I enjoyed this video very much. Saifa is a beautiful kata. On a personal note, my surgery yesterday was a great success. I'll be heading home today and should be back to normal (light karate training) in about 2 months. I'm already feeling much improved and now I just need to go through the healing process. Thanks for your well wishes! Thanks for putting together this video. You two are an inspiration to us all!
Ah, such wonderful news!!! We are so glad to hear of your surgery's success, and that you will return to karate relatively soon - considering the bad news we keep getting from so many around covid, it really is a delight to hear your good news. Please do keep us in the loop with your recovery. A fan, @Egidijus Nasevičius, pointed out that Saifa is a travel-sized Kururunfa, which I utterly love. I went through a long while where I resented this kata, but the older I get, the more I appreciate its elegance and brevity. It's like the Gettysburg Address of karate: proof that a kata doesn't have to be long to be great.
@@siriusbontea : in a sense of embusen and kaisai-no genri (angles in regard to your imaginary non-friend), you may think of saifa for Goju-ryu like naihanchi is for Shorin-ryu (although we have sanchin and tensho as heishu-gata). ;) This similar side-stepping all the time like in naihanchi (or like boxer Vasily Lomachenko in-fighting). And there are only few and brief moments when you face opponent frontally (e.g. double punch before dropping down with a hammer-to-fall and left punch as atemi before going behind his back). Saifa's purpose and significance is too overlooked although we have a lot of pictures of Miyagi-sensei teaching this kata in most active interwar period so it must be a reason for his emphasis (especially when Motobu-sensei, Kyan-sensei and alike from their woods of young, mountain and whatever forests of that thug monastery were preaching for naihanchi at that time). :)
Great video on Saifa, Sensei Che and Zoe. I watched it all without sound and was so intrigued I turned the sound on the second time round. 2:10 I've noticed Sensei Che using the close-quarter Keage-geri (rising kick) in other videos without ever mentioning it (such as in his recent Seipai video) whereby one generates power for the kick mainly through the lifting of one's thigh/knee, because the distance is so close the kicker does not have the clearance to extend his leg fully. This is an essential feature of the Goju-Ryu system that covers the distance which is too far for a knee-strike and too close for a kekomi-geri - so that when many other styles will take half a step back so as to let the kicker get the clearance to do a standard kick (or move in to do a knee-kicj), Goju-ryu bunkai often features the kicker doing this rising kick without changing the distance. So it is nice that he finally describes it in some detail here. We have a Hojo-Undo with heavy steel sandals or weights, to increase the explosiveness of our knee-lifting action - and a junbi-undo where we hit our palms with our knee - the benefits of these routines aren't limited only to knee strikes, but to this particular kick - perhaps one day you guys can do a series on how every hojo-undo benefits a whole series of movements/bunkai applications. I'd like to add that this kick with the ball of the foot pointing up - is also interpreted in some Goju-Ryu as a more vicious type of Kin-geri. 3:55 this is wonderful - it's the same idea as the previous section on kicks whereby you focus on lifting the knee to generate power on the foot - this time you focus on the elbow to generate power for the fist - Yes targeting the ridge of the nose is very effective - I was on the receiving end of this once because we were demonstrating Saifa and somehow I had arranged for the shodan to do the bunkai while I acted as the Uke - he was really powerful and perhaps a little excited, and at this very strike he landed his fist into the ridge of my nose with substantial force - cut my nose and I saw stars for a second and we went through the demo with my face very bloodied (then I understood why nobody else would be an Uke to a junior belt - an there I thought I was a pioneer Lol) so yeah, I can vouch for its effectiveness. 5:12 "Obviously hitting down like this is going to have an effect" - no kidding, talk about understatements Sensei Che Lol.... Already looking forward to the next one!
Goju really is the style for someone who has no problems with getting up close and very personal 🤣 We have one pair of tetsu-geta, and we also use ishi-sashi for building leg strength as well. The palm strike to the knee is part of our jumbi undo as well, but you have a great suggestion in linking the jumbi undo to the hojo undo and then to the kata. We'll work on it! You were doing the right thing in letting a shodan demonstrate - it shows humility and trust (and also shows the importance of control!) but alas for the painful strike! We love the time you take to link the ideas in our videos - we actually film very much off the cuff, due to the severe time constraints we have. It's one take, and then off to editing. Maybe one day, we'll have time to script, film multiple takes and angles, and maybe be a big, flashy channel, but for now, we are happy with our modest growth, our improved skills, and most importantly, above all else, the amazing connections we have made with practitioners of your calibre 🙇🏻♀️
I like your differentiation on the kekome and keagi kicks. This is a great video. Thanks for making it. I've practiced Goju Ryu for 40 years and I come to your videos for ideas!
