Shihan Essence - Kyukoshin Karate Quote by Mas Oyama

Post by Shihan Essence.

40 Curious Questions About Kata by Joseph Claycomb & Mark Kupsz

40 Curious Questions About Kata 

by Sensei's Joseph Claycomb & Mark Kupsz

Kata is one of karate's most misunderstood elements, with many schools teaching the various forms as an integral part of a grading syllabus, often without regard to the application of what is contained therein. Even at this level kata practise brings benefits including exercise, improving mental focus, flexibility & agility. Kata also introduces you to new techniques, and promotes transition work etc. However as a study in the application of self defense, sadly many points are overlooked, taught incorrectly, or are not known, by many instructors.

Before reading on it is assumed that students have a basic grasp of what kata is and more importantly what it is not. For those new to kata study here is a brief summary:

i) Kata is a series of interwoven and flowing self defense drills set in the framework of a specific pattern (embusan) with distinct timing and precise techniques. The moves or combination of moves. themselves having multiple defense applications.

ii) There is no right or wrong explanations as to the interpretation of a given move.... in a real situation it either works or does not. Practise and understanding increases your chances of making techniques work.

iii) Variations in kata between different karate styles or within a style facilitate understanding of how to deal with similar threats in a variety of different ways. Variations in stance, performance, execution should be considered as one "Masters" solution to a problem compared to others. There is no "good" or "bad" kata only variations in performance and understanding.
iv) Kata is an aid to remembering a sequence of defence drills. The moves can be used in part or in combination. Kata also has built in redundancy, making the assumption at various points that things might not go to plan and at this juncture suggests what you need to do to regain control of a situation or deliver a finishing technique.
v) Some elements of kata appear "stylized", appearing to have little value or requiring modification to make them workable. Maybe it's the case that explanation of a kata in its entirety is beyond the instructors current understanding?

vi) Angles in kata define the position of your body relative to your opponent and not vice versa.

vii) Kata has within it a full range of defensive and offensive techniques including throws, locks, chokes, breaks, submissive techniques etc and incorporates strategies for grappling, ground fighting, weapon attacks and dealing with multiple assailants.
viii) Kata was never intended as a defence system against trained martial artists and to practise defence and attack against karate strikes, kicks etc isn't practical as you are unlikely to be attacked in this manner. Instead kata should be thought of as a response to street fighting tactics dealing with predictable attacks from hooligans, muggers and the likes.

ix) You cannot learn much about how kata functions in self defense by just learning the moves of the kata. Initially the attacks, counters etc should be taught as a two-person drill and continue to be practised as such so that moves can be refined to the point where they become automatic and immediate responses. After that the solo practise of kata serves as a "flow drill" reminder.

x) The more complicated the explanation or execution of a technique the less likely the chances of making it work in a real situation.

xi) Knowing kata cannot guarantee a successful fight outcome. No matter what you know and how well you execute it the chances are that in a real fight you will get hurt.
xii) Kata themselves do not increase in complexity... i.e it's as hard to learn the moves in Heian Nidan as Bassai Dai but the complexity of applications does increase with the rank of the kata. i.e. Heian Shodan & Sochin both have similar knifehand blocks but the explanation of how these are applied is more advanced in the advanced kata.

xiii) You can spend 100's of hours developing your kata so that it becomes sharper and more powerful or conversely you can spend the time trying to understand its meaning and practising real fight scenarios.



The following rhetorical questions will hopefully illicit a thoughtful attitude towards kata practise so that you can decide what you want to get back from your study and training.

1.What would happen if we just picked a series of self defense techniques and practised them directly instead of spending so much time learning kata?

2. Reflecting on the positive benefits of kata, can we benefit from the same advantages in other forms of practise, or is kata the only place to get these benefits?

3. Would karate suffer if we did not study kata? (There are many systems that don't include kata at all.)

4. Would karate be better off if we built a library of self-defense techniques from kata and practised them in their originally intended form with a partner? Instead of performing solo routines?

5. Would it be better to study kata bunkai with realistic attacks instead of the "karate style" attacks which lead to developing counters in a way that are not realistic either?

6. What is the purpose of learning kata when we have access to all the techniques they contain in books or on YouTube?

7. If kata's purpose was to "hide" secret techniques for whatever reason? Since there is no longer a need to practise karate secretly what is their purpose presently?

8. Are kata the only way to determine a style of karate or martial art?

9. Can kata be more than just solo practise in their current form?

10. Are the kata practised in most schools today the actual form of the techniques they reference to or are they a modification?

11. Were kata modified with purpose or simply for style as in the case of Shotokan kata that now possess less effective and more showy techniques?

12. Why are karate kata not practised in the form of two-man drills such as in Judo, Ju-Jitsu or Aikido?

13. Doesn't it make sense to study applied techniques as realistic two-man drills first instead of memorizing techniques as "air karate" of solo practice that do not guarantee understanding?

14. Realistic application of techniques require understanding from a realistic view. Shouldn't we practise kata as a reference "after" learning the proper application instead of before learning them?

15. What purpose does referencing to techniques in an improper form serve?

16. Should the number of kata be limited so we can fully understand them before worrying about having to learn more of them?

17. Is it important to learn every kata in your style?

18. Shouldn't real technique in the form of actual function be the main priority instead of aiming for sport beautified demonstrations?

19. Given that kata is a blend of good form, strong technique and useful function which, if any of these qualities is the most important?

20. Many Arts rely on kata training, Many arts don't, both types of arts seem to have value? "Kata-less" arts seem to have a more direct approach to their training principles, enabling them to be enjoyed, appreciated and learn at a much faster rate. Kata based arts often suffer from the lack of interest in kata due to its indirectness and lack of visual/physical approach to what is found so easily in other art forms.. How do we close the gap and make kata easier to learn and be deemed important to less experienced practitioners who find kata "pointless"?

