Karate: “You’re doing it wrong”

[@هايالقناةفقطتجربة]

i heard from a jesse enkamp video that he went to okinawa and a master was doing a really complicated kata infront of him and the next day he did the same kata but in a different way so jesse asked "master what is the right way?" and the master responded "every way is the right way" back when karate was in okinawa karate and there were no karate "styles" there was only "one" karate style (pay attention to the word "one") everyone in okinawa had their own way of karate so when and when it arrived in japan 4 grandmasters were the ones that had the honour to introduce karate to japan and since everyone had their own way of karate they couldn't really teach karate like it's one so they decided that each master should name their style and teach it to the japanese as a style/way of karate so these 4 masters made their own styles which were shotokan shinto ryu gojo ryu and wado ryu and they gave them these names for a lot of reasons so in reality every way is the right way everybody has their own style of karate back when karate was still in okinawa everybody had their own way of karate it's like saying "oh that's bob's style of karate" or "oh that's tom's style of karate" everybody had their own karate style i hope this makes sense and that i explained it correctly because i suck at explaining i recommend seeing jesse enkamp's video about karate styles to get a better understanding

[@jkgardiner]

@@هايالقناةفقطتجربة exactly, what works for one might not for another, we should all have our own “style” in the end.

[@bogse]

Shoto was Funakoshi's nick name and "kan" means school --> Shotokan

[@هايالقناةفقطتجربة]

​@@bogseyeah of course there are reasons behind the name of every karate style

[@MrRourk]

Lookup Motubu Choki the master of one kata

[@acesksoc8512]

Thank you so much for telling us about this information really helps me expand my knowledge and understand karate ❤😊

[@OskarsZvejnieks]

It is kinda crazy how so many people can't comprehend how diverse karate is or how and why people train it, same with many people from other fighting sports just constantly disliking what is not theirs. But it is annoying and frustrating when most of my or other peoples karate videos have more than 90% of comments just trying to punch it down, for some reason.

[@jkgardiner]

@@OskarsZvejnieks karate is not just one thing. It’s many things and there is space for all of it 👍🏼

[@OskarsZvejnieks]

@@jkgardiner Completely agree, i personally enjoy the sports side, combative, traditional and historical side, just sadly its so rare to see people who can accepts the multidimensional sides of karate

[@helenmorrissey6842]

And this is why I really value training with you!!

[@dreads44]

Great video! Keeping an open mind is essential not only in karate, but in life. I tell my students "You do you."

[@beardedsparks2825]

I don't usually comment on these videos, but I feel compelled to do so in this case. You are absolutely right. I started karate in my 20s and I'm now in my 50s. My karate is forever changing due to age and experience. There are far too many people who comment negatively and claim to know what's right, but basically, they're full of shit.

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you, our karate should always be changing shouldn’t it. If you’re doing the same karate you were doing 5 years ago you’ve gone no where.

[@donaldduck7461]

Too many Bruce Lee wannabes, who don’t even train, seem to be the real experts. Train Kyokushin but never disrespect other systems or other martial arts.

[@هايالقناةفقطتجربة]

yes of course you shouldn't disrespect other martial arts (but there's nothing wrong with favouring a martial art over other martial arts and giving your opinion on why that martial art is better just as long as you don't explain it in a disrespectful way then that's totally ok)

[@LonnieRotten47]

Osu, same here brother.

[@raymondandrews4136]

Exactly, spot on. Due to rotator cuffs injuries I can't do gizami tsuki. So I just changed to uraken and developed that ,still works just as well.

[@bunburyodo]

This topic of conversation feels wonderfuly familiar 😂. Well said by the way. The only time i have concerns is when you can tell someone has been sold a lie or are clearly kidding themselves about practicalities. Keep pushing to that 100k

[@atsumorikofuhara]

We learn technique to master technique, we master technique to escape technique, we escape technique to *learn* technique. When it comes down to it, while core principles of movement will remain the same, I am always interested in seeing an individual's Karate. I am always excited to see your Karate! OSU!!

[@davidgomezjimenez2495]

Could not agree more with you. Wise words. Thanks again

[@tetewa]

Hi John! Your videos motivate me so many times, whether it be explaining details that I didn't understand during training, or reminding me of how much I love this martial art while scrolling though videos, the way you explain kumite applictions, katas, complementary trainings we can do to prepare ourselves better as martial artists. Keep up with the videos, whenever I come across them it both makes me happy and motivates me! In our dojo we also have a child in a wheelchair, we have a child with neurological disabilities, we have older people, people with injuries, we have amazing athletes. We all push each other to grow. Oss!

