Archive for the ‘Teaching’ Category
Children’s testing
Posted by Shotokan_Dad in Teaching on January 12th, 2010
Could anyone explain their philosophy on how children, say 6-10 years old, are graded for their Kyu exams in contrast to adult testing?
I know each dojo or organization is different, but children obviously have less control of their body, and their Kata, Kihon and Kumite are usually not at a level that an adult would be required to demonstrate for promotion.
For example, a child's back stance could be off during their kata, or the child keeps coming up out of a front stance during their kata. The child may pass the examiniation, but an adult would not.
I would appreciate any feed bac
Karate Exams
Posted by go shotokan karate in Teaching on December 13th, 2009
Hello fellow karate friends,
I am a brown belt- a 3rd KYU. I've got my grading today!!! I'm really scared but i know i'll pass because my friends,family, and even sensei's say i'm ready. When this is all over- i'll be really really pleased. Wish me luck!!!
Best Wishes.
Go shotokan Karate
Sensei Dario Marchini and Sensei Christina Restelli
On 20-22 November we played host to Sensei Dario Marchini (6 dan) and Sensei Christina Restelli (6 dan).
Sensei Dario Marchini is famous for his excellent technique, he was also the only person who's got championship in both world karate federation: WUKO (now WKF) and ITKF. Also the coach of italian national team to 2009.
His wife, Sensei Christina Restelli is also a wonderful competitor with many important medals.
First Sensei Dario led training for black belts only and they did Sochin (Friday evening). On Saturday we had all together two training sessions, 2 hours each. First part of training was always conducted by Sensei Marchini and we train together with lower grades. It was special Taikyoku form on Saturday - with changed block and punches (I had a fever so I was absent on the first training, especially I've passed with this fever my exam the day earlier). Then the advanced group did some kumite exercises.
Seminar with Master Hiroshi Shirai
There was the 30th jubilee seminar with Master Hiroshi Shirai (9 dan) in Belgium last weekend (30.10-01.11). It was dedicated to the memory of Sensei Taiji Kase. There were about 150 people from Belgium, Netherlands, Luxeburg, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy and Scottland.
We trained on four training sessions, 1.5 hour each. Sensei has taught us Kanku dai and its bunkai and Unsu with a bunkai. There was also kihon for Shodan trained in many ways and also as a kumite, with partner.
This seminar was really inspiring, although I had some problems in grasping Unsu, so I trained only kata and left the bunkai for my boyfriend, who is Sandan and was also my karate partner during the seminar. I trained attacks and he trained bunkai. I think it was fair enough. Anyway, it seems that Unsu sorted out in my head after the seminar by itself. 
What Does Black Belt Mean To You?
Posted by Linden in General, Philosophy, Teaching, Tips & Techniques on July 2nd, 2009
For as long as I can remember, I have loved the martial arts.
I can remember being a small child and watching the TV series 'Kung Fu' starring the late David Carradine as Quai Chang Caine.
I remember the philosophy contained in the series having a huge impact on my young mind and I truly believe this incredible series shaped my thoughts and beliefs, not just in karate, but in life. I know it's a bold statement to make, but I really do believe it.
In our materialistic world, people respect power, beauty and money and this to me is very sad. But saying that, I would like a lot more of all three!
Gading and Katas
Posted by les einstein in General, Teaching, kata on June 16th, 2009
I agree that your videos are incredibly useful, especially for novices like me who are still starting out.
I especially found the tutorial given by Linden on Heian Nidan helpful because he was able to talk his viewer-students though each of the steps, with instructions and explanations along the way.
I was wondering if a similar tutorial has or can be made for Heian Sandan. Whilst there is a Sandan video on the website I do find it difficult to follow without Linden's "walk through" instructions.
Thank you Shotokan Unleashed for providing an amazing site.