21. Historically, often a kata represents an entire art. Adopting so many kata seems easy to memorize techniques, yet it is almost impossible to learn all techniques on a functional level even though many are parallel in purpose. Does this not defeat the purpose of learning a martial art from a self defense standpoint? If we spend so much time perfecting "air technique", when do you get the chance to learn real techniques that will actually help us in real life?

22. Does kata actually teach us self defense if we just perform patterns?

23. How can kata become more appealing to more people?

24. How can kata become more effective in learning real self-defense?

25. Why after so many years of study in so many establishments is it that so few people really know kata completely, Most speculate, some have valid ideas yet few are totally sure what each kata is intended for because nothing is documented, Nor can anyone claim a "Correct way". Why were kata not specified with purpose? or categories? All we know is someone decided to put them in a specific order based on so called physical difficulty, Yet all techniques are so different, not more difficult. I personally find "Enpi" just as physically difficult as "Sochin" but in different ways. Not more difficult to remember. Why is one kata deemed more difficult to learn than others other than the obvious Short v Long?

26. When did kata become a solo practise and when did the two-man application drills get dropped by the majority of karate schools?

27. Being that karate is a defensive art and most, if not all techniques are derived from kata. Why then do most karate schools understand substantially less about self defense techniques than other arts like Hapkido, Aikido, Judo, Ju-jutsu who do not practise kata?

28. Should kata be introduced to younger / newer students or should it be held back until a practitioner understands and performs a repertoire of effective techniques such that these can then be related to kata.

29. Is kata literal or should we study and practise it with a looser approach than the rigidity often attributed to the form?

30. Is kata relevant and applicable to all types of combat or self defense based arts?

31. Does kata enhance your fighting skills?

32. Does kata decrease your self-defense and combative skills by simply neglecting other aspects of training due to a heavy focus on solo training?

33. What are the selling points of kata for new prospective students looking to start martial arts training?

34. How can we make kata more appealing to children or students who prefer other training methods?

35. What would be the best attributes of a kata?

36. Why isn't there a ground grappling kata?

37. Why do styles like Judo, Ju-jutsu, Aikido, Hapkido, Sumo, Boxing, some styles of Kung-fu & Karate not utilize kata in its solo format?

38. How old is kata and has it always been practised the same way as the present day?

39. Should new kata be added or existing kata modified to take into account techniques such as roundhouse kick, back kick etc?

40. Is standardizing kata important? Or is it okay to modify, create, add or subtract parts of kata if you deem it necessary for improvement or should we just copy/imitate/memorize kata for sake of tradition and preserving them for posterity?

If you would like some answers to the questions presented here I recommend you now read the excellent article by Iain Abernethy "Kata Why Bother?

Side Snap Kick vs. Front Snap Kick in KATA, Why I am choosing Front Snap Instead.

The origins of KATA GankaKu in Shotokan (Chinto) in ALL other Styles is surprisingly similar. Yet variations of this Kata are so beautiful and DO NOT use Side Snap kick at all.

Using Front kick off the front leg from a Cat or Crane stance is much more practical, more powerful, straight to the point and quicker in some instances than Side Snap.

Twisting and transitioning is also quicker from (any) stance into a cat stance or High stance and can be nearly simultaneous with the front snap kick whereas the side snap kick PREP from a back stance requires MORE flexibility, MORE Agility, MORE athleticism, is LESS Natural, takes more foot steps to prep KICK and is less functional all before it is thrown.

This seems to Diminish the SELF DEFENSIVE validity of the kick. Unless you execute it to the knee level which it is not taught in Shotokan EVER.. Nor in Kihon practice.

This kick also demands Great levels of flexibility to execute it as prescribed in ALL SHOTOKAN modified Kata.
Why Side snap kick was introduced into Shotokan is still mystery, Especially for its lack of Effectiveness in SPORT and SELF DEFENSE alike. 

Looking at KATA, kicking techniques found in PRE JKA Shotokan don't require as much flexibility or athleticism because they are almost limited to Front kick. "a more ergonomic technique"

Kata were created for Self defense with practicality in mind NOT for display purposes or sport.

Shotokan Kata may flow more in some ways and display great beauty and are more pleasing to the Eye but have also lost some of the combative elements because of the aesthetic modifications introduced for sport purposes and demonstrations. That alone leaves room for questioning.

There is nothing wrong with sport if that is your goal. It all boils down to personal preference. My personal preference is Self defense applications. While Sport KATA may be fun, it is far from the original purpose of KATA altogether.

I quote: “Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.” – Choki Motobu (founder of Motobu-ryu Kempo and notorious Okinawan Karate street-fighter)

While I feel it's important to learn ALL the techniques you can, It's equally important to LEARN them PRACTICALLY. This is not the responsibility of the NEW student. It's OUR responsibility as Sensei's to Teach Practically before SPORTY or LOOKY. Sport should be an option, not a primary Focus.

Kata should be Deadly before Pretty. Self Defense before Self display.

In conclusion, I'll be practicing the TOMARI-TE / Shorin RYU Kata Versions from now on along side my Shotokan as I always have. I have come to the conclusion that side snap kick is nearly pointless.

Being that I TORE my hamstring in competition while performing the last of four side snap kicks in Gankaku Kata which resulted in a lifelong injury, disabling me from walking for 6 months immediately after, I am removing "side snap" from my KATA if it is to be used above the knee in my training!

Coincidentally, ALL Goju Kata side kicks are all to the knees.

Even though I can teach anyone Perfectly and Perform side snap kick fairly well today. I deem it as a single purpose technique above the waist and pointless for self defense and pointless for SPORT as well. I am still waiting to see Side snap kick in sparring or self defense to this day..

Personally, it makes sense to GO BACK TO THE ROOTS of Karate Kicking when we speak about KATA.

I feel this way regarding side snap kick after many years of study. It may be a similar reason we don't find Round kick, Hook kick, Back spinning hook kick or back kick in Original versions of KATA either .. Whatever changes that were introduced, seem to have been added in for Looks or STYLE.

