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<BODY TEXT="#000099"> <P><FONT SIZE="4">KARATE KWESTIONS</FONT> </P> <P><FONT COLOR="#800000" SIZE="+1">Does kata (forms) help you with self-defense? <A HREF="mailto:martialartists@hotmail.com?subject=contribute to karate kwestions">Your Answer</A> </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4"></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">yes I believe they do -once you truly understand them-not just do them. they can often give you new insights on your art and can often lead to a sharper and clearer mind-making the warrior within that bit more tempered and refined, after all combat is fought on more than one plane. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">kind regards, </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Carl </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">****************************</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Does Kata help with self defence... You KNOW that's gonna spark debate; </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">here's my part of the fuel for the fire Bottom line? Yes... sort of... Kata are a definite asset to training; they help with form and bring familiarity to the various techniques. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">They also, unfortunately, breed habit with specific responses towards some actions. I believe that if a student is learning a Martial Art, Kata are a must (if included in the specific art).. If a student is strictly learning self defence, they should likely stay away from hard-set forms and concentrate more on confidence with a few select techniques. This is said with the premise that self defence is a specific end as opposed to a devotion to training.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Philippe</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">*******************</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Kata adds to the art in the martial arts. It adds nothing to self-defense ability other than a broken jaw from chamber punching and not keeping your hands up.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Tom</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">*******************</FONT></P> <P>Since Kata are DESIGNED to teach you self defense techniques against being grabbed which do not require strength they are in fact the primary tool for self defense. This of course means understanding the pressure point applications implied in the technique. (No the move do not need to be modified for the street...they work exactly as they were intended to ... on the street!) </P> <P>Bruce</P> <P><A HREF="http://www.cloudnet.com/~bemiller/" TARGET="karate">http://www.cloudnet.com/~bemiller/</A><FONT SIZE="4"></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4"></FONT>***************************</P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Okay, Ricky...I'll play: </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">The question was: Does kata (forms) help you with self-defense? </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">If YOUR kata is GOOD kata...Yes! If your particular style has developed, and evolved into something that "works" - it obviously has to have a basis in the kata that was developed to teach it. However, responsible Sensei (Sifu, Guro, Shihan, etc.) do not often teach students the defining movements that make a kata "work" until the 1st dan groundwork has been completed. So much of kata today is probably "close" in the relative motions necessary to practice a kata in it's entirety...but, lacking in the actual physiological dynamics that created them in the first place. Some karateka NEVER learn those dynamics from their Sensei. (And don't know it..) If your style's kata is properly transferred from teacher to student (and of course, those forms really do "work"), then the kata itself can teach the necesary dynamic(s) to you. form follows function, follows form... </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Mg </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">************************</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Kata is your self defense. But only if kata techniques are understood for what they really are. Take almost everyone's first kata (with all the down block & punches). If this is interpreted as a down block and punch, it doesn't do much for you. But if you look deeper at the down block movement it has powerful self defense application. When the arm comes up and toward you for the "fold", this could easily be your first response to an attacker grabbing your wrist. You would strike his arm at the elbow coming back towards the wrist. This will activate a pressure point called Lung-5 that will cause the knees to buckle. Your opponent's head will be in position to deliver the "block" portion of the move. If kata is interpreted using "traditional" methods, its self-defense value is limited at best. In kata a punch is not always a punch, FREE YOUR MINDS!!! Scott </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4"></FONT>**************************</P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">if anotherstyle awarded belt of differrencess to the individual and staying in practice is a belief . beleive it.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">************************</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">RK, here's some possible questions to throw out to all...(you can change them a little, if my meanings are unclear): </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4"><B><FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#800000">Is YOUR art a "technique" art, or a "form" art? What's the difference between the two? Which should I practice more of, technique or form? </FONT></B></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">l8tr, </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Mg </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4"><A HREF="mailto:martialartists@hotmail.com?subject=Is YOUR art a technique art, or a form art? What's the difference between the two? Which should I practice more of, technique or form?">Your Answer</A></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4"> ************************</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4"></FONT></P> <P><FONT COLOR="#800000" SIZE="+1"><FONT SIZE="4"></FONT>Can a good street fighter beat a black belt? <A HREF="mailto:martialartists@hotmail.com?subject=contribute to karate kwestions Can a good street fighter beat a black belt">Your Answer</A> </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Anytime, any day.