Goju + Uechi Ryu Seisan Bunkai

[Josann]

Why not practice both? Kata, bunkai, applications etc.
The longer I do this study of uechi ryu the more I realize that there is more to it than self defense and more to it than the "art" portion.

The beauty IMO is that you can train with partners and work on applications - from formal bunkai and your own personal applications ("What do you see in this move?"), do kata alone- as exercise or to study moves, imagine opponents, train your mind through visualization, increase balance etc.etc. etc. Possibilities for study and how to study are endless.

Yeah, I completely agree that all that being said one should be able to defend themselves and FIGHT if needed.

As I get older I am really appreciative of uechi ryu karate DO i.e. a way of life.

The exercise, flexibility, and relaxations benefits of kata training should never underestimated.

Nothing like seeing a senior student with 30+ years of training and over age 70 do a graceful athletic kata.

[Bill Glasheen]

I think the key, Josann, is in something a good engineer would appreciate. Marcus touched on it.

Form should follow function.

The most beautiful women in the world are those who - by their physical apperance - project health and fertility. Good breasts, small waist-to-hip ratios. Males have programmed in them an ability to spot and pursue a good mate.

The best looking men also have features that project health and fertility. There's the broad shoulders, waist-to-hip ratio, facial hair, and other secondary male sex characteristics.

A fast car and a fast motorcycle look the part. (Usually)

The perfect working-class dog is a thing to behold.

Kata done by people who understand function have a beauty to them that even the untrained eye can't help but notice.

But the trained eye can spot the breast implants, dyed hair, the plastic surgery, etc.

And the trained eye can spot the sheep in wolf's clothing.

- Bill

[maxwell ainley]

There is a martial art named shorinji kempo ,they don't have kata ,but in contrast use a two man series I think called Embu .

They ref; this method to a large painting in the shaolin temple were numerous monks are doing Embu, but I think these embu could have there basis in forms/kata ,but I could be wrong .

I personaly prefere the kata .then take things straight to the fight , but there is lots of routes ,but the former suits me and how my dojo operates .
Max.

[Stryke]

Form should follow function

Hey Bill you know how much I`ve said this over the years , it is undeniable .

as an aside and a observation of the state of things , its no coincidence that attractive gracefull people usually do better in kata competitions .

Human nature is what it is , we need more educated observers .

And I dont mean asthetics .

And back to the dancing angle , If anyone truly wants good feedback and information on leading from your core , posture and driving leading with the centre knees and elbows , try having a conversation with a good ballroom dancer

lots to learn/share