[@jkgardiner]

@@tetewa thank you, I’m glad my videos are beneficial for you. Anyone should be able to come into the dojo and improve themselves, regardless of age, ability, disability etc

[@paulcook7611]

Great video , ive just started at 57 and have hip and knee issues , thanks for this point of view ❤️

[@marshp2749]

As a 52 year old with hip issues, who re-started late, I'd say you may want to avoid yoko geri keage, if your style has it. It's a nasty kick for the hips anyway, arguably a fairly weak introduction by Funikoshi, and arguably can always be replaced. It'll eff your hips.

[@lionelpil8707]

Karate is not just technique. It's a way of life, a way of thinking, discipline, respect, open mind, dedication, awareness and control of your body.

[@AreteAskesis]

Even the Machida brothers opened their own dojo close to where I live (I am a member of their dojo) and they say the same thing you’re saying here.

[@bobo_der_affenkind8328]

Thank you so much for this statement! I often have the feeling that expressions like "you're doing it wrong", "it's incorrect", "the right way to do it" are inspired by two things: 1. It's much easier to think inside the box and trick yourself with the attitude of "how I do it is once and forever correct" 2. For some people it seems to be the pure pleasure to correct other people and trying to get them down. Anyone who points at japanese tradition, should have a look at what's reality. Different styles and different dojos are respecting each other and try to learn from each other. Have a look on the channel Dojo Waku and Sensei Yusukes travelling in Okinawa... Again thanks for this video and all the other content! 🤗🥋

[@jkgardiner]

@@bobo_der_affenkind8328 I get the impression it’s most often number 2: people just want to tell you you’re wrong so they feel better.

[@cheryl5218]

At my Dojo I like when people take the time to show me the correct way to do a stance or hand movement. I think some criticism is offered as a way to help me and themselves in moving forward. I don't think it is always with negative intent.

[@bobo_der_affenkind8328]

That's for sure! Every Karate style has a ​common ground in how techniques should be executed. Especially basics, such as stances for instance, are not what I'm talking about. It's more the few differences in Kata. For example the Tettsui-Uchi in Heian Shodan. There are many slightly different ways to do it. And the only thing anyone can justifiably say is 'this is how I or we teach it in our Dojo'. At least that's my POV for most issues 😊@cheryl5218

[@jkgardiner]

@@cheryl5218 this is more specifically talking about internet comments and they often have no feedback in them just the word “wrong” or “this isn’t real karate”. There is no value in that. We can all benefit from positive feedback when the intentions behind it are good and also come from someone with the experience to do so.

[@njanimiki]

Dear Sensei, i learned from your videos many many things, and after years in JKA Shotokan, i always learn something new, and we need to learn from each other, becouse this is they way. For me is only that importand to follow the rules of BUDO, "never underestimate another's martial arts" for example. Gretings from Hungary

[@NinjaNuggets21]

Learn from all systems. Fundamentals are striking, wrestling and ground work. Karate is a culture of systems same as Kickboxing and Wrestling. Appreciate and be grateful to have access to all of these systems and train.

[@AndyTheGabbyCabby]

Karate is not one size fits all you find your own way in Karate and it will fit you and your ways.

[@joeblogs-vx4ep]

Thankyou Sensei John 👍 I believe you are 100% correct in what you say . cheers 👍

[@thomasmoore8505]

I train alone majority of the time and your videos are a great help. Thank you 🙏.

[@NYKgjl10]

The beauty of Karate is its continuing to grow and needs to grow. As a Kyokushin practitioner, its what you make of your Karate. Every style has its own curriculum, but still is Karate and proud to have friends from Shotokan to Wado practitioners, e.t.c.. Make your technique your own and continue to practice night and day. Excellent video as always Mr. Gardiner..Respect!!

[@mikepatterson1975]

@@NYKgjl10 I do like Kyokushin Karate. The founder of your style trained with who before branching off?

[@NYKgjl10]

@@mikepatterson1975 Before created Kyokushin, he was a Shotokan practitioner, but also did Goju Ryu. I believe Gigo Funakoshi was his instructor in the Shotokan art If I'm not mistaking.

[@mikepatterson1975]

@@NYKgjl10 Yes. GIGO liked the deep stance and competition. Funakoshi did not. I am Shotokan practitioner.