Truly, this is one of the loveliest compliments to receive! We are always so delighted to bring a little something to others in their practice of our beautiful art, especially if they have been on this journey for a long time and yet still find value in our little channel. Thank you so much!
Ah, welcome to Goju Ryu! Long may your journey last, and may you always have good health, time and energy 🙇🏻♀️ Saifa is wonderful - for a beginner to love it is rare, and lovely to see. Keep it up! Hope we'll see you on our channel more often 🙇🏻♀️
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre since I just moved to Texas from NYC I'm looking for a new Goju dojo, so til then I watch your videos and my 1st Sensei's videos. Only been studying 1 month so I'm definitely a newbie.
Ah, interesting! Hugely recommend Sensei Ramon Veras, he has Sugarland Texas OGKK. I know Texas is huge, but hopefully it will serve as a good starting point - reach out to him, maybe? He really is a lovely instructor and he knows Goju Ryu inside and out. Hope you find a good dojo soon that makes you happy and keeps you engaged in karate!
Hmm, a quick Google search turns up a lot of Shotokan, but there's to be expected. You throw a rock anywhere in the world and it will land on the roof of a shotokan dojo. Which is fine! A good dojo is a good dojo, regardless of style. Hopefully, you'll find a dojo that works for you soon.
I thought it would be nice to leave it in - sure, YT best practice says to cut the videos as lean as possible, but it's also nice to share some of our personal history :)
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre it seems like 10 to 15 minutes is a typical “sweet spot” for video length. Of course, sometimes it is appropriate to go longer. I’m always seeing improvements in the videos with editing, etc. I know these things take time to do, and with little ones running around, time is a limited commodity. Many thanks for taking the time to do these videos!
Time, like male models, is a precious commodity! Wish we had the time and resources to create more exciting and well-produced content, but for now we are happy with our respectable growth as a channel, while keeping our dojo (our livelihood!) front and center 🥋
An excellent presentation on kihon Saifa. As illustrated in your video, it is important to strike the most vulnerable parts of the body. In the beginning of our practice, we tend to focus on the whole head as the target area. As one becomes more proficient , one will target a specific point ,like the bridge of the nose.
Good fighting should be like surgery - the beginners start with a hammer and nail approach; hopefully by black belt, they've learned a bit of finesse! Always great to hear from you 🙇🏻♀️
I honestly though it would have been a hammer fist to the neck/collarbone, then grabbing the back of the head, then pulling as you punch the gut. Love the videos! Keep them coming
That's still a good application! Especially if you're taller and can get some serious downforce on the collarbone to break it. It's just that noses break far more easily 😉
Great video! Almost wanted to jump and start playing around with the different techniques here, but... I'm testing tomorrow and the main focus will be on Saifa. Loved the 3 kick part as I seem to always do it with toes down (for some reason I also stay more balanced this way). I'm showing the video to a fellow dojo member as he's starting to get the Saifa groove and this video will be very useful to him!
Good luck with the test - we would love to hear how it went! Definitely no new info just before a grading, but hopefully this will be useful for your future training 🙇🏻♀️ Thank you so much for your kind words, and taking the time to watch and comment - always appreciated!
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre We passed! I really wish I'd recorded that Saifa. I put sooooo much energy and heart into it. I'm super proud of it. My dojo friend (who also tested and watches your videos too) told me it's the best Saifa he's seen me do. We also had a lot of fun free sparring for the belt testing. And I still have to work on some lingering kick issues since my Shotokan days - mostly having to do with turning for mawashi geri and flexibility, but I am definitely a better kicker than I was 2 years ago. Just have to keep grinding!
Hooray! Well done! And there's something wonderful about a great kata - there's a line from one of my favourite books that a moment is all you can expect from perfection. A kata that makes you feel strong while also encapsulating your progress is a truly special moment. Sounds like a great grading, and the kicking really does come right, eventually. With your spirit, I know you will correct your kicks over time. Well done to you and your friend! So happy to share in your news 🎉
What the hell we fighting for? Just surrender and it won't hurt at all You just got time to say your prayers While your waiting for the hammer to Hammer To Fall It's gonna fall Hammer, you know, Hammer To Fall While you're waiting for the Hammer To Fall Give it to me one more time (Queen practicing saifa)
Appreciated some of the haito technique, I see it done so many different ways, so appreciate the explanation. The hammer fist low in the kata after the double punch: isn't one of the purposes of this technique to stop a kick by breaking the ankle (pinning between palm and fist)? Seems like for that purpose elbows leading the movement down would be the appropriate execution of technique..?
