General Chat & Info Board

Rebecca Smith4 said:🤣

😛

I’m planning to head out once the semester wraps up.
I think I’ve already heard from my mentor, Mr. Ban.

Getting into the city for training is quite a chore since I don't have a car. Between the bus, the train, and all the waiting, I end up losing about five hours per session. That seems like a bit much while I'm still in college.
There isn't much variety here in this small town...
Just some Taekwondo for the kids and Kyokushin.
We'll see, I guess.
😁 -> 😬 most likely

aaaaaaa, you're going because there's "no choice" at Selu... oh no, I'm gonna go tell my sensei, haha😂 😂😂
the real answer should've been: I'm going because I want to train Kyokushin, and god forbid there's actually something decent at Selu since options are so limited, ha
.....jk, I would never snitch on you... just train whatever you feel like!

Ryan Fowler6 said:Moving slightly off-topic here...

Kyokushinkai is typically translated as the "society of ultimate truth," which I suppose sounds just as cryptic to an American as it does to anyone else in the West... But, it really is exactly what you described: there aren't any shortcuts or hidden mysteries, just endless, punishing work. To my mind, that might be the actual "secret" behind martial arts—that final truth—which probably applies to pretty much any discipline, if you think about it...

Exactly, I agree. That principle should apply to all skills. It's interesting how clearly this is visible in modern MMA. You see exactly how someone handles their tools, how disciplined they are, and how effectively they apply their craft. There is no mystical "chi" energy or lethal touch involved...😁

darkgardener4 said:aaaaa so you "live" there instead of actually training Kyokushin? shame on you.🙂 🤣

With him on a deserted island.😂

darkgardener4 said:aaaaaaa, you're going because there's "no choice" at Selu... oh no, I'm gonna go tell my sensei, haha😂 😂😂
the real answer should've been: I'm going because I want to train Kyokushin, and god forbid there's actually something decent at Selu since options are so limited, ha
.....jk, I would never snitch on you... just train whatever you feel like!

😂

That’s essentially why I didn't train at all before, and why I haven't picked up where I left off with my old routine back in the city. I guess that's just how it was.
I have to admit, I held some prejudices regarding karate. Maybe I was wrong.
I suppose I have a few more.
It’s a bit more intense, I suppose. Maybe less so for Kyokushin, though—it feels slightly different there.
All of this just gives me more reason to leave. I suppose I might try to convince the good ones to stay and talk some sense into the bad ones. Maybe.
😬

I suppose I am looking forward to it. Maybe.
I was planning to head out sometime this fall, but... college happens.

It’s not about being serious, but please don't clutter this thread. Feel free to start a separate one dedicated to Kyokushin.

Thanks.

Yo, has anyone else heard that rumor about Wu Shu potentially making it into the Olympics?

Zachary Mendoza17 said:Exactly, I agree. That principle should apply to all skills. It's interesting how clearly this is visible in modern MMA. You see exactly how someone handles their tools, how disciplined they are, and how effectively they apply their craft. There is no mystical "chi" energy or lethal touch involved...😁

Of course there’s Kia around; honestly, without Kia, life would be pretty damn dull.

Anyone know if there are any San Shou or Choy Lee Fut schools around the States or maybe in Canada?

Eric Cox73 said:Anyone know if there are any San Shou or Choy Lee Fut schools around the States or maybe in Canada?

I suppose they might have known how to organize sandbagging competitions over in places like Mexico or Canada... though whether actual San Shou clubs exist over there, I guess I really don't know.

Nathan Walker16 said:Of course there’s Kia around; honestly, without Kia, life would be pretty damn dull.

True, but not in the context you're implying. Regarding what was said above...

Rebecca Smith4 said:😂

That’s essentially why I didn't train at all before, and why I haven't picked up where I left off with my old routine back in the city. I guess that's just how it was.
I have to admit, I held some prejudices regarding karate. Maybe I was wrong.
I suppose I have a few more.
It’s a bit more intense, I suppose. Maybe less so for Kyokushin, though—it feels slightly different there.
All of this just gives me more reason to leave. I suppose I might try to convince the good ones to stay and talk some sense into the bad ones. Maybe.
😬

I suppose I am looking forward to it. Maybe.
I was planning to head out sometime this fall, but... college happens.

You see, I had those same prejudices toward karate too.🙄 I thought it was just a bunch of weaklings tapping each other, barely making contact. I didn't know much about Kyokushin back then; everything was a blur, just a vague idea that it was a slightly better version of karate. Then, I show up, they hit me like an idiot, and I realize these are the toughest fighters I've ever sparred with. They are strong as horses, hitting with full power, and they never seem to get enough training. It's truly incredible. And since then, I've been one of them.😁

p.s. sorry placidbison20, I won't [do it] anymore🙂

Yo, can someone drop a link where I can order some Wushu shoes? I’m in a massive rush for these, so if you've got a lead, let me know. Honestly, a spear, some broadswords, or even sabers wouldn't be a bad idea either—though I guess I can wait on the weapons. The kicks are the priority right now.

Zachary Mendoza17 said:True, but not in the context you're implying. Regarding what was said above...

I was actually thinking about every possible context, including martial arts like karate.

If you haven't seen them yet, I've linked four clips here covering various aspects of karate; at the start of the second one, you can see them practicing "ki" (or chi)—it's that breathing technique similar to what they do in Aikido, and the video actually compares it to Tai Chi.

