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Post by Gerry Boyce on Mar 28, 2012 18:28:22 GMT
I started studying Shotokan Karate in the fall of 1979 in Glenside PA under my Sensei Marc Steiner. American Karate Studio was affiliated with the ISKF branch of Shotokan Karate under Teruyuki Okazaki, but was more of an independent studio as I remember. I studied there about two and half years reaching the level of 3kyu then stopped for various reasons. I studied for a few months after that at the local YMCA and won my only gold medal in the only tournament I ever entered for team kata performing Heian Godan (even got my picture in the local paper!).
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In January of 2010 I decided to reteach myself the kata I learned in my youth (Heians 1-5, Tekki Shodan & Bassai Dai) and maybe even learn some more for the fun of it. Well it's been over 2 years since then and I'm thankful to say I've greatly enjoyed this personal endeaver so far and have every intention of continuing Shotokan karate for the rest of my life. I've taught myself Kanku Dai, Jion, Enpi, Hangetsu, Tekki Nidan & Sandan, Wankan, Gojushiho and most recently I'm working on Sochin. My focus has been to learn these kata equally well when performed as designed, as well as when done in mirror image. Now my focus is to really learn the bunkai of these kata, so I'm not just performing them for exercise, but for application in real life situations. I have a Youtube channel, which I created to help me critique myself. You can find it by searching for ShotokanGerry if you like.
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Post by fujicolt on Mar 28, 2012 19:07:44 GMT
WELCOME to the land of OSS! I am sure you will find that interacting here will help your personal journey considerably. Kensei and I are looking after things at the moment so do not hesitate to contact either of us for any help or answers you need. Please make sure you put your real name on all posts ( A RULE HERE THAT WORKS WELL) and then just dive in - they are a great bunch whom i am confident in labelling as very helpful, oft very experienced and most importantly nice people. PLEASE ENJOY!
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Post by Bob Davis on Mar 28, 2012 20:42:43 GMT
Really?? There is always one (although here there may be more) welcome anyway.
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Post by fujicolt on Mar 28, 2012 20:48:04 GMT
bOB dAVIS - GO TO THE BACK OF THE FORUM AND WRITE OUT 100 TIMES - i MUST HAVE FAITH IN PEOPLE! AND SEND TO ME BY 6.47 AM MONDAY 3RD AUGUST 2333 1/3.
dAMN CAPS LOCK AGAIN! lol!
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Post by ruestir on Mar 29, 2012 1:53:37 GMT
Welcome!
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Post by malk103 on Mar 29, 2012 10:34:32 GMT
Welcome to the forum, its not easy self teaching is it....
I've done a lot of "fine tuning" at home but not been brave enough yet to video any of them. ;D
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Post by kensei on Mar 29, 2012 12:54:12 GMT
Hey Gerry, Welcome to the OSS group. Its a bunch of nutte....great guys and gals that will try and help you out. Its interesting not note that we have people that train in Shotokan for so many different reasons on this forum. From hard core compete till your eyes bleed types to us old dogs that are well past that and show up in our white PJ's week in and week out because we dont know anyother way to have fun...well not many ways. I find it interesting and refreshing to see some who are training in "non-classical" ways, training at home and not seeking rank nor are they looking to compete. I find it a breath of fresh air that we have so many different people here ( and not that was not a shot at Steve and I for being nut bags and crazy....not I said "and I"). Enjoy the forum, dont forget to put your full name in your sig. Box and ask any questions you want. You will be SHOCKED and AMAZED at the mounting knowledge that is available here.....more shocked than amazed when you get to know us a bit more "personally". Enjoy J
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Post by tomobrien on Mar 30, 2012 1:25:49 GMT
[quote You will be SHOCKED and AMAZED at ...[/quote] a lot of things here! It's really hard to teach or re-teach yourself. See if you can hook up with an instructor. Thanks, Tom
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Post by Gerry Boyce on Mar 30, 2012 16:38:05 GMT
It certainly is hard teaching oneself, and there are obvious disadvantages, but I love the freedom of setting my own training agenda and pace. My training is kata oriented, so solo training is quite possible. I also work on technique using heavy bags so I know what it feels like to strike solid things good and hard.
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