FINAL Thought: My analysis of kicking effectiveness does not stem from an incapable or inexperienced approach, rather, I speak from a KICKER'S perspective. KICKING Techniques are my Favorite component within my MY KARATE Journey.

What better way to express one's findings than from a WELL VERSED approach from a career long analysis of functionality and practicality and from a very capable kicker than from a person who may have never been able to kick at all.

After all, It's about seeking knowledge through experience.

Why are Martial Arts classes great for Adults?

 

Here is why adults should take on Martial arts training and class environment.

Martial Arts are by far the best fitness activity you can do above water!  It's the MOST stress relieving, weight losing, fat burning, mental sharpening, self esteem boosting, socially friendly, toughness building, victim preventing, empowering, age combating, coordination building, balance forming, goal achieving and muscle toning activity you can ever do! 

TRADITIONAL SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO

Traditional Shotokan Karate is a great alternative for adults who are bored with the gym and looking for something more meaningful and more result based while learning a valuable skill set that goes beyond working out.

Shotokan's NO-NONSENSE approach to self defense, physical training and combat skills will get you in the BEST shape ever while challenging you mentally and physically.  Additional features are Weight loss, cardio endurance, strength, stress relief, flexibility and mental sharpness.

TYPES OF TRAINING THAT SHOTOKAN KARATE OFFERS: 

A) FUNDAMENTALS (kicking, punching, blocking, striking, evasive movement)

B) SELF DEFENSE (grabs, holds, chokes, strikes, pushes and ground attacks.

C) SPARRING (tournament sparring, free sparring and grappling)  

D) TRADITIONAL FORMS “Kata”

E) GRAPPLING and GROUND techniques 

F) FITNESS for CARDIO VASCULAR and MUSCULAR CONDITIONING

G) CONTACT TRAINING with Heavy bags, Focus Mitts, Target training

These are just a few benefits you’ll experience as an ADULT or as a student of any age for that matter.

KARATE works great for MMA!

It’s been proven time and again that Shotokan Karate is a powerful and valid martial art for combat and self defense scenarios.  Sports such as MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) are no exception. One such practitioner who has proven in recent years the Power of Shotokan Karate is none other than Former Light Heavy Weight UFC Champion LYOTO MACHIDA. Machida currently has an impressive 18 - 3 record. His fluid movement and strait forward counter attacking styles is a SIGNATURE component of Shotokan Karate. Machida is known for his elusive strategy, footwork, speedy hands and un-detectable kicking. His opponents find it difficult and puzzling when facing him in the ring due to his unpredictable methods. This type of training is commonly found in all Shotokan dojos across the globe. 

If you are looking to enhance your fighting skills for MMA or just looking for some KILLER sparring strategy, then Look for a good Dojo and start feeling the amazing impact Karate can have on your skills.  

KICKBOXING and MMA Fitness WORKOUTS:

Looking for the ULTIMATE workout? Kickboxing and MMA fitness just that! A high intensity, FULL BODY WORKOUT that includes the grace of Karate, the power of Muay Thai, coupled with Heavy & Speed bags, Focus mitts, Jump ropes, Balance ball, Battle ropes, Tire training and modern fitness techniques.

You will BUILD strength, TONE up, LOSE weight, LEARN basic self defense, Develop COMBAT skills and enhance your CARDIO endurance & flexibility and BURN over 800 calories per WORKOUT!

If these are not enough reason for your to start your martial arts JOURNEY, then you wont find anything else that even comes close!

Give us a call if you think you are ready to take that first step and try our 30 day FREE TRIAL!

You have NOTHING TO LOSE and EVERYTHING TO GAIN!!

MMA is Killing Traditional Karate

I've come to the conclusion MMA is 100% Bologna (Balony), It's not real, Rules are catered to unrealistic scenarios, and matches are lined up for $$, Not for those who deserve the shot. Not only that, UFC/MMA are stealing the idea that they actually do Martial arts when there is nothing that resembles BUDO or Martial arts in any way shape or form at all. It's all COCK fighting if you ask me.



People are lead to beleive it is great for self defense when in fact it not. Its not ideal for the average person to train either. How many 60 year olds will ever try MMA?? How many prarents want their children to try MMA?? BUT more and more kids now want to do it. I was told not to long ago by 12 years that KArate is not good and that he wants to do MMA instead!!! WHO told him that? He obviously has no clue what he is saying...All the meanwhile, BJJ is florishing because of this IDEA that it is the most effective art around. YO ucannot go without it. I used to get flyers in the mail from Gracie Jiujitsu Ads, claiming that All otehr martial arts are useless against BJJ!!!

So where did this Idea of KArate not being a good art come from, Wehre did it start getting spread from? Ill let you think about that one.



Fact: Karate-do in america is slowly dying because of MMA and BJJ. FAIR? you be the Judge.



In Google, Ther is an ad that says: Looking for KARATE? TRY BJJ instead!! This comes up when you type in Karate for kid in MY AREA!!

My being about integrity would never say LOKING FOR BJJ, KARATE IS BETTER, Come try it!



Like the photo above decsribes, in principle, the one who kisses more butt gets the title shot, not the ones who deserve it.



This is the main message the UFC is demonstrating. That is far from honorable. If the top of the organization is crooked, then what is the bottom gonna be like? Either you are part of the plan or a victim of it. It's abusive to many fighters and at the same time it is attracting trash like people to become fighters. (full body tatoos, body peircings, Mohawks and Testoserone drivin attitude) No one classy hardly ever truely wants to be an mma fighter. Ther are a few like Machida and GSP who really bring pride and character to MMA but the majority are bumbs who have no other way of making anything of themselves. A Perfect example is the Ultimate fighter show. How many people with Koolaid pockets and Champaign dreams get on this show and how many just dont make it? These people are not only ignorant but they too are USED and never to be remembered. I don't see anyhting honorable about MMA.



