not know) stand in my way. As I mentioned once before I knew his (instructor) passion and thought I understood the importance of the knowledge I would be asking him to impart. I would not allow myself to ask him to gift that knowledge to me only to render his time wasted and the lessons lost.



It took a few days of some solid soul searching to finally gather my resolve, settle into a determined state, and ask him for the honor of becoming a/ his student of kyokushin. He immediately granted my request. I was filled with excitement tempered with self doubt and trepidation. There was a small demanding voice within my head taunting me. It reminded me that I was fat and in poor health. It stated that gymnastics had been a challenge when I was fit and demanded to know how I would conquer the obstacles upon this path.



I decided to do this as a tool to becoming a healthier me, instead within a week I find myself deciding to be a healthier me so that I can do this ( kyokushin).



My way of thinking began to shift from the very first “ hajime”. It was odd, but I somehow instantly felt as if I had made my way home. In that very moment I knew that this would fill a void within me.



Day one…lesson one… It was hard. I sucked. I did NOTHING correctly in any way shape or form. I was the epitome of pathetic. He pushed me and demanded that I put all of me into it. He was a tough task master and I appreciated every moment of his private instruction and attention. I knew I was horrible but my commitment never wavered and my determination concreted itself in raw will. Even then he demonstrated to me that I know nothing of my personal limitations. I knew that he would not settle for less than 100 % and I would offer nothing less.



We had agreed that the intensity of my training would be based upon what I can handle according to his assessment. I agreed that I would allow him to set the pace and intensity and I would do as he believed I was capable. My initial belief was that I could be proud of myself if I could handle an hour twice a week. I understand now that I seriously underestimated myself. We have yet to train for less than 2 hours and have inched toward the 4-hour mark. He decides when we are finished for the day.He has decided that we will train for 2 days on and one day off. He insists that I give my muscles and body a chance to rest ever so often. I am sure he is correct in his assessment. I trust him explicitly. I would never question his wisdom or decision. However, I hate the off days. I feel an emptiness and sadness about me as I go through the day. I still exercise on my off days, but not rigorously as respect his wishes for me to rest.



A fire has been ignited within me and is feels all- encompassing. I started walking this journey only a week ago. I saw it as a way to challenge myself and become a better me. So naive I was…and realize I still am. I see the path ahead and know how far I have to go. I know this is a never-ending journey. Kyokushin is everything I thought it was be and so very much more.



Kyokushin is not about finding my limits, rather moving and surpassing them. It is about drive, determination, and an unwillingness to quit, no matter the obstacles or circumstances. It is about achieving (sometimes effortlessly) that which I saw as impossible only moments before. It is about challenging myself. It is about learning; learning about the world around me and about myself.



Kyokushin is a mind set to me…and I have set my mind upon this beautiful and exciting path.



I cannot express the gratitude I feel for the one giving of himself and sharing his passion with me as I learn and grown beneath his tutelage. He is the navigator on this path and with a stubbornness to succeed and a humble spirit I place my first foot upon the road to kyokushin. Slowly I will follow the footprints of those who have gone before.





(I apologize for the length. I was long winded but I am overcome with excitement… and one last thing…. Why is it that nobody ever told me before this that I did not know how to breathe correctly?) ]]> SurrenderWithin http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=252 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=251 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:43:38 GMT Kata: Taikyoku shodan surrenderwithin June 2nd, 2010 I said earlier that I would be posting more about this experience later: For a few weeks I... Kata: Taikyoku shodan

surrenderwithin
June 2nd, 2010 I said earlier that I would be posting more about this experience later:


For a few weeks I have heard him (my instructor) make a correlation between doing kata and prayer. What I was hearing him say was that he found it enjoyable. He had told me on Monday that we would begin learning my first Kata ( Taikyoku shodan) on Tuesday during my training. I spent all day Tuesday dreading class that evening because in the back of my mind I was telling myself,” Is he crazy? I am not ready for this. I cannot do this”. I have watched him workout and practice his katas many times and could not even begin to wrap my mind around being able to even do a simple one somewhat adequately. Something he says to me all the time kept running through my head, “ If you believe you can or if you believe you cannot… you are right”. I kept trying to tell myself that but failed to have the confidence. However, I did have the willingness to try and the drive to not give up.



We spent an hour or so just learning the steps to the kata very slowly. Then we spent some time working on executing the moves correctly. At one point he told me to begin when I was ready and at any time I was not completely satisfied with a move to return to fudo dachi and begin again. At least ten times I did not make it past ichi… I am a tough critic on myself. Once I managed to get past ichi. Ni was fine. However once I reached san I had to start again approximately 10 million times (perhaps that is a slight over estimate). That turn pivot thing messed with me over and over. Eventually I managed to make it through the entire thing basically ok with how I had done. I was thankful for the “yazame” I heard.



While I was taking a quick break he ( my instructor) started to talk to me about bukai and demonstrated the why behind each move in my kata. He reminded me that “ If we block it, we break it. If we strike it, we break it”. He then instructed me to do it again and keep that in mind. I now knew the steps and he wanted to see the energy and the force of my blocks and punches. He informed me that “ We will not be done tonight, we will NOT be leaving this room until I no longer desire to be in front of your punches or have your blocks stopping an attack from me”. My mouth responded in the affirmative but my brain said, “ Then I guess we are both in for a very long night”. With a stubborn determination and returned to the attention stance and gave it my all. My punches were better ( some) and my blocks improved. However I was still moving rather slowly and thinking about what comes next and having to pause to contemplate the next step.