[@cheryl5218]

I have learned and been able to add lots of your training in my journey to be a Black Belt. I gained a lot of confidence in my Dojo because of your videos. I don’t get nervous when I am up against a higher belt. I now focus more on, I can do this, we are all learning to become better. Thank you for this video to remind all of us, doing our best is what matters. Have a great day. 😊

[@alexanderren1097]

Unfortunately there was a period of time when I was very dogmatic about the style of Shotokan I was learning being the only “right” way to do Karate. Thankfully I’ve since learned to appreciate all the styles and value the variation in and of itself in addition. One thing that really annoys me is when either a child, or a young adult who’s a white, yellow, orange, or some other beginning belt posts a video online and people are harshly criticizing them. It’s one thing to offer encouragement coupled with constructive criticism, assuming the person offering criticism is from the same style, governing body, etc. But I’ve seen way too many people say things like “Everything you just did is WRONG!!!” When I see comments like that, it makes me want to smack the person making them

[@jkgardiner]

@@alexanderren1097 yes those comments are extremely annoying. It can be enough to put the student off and ruin karate for them. I’ve very rarely seen comments that are genuinely offering constructive feedback, it’s almost always trying to put the person down and come across superior in some way.

[@Highlander88]

Hi John,I am only 2. Kyu in Shotokan, but I train Karate now for about 27 years. I merge my Karate with other martial arts which I studied too (Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Arnis, Aikido,...). Today I am 64 years old, but make my Katas about twice a Week. I think the Kata is like a Book of self defence. I use the Kata to make my Kihon exercises and I analyze it and try to understand the brutal technics of self defense which are included. That's my way of Karate and as far as I know that's the traditional way. I still test Karate against Streetfighters and other MA and it works. If other Karatekas like Championships and forms, I can accept it, it's their way. We are one family, no matter which stile or preference we have. A lot of Greetings from Germany!

[@egilbokn6097]

The grade doesn`t tell me anything, so SO much respect to you with "only" 2.Kyu after so many years. I trained almost 20 before I aimed for a Shodan 😃.

[@Highlander88]

​@@egilbokn6097- I think the Belt or the Years doesn't matter. As long as you do it by heart ❤, it's the way for you. For me it's important that I keep open-minded and don't loose a fight with one sword at my Belt (Musashi). I like to make Randori with guys who are 10 to 30 years younger than I. In the paste I was angry because my Job didn't allow me to make the black Belt. Today I don't miss it and I am happy that I got the Chance to train with so many good Senseis. all my best Wishes and sorry for my bad English.

[@robertwhite8074]

Couldn't agree with this video more, it is all about does something work for you as an individual - e.g. Not all of us are the same size and you always have to adjust dependent on your opponent

[@NormanBeedie-e6z]

Great perspective agree 100% well said

[@topps1765]

You are spot on. I have problems with tight hips so my roundhouse kick will be lower to someone who is more flexible.

[@allanfrost2855]

Amen That is the beauty of martial arts. Be respectful and embrace our differences ❤

[@maccaholmes4854]

Your videos are great mate...I started in a shotokan based style here in Sydney after leaving the army in 1982 and found a good, hardcore teacher that could walk the walk...I had just come out of a situation where my trainers were men that had been to war and had to take lives to survive so the bar was set very high...I loved reading Fighting arts international, Moving Zen and The spirit of the empty hand and was never into the sporting side,...sadly, in the mid 80's karate was hijacked by karate politicians and the sport side was pushed onto us whether we wanted it or not...I walked away and started training JKD under a great teacher affiliated with Dan Inosanto but also started privately with an excellent guy from Budokan Karate International named Ron Wenban...a hard teacher and a great technician with old school ethics...hes since retired as had my JKD teacher and Im in a position where Im my mothers fulltime carer since dad passed in January...at 63 with a few injuries, joining a dojo isnt an option and this is the beauty of karate...I can get out in the backyard and train kihon and kata to my hearts content and refer to channels like yours for inspiration...the karate ethos is helping me deal with my fathers death and giving me the strength to look after mum and tend to her needs while running a business from home...thats what we mean when we say "karate is for life"...thanks for the inspiration mate

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you, and you’re right karate and the mindset it promotes can help with much more in life than simply punching and kicking

[@JoseFernandez-mt1se]

A very valuable presentation: We all do movement differently, we all get old, and we all should always have an open mind, we can all learn from different karate forms and techniques. All organizations in Okinawan karate have different kata forms. Those forms keep us grounded in our particular style. But it can be very interesting when we learn a new kata from another style. it could even improve your own karate. Sensei Gardiner thank you for sharing.