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">Bill</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">********************</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">It depends on whether the stress on the style is tournaments or combat.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">John</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">************************</FONT></P> <DIV> <PRE>It totally depends on the type of black belt the person is. If they were trained in the traditional, full contact old styles of the arts, then probably not. It also depends on whether the street fighter is trained, or if they attack the bb from behind. I have witnessed many a black belt loose a street fight because of these factors: 1. They are a point fighter. 2. They trained at one of those "Anyone can be a black belt schools." 3. They were jumped from behind and hit with a club or pipe. 4. The street fighter was a well trained Martial Artist or boxer. 5. The black belt just plain sucked. 6. The black belt was from a Tae Kwon Do "Super Mall" school (one that teaches for money). 7. And lastly, the black belt didn't have chance because he was drunk or stupid. After working security for many years in bars, I have one thing to add to this question...could a street fighter beat a qualified, well trained black belt in an actual front to front face? The answer would probably be no, but remember that no matter how tough you are, there is always someone tougher. Sincerely: Shihan S Franz, 6th Dan Black Belt Aiki-Te Ryu Karate Do </PRE> <P><A HREF="http://209.185.240.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=&lah=d99dfc69b77c71264abedae3abad6317&lat=943092674&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekarate%2dkid%2ecom"><FONT SIZE="2">http://www.karate-kid.com</FONT></A></P>***************** </DIV> <P>Yes, having a black belt means a lot, but I have read and heard of schools that give a black belt too soon in a students martial arts career. Having a black belt doesn't neccesarily mean you are invincible, but if you have had the right training and have practiced it would definatley improve your odds. </P> <P>Ian </P> <P>***********</P> <P>Can a good street fighter beat a black belt ??? </P> <P>My answer is, that's a great possibility. </P> <P>Black belt don't guarantee a man to be able to beat up street fighter. It depends heavily on our continuous training, reflexes, and senses. I don't know about the condition in America, but here in Indonesia, we can't underestimated street fighters. Here, many black belt people being beat up by street fighters. </P> <P>I've seen some persons who takes Kempo classes ( three black belt persons ) being beat up by a single lonely street fighter, and then those Kempo black belts went down unsconcious with only a fast single slap to their face</P> <P>********************</P> <P>Black Belt-ers, If you think that you can beat up street fighters, then try Indonesia's street fighters. You have to think more than twice to face them !!!!! Even if you had a gun ....!!!!!!!!</P> <P>*******************</P> <P>I believe so in some cases. And in others no . In the dojo there are rules such as no groin shots and unwritten rules such as don't hit to hard. However , on the street there are no rules. In the dojo they may throw at you a combo such as a high kick followed by a chest punch. There you are fighting someone you are acquainted with on relatively good terms and fighting the same style. On the street there is no combo. Once they start moving in on you they don't let up for any reason and unfortunately there is no sensei to stop it. </P> <P>Justin </P> <P>*******************</P> <P>A good street fighter can beat a porley trained black belt. The black belts at our dojo and ascosiation go through a very tough test. They only test once a year and it is because it is the only time all of the committy can be at the one place. Adam </P> <P>********************</P> <P>It depends on what training the black belt has had. One style is better then the other from what I have seen. As in one is more effective then the other. Also, streetfighters that I have seen never use rules, they get you with cheap shots, use wepons etc. I have never seen a street fighter fight with honor. But also, I have only seen once that a street fighter won from a black belt. Remember that there are many schools out there that give students lessons for just the money. Or give them a black belt when they are noth worthy of it. It also depends on if the streetfighter had some trainig in a dojo before he wnet to street fighting. I know of one, and he is very good. I know a lot of indonesians who are street fighters, yet I haven't ever seen one beat up a kick boxer. (reply to someone elses mail) So I think the number of fights won by street fighters is small when it come to fighting with true worthy balckbelts.