On the next water break he informed me in a stern tone that I should take the time that I need and then “ When you get up with WILL do it crisp, fluid, and correctly the FIRST time”. I had a secret panic! Well, I am sure it was not as secret as I thought it to be with his sadistic half grin and chuckle. Anyhow I got up and was determined to not let myself down or him, for that matter. I knew the moves, the steps, the technique… I knew how to do this. He instructed me to visualize it, begin when ready, and not to think about it.. He once again stated that I will do it correctly….

…. I didn’t.

He snapped “ fudo dachi” I responded quickly, feeling exhausted and frustrated with myself, yet alive. He looked at me and said, quite harshly, “ Again and DO NOT THINK”! There was no question in his voice. I knew he expected compliance. My thoughts: oh my how does he expect me to not think and get it right. He doesn’t want thought then I wont think. I will just do it and he can see how I mess it up. ,,, I began and NAILED it.



From the very first step I forgot that he was there. I forgot he was critiquing my every move. In that moment I was alone in that room. From step 2 I knew I owned this and I was capable and never should have doubted myself. I knew that he was so correct about whether or not I believe I can I am right. I did not want to stop thinking and let instinct take over because I didn’t trust myself, nor his training apparently. Yet in that moment barriers collapsed and walls fell. I learned about the importance of my mind set and that I need not place mental obstacles on my path. I could have executed it adequately far sooner had I just trusted myself.



Each night I am pushed to my perceived limits and beyond, physical limits I mean and it feels wonderful. That was not the case last night, though. Last night wasn’t about limits and pushing myself. It was about barriers, and walls… and belief. It was about overcoming that which seems insurmountable and never saying die.



Now, the kata….As I mentioned at the start of this post he had made a correlation between prayer and kata many times. I thought I got his point, but once I experienced kata I realize again how nieve this new white belt truly is.



I cannot even begin to find the words to express what I felt while doing Kata, and just feeling… not thinking. The closest English word I can come up with is serene. I was in my utopia, at home, comfortable, and ease and in simple serenity.



I have much to think about and so very much more to learn. I eagerly await the next stumbling block along this path of kyokushin. ]]> SurrenderWithin http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=251 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=250 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:41:36 GMT Someone said to me yesterday that they believe the only reason I am fixated on karate is because I am a “ challenge junkie”. Now, I will be the first... Someone said to me yesterday that they believe the only reason I am fixated on karate is because I am a “ challenge junkie”. Now, I will be the first to admit that I do thrive when I am challenged. Little to nothing inspires me like a good hearty challenge. My immediate response was to try to explain to her that my fixation with kyokushin is concerned is something much more grand than simply my addiction to challenge.



Now 24 have passed and I have spent some time introspection about this. I have asked myself why I felt the need to “ make”: her understand my mindset. Why did I (and I use this reference loosely) “ throw pearls before the swine”. so to speak. ( btw, I am NOT calling you swine... to the person who said that)



I am still fully aware of how wrong she is about my drive and motivation upon my newest journey. However, it also occurs to me that her being right would not be so bad;

How can challenging ones self to become more healthy, fit, self-aware, alert, at peace, and driven ever be viewed as a bad thing?

How can challenging ones self to walk in honor, truth, and humility be a negative?

How can challenging ones self to strive to the ultimate, to grow in all ways, become more spiritually in tune be viewed as bad?

How can challenging ones self to always respect yourself, your peers, and superiors not be an absolute beautiful thing?



… I say that challenge is more than enough reason, and that does not even touch the tip of the iceberg of reality. ]]> SurrenderWithin http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=250 http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=249 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:38:41 GMT I started learning my first kick last night. My instructor pushed me so hard, way the hell beyond where I thought my personal limit was. There was... I started learning my first kick last night. My instructor pushed me so hard, way the hell beyond where I thought my personal limit was. There was one point when I remember thinking I cannot do this for one more moment. It hurt ( still slightly sore sprained ankle on the left, huge gash under that big toe and arthritis on the right screaming at me) I was beyond exhausted and was certain that I was going to fall to the floor and die. He calls me back to the attention stance and begins to speak. He talks for a few moments about how my body is not in charge and that I am the one in control. He then works me for a few more minutes and pushes me further. After a couple of minutes he calls a break and then raises the bar of his expectation about my performance. His demands and commands for that matter escalate.

As we are talking post training I mention that his little pep talk and reminder could not have came at a more precise and adequate time. He tells me that he saw, in my eyes and in my body language, what was running through my mind. Then he states, " If you think you can't I will prove to you that you can. I will always push you more so that you can see that you can that."

Speechless...

With gratitude and humility I understand his lesson and once again am reminded that "kyokushin is not just about breaking boards and tiles it is about breaking barriers".

My confidence has grown in leaps and bounds in the last 2 weeks and self doubt hangs on by a single thread...... ]]> SurrenderWithin http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/blog.php?b=249