I don’t want to give you the wrong impression; neither do I wish to ignite the Kumites wars again.
Bill's comments came from; I am sure, his utter shock at a positive post from me on Yakusoto Kumites. No doubt he had to read the post a couple of times to make sure it said what it said.
Not wanting to get into to it but, for the reason Bill posted, I do not agree with the current Uechi Kumite (I do not teach any of it in my school) nor do I agree with any Kumite taught to memory.
However, this is simply my approach.
There are those who believe the Kumite are the be all end all and take great offence when they are questioned.
There are those, like George and Bill, who believe they are a place to start and evolve them as you progress.
Each to their own.
I am sure if you check the history on Bill’s forum or check Van’s (particularly the K-Bash thread) you will see the various opinions. However, these threads are long dead and I doubt the moderators would appreciate them being activated. Many comments posted were in the heat of the moment and often very blunt.
For me I look very closely at the principles of self protection I wish to teach and each and every drill I use must work directly towards that goal. My principles of self protection are not contained in Kyu, Dan, Kyu/Dan (Shohei) Kumite therefore I do not teach them.
Others may find their principles within them or they believe them to be a useful tool, so they do teach them.
Sorry for the long post and I am trying hard to say this without bashing the Kumites and reigniting anything, but I could not leave you with the impression I favoured the Yakusoto Kumites.
If you have any specific questions about this feel free to either PM me or post the question on my forum.
Sorry for the interruption Bill.
