Randy Strausbaugh
Master Black Belt
Chillicothe. A little bit south of nowhereOnlyAnEgg said:
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Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan
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That's not too far at all.Randy Strausbaugh said:Chillicothe. A little bit south of nowhere
My school is having a tournament on 10/15 and you're close enough to attend if you wish.
I have not attended a tourney in which I would compete. Anyone who'd like to witness an old man strive toward a level of skill that may merit an award, please attend.
I have no further info on the nature of the tourney at this time. I will get more details Thursday at class.
egg
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OP
With school back in session, classes have been becoming a little more structured. There is considerably more focus on dojo discipline the past couple classes. Still not too many adults and Sensei's the only advanced belt; though I know of two other blacks that sporadically attend d/t recent injuries.
I have the structure of the first two kata memorized and am practicing daily to refine the movements and add power to the strikes and blocks. Also, this week, I began some weight training. Low weight un the arms and upper body with many reps in order to build up speed, heavier weight on some reps for my legs cause they've always been solid. Now to make them more so.
The tournament is in 2 weeks and Sensei stated he wants me to compete; so, kata and kumite for me. Kinda makes me jittery inside. I look forward to it anyway.
egg
I have the structure of the first two kata memorized and am practicing daily to refine the movements and add power to the strikes and blocks. Also, this week, I began some weight training. Low weight un the arms and upper body with many reps in order to build up speed, heavier weight on some reps for my legs cause they've always been solid. Now to make them more so.
The tournament is in 2 weeks and Sensei stated he wants me to compete; so, kata and kumite for me. Kinda makes me jittery inside. I look forward to it anyway.
egg
OP
OP
Last night's class was a little sketchy. About 6 people were half an hour late. Sensei had business to tend to at the onset; so, he gave me the class to warm up! (W00t! am I all that?)
Mostly kumite with a lot of younglings; but, at the end Sensei took us all on one at a time with me in the final slot. My stepson, Jack, told me I looked pretty cool fighting Sensei. That's worth the training right there.
Fukyugatas Ichi and Ni still, so far. Tournament on Saturday. I'm entering Kata and Kumite. Starting to get more nervouser.
Mostly kumite with a lot of younglings; but, at the end Sensei took us all on one at a time with me in the final slot. My stepson, Jack, told me I looked pretty cool fighting Sensei. That's worth the training right there.
Fukyugatas Ichi and Ni still, so far. Tournament on Saturday. I'm entering Kata and Kumite. Starting to get more nervouser.
Navarre
Master Black Belt
You'll do fine, Egg. Having been around the tournament scene a few times, I've found it's best to take it for what it is.
A tournament isn't a fight or even a test of your abilities. Many tournaments, unfortunately, aren't fair. They are all very political, some moreso than others.
Sometimes someone feels cheated. Sometimes someone is cheated. Remember, it's just a game really.
Train as hard as you can. Be confident, neither doubtful nor arrogant concerning your own ability.
You only know what you know. Just like tests in school, some days you do better than others. It's not necessarily a reflection on your ability.
When I'm in a tournament, I do things to stay loose and ready. it also keeps me from sitting around mentally preoccupied about my upcoming event.
You will likely find they handle black belt weapons and katas, as well as synchronized katas, before breaking off into different rings. So, you will have a while to wait. Don't go stir crazy. Watch what you like, talk to ppl, have fun.
A tournament is a great place to meet some nice people. Enjoy it for all it offers and walk away from it wiser than you went in. Have fun!
A tournament isn't a fight or even a test of your abilities. Many tournaments, unfortunately, aren't fair. They are all very political, some moreso than others.
Sometimes someone feels cheated. Sometimes someone is cheated. Remember, it's just a game really.
Train as hard as you can. Be confident, neither doubtful nor arrogant concerning your own ability.
You only know what you know. Just like tests in school, some days you do better than others. It's not necessarily a reflection on your ability.
When I'm in a tournament, I do things to stay loose and ready. it also keeps me from sitting around mentally preoccupied about my upcoming event.
You will likely find they handle black belt weapons and katas, as well as synchronized katas, before breaking off into different rings. So, you will have a while to wait. Don't go stir crazy. Watch what you like, talk to ppl, have fun.
A tournament is a great place to meet some nice people. Enjoy it for all it offers and walk away from it wiser than you went in. Have fun!
