Kyokushin training and questions

[ryan213]

Hello again,

What is the average class of Kyokushin like? What is the training like?
do you practice full contact sparring when not in tournament? What is the sparring like? Does it consist of punches to the head? Has anybody here (who trains in Kyokushin) had to defend themselves on the street? How did it go?
I have heard many people bag Kyokushin because they dont allow punches to the face.. and that it teaches bad habbits for real life defense.. I don't believe this personally, but I would like to hear what you have to say about it.
About the real life defense, arent you most likley to be punched at the head? If so, how does Kyokushin prepare you for this?
From what I have seen the Kyokushin guys are amazing and extremely strong, I imagine that they would have all the tools/heart needed to consistantly defeat a one off attacker.
The next question is a hypothetical, I don't see it happening to me any time soon : How does a Kyokushin student defend against weapons? In particular a knife... ?

Thankyou.

[Bloke]

Woah thats a lot of questions. Welcome to the forum - I hope we can help.

Kyokushin classes will vary depending on the needs of the student. Sometimes it will be all Kihon and Kata and others it will be sparring and bagwork.

As for the lack of face punches - well I have heard that before and that is just one ruleset. I dont think that it teaches bad habits. I worked as a doorman and got in a few scrapes but never once did I think "I cant punch him in the head" and I suspect that it will be the same for most people. In my dojo we also fight clicker but that doesnt mean I dont put the punches in when I fight knockdown. We train headpunches but dont use them in one particular set of circumstances.

As far as defence goes yes you are likely to get punched in the head and that is the argument used by people who complain about the lack of headpunches in knockdown. However you are also likely to have someone grab you, so should that be included - they will push you, should that be included, they may use a bottle or a knife (which is happening more and more) so should we include that? Its where Soasi decided to draw the line - its not perfect but no Martial Art is a true representation of what can happen in a real life situation and that is a fact that the critics of knockdown tend to forget or worse ignore.

Apologies for the mini rant there.

Defence against a Knife? Too many situations and too many variables to give you a straight answer. The short answer - run as fast as you can. Remember with a knife attack if someone pulls a knife they are probably adept or stupid and both are dangerous. A knife makes no noise and therefore an attacker may be more willing to use it as little or no attention will be drawn to the attack. And even if you do defend against it successfully (ie you dont get killed) you are going to be very lucky not to get cut.

[ryan213]

Ok, some very logical and interesting answers there. My father was born and spent the first 18 years of his life living in Falls Rd. Belfast btw ...

Now, if I have your attention I would like to ask one other thing..

What are the benefits of Kyokushin for self defense that either lack or are perhaps non-existant in other styles (Karate or otherwise)?

I mean, what are the Pros as opposed to the Cons? What is Kyokushin's strengths? And what are the things which make you confident that Kyokushin is right for you, and (if you believe so) others who are interested in Martial Arts, especially for self defense?

Thanks Bloke

[Bloke]

Ryan213

Sorry for the delay in replying. To be completley honest Im not sure I have an answer on the self defence question. I cant really say that we are better for self defence than another style without knowing more about the other style. I hope that makes sense.

As for whether or not Kyokushin is right for someone - well I have seen big and small, skinny and stocky come and train and it seems to suit all sorts. I worked as a doorman for a couple of years when I was younger and was able to defend myself using Kyokushin (and common sense) and I have been at this for more than twenty years now so it must be right for me.

The only real way to know if something is right for you is to try it. I could tell you Kyokushin is right for you but I cant really tell without seeing you or training with you.

I hope this makes sense to you.