Why is it that Traditional Karate schools are dying in America? Why are they so scarce? I think its directly because of all the HOOPLA, THE UFC and MMA in general do not promote the principle's and etiquette of REAL Martial arts AND they do not ever say in the media to become a great and balanced fighter. Never do you hear" you should look for a TRaditional Dojo"



What you hear is "SO and SO is working on their Muay thai, Boxing, Wrestling and BJJ." WHat about KARATE? Why is Karate never in that list of Arts to enhance an MMA fighter skill set? . CAll me crazy, But i really think the main factor here is that the UFC was a creation of the Gracie family.



MMA has helped that single family more than any one on the planet. WHY? Because MMA rules are SO CATERED to BJJ it's unbeleivable.

Unlike in "Pride" and "Jungle fight" and a few other promotions where Strikers were the more Dominant, Now UFC allows rules that MAKE it easier to Grapple an opponent.



Traditional Dojos are not suffering because they cannot produce balanced fighters. Beacuse BJJ shool are booming and quite successful only offering the ground game with BJJ. Most Bjj school do not include Stiking in their programs, once they do they claim they are an MMA school.



MY TAKE is the UFC really needs to start promoting or mentioning TRADITIONAL arts like Karate, Hapkido and Aikido as legitimate foundations of good combat skill arts so that we really do see a MIX of Martial arts. Otherwise ALL arts will continue to fade in this mainstream era of whats popular on TV and the internet. We will continue to see a few techniques from BJJ and muay thai and that's pretty much about it.



In fact WHY not ad a traditinal Division. Full GI and BUDO ettiquette. Call it the UFC Traditional TItle. At Least maybe there would be a chance for more Traditionalists to spread their arts instead of fall victim to the popularity contest in the media.



One thing is for certain, If the rules were less catered to BJJ and ground fighting which they REALLY are (cage, Illegal strikes, No Kicking grounded opponent rules) then more Karate-do and Kungfu, Tai Kwondo & Hapkido practitioners would feel it's more inline with their game to participate. No one is promoting Karate in MMA only BJJ. I personally have never heard Dana White Say the word KARATE. Many strikers claim you must learn BJJ, but have you heard of any BJJ practitioner ever promote KARATE a "SISTER ART" to their own roots.



IT's like a CASH COW SYSTEM with every Brazilian coming to America on the UFC BANDWAGON NOW. Yes grappling is needed but MMA is much more than Boxing, Wrestling, Muay thai and BJJ. Apart from Machida, Who is really able to say they promote Karate in MMA? After all the UFC was the Gracie's Idea was it not? IT sure helped kill many dojo's and build up their art at the same time.



This is my note for the day.

The IMPACT of Karate in my life

I wrote this essay for a written segment of one of my Black belt tests many years ago...   _________________________________________________________________________________

The impact of Karate in my life

By: Yousef Claycomb 

1997 - Kanzen Budo Kai (WKBKF - Glendora)

Well, where do I begin?

I've been involved in the martial arts since I was a seven-year-old kid. However, it was not until I was sixteen years of age that I became really serious about training. I always had a fascination for Karate while growing up in a culture that was very different from what I was used.

I needed to have something to belong to. I was always involved in Soccer and Basketball, but those sports never fulfilled the things I needed to make it in a place where I was considered an outsider.

I was targeted and picked on because of it. As I started Karate, I began to enjoy it increasingly. My main concern at first was to learn self-defense to be able to protect myself. As I progressed, I began to learn that there was much more to it than that. The more I trained, the more I felt the effect it had on me. 

I began to learn how to adapt to different surroundings and situations. I began to mature in ways that allowed me to be recognized amongst my peers and elders, not just in the Dojo, but in society as well. To this day I still grow with karate by my side. I believe that Karate is not just a sport or and art, but a way of life also. 

It has no barriers of ethnicity, gender, religion or age and it promotes a positive influence and energy to everyone it embraces. 

 The main aspect Karate has touched in my life is my inner-self. Physically it has kept me growing healthier and stronger. I realized that I was developing my mind, body and spirit all at the same time.

Karate-do has given me not only a guide to a better path in life and a way to develop my character, but, much more. Almost everything that has happened in my life has been directly related to my Karate training somehow. 

Even my current place of employment hired me because of my Karate background. My boss told me I had the discipline, confidence and the structure in a person that he needed for the job. 

Throughout my life, the people I've met, the friends I've made, and the relationships I've kept are mostly because of Karate. 

 Karate has affected me in many more ways than I could have ever imagined, more than any school, university or institute could have ever taught me. It has taught me how to deal with life’s hardships and challenges. It has taught me how to be responsible and it taught me the discipline I needed to succeed. Karate has enlightened my awareness about myself, which has helped me to understand others. 

For the most part, Karate-do has provided me a livelihood of ambition, perseverance, courage and love. It is there for me through thick and thin and will never abandon me. 

Along with my faith in God, Karate has given me hope and a sense of root and belonging. 

This is why I consider Karate my passion in life. I would not be the person I am today without it and all the wonderful people I have met along the way and the CARING and nurturing Sensei's I've had the privilege to learn from. 

My ending quote: We were all born into this life naked and empty. At the end of the road, we will all leave this world with our memories, knowledge and good deeds… I am also proud to say I will leave this world with Karate-Do.