[@richardbartlett8038]

Absolutely bang on with this John it does not matter what style you do if it works for you who is anybody else to say that it is not right maybe for them so stick to what they believe is right for them.

[@jkgardiner]

Absolutely, do what works for you and you can’t go wrong.

[@rajmiah4040]

Great video. Really liked your comment on aesthetics and functionality because i am a firm believer of this concept. People get too worked up on aesthetics and overlook the function/effectiveness of techniques. Bruce Lee said it best a punch is like any other punch. In the Karate circle people get too carried away with the so and so said a punch should be like this and it should look like this and totally forget the most important aspect of function and effectiveness. Would love to train with you someday

[@ShukokaiStu]

Good video John, your bang on here! I have been training over 40 years now and regardless of what Karate style you commence your training in, everybody ultimately develops their own style or way of practicing their Karate. I have always remained very open minded and receptive to learning and improving my skills, from a range of karate practitioners regardless of the style. If anyones technique can be improved by a change of perspective, even slightly, then its always worth adopting! Please ignore the keyboard warriors John, your content has always been very good and to the point. Please keep up the good work, it very much appreciated. Stu.👍

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@jasonandkrishandy-kraus123]

Truth. You, sir, are doing it right.

[@Tomek_DC]

You are absolutely right ! Very realistic attitude. 👍

[@kazokukarate-do5033]

Brilliant video. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@simonrcarson]

Well said. I agree absolutely.

[@TimothyAdams-ln2jr]

The are so may approaches to karate--all are "karate". Very well said.

[@elcaddor]

Great video. Well said.

[@Falliblelife]

Thank you Sensei John. I couldn't agree more. Much appreciated. Subscribing right now.

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Falliblelife]

@@jkgardiner I've studied Shotokan for 35 years. During the last part I've bolted on Judo, Kyokushin and Shorin Ryu. Much to my annoyance, I've witnessed everything you mentioned in your video. Whilst I'm too old for the crap, occasionally, I do enjoy proving the odd punk wrong. Much respect from South London.

[@alanbone5512]

Very very good John , excellent video . Many different body types , require sometimes very different basics . Adaptable to each person. Essentially each person's requirements are varied very variable , under these circumstances , there are many reasons why people train.

[@ultragobi]

Nicely put.

[@markfisher2683]

Well said, Sensei. Each their own, for the love of the art, and its practical applications. Continued success to you and you Dojo family!

[@jkgardiner]

@@markfisher2683 thank you 🙏🏼

[@DragonDreamVNY]

A silat friend once showed me multiple waysbof doing the same Silat Juru (sinilar to Forms/Kata), from flowery and circular to sharp and linear. One master can do a form multiple ways. As we see with Iko Uwais (The Raid) - they also do Pencak Silat seminars, some of thst stuff is pretty devastating. Some kung fu "forms" or systems look a bit mad or nonsense... But what we dont realise is those 60-70 year olds have used it as they knew the applications.. some of it became their LifeLong way of doing and improving a concept of how to attack or snap and arm 🫰❤ I think the problem eith Japanese society is that 99% of people are expected to conform and not stick out or question. -- to the detriment of the art / system ---- Thank you John for sharing your thoughts. I agree 💯 I followed Kanazawa sensei for years and yet i have not found the apolications for some of the rare forms, not his fault or his instructors, my own. Hence exploration in other syatems came to till the gaps. Especially grappling and ShuaiJiao as well as Jujitsu.

[@horschen4936]

Osu Sensein Gardiner, You have a very healthy way of looking to what Karate is (goes hand in hand with how I interpret Karate in my life) and I for one support you 300% on your opinion. I practice Shotokan since 2004 and the last 3 years I went to Fudokan-Shotokan which has all its basics in Shotokan but it is more into the ergonomics - and the reason for that is, I have since many years a groin injury that comes back every now and then when kicking to high or from a certain angle or doing some hip-movements, I needed a style but foremost a mindset in the Dojo that will push me to carry out Kihon's as correct as possible but actually at the same time, I needed a Dojo that will give me some space to make the Kihon's work to the best of my abilities and limitations, and THAT mindset was in Fudokan. Maybe this is not so much Karate-style oriented rather a mindset of ones Sensei in the Dojo?! - I dont know, But I'd like to believe that the fundamental thinking in Fudokan with having the ergonomic aspect of each technique in the back of our mind, will sort of open up the mindset "nothing is wrong, it's just a matter of how you can perform or make a certain technique, movement to work. I watch all your inspiring videos, both on UT and IG, I understand all the fundamentals and the applications you demonstrate, I understand what the foundation is but due limitations I need to adopt and make it work for me. Thank you for sharing your opinions on this matter - very humble, Kind regards from Sweden and keep up the good work, OSU!

