What do you think of this video?

I thought that it was a pretty cool video. Things I noticed...

He seemed very relaxed while executing all his techniques.

His footwork was great.

His coordination seemed right on.

I enjoyed the demonstration of fa jing.

What I didn't really take to was the kicking above the waist at such a close distance, when he was doing the form sparring exercise. Its prevalent in the second sparring session when he had to move backward to kick. (I guess that the strike preceding the kick could send the uke back some making the necessary room. Just something I thought of.)

Instead of kicking at the liver, I would use a knee, or kick the uke's knee, or a blood gate on the opposite leg.

Another thing (which I also have after all these years, is the leaning forward of the head.

All in all, I thought it was a great video and I could see the body mechanics working smoothly. I absolutely enjoy watching these type of MA videos as opposed to the TKD tournament mess and that stuff on ESPN.

Who's in the video if you don't mind? Is that a student of yours?

Edit- Thanks. Another question Sensei...

I saw a lot of Shiko Dachi and Neko Dachi in the video accompanying the Hachiji Dachi while he was moving around. Are those two stances really emphasized in Shorin Ryu?

Edit- Gotcha. As I think I mentioned before I study Shurite, which as I'm sure you know is similar but different in many but subtle ways. We position the stances somewhat different so that's why I was inquiring. In our Kokutsu we sit back farther on the hind leg and keep the entire front foot on the ground. Also, with Neko we keep the ball of the front foot on the ground, and use Tsuru/a (crane) for lifting the foot off the ground. However, I'm pretty sure though that we have the same interpretation for PP applications of that foot position. Pretty good stuff too, lol.

I would like to hear about your use of the Shiko, application purposes if you don't mind. I'll check and see if my emai is open if you'd rather send it there as to avoid too much talking here. Thanks again! This is a great discussion in my book and the type I'd like to see here more often.

That guy looks like Bill Duff, Co-host of Human Weapon.

As for my thoughts, he seemed ok, average, good but not great.

Some of the movements, particularly the blocking and hand movements were more circular than I would typically expect from a Japanese style.

James

HI Sensei,

Nice to see some good traditional karate.

For people watching they can see a lot of smooth footwork, some nice hip movements, and good, relaxed speed which generates a lot of power (when done correctly).

Overall.... nice example of good traditional karate.

Thanks

pretty standard goju ryu karate. nothing particularly impressive about it...not that it's bad either.

shows some of the lesser known training methods of okinawan karate (especially goju ryu)

My WMP wont play it but from aaron's description it sounds a lot like TAIRA MASAJI's and TERUO CHINEN's influenced work.