It feels like all these traditional Chinese and Japanese disciplines rely heavily on working with "ki," and honestly, it’s a damn shame how much of that essence has been stripped away just because modern combat sports focus entirely on the physical mechanics.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IG1X8O...x=0&playnext=1

Nathan Walker16 said:I was actually thinking about every possible context, including martial arts like karate.

If you haven't seen them yet, I've linked four clips here covering various aspects of karate; at the start of the second one, you can see them practicing "ki" (or chi)—it's that breathing technique similar to what they do in Aikido, and the video actually compares it to Tai Chi.

It feels like all these traditional Chinese and Japanese disciplines rely heavily on working with "ki," and honestly, it’s a damn shame how much of that essence has been stripped away just because modern combat sports focus entirely on the physical mechanics.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IG1X8O...x=0&playnext=1

It’s not just that people have stopped doing the actual drills; it’s that nobody even knows what real Karate applications look like anymore, especially here in the West. Look, the guys training Kyokushin are tough, I get it—they’re legit strong—but that’s not what true Karate was designed for. Old-school Karate had a massive esoteric side to it. Just look at Gogen Yamaguchi. Most of the real peak happened right after WWII, and honestly, I highly doubt the Japanese would just hand over the full arsenal and all the deep secrets to Americans on a silver platter. What we’ve been fed is just tiny scraps of the real thing. It’s exactly like Tai Chi. Basically, you have to dig incredibly deep and pray you actually stumble upon some genuine knowledge.

Eric Cox73 said:It’s not just that people have stopped doing the actual drills; it’s that nobody even knows what real Karate applications look like anymore, especially here in the West. Look, the guys training Kyokushin are tough, I get it—they’re legit strong—but that’s not what true Karate was designed for. Old-school Karate had a massive esoteric side to it. Just look at Gogen Yamaguchi. Most of the real peak happened right after WWII, and honestly, I highly doubt the Japanese would just hand over the full arsenal and all the deep secrets to Americans on a silver platter. What we’ve been fed is just tiny scraps of the real thing. It’s exactly like Tai Chi. Basically, you have to dig incredibly deep and pray you actually stumble upon some genuine knowledge.

So, we’re supposed to believe there is such a thing as "real" karate versus "fake" karate? If you ask me, there was no esotericism in the original art. It seems to me that figures like Yamaguchi or Egami were the ones who introduced those mystical elements, blending in various Eastern philosophical or religious teachings that they personally found interesting. They essentially rebranded the practice to reflect their own specific visions. On the other hand, I suppose all that mysticism serves as a sort of magnet for people like you—those who are drawn to the idea of secrets, miracles, or the supernatural. It offers a convenient way to feel like you're achieving something profound without actually putting in the grueling, repetitive work required by honest training...

placidbison20, it might be best if you moved this entire discussion to a new thread.

Ryan Fowler6 said:So, we’re supposed to believe there is such a thing as "real" karate versus "fake" karate? If you ask me, there was no esotericism in the original art. It seems to me that figures like Yamaguchi or Egami were the ones who introduced those mystical elements, blending in various Eastern philosophical or religious teachings that they personally found interesting. They essentially rebranded the practice to reflect their own specific visions. On the other hand, I suppose all that mysticism serves as a sort of magnet for people like you—those who are drawn to the idea of secrets, miracles, or the supernatural. It offers a convenient way to feel like you're achieving something profound without actually putting in the grueling, repetitive work required by honest training...

placidbison20, it might be best if you moved this entire discussion to a new thread.

What you call "mystical" or "supernatural," I consider totally normal, everyday stuff. And as for being lazy? Give me a break. I train six hours a day, plus extra conditioning. If you think Tai Chi is some easy walk in the park, let me tell you: most karate guys can't even hold a proper stance for more than ten or fifteen minutes without shaking, whereas I can hold it for an hour and a half, maybe longer. Let's get back to the actual point: we have sport karate, which is one thing, and true skill, which is something else entirely. We're talking about mastery here. You know damn well this stuff traces back to China, with techniques coming from Shaolin, which inherited them from Bodhidharma. If he wasn't a mystic, then who was? Plus, plenty of techniques come from Southern China, a place crawling with Taoist shamans and black magicians. Do yourself a favor and actually study Tensho and Sanchin kata. Between the eight Bagua palm positions in Tensho and all the Pinan stuff involving the five elements... you've got a lot of reading to do.

Alright, what part of this thread's purpose is confusing you?

This space is strictly for information sharing.

If you want to talk about karate, feel free, but please head over to the specific thread dedicated to that.

placidbison20 said:Alright, what part of this thread's purpose is confusing you?

This space is strictly for information sharing.

If you want to talk about karate, feel free, but please head over to the specific thread dedicated to that.

Fine, I'll shut up about it. I just want some new kicks—legit Wushu shoes—so does anyone actually know a shop in the States where I can order them online?!!!!!!

I’m sure this question has been asked before, but this thread is massive, so there’s plenty of room...
I've been thinking about taking up some kind of martial art, but I haven't quite figured out my direction yet. I was hoping someone could suggest which style or sport might best fit this description: I’m looking for a combination of fluid mobility and coordination, paired with genuine strength and striking power.
Oh, and one more thing... I’m 17, so I’m a bit unsure if starting at this age is considered too late. If it is... 🙂
Thanks in advance!!!!

Can someone enlighten me on what a beginner's boxing session actually looks like? Specifically, what is the primary focus—conditioning or technique? How long does a typical class run? Thanks in advance.