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you for your support I appreciate it 🙏🏼 and yes it is important to make the karate work for your body and not cause unnecessary damage to yourself through bad practice and having to fit into shapes.

[@laperrablanca1]

You're so right!!! I enjoyed so much what you said that I immediately subscribed! So tired of hearing this is right and this is wrong, and that there's only one way to do karate.... yes, there is one way, the way that fits you! By the way, I'm glad to see that as people and teachers get older in our organization, most of them evolved to understand that there is more than one way to do karate. Thank you, your video motivated me to search for my own way of doing karate

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for subscribing, I hope you enjoy my other videos 🙏🏼🥋

[@maccaholmes4854]

what a good bloke

[@mikkelgravesen8420]

What a fantastic video, man

[@rpd7573]

Great video. Im a shotokan karateka as well. Even within the same Shotokan affiliation you can have different sensei teach different things. I just accept what they say and just remember how to do different techniques depending on which sensei. Also the classic is bunkai application. In JKA there's some bunkai I may not be convinced about and I have some bunkai interpretations that honbu dojo would probably cringe at haha

[@AbdulKarim-id6ve]

OSS Sensai well said couldn’t agree more. I’ve been training for a few years and for me Karate is anything that works. All the best 😊

[@richielodge9537]

Great informative video I agree 👊

[@lukedady4073]

I have a lot of respect for your technique - I imagine that you lead by example, and make allowances for students who are unable to replicate the flawless execution ? Genuinely interested in your approach

[@jkgardiner]

@@lukedady4073 thank you, yes everyone is an individual and we find a way to make it work for them, I don’t want them to be a copy of me but to be the best version of them.

[@lukedady4073]

Thanks for the reply , I appreciate it - really useful.

[@WarriorPhilosopherHarol]

Powerful and nuanced insights. Thank you for sharing this. Interesting how this is literally the same concept that Bruce Lee tried to teach through his martial art. You learn from the classical and adapt it to yourself. In karate this is seen, as you have noted in the difference between the karate styles and even more so within the same karate style and even more at a macro level at one academy that practice the same system yet individuals create their own style! And looking at it the other way around its still all just karate. This is the way karate has developed and evolving. Even in Shotokan - Funakoshi did not want to Label his karate because he thought that created a limitation, he rather just call it Karate, and he also pointed out how karate must be suited for the individual and constantly evolving. This is the unifying lesson behind all martial arts.

[@lakilouise]

@John…. Totally agree with you mate, you are so spot on! Oss

[@raya472]

I can't believe you have to explain that in this day and age. Karate is like shooting a basketball. Take 5 of the best shooers from 5 of the best leagues across the world, and I'm willing to bet none of them shoots exactly the same. And they will have their own reasons why their style of shooting is best for them.

[@jkgardiner]

@@raya472 I know, it shouldn’t have to be said. If the ball goes through the net then it’s right, regardless of their “style”.

[@JoelsonMedeiros]

Excellent video! As long as you train the techniques as they should be trained and applied within the doctrines of each karate style, there is no "wrong way". Everyone has their own limitations, their own motivations and their own goals. You cannot base someone's actions on your own. Oss sensei.

[@jeffreyfigueiredo1740]

Very nice video Sensei Gardiner. You and Nat seem like wonderful karateka's. I'd love to train with both of you. I personally think good karate starts with excellent basics. If you have that and keep on improving on it, your karate will be good. All styles of karate can be effective. Be true to your art and respect others. Osu.👍🏽

[@joseramos3076]

You're right

[@koenig_der_zwiebeln9094]

Absolutely, yes. That's what I like about my dojo... It's a very traditional dojo, but individual differences are respected, even within our dojo. Karatekas always need to adapt. To the situation, to their physique, to their height, to their opponents' height, etc.

[@user-jh9xu7jp8p]

Good work John! Don't worry about such comments. I like your videos, I use some of them and I can see progress (i.e. mobility/ flexibility). I attend karate classes as well. As you said, there might be various ways to improve your techniques / skills. Greetings from Poland!