OP
OP
Domo, Navarre. It's only nerve-wracking because it's my first tourney. I already have heard how fickle the judges can be and I'm not going to stress over that. I simply wish to do the best I can, regardless of the outcome. To me, it is rather a personal test. Medals, trophies or nothing, my finish will be based on what I feel I've done.
Navarre
Master Black Belt
Oh, and my advice on katas, from one who's judged quite a few hundred:
I was trained from the start to incorporate 5 elements: Power, Focus, Concentration, Balance, and Form. I certainly think all of these are vital. Being from my original system, you may have been taught the same thing.
However, don't focus too much on just these 5 elements. The biggest problem I see with lower ranked katas is that the student is too focused on proper technique, trying to show how "perfect" he/she can execute the moves. Consequently, the kata looks very stiff. After watching a few of these, it's hard to want to watch another.
Instead, remember that a kata is supposed to be simulated combat. In a fight I don't focus my mental energy on sweeping my foot in an inside arc as I slide from one zenkusta-dachi to the next, making sure I execute my reverse punch by rotating..blah, blah, blah.
Make your kata "dynamic". By that I mean put yourself into a mental state that is closer to what you would be in during a fight. There is an intensity there that will come through. Let your techniques flow on their own, relying on your training. I would rather see a karateka who is "involved" in their own kata rather than trying to impress me with their stance.
Of course, I don't mean you should be sloppy in your technique. I'm saying that you should practice your katas for the tournament the same way. There are times you need to break down every little aspect of a kata but, in the tournament, let that preoccupation go.
My other advice on kata is to vary the pace. Too many ppl perform the entire kata at the same speed the whole way through. Why would I be impressed just because you kaiai on one of those punches when it was like all the rest?
Like in a real fight, sometimes you move quickly and sometimes you don't. Emphasize speed and power on important visual parts of the kata and wind down/up at other parts.
And lastly, in kata and kumite, here's a small thing that makes a big difference: Relax your shoulders. Most people, when they get tense, tighten across the shoulders and it affects everything. When the timing is right, relax the shoulders ands release the tension as if you were sighing. It helps; you'll see.
I was trained from the start to incorporate 5 elements: Power, Focus, Concentration, Balance, and Form. I certainly think all of these are vital. Being from my original system, you may have been taught the same thing.
However, don't focus too much on just these 5 elements. The biggest problem I see with lower ranked katas is that the student is too focused on proper technique, trying to show how "perfect" he/she can execute the moves. Consequently, the kata looks very stiff. After watching a few of these, it's hard to want to watch another.
Instead, remember that a kata is supposed to be simulated combat. In a fight I don't focus my mental energy on sweeping my foot in an inside arc as I slide from one zenkusta-dachi to the next, making sure I execute my reverse punch by rotating..blah, blah, blah.
Make your kata "dynamic". By that I mean put yourself into a mental state that is closer to what you would be in during a fight. There is an intensity there that will come through. Let your techniques flow on their own, relying on your training. I would rather see a karateka who is "involved" in their own kata rather than trying to impress me with their stance.
Of course, I don't mean you should be sloppy in your technique. I'm saying that you should practice your katas for the tournament the same way. There are times you need to break down every little aspect of a kata but, in the tournament, let that preoccupation go.
My other advice on kata is to vary the pace. Too many ppl perform the entire kata at the same speed the whole way through. Why would I be impressed just because you kaiai on one of those punches when it was like all the rest?
Like in a real fight, sometimes you move quickly and sometimes you don't. Emphasize speed and power on important visual parts of the kata and wind down/up at other parts.
And lastly, in kata and kumite, here's a small thing that makes a big difference: Relax your shoulders. Most people, when they get tense, tighten across the shoulders and it affects everything. When the timing is right, relax the shoulders ands release the tension as if you were sighing. It helps; you'll see.
OP
OP
Regarding kata, arigato. I do want the 5 elements to be present correctly. I also want, however, the kata to be fluid and not so much like some kinda robot. I do practice them in that fashion: 5 elements first, fluidity and naturalness second.
I see what you mean about varied pace. I will practice tonight with that in mind.
Regarding shoulder tension. I will need to note that during kumite. Sensei strongly advises relaxed fists, suggesting we tense immediately before connecting a strike or block. I have not noticed my shoulders. It seems I'm so busy noticing everything else at this stage
Again, thank you.
