Questions for Kyokushin artists

[gojubum]

I have some general questions for you Kyokushin artists out there. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

First, I'd like to give you some context. I live in Guatemala (I'm from the US) and have been studying Goju-Ryu (Toguchi style, Shorei-Kan). Through my research I've seen that Kyokushin is partly influenced from Gojo; hence, in part, my interest in Kyokushin. Next year, summer 2008, I'm relocating to Denver. I'm looking for a dojo that emphasizes hard training, and tradition of the art and philosophy while not foresaking innovation and new skills.

Here are my questions.
What do you Kyokushin practitioners think of Enshin?
Is Enshin basically Kyokushin with the added Sabaki method?
How traditional is Enshin, in terms of its roots?
Do you see any drawbacks to Enshin compared to traditional Kyokushin?
What are the main differences, in terms of training, kumite, tradition, and philosophy, between the Enshin and Kyokushin dojo?
What can I expect in terms of training in Kyokushin compared to Enshin?

I appreciate your comments. Thanks.

[Martin H]

Originally Posted by gojubum

What do you Kyokushin practitioners think of Enshin?

Good style. Very good style. one of the best kyokushin descendants (altough by the way of ashihara -another of my favourite styles) around.

Originally Posted by gojubum

Is Enshin basically Kyokushin with the added Sabaki method?

And the traditional kata replaced with modern kumite based katas looking like sparring combinations. Yes.

Originally Posted by gojubum

How traditional is Enshin, in terms of its roots?

It got modern more of a modern flair than goju. Very similar to competition focused kyokushin training.
But I guess this depends on what you think of as traditional.

Originally Posted by gojubum

Do you see any drawbacks to Enshin compared to traditional Kyokushin?

No traditional katas (if you like them) and therefore not the hidden technique treasures that good bunkai can provide. Not as widespread as kyokushin if you plan to move later.
Also the move from goju would be easier to kyokushin than to Enshin. The focus on sabaki makes a big difference.

Originally Posted by gojubum

What are the main differences, in terms of training, kumite, tradition, and philosophy, between the Enshin and Kyokushin dojo?

The two main differences are throws and kata. Kyokushin dont allow grab/pull+throw techniques in kumite, enshin thrives on them. Other than that, the differences are mostly cosmetic in kumite. Round fight area in enshin, square in kyokushin. Slightly different point system and so on.
As for training. Sabaki is, like ive already said, a big difference, and enshin takes it a LOT further than kyokushin.
The actual techniques are more or less the same.
I wont say anything about the philosophies or tradition. I dont see much, or very minimal difference.

Originally Posted by gojubum

What can I expect in terms of training in Kyokushin compared to Enshin?

Pretty much the same (except for the throws and kata).
Hard training. Lots of knockdown style sparring.
Lot more sabaki in enshin -Naturally. In kyokushin its one way, in Enshin it is religion.


I would actually recommend enshin over kyokushin, just to learn the footwork properly. If you want to train kyokushin later on, it is a easy switch with the added benefit of having the sabaki footwork to work with (which may or may not be taught at the kyokushin dojo).
Also denver is the enshin world HQ, which means the very top instructors.

[gojubum]

Thank you, Martin H, for your thorough replies. Very helpful.
David

[schuyler]

There is a great Kyokushin dojo in Denver: www.contactkicks.net
Kyofighter is the instructor and is also a regular poster on this board.

[sonofkanga]

An excellent instructor.MODESTY IS SO OVERRATED.
Any is good.Shop around and do not forget to tell us all about it.

[FutureProdigy]

Originally Posted by Martin H

I would actually recommend enshin over kyokushin, just to learn the footwork properly. If you want to train kyokushin later on, it is a easy switch with the added benefit of having the sabaki footwork to work with (which may or may not be taught at the kyokushin dojo).
Also denver is the enshin world HQ, which means the very top instructors.

Do you say this only because of the location, and his training background? Or do you mean in general, you'd suggest enshin over kyokushin (not that it matters for me as kyokushin is the only option, I'm just curious).