[@jkgardiner]

@@user-jh9xu7jp8p thank you, I’m glad they have helped you out a bit 👍🏼🥋

[@timkittle5418]

Nothing to add to brilliant observations. All I could do is share it with some folks I train with and teach.

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you, and thanks for sharing 🙏🏼

[@kadolphin5131]

Me when I saw the title: 👀👀 Thank you for sharing! And keep it up! ❤

[@CVanC-jd5pp]

Simply love this. Great view. Wade Ryu practitioner!

[@CVanC-jd5pp]

Apologies Wado Ryu. 🤣

[@JoseFernandez-ic8pe]

Ese es el espíritu !!! Un vídeo muy motivador !!

[@anayvlogs6969]

learned alot ty :😀

[@rowanheywood5661]

Karate means empty hand. However it was originally had different names infront of the "te" (which means hand) named after the different locations in okinawa (and china). Meaning the "hand" of Shuri (shurite) or the "hand" of Naha (nahate). So for me empty hand doesnt mean how to fight bear handed (because even karate has kobodu), to me it just means Universal Fighting Style. Which eventially becomes "john-te" the fighting style of John for example. Once one understands the "empty" style to a certain degree the martial artist can then start to make their own art to fit their body and needs rather than copying others. Like in music you need to know how to learn and play the instrument before you can improvise

[@miguerys9503]

In music or painting, there are rules and techniques, and they can be pretty strict when you learn, but in the end you take what you need to express yourself in a way that's unique to you. Maybe that is what the "arts" in "martial arts" means.

[@jkgardiner]

Definitely, at beginner levels the rules need to be adhered to, then with more experience these can be broken.

[@jcool9647]

Honestly, forget the haters or people who don’t know better

[@Rashrush.w]

No one will ever be perfect in karate there is always place to improve .

[@jkgardiner]

@@Rashrush.w definitely 💯

[@wendellbenedict4793]

I'm one of your subscribers since I have enjoyed every one of your videos. Sir, I believe that this is the best one of them all. I am curious when you alter your handicapable student's kata, what do you do in place of the sections that have kicks? I was wondering if you add extra hand techniques or possibly just continue on to the next movement after the kick. Thank you ahead of time and keep up the great work.

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you I appreciate that. When adapting the kata, at the moment we are training for competition so she needs to replicate the kick so we have her lift the front wheels in a fast motion to simulate the kick. (In order to meet the criteria of the judging). However in kihon while the other students are kicking I’ll give her hand techniques that use the same path, for example a mawashi Geri she do a mawashi-uchi or often a mawashi-empi. I’m actually thinking of bringing her in for a video and going over how we have adapted karate for her. It might be of benefit to some people.

[@NateWukong22]

I do need some quick advice. Right now I am learning Yia Jia Quan from a Asian Teacher who doesn’t seem interested in teaching me really and when I called him he didn’t wanna teach, but I’m really interested in the style and wanted to move to karate as soon as I learn as much from my current style.

[@sydfreypenaco1328]

A true master. Osu! 😊

[@lucalevorato7577]

As disable, I need to adjust my practice to my limits. If you really want to be actively involved with Karate, you need to find ways of training that are suitable to you.

[@JohnGBlackBelt53]

Hello John, regardless of what you teach or how good you are as a teacher, someone will always find some kind of fault or issue. I do Korean Karate, and I am constantly being told that it's not 'proper karate', but what I have found is that most of the criticism towards any type of martial arts, normally comes from people with very little knowledge of what you are doing or trying to do. Keep making your videos, as you have so much knowledge to pass on to others.

[@jkgardiner]

@@JohnGBlackBelt53 those with the most to say usually have the least experience..

[@ericstowe7243]

Hello John & godday mate! Love the quality of your videos in general, in this instance I agree, but feel there is a bit of vacuum regarding Dojo (church)vs. kwoon (gymnasium) and drawing emphasis to SPIRIT ENERGY (Chi/Ki)which seperates martial arts from all other athletics, but perhaps yoga. Thank you for this positive perspective to what is out there & the potentials for self improvement. 👍💓🥋‼️

[@keelei]

Hi John. Like always awesome video! Just wanted to know for how long you are training karate and have you ever tried other martial arts too? Thank you for your work!

[@jkgardiner]

@@keelei thank you, I’ve been training karate for nearly 25 years. I’ve done a little bit of judo and have trained with a lot of different Karate styles and other martial artists.