Zumba Classes now being offered at Duarte Shotokan Karate Academy

We are Officially Starting a ZUMBA class in Duarte!! We have a FREE Class @ 830 pm on Sep. 6th and Sep. 14th Duarte Shotokan Karate Jitsu Ryu Academy and Duarte Kickboxing & Yoga Center PLZ Share this with your friends and Invite them down to TRY Joann's class... She is young, Enthusiastic and ready to Rock! I hope I can see you all there! here is Her ZUMBA Profile: http://joannw.zumba.com

Our NEW youtube channel.. Academyofkarate1

This is our new youtube channel... We've uploaded a few new videos and are looking forward to many more tutorials and other related topics. Follow the below LINK to check it out and check back once in a while for updates drills, class footage and other interesting topic related videos Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/user/AcademyofKarate1

Duarte Shotokan Karate Academy | Martial Arts Classes for Kids, Teens & Adults: Contact Us

Duarte Shotokan Karate Academy | Martial Arts Classes for Kids, Teens & Adults: Contact Us: Our Address: Academy of Karate, Duarte, CA, USA 2310 Central Ave. Suite # 1, Duarte, CA 91010 Phone: (626)599-1633 E-mail: info@duarteka...

The Truth about REAL Karate-do and Krotty

Have you come across any so called "Karate" studios in your area that claim they offer Karate-do, but instead they offer something not even remotely close to Japanese or Okinawan Karate-do?

There is nothing wrong if a school claims they teach "martial arts". That is absolutely fine and it does not matter what the style is or where its from, it is a generic term. Call it what you want. A martial art can be anything you want it to be. But labels can be tricky and once you give a martial art a label it might not be the most accurate description and even flat out misleading. Especially when it comes to Karate-do

When you look for a Kungfu school, what kind of martial art do you expect to find? Usually you find a school that is teaching Kungfu of some sort and they have some kind of connection to China or a Chinese history.
The same goes for when you look for a Judo school, you will probably find Judo being taught. Right?

So why is it not that simple when you look for a Karate school?? Why is EVERYTHING called Karate even if it is totally and utterly not?

If something looks like "karate", does it mean that it "IS" Karate?? Isn't there more to Karate than just looks? Do kicks and punches determine something to be Karate?

Its very common that when you look for a Karate school, you end up finding a mix schools that teach many things that are not even remotely close to anything Karate at all.

So, lets set the record strait, if we talk about fruit, You can be guarateed that an apple will be picked from an apple tree, NOT a banana tree. There is no such thing as a "Banapple", at least to my knowledge.

So why it not this way with Karate. Or is it? Do people just not know any better?

FACT#1: KARATE only originates from Okinawa/Japan It did not start in America, Europe or Africa.

FACT #2: Karate Literally means "Empty Hand". It was named that partially due to the Ban on weapons in Okinawa by the Japanese therefor giving the name its meaning.

FACT #3: Karate is internationally recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Karate Federation. The Recognized Styles are: Shotokan, Wado Ryu, Goju Ryu and Shito Ryu. Only those styles are recognised world wide as a Legetimate style of Karate-do and anyhting else is simply independant and/or not considered authentic or credible, especially if the style does not originate from Okinawa or Japan. If they are to be recognized, the independant style must be presented in front of a technical comittee and an entire board in order to begin an authentication process to be regonized and accredited with the WKF.

It is dissapointing that Karate is used so loosely. It should not be used so casually just to attract business for the sake of easy marketing just because "karate" has become a house-hold name. Karate is a very unique art and it is not as watered down or generic as so many people may think it is. In fact the word Traditional has to be used just to determine what is actually authentic because so many NON traditional schools use "karate in their name." It baffles me when I see Korean Karate on a sign, that is just as inaccuarate as seeing a Japanese Wushu or Chinese Aikido.

So what are some good indicators that a school even though they may teach their own form of martial arts, they DO NOT actually teach Karate-do???

Example: Schools that teach Kuk sool, Tang soo do, Tae Kwondo, Hapkido, Kenpo, Kajukenpo, American Karate, Krava Maga, Lima Lama, Kickboxing, MMA or any other style or brand that puts "Karate" in their name to attract the unsuspecting public.

Example #2; Americanized or commercialised schools that claim they teach several styles and then garantee a student they will earn their black belt quicker and in a guaranteed time frame no matter what age they are.

Example #3: Schools that the head instructor claims to be a 9th degree black belt in multiple styles and has coached the national teams of North Korea, South Korea, China, USA and the planet Jupiter as well as the police and armed forces for all those places, yet they are barely 35 - 40 years of age and they barely spreak english well enough to communicate but know just enough to tell you their prices.

Example #4: Schools that have multiple instructors and staff that are gold medalists, national champions and world champions and claim that half their student base is filled with champions too! But none of them actually competed anywhere internationally.

Example #5: The school allows the title of Sensei to anyone under the age of 16 OR even worse, they have 12 year olds who are 3rd degree black belts or higher teaching full time. Another perfect example is schools that have 21 - 25 year old masters that are 6th - 7th degree black belts and have done martial arts for only 10 - 12 years total.

Eample #6: Schools that don't teach KATA and declare that "that" type of training is useless but swear they earned their black belt ranking from Japan/Okinawa or China or from some famous person.

Example #7: When a school can describe their entire style and history in less than 3 sentences and the style of martial art does not even have a name. And when you ask the sensei why doesn't their style have a name?, they tell you "We are not limited to a single style or name" and "that history of the art is not important, What is important is what we teach you now."

Example #8: If the Dojo teaches gymnastics and acrobatics as part of the KATA's. This applies to schools that claim they teach Okinawan Kobudo, Yet they add spin kicks, jumps and flips in the weapons KATA's they teach as well.

Example #9: I am personally okay with wearing black or blue uniforms since it is quite common in traditional Judo and Okinawan Karate. But it is a big indication that the school is NOT a true Karate Dojo when they make you wear a different uniform each day of the week and you have to put on ten different patches, One for each style or form you learn. And all the patches go down the pant legs and sleeves.
I walked in to a dojo one day in the fall of 1994 and I was puzzled when I noticed a student had a Shotokan patch at the bottom of their pant leg by the ankle. So, I asked if they actually did Shotokan? They said YES! "It is one of our POWER STYLES!" I did not know what that meant, but I walked out shortly after noticing many other indicators they were on another planet.

