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Post by kensei on Oct 17, 2011 12:47:40 GMT
Recently, very recently....Steve sent me a chapter from his book to review for a seminar I was giving at a seniors club. He sent it to me to review and see what I could Quell from it for a class.
I normally take Karate writing as "their is nothing new under the sun" kind of approach. After reading 1000's of books and probably more magazine articles on Karate, concepts, strategy and the like I had thought that their was nothing new anyone could introduce to me that I had not read already...and I was right. The concepts that Steve introduced had been written about by Bruce Lee ( I hate using him...he stole all his stuff and sold it as his own), Musashi, Lao Tsu and just about every other theorist out their. It was a concept of "what the attacker does" prior to attacking ( and that is GREATLY simplified).
What made it different was how he systematically broke it down, went over different theory and made it a much more flowing article on what to expect and how to read your opponent. Having a similar back ground in working the door in tough bars as Steve I got the implications right off the bat! It was very well put to gether and he covered the "situational awairness" that I have been talking about for years very well and even introduced some fancy terms and titles for this.
Very well written and it sure got my creative juices flowing for that seminar. We had a great class and I want to both thank Steve for letting me read the article and also remind everyone that even if it has been said 100 different ways...a concept can be explored with fresh eyes and can be included in your training. It can be a great way to add on to any class when you review old concepts in a new way.
Thanks Steve.
J
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Post by Paul Bedard on Oct 18, 2011 4:17:43 GMT
I also have had the privilege of reviewing some of Steves writings & find it very informative & easy to understand. Like James said, the information is out there, but Steve makes it quite easy to understand. His book should be a good one for in-depth studying!! Osu Paul B
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 18, 2011 11:31:30 GMT
I am just working on the 'knitting and cross stitch' chapter now. Ideal for aged Karateka as a warm down after knackering ourselves pretending we are 28. thanks for the nice comments lads. James is correct However, what i am trying to do is take concepts etc and put them into easily understood formats with a 'language' that is easy to remember - the AIF (Attack Initiation Flow) for example.
the reason i ask certain people to critique the draft chapters is because I VALUE there input and want to make the book as 'easy read and informative' as I can. the critiques have helped tremendously = THANK YOU ALL!
I am also thinking of developing a website that relates specifically to the book so that readers can see live action examples of the matters discussed - what do yer think? OSU!
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Post by kensei on Oct 18, 2011 12:01:42 GMT
I am also thinking of developing a website that relates specifically to the book so that readers can see live action examples of the matters discussed - what do yer think? OSU! Personally, I dont like looking at pictures of myself or videos of me doing Karate...would much rather just do it and not risk breaking more cameras with my....beauty! However, I think that your integration of a book and video would be fantastic. Kagawa did this twice and the results were fantastic. Also, a web site is a dandy Idea. I have recently moved the JKA of Manitoba into the modern age with a easy set up web site that actually has a few younger pics of me on the site and helps to market our clubs. The best part, the web site itself is easy to put together and you have an instant medium for all of your info to be updated and up loaded. Great idea.
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 18, 2011 12:15:52 GMT
yer couldn't 'nip' over here and set the website up for me - if i do it it'll be a buggers muddle!
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 18, 2011 16:00:16 GMT
On another point though about the 'nothing new' point. I agree BUT whilst many claim to 'know stuff' this is not the same as actually 'practicing and using stff'.
here is an extract from the Introduction to the book discussing the content - .
'I also wish to make it clear that I can already imagine many readers saying to themselves ‘Well that is nothing new, I already knew about that!’ and I accept this totally as a valid comment - on the surface! All I ask is that you be honest and ask yourself:
‘I am aware of the points raised and the factors commented upon BUT can I honestly say that they are a constant aspect of my Karate practice that is given due regard and attention on a regular basis ?’
I urge you to consider this carefully, because the Factors etc that I shall raise are deeply important and should be a constant aspect of study rather than just something you are aware of!'[/size]
The above isn't aimed at James or Paul as i have long been aware of their depth of study and knowledge BUT so sadly there are many out there claiming that no one can tell them anything new (really ?) but when quizzed it is often a vague understanding or something only given lip service and a casual examination once in a while. Such a shame cos these factors are often of huge importance.
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Post by tomobrien on Oct 19, 2011 2:53:04 GMT
Steve, The book website sounds like a brilliant idea! How do I get a look at some of those chapters? I have a web site & a face book page but I'm the only one who looks at them Thanks, Tom
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Post by fujicolt on Oct 19, 2011 11:06:43 GMT
Private message me your current e-mail address Tom - I would be very pleased for you to critique some chapters.
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Post by kensei on Oct 19, 2011 12:16:41 GMT
I agree with Steve 110%! I am very sick of "senior" Karate people who dont teach or train advanced concepts in training and then state that "its because basics are so important"...but they miss the last part by not saying "....that I forgot to move along and actually do anything with them". Face facts, we are getting older, our basics will decline with us a little as we are no longer physically able to perform specific "Dynamic" movements. but that does not mean that concepts that are paid lip service to are going to be any less important. I fear that some senior instructors lose students because they rehash basic concepts and technical training and omit any advanced concepts training. To the point that their students dont even know the concepts outside of a breif conversation or reading in a book. Steves book will do two things. One, it will reintroduce some more advanced and intermediate concepts that are lost on most of the athletic but basic bound juniors turned senior...and more importantly to myself, it will bring an "ENGLISH" variable to the table. Far to long the more advanced concepts have been "Japanese-centric". Meaning if you wanted to view any advanced ideals of Karate you had to get out your Japanese to english dictionary and review what the seniors were telling you....in Code. Steve is simply trying to lay it out in straight english for the students to pick up on . I for one am all in for that!
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