[@vivalaskelton]

Hi Sensei John, really enjoyed the video and fully agree. I am wondering if you could possibly tell me the material used in the Hirota gi you wore prior to this one? Made a nice sound and I’m looking at getting one. Your current gi is nice too. A review video would be cool.

[@jkgardiner]

Thank you. The Hirota is a custom made one which I actually had made for me by my club about 6 years ago.. so I don’t really have any details on it as such. I might do a review on this new one if people are interested in seeing that.

[@vivalaskelton]

@@jkgardinerThat would be awesome thanks for the response. There is definitely a market for Gi review videos, especially when it comes to discussing freedom of movement for kicks which I find restrictive in some Kata Gis. You the man Sensei John

[@dixon21221]

Again you hit it right on the head all Martial arts are no more then concepts that we training for self development i have been to 15 karate school asked them to teach me the basic Reverse punch / gyaku-zuki and everyone one was a little bit different witch one was Right ? they all are you take all 5 and make it your own Zen Buddhism [ shoshin ] to alway keep a beginner mind

[@jkgardiner]

@@dixon21221 absolutely, a beginner’s mind is an open mind 👍🏼

[@MA1980c]

What are the style differences in Shotokan? I've heard that kata teaching varies from tense to more relaxed performances. and relaxed is a newer form of Shotokan. Any truth to that?

[@mikepatterson1975]

Just like religion ❤🙇🏾‍♂️🥋👍🏾 preach! Keep doing your thing!

[@mikepatterson1975]

Always Brother

[@jaynesims9870]

I agree ,it's very individual These No wrong or right because we are different Size ,shapes....everything I'm small frame and small person and I'm a woman

[@jkgardiner]

@@jaynesims9870 yes karate should fit your body, not the other way round

[@lancecahill5486]

When push comes to shove, if you can use your style of karate to defend yourself or your loved ones, then it’s the only thing that matters.

[@sassuki]

The problem usually comes from the organizations and the masters. I saw recently a letter from JKA sent to all subsidiaries telling them that from now on, visiting seminars of Tanaka-Sensei is FORBIDDEN! Also, they usually don't show older variants of kata, and so many people think Kata is done this specific way since hundreds of years and was never changed (I used to think so! Because nobody told me otherwise!!) And there is rarely contextualisation of the information. I trained with many JKA masters that would say, kicking the mawashi-geri while bringing the knee forward is WRONG, but many taekwondo masters would say, kicking while bringing the knee to the side is WRONG! Because they can't apprehend the scope of each style! The knee forward is valid if you are in a kumité context where the opponent is far, and the knee to the side is valid when the opponent is close! Or the rotation on the heel or the ball thing. You HAVE TO rotate on the ball if the opponent is close, otherwise you HAVE TO to rotate on the heel!! Yet I NEVER saw any sensei explaining these technicalities!!!

[@jkgardiner]

@@sassuki yes i saw something about that, forbidding people from training elsewhere is just a sign of insecurity. If they are confident in what they are teaching then there should be no issue in allowing people to experience other things. And as you say about the Mawashi Geri, it’s clear that both methods work and having an open mind to other ideas can only help your progress in the long term.

[@avalonqt6285]

okay but talk i never did understand the drive through the heel thing, so if someone could please explain that to me that would be lovely 😭😭

[@jkgardiner]

@@avalonqt6285 yea I don’t really believe in that either, boxers don’t keep the heel down

[@baf303]

👍🥋👊

[@sirmeon1231]

Any Martial Arts will be looking a bit different when performed by different people. Karate has been developed by people with a very different body than europeans... So it will be looking different! When people get older, they will not be able to do some things. Just please don't use that as a reason to get sloppy, I've seen it quite some times. Great thoughts, thank you for sharing!

[@joseramos3076]

Are you in the JKA?

[@jkgardiner]

No, my club is independent now. I’m affiliated to the National Federation directly.