Example #10: If the School that claims to offer Karate cannot trace their Lineage or credibility back to a known founder of any traditonal karate style, then they are not a true Karate School.
Examples are: Shotokan "Gichin Funakoshi", Shito Ryu "Kenwa Mabuni", Shorin Ryu "Shoshin Nagamine" Wado Ryu "Hironori Ohtsuka", Goju Ryu "Miyagi Chojun", Kyukoshin "Mas Oyama".

Example #11: Another indicator the school is not a credible Karate-do school is if the school's style is only found within the four walls of the school itself and the founder of their style is the instructor himself.

There are quite a few studios that make these claims and commit highway robbery by charging a lot more for their tuition than most honest traditional dojos would ever dream of doing. They look at students as merely walking currency. Real dojos actually CARE about their students and take pride in the quality of their services and legitimacy of their art and that their students will be able to carry on their journey even when they do not continue to train in the same dojo.

So lets come together for the sake of informing the public about TRUE, AUTHENTIC and REAL KARATEDO.
What it is, where it came from, its historical development, Why Karate is CALLED "KARATE" and so on....

Here is a List of schools that ARE True Karate-do dojos in Southern California:

- Academy of Karate, West Hills - Alireza "Bruce"Hojati
- Academy of Karate, Duarte - Joseph Claycomb
- Academy for Martial Arts, Fontana - David Blair
- All Japan Karate-do, Sand Diego - Paul Dal
- Seiden Kai Karate, Indio - Jesse Canedo
- USA Martial arts Center, Beverly HIlls - Morteza Alborzi
- School of Hope, Glendora - Anthony Maquez
- IKA Karate Gosoku Ryu, Glendale
- UMAC, Rancho Cucomonga - Rick Duffy
- West Coast Shotokan, Temple City
- Upland Shotokan Karate League - Tai Aponte
- Camarillo Shotokan - Victor Young
- Busonjuku USA - Florence Bigsby

If your dojo is not on the list above and you are in Southern California, please notify me so I can put you on the list. I do not mean to offend anyone if your name is not on the list yet.

There are many schools all over that DO NOT OFFER Karate-do but use the word "Karate" as "part of" their name or in conjunction with thier school, or use Karate on their signage or website to attract customers. The Fact is they have no connection or understanding of the technical intricacies of KA-RAH-TEH-DOH nor are they completly familiar with the history of how Karate came about and probably possess a very limited understanding of the technical premise that Karate posessses.

Another Sad bit of information is that on Google when searching for Karate in the search bar, 10 Locations popped up, I did not find any True Karatedo Schools other than the other Shotokan school in another city. When I searched for Shotokan, I was one of 2 in my area in the same radius. To find more Shotokan Dojos you have to drive A LOT further to even find them.

We can only hope that more honest and authentic Dojos start popping up and begin marketing themselves to the public. Between the misguided opinion of what Karate really is and the bad Media hype with all things MMA I am reaching out to all those I know who are on the same path as I am, a Path of someone who just loves his art and hopes to spread more truth about what IS Karate-do and what is NOT in hopes of making a difference and continue to spread the truth about Karate before it is lost forever due to false media and the lack of true understanding and naivety of modern society.

OSS

Disclaimer: This post is in no way meant to offend anyone but only to educate those who are curious and open minded about the Art of Karate-do and in the effort of trying to distinguish from "Martial Arts and Karate as a Unique and Distinct form, that should not be used commonly.

Families that Kick together Stick together!!

Parents enjoy spending time with their kids and often look for creative and quality activities to do with them. Kicking a soccer ball in the back yard, going to the local park to play catch, listening to music or dancing together in the living room are all great activities to engage in with your child. However, consider for a moment, adding a Karate class to that list of activities. The Martial Arts, Karate specifically, offers a tremendous opportunity for families to participate together in the same class while doing something that is beneficial to all those who are involved.
The phrase, “A family that kicks together, sticks together", couldn’t be any more truthful. More and more families are discovering that practicing Karate together actually encourages interaction between parents and their children, promotes sharing a common interest and offers a number of healthy and fun benefits. So, you ask, how does practicing Karate provide these benefits?
Regardless of age and skill level, Karate is a challenging activity. It offers a great exercise routine, teaches practical self-defense skills and it provides a structured environment that caters to each individual’s ability. The mental, spiritual and philosophical side of Karate can also provide higher self esteem, confidence, respect for others, positive motivation and help with goal setting.
The benefits of practicing Karate are many. Here are just a few that may peak your interest:

FITNESS: Practicing Karate is an excellent workout that challenges the entire body and all of its muscle groups. Practicing Martial Arts burns more calories than most other activities other than swimming or running a 7 minute mile! Needles to say, it is a very good activity to maintain or improve your fitness levels and cardio-vascular strength.

SELF DEFENSE: Defending yourself is an important part of any practitioner’s study of the Martial Arts. It is becoming more important and critical to possess a fundamental understanding and skill level of self defense regardless of age. Learning “Anti-Bully” techniques and personal protection skills are just one aspect of the training.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Karate is structured in a very systematic and progressive fashion that promotes constant refinement. Each Karate student is encouraged to practice individually and to seek knowledge for self-improvement and constant personal development. This type of teaching leads to interpersonal discipline and a good solid work ethic. In a good Martial Arts school you will find that there is always something new to learn and always something different to practice. This progressive content is introduced systematically so as not to overwhelm the beginning students as well as provide a continuous challenge for the intermediate and advanced students.