:asian:
I see what you mean about varied pace. I will practice tonight with that in mind.
Regarding shoulder tension. I will need to note that during kumite. Sensei strongly advises relaxed fists, suggesting we tense immediately before connecting a strike or block. I have not noticed my shoulders. It seems I'm so busy noticing everything else at this stage
Again, thank you.
:asian:
OP
OP
Lol! I only accept training from pre-1980 Chop-socky films, not Staurday toonageNavarre said:
Training proceeds apace. The night before last, I began to vary speeds in the first kata. I'm still bringing the second up to the point where I can manipulate the pace.
The tension I have in my shoulders is still evident; though, I'm told that my arms seem more relaxed, leading (of course) to speedier hits.
I've added wrist weights during practice of blocks and strikes. This, too, is adding some speed.
Sensei scoped the competition and dexcribed to me, during sparring, how I may prevail over my potential opponants. I'm still nervous; but, it's my first time and no one will be gentle.
heheh...really, I'm amped
Navarre
Master Black Belt
I've found the scariest opponents in tournaments to be white belts and those with a rank just under 1st black. White belts of course have little control and have wild movements.
On the other end of the under-black-belt continuum you have these guys who are so close to black belt they can taste it. They have good technique but are so determined to show it that their opponent ends up unconscious.
Don't sweat the kumite though. Have fun with it. A majority of your opponents will probably barge in a'swingin' like mad. Take your time and don't rush it. Work your angles and let your instincts do the rest.
Katas are worse because it's all sort of surreal. You wait forever in a group of 20, then stand "on deck" while the guy or gal before you does their kata. Then, oddly enough, I used to seem to lose all track of reality and time as soon as my name was called.
I'd hear my name called, vaguely remember walking to the judges, doing my bow, mumbling something about fu ku i dunno, and then it seemed the whole thing was over. Thirty second later I'm like "What happened?".
That's also a lot of what prompted my comment about speed. When I'm out there trying to "look good" I got all technical and everything became stiff. When I relaxed my shoulders, released that tension, and got myself into the mental fight, I could then exhibit better technique.
It also allowed for the variety in pace. I am strong in places and fluid in other. Sometimes I explode into a technique and sometimes I almost seem to take a rest; just like a real fight.
You'll do fine. I'm anxious to hear how it goes.
On the other end of the under-black-belt continuum you have these guys who are so close to black belt they can taste it. They have good technique but are so determined to show it that their opponent ends up unconscious.
Don't sweat the kumite though. Have fun with it. A majority of your opponents will probably barge in a'swingin' like mad. Take your time and don't rush it. Work your angles and let your instincts do the rest.
Katas are worse because it's all sort of surreal. You wait forever in a group of 20, then stand "on deck" while the guy or gal before you does their kata. Then, oddly enough, I used to seem to lose all track of reality and time as soon as my name was called.
I'd hear my name called, vaguely remember walking to the judges, doing my bow, mumbling something about fu ku i dunno, and then it seemed the whole thing was over. Thirty second later I'm like "What happened?".
That's also a lot of what prompted my comment about speed. When I'm out there trying to "look good" I got all technical and everything became stiff. When I relaxed my shoulders, released that tension, and got myself into the mental fight, I could then exhibit better technique.
It also allowed for the variety in pace. I am strong in places and fluid in other. Sometimes I explode into a technique and sometimes I almost seem to take a rest; just like a real fight.
You'll do fine. I'm anxious to hear how it goes.
OP
OP
When I thought to do it (it's not instinctual for me, yet) I felt I was quicker and more fluid. At this stage, I need to focus on being relaxed through my shoulders and, to a lesser extent, my arms.Navarre said:
Endurance seemed to be no greater to me. I admit to focusing more on landing one on Sensei than how long I'd been trying. My endurance has, in general, grown longer since I began.
As to awareness, I'd have to say that relaxing my arms allowed me to focus attention on other aspects of the fight. I can extrapolate from that the more I relax, the greater my awareness. Well, that sounds better reversed: when I am tensed, part of my focus is on the place of tension. Decreasing the tension increases awareness.
Navarre
Master Black Belt
Yeah, although tension will wear you down, relaxed muscles isn't going to give you better anaerobic endurance per se. But, I've found that when I'm feeling physically worn during a fight, taking a moment to step back, drop my center of gravity, and relax my body will allow me to burst out with another technique instead of standing in place gasping.