Zoe here - that is a wonderful bunkai, though maybe a high risk one? Normally the double punch to the face/collarbones brings them low, and then smashing the temples, but hitting an incoming kick is also an option. Thank you as always for watching and commenting - we appreciate it!
I was told the old/original kata didn't have one open palm and one fist, it used to be double fisted. Catching a kick this way is dangerous for the catcher....most likely would fail and get kicked.
Oh, definitely! My first dojo was so small that I trained with the same three people for a year 🤣 So glad you enjoyed the video - thank you so much for commenting and watching 🙇🏻♀️
This was filmed with the Seiyunchin basics, but we decided to split it into two more manageable videos. Please enjoy!
And it means that we can do more editing and polishing 🤩
I enjoyed this video very much. Saifa is a beautiful kata.
On a personal note, my surgery yesterday was a great success. I'll be heading home today and should be back to normal (light karate training) in about 2 months. I'm already feeling much improved and now I just need to go through the healing process. Thanks for your well wishes!
Thanks for putting together this video. You two are an inspiration to us all!
Ah, such wonderful news!!! We are so glad to hear of your surgery's success, and that you will return to karate relatively soon - considering the bad news we keep getting from so many around covid, it really is a delight to hear your good news. Please do keep us in the loop with your recovery.
A fan, @Egidijus Nasevičius, pointed out that Saifa is a travel-sized Kururunfa, which I utterly love. I went through a long while where I resented this kata, but the older I get, the more I appreciate its elegance and brevity. It's like the Gettysburg Address of karate: proof that a kata doesn't have to be long to be great.
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre, that's a neat way to look at it. “Travel-sized Kururunfa”... It definitely expands my way of thinking on this kata!
@@siriusbontea : in a sense of embusen and kaisai-no genri (angles in regard to your imaginary non-friend), you may think of saifa for Goju-ryu like naihanchi is for Shorin-ryu (although we have sanchin and tensho as heishu-gata). ;) This similar side-stepping all the time like in naihanchi (or like boxer Vasily Lomachenko in-fighting). And there are only few and brief moments when you face opponent frontally (e.g. double punch before dropping down with a hammer-to-fall and left punch as atemi before going behind his back). Saifa's purpose and significance is too overlooked although we have a lot of pictures of Miyagi-sensei teaching this kata in most active interwar period so it must be a reason for his emphasis (especially when Motobu-sensei, Kyan-sensei and alike from their woods of young, mountain and whatever forests of that thug monastery were preaching for naihanchi at that time). :)
Great video on Saifa, Sensei Che and Zoe. I watched it all without sound and was so intrigued I turned the sound on the second time round.
2:10 I've noticed Sensei Che using the close-quarter Keage-geri (rising kick) in other videos without ever mentioning it (such as in his recent Seipai video) whereby one generates power for the kick mainly through the lifting of one's thigh/knee, because the distance is so close the kicker does not have the clearance to extend his leg fully. This is an essential feature of the Goju-Ryu system that covers the distance which is too far for a knee-strike and too close for a kekomi-geri - so that when many other styles will take half a step back so as to let the kicker get the clearance to do a standard kick (or move in to do a knee-kicj), Goju-ryu bunkai often features the kicker doing this rising kick without changing the distance. So it is nice that he finally describes it in some detail here. We have a Hojo-Undo with heavy steel sandals or weights, to increase the explosiveness of our knee-lifting action - and a junbi-undo where we hit our palms with our knee - the benefits of these routines aren't limited only to knee strikes, but to this particular kick - perhaps one day you guys can do a series on how every hojo-undo benefits a whole series of movements/bunkai applications. I'd like to add that this kick with the ball of the foot pointing up - is also interpreted in some Goju-Ryu as a more vicious type of Kin-geri.
3:55 this is wonderful - it's the same idea as the previous section on kicks whereby you focus on lifting the knee to generate power on the foot - this time you focus on the elbow to generate power for the fist - Yes targeting the ridge of the nose is very effective - I was on the receiving end of this once because we were demonstrating Saifa and somehow I had arranged for the shodan to do the bunkai while I acted as the Uke - he was really powerful and perhaps a little excited, and at this very strike he landed his fist into the ridge of my nose with substantial force - cut my nose and I saw stars for a second and we went through the demo with my face very bloodied (then I understood why nobody else would be an Uke to a junior belt - an there I thought I was a pioneer Lol) so yeah, I can vouch for its effectiveness.