Spirituality and Philosophy: The philosophies contained in the Martial Arts are both valuable and beneficial to children as well as adults. The opportunity to study and practice these philosophies as a family can lead to very open and positive dialogue between parents and their children.
Each of these different aspects of Karate and the Martial Arts have relevance to individuals of all ages, and consequently parents and children are finding this to be a very enjoyable and challenging family activity for all who participate. There is nothing more fun than having a training partner (Mom, Dad, Brother or Sister) to encourage you along the way. While training together, each individual will be able to bring their own view of the same activity to the overall experience, which then leads to better communication and understanding between all family members. This improved communication will help put the “quality” in “quality time”.
As you can see, enrolling in a Karate class is probably one of the best things you can do for your family. So, if you are stumbling over gift ideas for the holidays and want something that is unique, priceless and will last forever, then look no further than Academy of Karate located in Duarte. Start today and begin a journey that is well worth taking and that will bring you and/or your family improved health, fitness and fun.
If you’re interested in starting your journey in Karate and would like some useful information about the Martial Arts, feel free to visit Academy of Karate on the web at www.duartekarate.com or give us a call at 626-599-1633.
Just remember that a family that KICKS together, STICKS Together!

Duarte Shotokan Karate Academy - Promo Video

How to do a proper warm-up

FACT: A proper warm-up routine is one the most important ingredients of any physical activity, especially marital arts training. 

Although most sports like basketball, football, soccer, baseball or tennis utilize warm-up techniques that are specific to their sport, when it comes to martial arts this practice is not as common as one would think. 

It's not to say that the martial arts or its practitioners do not have activity specific methods to do a proper warmup routine, it's just that there are so many people that do not practice a standardize  warm-up method like most coaches or athletes of team sports do. 

For example: What actions do basketball players perform when playing? 

They shoot, pass, run, jump and shuffle side to side to name a few. So is it surprising that the warm-up routine of a basketball player resembles many of the actions they are about to perform in a game?

Shouldn't this be the case in a Dojo too?

Students stretching after a good warmup.

You would think so. However in many cases there is no specific standard handed down from Sensei to student regarding "efficient/appropriate" methods of warming up.  Most practitioners just imitate their instructors during classes.  Most of the time they are not even taught how to perform a warm up at all. The funny thing about that is so many students are expected to just "know how" to lead a proper warm up at a certain stage in their training whether they were shown how to accomplish the task or NOT. 

Additionally, the idea that stretching is warming up your muscles is also quite common.

FACT: 

WARMING UP AND STRETCHING ARE NOT THE SAME THING.

So here are some of my personal views on performing a proper warm-up.

• Warming up is for the sole purpose of raising the temperature of your blood and to increase your heart rate and circulation to the point of at least %60 above your resting heart rate.
• Stretching is "stretching" and totally separate from the warm up.  "do not confuse the two as they are completely separate parts of your training.
• Stretching is for increasing flexibility, loosening and elongating the muscles and to increase the range of motion of your movements.  It is important to stretch "after" a proper warmup first.
• Warm up your body to the point of breaking a good sweat before stretching.
• USE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS according to the techniques or movements you are about to perform. Example: MAE GERI, If you are to work on your kick, then you must perform exercises that will warm up the specific muscles necessary for the specified technique.

 Kick example would be: light kicking without over-extending, knee raises or light leg swings.

In comparison: Baseball players swing bats to get ready to bat. For punching, practice light movements of similar nature.

• Try a variety of actions that will serve the same purpose of the desired technique. Example: For hand techniques, rotate the shoulders, practice hiki-te lightly, punch or block lightly, use light resistance movements in similar action.
• Isolate the muscles you are about to use to perform. Example: Back-fist requires the biceps and triceps to snap in and out for an effective strike. So isolating those muscles in movements like curls or extensions is ideal to preparing for a back fist practice.
• Make sure to repeat movements at least 3 sets of eight to ensure an adequate amount of loosening and warming up has occurred.
• Start slowly then speed up your movements gradually. Do not go full blast until after the warmup, this also applies to (ROM) "range of motion"
• Warm up your body from HEAD 2 TOE or from TOE 2 HEAD. Never from the core to the limbs.
• Maintain proper movement in every action, avoid rotation of a joint that is not a ball joint like elbows or knees. Rotating your hips in moderation is okay but rotation of the knees is very damaging. SO DON'T DO IT!! 
• Change it up, try new routines regularly, Just as the mind gets bored of something, so does the body and its response to the routine lessens over time.

These are just some of my personal notes on properly warming up the body before Karate class or any other sport but not an end to all means. I would advise seeking out your own knowledge to implement in your your workouts while keeping an open mind and sticking to what makes sense. Taking note of someone else's personal experience in the matter hopefully will only help broaden your horizons.

Good luck and Good Training!!

OSS!

NEW Special offer! 9 weeks for only $99

NEWS FLASH!!

AOK is proud to introduce our best offer yet!!

Currently we are offering 9 weeks of unlimited classes to all NEW COMERS who are looking for a Quality Dojo at affordable rates.

Also included is a Karate uniform and a Sports Bottle (while Supplies last)

Come by for a visit and check out our classes, We are confident you will love them!
If you are still not sure, Just call to schedule a FREE Lesson on your first visit.

YOU have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING TO GAIN!

Give us a call at: 626-599-1633
or
email us at: info@duartekarate.com

Lost or Forgotten Karate Techniques - Part 1

I wanted to touch on a topic that I don't find many people discussing often. THE LOST or FORGOTTEN techniques of Karate-do.

Most dojos teach a very similar way and for the most part all offer the same curriculum, especially if they are of a Shotokan background.  What I like the most about Karate in general is that no one style of karate is limited in its vastness yet they are all so different and very compatible to each other at the same time. This leaves a lot of room for growth and learning within Karate as a whole.
The founder of Shotokan Karate - Gichin Funakoshi once said there is no style in karate.

No matter the style you are studying, all karate styles are considered very versatile and offer many types of techniques and principles.  Karate in its crude form is very diverse and complete.  It was originally intended and developed as a martial art for self defense and survival, not for sport and competition.

Unfortunately, most dojos today only focus on sport competition and or make their claim to fame for offering a JKA style of karate which is very limited to striking and kicking and not much else.

Modern Karate schools don't typically offer the type of training that will directly enhance a student's ability to defend themselves as quickly as many people think. BUT WHY?