I think you're right on with relaxation as it relates to awareness. My sensei always talked about "relaxed power", taking time for your body to relax and flow then explode when you desire it to.
It's my "flow like water. strike like fire" thing. You were already doing that by keeping your fists relaxed until making contact. Now you're seeing it reflected in your arms and thus your hitting speed. It'll all go forward from here.
Hmmm, all of a sudden it seems like you're my first Ko Sutemi student in 6 years. ... No bowing required. The invoice for your monthly class fee is in the mail. lol
I think you're right on with relaxation as it relates to awareness. My sensei always talked about "relaxed power", taking time for your body to relax and flow then explode when you desire it to.
It's my "flow like water. strike like fire" thing. You were already doing that by keeping your fists relaxed until making contact. Now you're seeing it reflected in your arms and thus your hitting speed. It'll all go forward from here.
Hmmm, all of a sudden it seems like you're my first Ko Sutemi student in 6 years. ... No bowing required. The invoice for your monthly class fee is in the mail. lol
Navarre
Master Black Belt
Despite a few of the disparaging comments here, Ko Sutemi is not bunk. It is also not solely for tournaments.
It is true that most classes seem to focus a lot on tournaments but I have found most of my techniques to apply readily in real situations. Like any art, it has more to do with your teacher and what you put into it than it does with what label you put on it.
There are techniques I no longer emphasize in my integrated system, such as the rising block. It was hard for me to let go of one of "The Basics" but I didn't find it to be as effective in real life as other protective techniques. There was therefore no need to force students to practice it endlessly. However, almost every principle in the art has served me well.
I also found that those principles made my transition to a more fluid art (in my case ju-jitsu) fairly easy. In my 12 years of ju-jitsu training I have seen many practioners of other arts (some higher ranked than myself) struggle greatly with the concept on angled attacks, flow, and relaxed power.
By this statement I am not suggesting that the important thing was that I move to another art anyway because my karate training still gives me many advantages that my ju-jitsu colleagues don't have.
Always take what works and discard what doesn't. Of course, I know right now you don't have that option nor will your sensei suddenly stop teaching rising blocks just because of my opinion. That's okay. For now, train hard in everything because it all comes together. In time you will find what works for you.
It is true that most classes seem to focus a lot on tournaments but I have found most of my techniques to apply readily in real situations. Like any art, it has more to do with your teacher and what you put into it than it does with what label you put on it.
There are techniques I no longer emphasize in my integrated system, such as the rising block. It was hard for me to let go of one of "The Basics" but I didn't find it to be as effective in real life as other protective techniques. There was therefore no need to force students to practice it endlessly. However, almost every principle in the art has served me well.
I also found that those principles made my transition to a more fluid art (in my case ju-jitsu) fairly easy. In my 12 years of ju-jitsu training I have seen many practioners of other arts (some higher ranked than myself) struggle greatly with the concept on angled attacks, flow, and relaxed power.
By this statement I am not suggesting that the important thing was that I move to another art anyway because my karate training still gives me many advantages that my ju-jitsu colleagues don't have.
Always take what works and discard what doesn't. Of course, I know right now you don't have that option nor will your sensei suddenly stop teaching rising blocks just because of my opinion. That's okay. For now, train hard in everything because it all comes together. In time you will find what works for you.
OP
OP
I have read very few negative comments about this or any other art on this board. Maybe I'm not looking close enough or, perhaps, I simply overlook such posts.
I admit that my dojo works toward tournaments. However, it does not do so at the expense of traditional work or basics training or good health. Sensei loves his bragging rights
I do enjoy this style and I like Sensei. He's genuine and open; but, I can see myself transitioning to another art at some distant point. Wing Chun, I like and some other Chinese styles. There are many to choose from. Seieikan will be a good foundation for these, I agree.
I do train hard. Some things are easier, even at this short interval. I will continue.
Arigato
I admit that my dojo works toward tournaments. However, it does not do so at the expense of traditional work or basics training or good health. Sensei loves his bragging rights
I do enjoy this style and I like Sensei. He's genuine and open; but, I can see myself transitioning to another art at some distant point. Wing Chun, I like and some other Chinese styles. There are many to choose from. Seieikan will be a good foundation for these, I agree.
I do train hard. Some things are easier, even at this short interval. I will continue.
Arigato
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