</P> <P>********************</P> <P>ummmm like noway man........unless the street fighter could use weapons or something man </P> <P>********************</P> <P>I AM A 28 YEAR OLD MALE AND VERY MUCH INTO THE MARTIAL ARTS.I AM CURRENTLLY STUDYING KUNG FU.BEFORE THIS FORM I HAD STUDIED NUMEROUS DIFFERNT FORMS OF THE ART.I WENT UP IN BELTS BUT NEVER WENT TO A BLACK BELT LEVEL.ONCE I REACHED A LEVEL BEFORE BLACK BELT IT WAS TIME TO MOVE ON.I WANTED TO STUDY ALL THE BASIC BLOCKS AND STRIKES AND CONBINE THEM INTO MY OWM STYLE.I AM CURRENTLY STAYINY WITH KUNG FU TO REACH A HIGH LEVEL SHOW I CAN BRING MAY STYLE OUT TO THE WORLD.I HAVE BEEN TEACHING MAY STYLE TO A FEW PEOPLE AND IT WORKS.I HAVE SPARED WITH MASTERS AND BEAT THEM.SO LIKE IM SAYING BELTS DO MATTER TO SOME PEOPLE IN THE TEACHING FIELD,,BUT TO ME THEY JUST HOLD UP YOUR PANTS TO ME.JUST BECAUSE YOUYOU HAVE A HIGH RANK DOESNT MEAN YOUR THE MAN.ONCE I REACH MASTER LEVEL IN KUNG FU WHICH IS NEXT YEAR KEEP YOUR EARS OPEN FOR FREESTYLE STREET SURVIAL. </P> <P>THANK YOU </P> <P>JOHN </P> <P>********************</P> <P>Yes! Real street fighters,not wannebes taught in a studio,can and will beat a blackbelt trained properly or not . They do not have homes,or have something to eat everynight,or wear clean clothes. They survive any way, any how against all "arts",one rule they follow NONE,use anything that is around them as a weapon. Only way a blackbelt learns to avoid being beaten up is: Know your area(surroundings) No dark alleys If you're going to drink stay with friends who you trust Do not brag about your rank,they do not care Watch actual fights on the street,not on television, you will not see perfect techniques. Okay I rambled on,this gets me everytime, </P> <P>Sensei Paul </P> <P>*******************</P> <P>I truly depends on the amount of training each has put into their art. A fighter training 6-7 days a week will most likly take a fighter training 2-3 days a week </P> <P>Ian</P> <P>********************</P> <P><FONT COLOR="#800000" SIZE="+1"><FONT SIZE="4"></FONT>A subscriber has written in and was wondering what martial arts exercises he can do to help lose weight?</FONT> <FONT COLOR="#800000" SIZE="+1"><A HREF="mailto:martialartists@hotmail.com?subject=contribute to karate kwestions Exercises for weight loss">Your Response</A> </FONT></P> <P>There is a fun little exercise that really gets the blood going.. it's called a prostration.. You stand straight, hands above your head... then you lie down on your stomach, hands extended in front of you.. then you stand up straight, hands above your head.. that's one. do as many as you like/can.. usually, if you hurry, the average guy will get winded after 10 to 15.. standard Martial Artist, about double.. try doing 50 a day, whatever the pace.. you will loose weight guaranteed.. </P> <P>***********************</P> <P>get off your a__</P> <P><B>Note from Sensei Kirkham</B>: Okay not very helpful but I thought it contained a bit of humor</P> <P>*********************</P> <P>To lose weight, put both hands on the table and push firmly away. It both strengthens the shoulders and puts the plate out of reach. Jim </P> <P><B>Note from Sensei Kirkham:</B> I hope the questioner has a sense of humor</P> <P>**********************</P> <P><B><FONT COLOR="#663333" SIZE="+2">Concerning The <A HREF="http://tutor.hypermart.net/martialarts_ezine100.htm" TARGET="martial arts">Myths of Internal Energy Strikes</A></FONT></B></P> <P>Great article Rick. I have included much of the same type of information in my book on Rekibo. We call it body mechanics, it simply means the understanding of the human body and how it actually works. I have had the opportunity to try to explain to many martial artists why thouse incredibly tense reverse punches lose power on each consecutive strike. Also while I am writing this would you be interested in an article on Rekibo weaponscraft, if you are I will take a chapter out of my book and condense it for you. Have a good year my friend, Pablo</P> <P>************************</P> <P>I agree with you completely except on one point. it is possible to be able to throw an "internal energy" strike while falling forward. It takes considerable practice and the ability to relax your natural tendency to tighten during a fall ...but have been able to teach this technique to SOME upper Dan levels ...unfortunately not to those uncomfortable with falling regardless of their rank </P> <P>Bruce </P> <P>PS thank you for your article! it is nice to see other professionals willing to take a stand on such mysticism </P> <P>************************</P> <P>Hi Now WHY did you go and start that one... All right; let's go So you've never seen an energy strike with the 'eastern misticism' stuff.. for you it's all mechanics.. good for you. Glad that works for you. You're wrong, but if you're happy, then that's all that matters. I have seen energy strikes.. I have FELT energy strikes.. None of this 'turning your fingers blue with the power of...' or anything; an actual, honest to goodness 'not touching me but still knocking me back' energy strike. You've got a background in physiology. great; hope it helps in all sorts of ways. Don't let yourself be restricted, however, by the belief that what you know is all there is to know. If you do, then no matter who you are or what you're talking about, you're wrong; plain and simple. If you choose not to believe in 'eastern approach' energy strikes, then I'm not going to try to talk you into believing. To assume that it's impossible because you don't know how or can't back it up scientifically is the height of arrogance. It's also something that as a teacher and a Black Belt, you should not be closing your mind about. To state your opinion is one thing. What you have done is state your belief as a fact. ...and you're wrong. Philippe </P> <P><B>Note from Sensei Kirkham:</B></P> <P> I always look forward to learning more and presenting different views. If anyone wishes to turn in an article on this I would happily publish it</P> <P>************************</P> <P>A Reader posed this question. It really happened: <FONT SIZE="+1"><B><FONT COLOR="#800000">Question: What should happen to a martial artist who uses his position to gain trust and then have a sexual encounter with a minor. </FONT></B></FONT></P> <P><A HREF="martialartists@hotmail.com?subject=contribute karate kwestions sexual abuse">Your Answer</A></P> <P>************************</P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">How do we keep this Martial Arts Ezine going and expand it even further?</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE="4">With your help. If you would forward this </FONT></P> <FORM><INPUT ONCLICK="mailsome1()" TYPE="button" VALUE="E-Mail Someone About This Article!"></FORM> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT SIZE="+1">to your martial art friends, I'm sure they would appreciate it. 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