Shotokan, a Japanese style of karate, is far removed from its Okinawan roots. Shotokan kata applications are typically practiced at long range and are, by nature, very impractical. Karate is supposed to be more than kicking, punching and blocking for sport. Historically, the purpose of kata was to summarize two person drills already established and not meant for showcasing arbitrary aesthetic criteria as determined by competitive organizations. 'Applied Shotokan' features videos that highlight practical kata bunkai incorporating throws, joint locks, limb clearing, choking and striking, all from close range. You can also find videos on pad drills, vlogs, and karate workouts.
i dont understand belts in karate. it seems that theres no fixed colors or order because i see people wearing belt colors i dont have at my karate school, and my karate school's belt colors and order are different from my previous karate school, and youre obviously professional but youre wearing a white belt. i dont get it. will you please explain that to me sensei Andy Allen? because this confuses me so much. thank you.
Hey Mr. Allen, normally when I see Kata application/bunkai videos I need to watch them to vet whether I want to actually save them into my Kata Bunkai playlist for future use. Unfortunately most “bunkai” on RU-vid is useless garbage. But whenever I see one of your bunkai videos it immediately goes into the playlist, no vetting necessary because your stuff’s always good!
Well done y’all! Also, Andy it’s really humble and impressive of you to be Uke for your students like that. I know plenty of instructors who would never do that.
I love this approach to shotokan, especially the blending of striking with takedowns and ground fighting. Who are the best exponents of this approach in the uk as id love to train this way?
There are a lot of practical karate people in the UK. Iain Abernethy, Les Bubka, Brian Bates. Mal Sanchez-Jones is kudo but I think you'd love what he does!
This was super impressive, and probably the best most well-rounded belt testing I've seen since Hajime Kazumi dojo, when he branched off from Kyokushin. And kudo's to Herb! 65 and still training. Well done sir! Osu!
@@abhijithmsaji2220 I have an extensive background in Shotokan Karate (7th dan). I also train in BJJ (blue belt) and dabble in other arts. I have discarded the useless parts of Shotokan (there are many) and replaced them with more functional principles. At the end of the day I call it karate.
@@AppliedShotokan i actually gone to your website after commenting, and read your blog. Actually very happy to see someone more concerned about practical application than form. I am also a shotokan karate black belt. Do you have instagram? I want to ask something.
@@AppliedShotokan actually right after commenting i visited your website and read your blog. Glad to know that there are people who are more concerned about practical applications than form. Do you have instagram?
Wow this was "Truly Invaluable!". Thank God! Thank you for posting. It proves that there is no superior martial art. The technique shown here rivals the close infighting of Wing Chun. As a Shotokan practitioner myself, I will definitely be wrong this to my practice arsenal " immediately", posthaste. I LOVE this technique. As a purple belt, I am beginning to put together my own combinations of of attacking and defensive moves. It might not seem like a lot, but I am truly Blessed to have run across this video during my browsing. Ossu!!! Check it Out! Ciao!!!
Grateful for you Sensei and glad I found your channel. I see the Sensei’s Machida have adopted your philosophy as well. Bless you both for helping return Shotokan because of its roots. Oh and yes, I did BJJ and it was frowned upon to go train at another “family’s “ gym.
Thank you. Very balanced, well explained, and executed. I am 70 yo now. I trained with the JKA phenom, Sensei Nishiyama, over 45 years ago at his Los Angeles dojo. He was very kind, humble, and patient. A great, compassionate man who I miss dearly.! I still train on my own, rank Yodan. Your effortless stances, hip movement, and wisdom reminds me of the old days when I trained very hard. I would love to meet you some day. I am in AZ. Take care...
Es para principiantes por las bases se deben desarrollar en un periodo de 3 a 4 años diligentemente para después pasar al kumite libre ahí es donde aplica todo lo que tú propones antes se desvirtúa la técnica
Hello Sensei. How are your? Sensei, once, in a podcast with other two senseis, you mentioned that the "traditional" kihon is a little bit unrealistic, therefore I'd like to know if all these flow drills that you show in your videos could be considered as a Kihon. Thanks in advance. Greetings from Brazil João Pedro Melo Silva
I use the term kihon for solo movements. In the JKA and other Shotokan organizations, kihon is don't in long stances with hikite. My kihon is more "free flowing".
Very intelligent analysis. Regarding adherence to dogma, my Shotokan senior Caylor Adkins wryly advised us, "Now let's all pretend we won't burn in hell if our rear heal comes up..." Regarding rotation: Penetrating body mass works by itself; rotation without mass shift, not so much. That said, basic training imparts fundamental body mechanics that have great value as one progresses to fighting, in much the same manner as the playing of scales forms a foundation for the most avant-garde jazz... Coltrane and Miles didn't skip this basic training --- they transcended it. I take your message to be that we should take basics as a starting point, not a final solution.
Thanks for commenting. The main take-away from this video is that there are many ways to generate power. Hip Rotation is one of them. Unfortunately, may Shotokan sensei overlook these other factors.
I am also a Shotokan instructor. Have a dojo in Quebec Canada and I share your views in terms of providing a more well rounded form or training. Nage waza and ne waza are so important and are part of my curriculum as well. I would be interested in connecting with you.
Karate has Improved from the mid 1980’s. Not all schools are as advanced as yours. Sport Karate is still the main stream, seems to me as the students get older many show more interest in “Old School” karate.