-Whatever happened to falling techniques, grappling, low kicks, round punches/strikes, choke holds,  joint manipulation and all the other techniques that karate originally consisted of in its arsenal of techniques to be taught?    

-WHY is it that many dojos don't study or practice Karate like this.
-Why does Traditional Karate appear to be limited to only punching, kicking and blocking?
-Why is Kata practiced for tournament competition but not always studied for its practical application of techniques?
-Why isn't Karate as popular as it used to be?
-Why do many students give up their karate training long before "black belt" most of the time?
-Why do so many people deem Karate as not as effective as other arts anymore?
-Why are so many people gravitating to MMA Gyms or BJJ schools instead of traditional karate dojos?

I believe these things are both directly and indirectly related to the fact that many karate techniques have been LOST or FORGOTTEN.  OR in a nutshell just don't exist anymore. OR the average Karate instructor does not teach or does not know these so called forgotten techniques.

EXAMPLE: When asked where to go if to improve your grappling skills? What is the answer? Almost always a person will reply with: Go to a BJJ school or a wrestling gym.
OR
What is the best style to train under for developing powerful punching skills?
The general answer is typically a Muay Thai or Boxing Gym.

THE GENERAL REPUTATION of a Karate dojo today is that is teaches mainly kids and that it is not really the best for self defense anymore but more for discipline, confidence and respect.

 Self esteem and exercise for kids is the general reputation nowadays.

-What do we need to do to change and improve on this stereo-type?
-What do we as Karate enthusiasts need to do in order to re-educate the masses about the effectiveness and completeness of Karate?
-What do we need to do to improve the image of Karate and its perceived value?

My goal as a Sensei and Dojo Owner is to promote REAL Karate-do not only in a light that is ideal for all ages but also as an effective and complete form of self defense.

TEACHING effective grappling, Joint locks, throws and Take downs are all part of the big picture for Karate. FOR MANY unfortunately these essential techniques are either LOST or FORGOTTEN. 

Please feel free to leave a comment below

Part 2 coming soon.....

 

 

Tournament Season and Team Jackets

ARE YOU READY FOR 2011??

The upcoming Tournament season is upon us and our TEAM Jackets will be arriving right in time!!
There are several events AOK will be attending, To name a few:

TMAI Championships
Nikkei Games
Kabota Cup
Disney Martial Arts Festival
US OPEN
Ozawa Cup
Fontana Karate Dojo Championships
Adlawan Karate Championships

We will have an updated list of all the events we will be attending in 2011 with dates and venues.

We will be hosting TEAM TRYOUTS in JANUARY, So Get ready, Only the Best of the BEST from our Academy will be on the team.. ARE YOU READY?

See you all after the holidays,

Oss!

Nikkei Games Success!!

The 2010 Nikkei Games at Cal State Long Beach was a total Success for students of the academy of Karate as AOK earned an amazing tally of 13 medals. 

Many of the athletes were not seasoned competitors but with some good training sessions at the dojo and lots of tournament preparation, the results were more than tremendous.

AOK's final medal count was 2 GOLD, 4 SILVER, 7 BRONZE!

Congratulations to all who participated and to all of our loyal supporters who came out to cheer our team on as many competitors they made their competition debut.

AOK west hills also participated in the Games earning 3 bronze medals all for the Hojati Family.

What makes this even more special was the SURPRISE participation of Shihan Bruce Hojati.

Shihan Hojati just coming off a gastric bi-pass surgery less than 9 months ago and 120 pounds lighter stepped into the ring after 12 years of absence from competition.

Shihan Hojati performed the Kata Goju Shiho Sho and did very well considering the odds were against him.  Shihan Hojati also demonstrated some vigor and courage by stepping it up in the Kumite division by winning his first 2 matches and placing 3rd in what was a very challenging group of
talented and tough participants.

Congratulations Shihan! For your display of leadership and spirit. You are not only a true Karate-ka but an huge inspiration to myself and all those who know you well and understand the challenges you have been through in recent years.

Oss!

Shihan Hojati's Kata Performance
Goju Shiho Sho

  

New Facility for AOK!!!

The Academy of Karate in Duarte has moved to a NEW bigger and better Facility! The new Academy is located on 2310 Central Ave. Suite # 1 and is right across from Gordon Sports Park which hosts many softball and soccer events throughout the week.  Needless to say, you will like the new look.

The new dojo features TWO fully matted training areas, a reception area with a pro-shop, an extra changing room for convenience and a staged seating for observers to enjoy the classes to go all the heavy  bags and training tools one could ever wish for in a martial arts experience.

The main training area is designed for Karate training and lagers groups and is covered with a 1 inch thick padded flooring while the slightly smaller mat is a 2 inch thick Tatami mat that is softer and ideal for our judo, grappling and MMA classes.

Come by to take a free tour of our facility and see what all the hype is about!!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

After School Program at Andres Duarte

The Academy of Karate is proud to announce a new Karate after school program starting on Wednesday March 24th at the Andres Duarte School in Duarte California.

Classes are scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays at 2:45 - 3:30 pm on school grounds.

Class rates are $60 per 8 sessions.

OR $50 per 8 sessions when you choose our Automatic renewal option.

If you would like to enroll in this fantastic program, give us a call at 626-599-1633.

You may also go the the office at Andres Duarte and submit your registration on site or you may visit us at our main academy at 2163 Huntington Dr. in Duarte.

CALL NOW, Space is limited!

After school Program at Royal Oaks.

We are proud to announce that starting February 2nd, 2010, Shihan Joseph Claycomb and the Academy of Karate are starting a new after school program that will teach kids the benefits of exercise and life skills through Karate.

The Program is expected to have a high turnout and AOK will be hosting a Graduation Party for all participants.

The course will be 6-weeks in total and will include a Karate belt, t-shirt and sports bottle for the first twenty enrollments.

For more information about our program visit us on the web at www.duartekarate.com or contact Shihan Claycomb at 626-599-1633.