[@joseramos3076]

@@jkgardiner thanks for responding to me

[@Tormentor1707]

Hallo John. Sorry das ich auf deutsch schreibe aber ich fürchte ich finde mit meinem Englisch nicht die richtigen Worte. Du machst alles richtig so wie du das machst. Ich liebe es deine Videos zu sehen und daraus zu lernen. Ich habe von 1994-2000 Shotokan Karate gemacht und musste dann leider aufhören da meine Knie kaputt waren wegen Fußball spielen. Ich habe Anfang letzten Jahres wieder angefangen weil mein Sohn das wollte und da hab ich auf seine Bitte mitgemacht und jetzt macht meine Frau auch noch mit und ich habe angefangen meinen Sensei zu unterstützen und selbst zu trainieren. In den letzten 20 Jahren hat sich soviel verändert, vor allem in den Katas und wenn ich mit zum Beispiel andere Stile wie kyokoshin ansehe sind manche Techniken komplett anders aber nicht falsch. Karate ist für mich eine Lebenseinstellung und nicht nur Sport. Das Karate was ich lerne und auch lehre stammt nicht nur von einem Menschen sondern von vielen, auch von dir John da ich auch von dir viel gelernt habe und auch garantiert noch lernen werde. So wie du das in diesem Video erklärt hast ist das richtig und alle die das nicht begreifen werden es vermutlich auch in Zukunft nicht lernen. Viele Grüße aus Deutschland und mach bitte weiter so 🥋💪🏻

[@jkgardiner]

Exactly, every body is different and will have a slightly different looking karate. I’m happy my videos have been helpful for you 🙏🏼🥋

[@harshaltheboss]

Bro next video on weight training?

[@jkgardiner]

@@harshaltheboss yes it will be this week 💪🏼

[@charlestrentacosta3820]

👍🙏🤝osu🥋

[@kaz5150619]

The thought that if a style doesnt have Kata then its automatically not Karate eg Kudo strong foundations in Kyokushin but Azuma sensei wanted to expedite practical training and yet thats not Karate? Lol

[@deltabravo1969]

Do what works for you.

[@seamusnaughton8217]

100.per cent larggee let people train there me lam old school 1950 japan karate thats me put look you find what suits you and arggee 100.petecent with you lam 64 so lhad change my katate so forget the hatets on hete like your vedlos and you can hold your own with anyjapan master your allround noweakness your legs are are fast and your hands lookworild full of haters put them where belong in dust bin yourdoing great job

[@williamtucilave9799]

From my point of view, you're right and wrong. Right because there's no "one style of karate" and people do karate with their own body and purpose. Wrong because it is not a problem of "karate", it's a problem of vocabulary and meaning. When people say your karate is wrong is most likely because your karate contains some things (principles, techniques...) that are inconsistent with their conception of karate. Is it the same thing that saying "there are different styles" ? Not really. Imagine: a karate practioner do karate for decades and modify gradually what he is doing to best fit his body and purpose. Arrive a point when his karate style, for example, look like exactly as BJJ (or Taekwondo or boxing...) from an external point of view. But this practioner keep going call what he is doing "karate". So how will your call what he is practicing? Of course, one can modify karate. But how long can he keep calling it karate? To be honest, karate is today an umbrella concept that is the name for thousand of practices that are nothing to do one with the other. And the only things in common is: 1) the type of the gi, and 2) The practioner calls what he is doing karate. Today if someone does some breakdance when wearing in karate gi, he can tell that he is doing karate. The point is you seems to have the same way of thinking than people who say that your karate is wrong. For example, in one of your vid, you said: "How to make karate blocks work". That means that there is one type of karate for you. As for these people. You'd rather say: For me, here are the way I do blocks to make them work. Secondarily, I call my practice karate. Each time, you put in the first place the term karate when speaking about what you're doing, you tell people what there is something that is karate and something that is not karate. So you're are doing the same thing that those people who said that your karate is wrong.

[@jkgardiner]

This is coming from comments on videos where someone will do a variation of a movement in a kata (of which many exist) and someone will say it’s wrong because it isn’t how they do it in their dojo. If one has only ever trained in karate and they have adapted things through influences they’ve experienced etc then it is still karate, they don’t become a Muay Thai practitioner because their kick resembles the Thai style a bit now. I understand what you’re saying and also agree with it, if its no longer recognisable as karate then its not, but slight differences in technique don’t fall into that category.

[@williamtucilave9799]

@@jkgardiner But who determines if it's a slight or a significant difference? Whit what? Sokon Matsumura's karate? Gichin Funakoshi's karate? One's club instructor's karate? Who is right when someone recongnizes it as karate and another people doesn't? Otherwise, thank you for your sharing.

[@jkgardiner]

@@williamtucilave9799 exactly, you are saying what I’m saying. Who gets to say what is and isn’t karate.. Funakoshi’s karate would have looked different to Kanazawa’s who looks different to Kagawa’s and so on (and that’s only in Shotokan).