Sunday, January 07, 2007

Fighting

Class was wonderful today. First, I thought I wasn’t going to class; however, I was woken up by a phone call by the missionaries. They asked me if I could participate in the missionary discussion with Andrey. Last time, I wasn’t there because he asked me not to for an unknown reason. When I got up, I had an hour to get ready. I was a little late because I had more things to do than usual because I thought I wasn’t going back to my house after karate.

When I arrived there, I realized that I forgot my card that I had to run under the scanner that records that I was at class today. The class was the smallest that I’ve been to because it had only four people including me. It ended up that I wasn’t late because we were still waiting for Villa Sensei. We first started by punching the target bags. My partner made me take off my sterling silver ring when we started. I put it on top of a wall that’s about wait high. I knew I was going to forget it and I did. I hope no one steals it on Monday. I really want it back because Andrey gave it to me when we first started dating. I miss it too because I wear it almost 24/7.

I need start focusing on punching with my first two knuckles with the target bags. I don’t bend my wrists when I punch; therefore, I hit my first middle knuckles. The first time I worked time when I worked with target bags, my middle index knuckle on my left hand became raw. Today, none of them became raw. However, my middle index finger on my right hand is a little tender when I rub it.

I learned that Sensei Chinen didn’t teach me how to fight. He didn’t teach me to protect my head, to jab, or to cross. During a sparing exercise, I remember a white belt using boxing techniques, Sensei disapproved of his fighting because he wasn’t fighting the way traditional way or the way he wanted him to. I remember that we could have used any technique. In the Northwest Profiles video, one can see that Sensei Chinen fights with his hands down at the waist level instead of protecting his head. When ever a person would tell me that I could hurt them because I knew karate, I knew that wasn’t true. I knew that I couldn’t defend myself against anyone with Sensei Chinen teachings.

I would write more, but it's way too late. Spent too much time watching vidoes. Note: Today is still Saturday because I haven't gone to bed yet.

4 comments:

Potatoe Fist said...

That is so frustrating to hear, but I completely understand. When we do the traditional stuff a lot doesn't seem to make sense. But when we do sparring we are encouraged to be "creative" or non-traditional. It can be confusing to be sure.

Lizzie Woolley said...

Supergroup said...

Hi Lizzie,

I've been having problems with my computer, and it hasn't allowed me to make any comments on your weblog for ages. I'm on the family computer now. It's a little harder for me to gain access to the family computer.. sigh. So my replies might be slow in coming.

First, I'd like to say how happy I am that you have found a nice dojo to train in. That's great! I hope that it's not too far from your home. I hope that you do not lose your ring. You might have to check in the lost and found of that building if you don't find it on the wall where you had left it. Or talk to the Sensei.. maybe one of your dojo mates found it before they left.

I'm glad that you are learning how to protect your head as you spar, this is very important especially if you have to face people who can kick head high quickly, and efficiently.

January 10, 2007 9:40 AM

ZenHG said...

Funny thing is is that Goju Ryu is one of the most effective in-close fighting-systems.
You are meant to get in-close and protect your head, and this is found even in Kata in some places if you have the eyes and mind to look.

So, this training is not breaking from tradition. One of the cornerstones of Gene Villa's Karate is that everything can be found in Kata, not only does he say this quite a bit, but he demonstrates it and he does so in a comprehensive way.

Even Boxing techniques are part of Goju Ryu, most Kihon where you pull the hand to chamber are only for training and strengthening muscles, most punches are fired from a boxer-style position in actual application.
There is practicality in pulling the hand to chamber if you are pulling someone off balance or preparing for some stand-up grappling, which is a big part of Goju Ryu. Just have the eyes and mind to look and listen to what Sensei has to say.

Chinen Sensei does not teach a whole lot and keeps a lot to himself.
Most of his seniors, in my opinion, are not effective in their training, they are stuck on what they are fed and asked not to question, therefor they cannot grow within the system.
Robots, I tell you, they are robots. Forget about them.

Silverstar said...

Hi,
Newbie here.:)
Thats odd that you were previously trained to not protect your head, seems like the thing that you would want to protect the most!:)

Anyways, I hope you find your ring again and best of luck in your new training.