5:12 "Obviously hitting down like this is going to have an effect" - no kidding, talk about understatements Sensei Che Lol....
Already looking forward to the next one!
Goju really is the style for someone who has no problems with getting up close and very personal 🤣
We have one pair of tetsu-geta, and we also use ishi-sashi for building leg strength as well. The palm strike to the knee is part of our jumbi undo as well, but you have a great suggestion in linking the jumbi undo to the hojo undo and then to the kata. We'll work on it!
You were doing the right thing in letting a shodan demonstrate - it shows humility and trust (and also shows the importance of control!) but alas for the painful strike!
We love the time you take to link the ideas in our videos - we actually film very much off the cuff, due to the severe time constraints we have. It's one take, and then off to editing. Maybe one day, we'll have time to script, film multiple takes and angles, and maybe be a big, flashy channel, but for now, we are happy with our modest growth, our improved skills, and most importantly, above all else, the amazing connections we have made with practitioners of your calibre 🙇🏻♀️
I like your differentiation on the kekome and keagi kicks. This is a great video. Thanks for making it. I've practiced Goju Ryu for 40 years and I come to your videos for ideas!
Truly, this is one of the loveliest compliments to receive! We are always so delighted to bring a little something to others in their practice of our beautiful art, especially if they have been on this journey for a long time and yet still find value in our little channel. Thank you so much!
Very helpful. It's great to see the kata broken down this way
Thanks for leaving a comment
Keep training
Che
I'm a new Goju Ryu practitioner. And Saifa kata is my favorite kata.
Ah, welcome to Goju Ryu! Long may your journey last, and may you always have good health, time and energy 🙇🏻♀️
Saifa is wonderful - for a beginner to love it is rare, and lovely to see. Keep it up! Hope we'll see you on our channel more often 🙇🏻♀️
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre since I just moved to Texas from NYC I'm looking for a new Goju dojo, so til then I watch your videos and my 1st Sensei's videos. Only been studying 1 month so I'm definitely a newbie.
Ah, interesting! Hugely recommend Sensei Ramon Veras, he has Sugarland Texas OGKK. I know Texas is huge, but hopefully it will serve as a good starting point - reach out to him, maybe? He really is a lovely instructor and he knows Goju Ryu inside and out.
Hope you find a good dojo soon that makes you happy and keeps you engaged in karate!
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre I'm in Austin Texas.
Hmm, a quick Google search turns up a lot of Shotokan, but there's to be expected. You throw a rock anywhere in the world and it will land on the roof of a shotokan dojo. Which is fine! A good dojo is a good dojo, regardless of style. Hopefully, you'll find a dojo that works for you soon.
“Quick Story Time with Ché Jagger” - I enjoyed this! Thanks for sharing, Sensei.
(and who doesn't love a brief cameo by Bear Grylls) 😆
I thought it would be nice to leave it in - sure, YT best practice says to cut the videos as lean as possible, but it's also nice to share some of our personal history :)
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre it seems like 10 to 15 minutes is a typical “sweet spot” for video length. Of course, sometimes it is appropriate to go longer. I’m always seeing improvements in the videos with editing, etc. I know these things take time to do, and with little ones running around, time is a limited commodity. Many thanks for taking the time to do these videos!
Time, like male models, is a precious commodity! Wish we had the time and resources to create more exciting and well-produced content, but for now we are happy with our respectable growth as a channel, while keeping our dojo (our livelihood!) front and center 🥋
Again excellent basics and certainly this is helpful for my learning. Thank you Sensei
You are always welcome, Sensei 🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️
An excellent presentation on kihon Saifa. As illustrated in your video, it is important to strike the most vulnerable parts of the body. In the beginning of our practice, we tend to focus on the whole head as the target area. As one becomes more proficient , one will target a specific point ,like the bridge of the nose.
Good fighting should be like surgery - the beginners start with a hammer and nail approach; hopefully by black belt, they've learned a bit of finesse!
Always great to hear from you 🙇🏻♀️
Thank you to both Sensi's. Love as always.
Always a pleasure, Barbs ❤
I honestly though it would have been a hammer fist to the neck/collarbone, then grabbing the back of the head, then pulling as you punch the gut.
Love the videos! Keep them coming
That's still a good application! Especially if you're taller and can get some serious downforce on the collarbone to break it. It's just that noses break far more easily 😉
Great video! Almost wanted to jump and start playing around with the different techniques here, but... I'm testing tomorrow and the main focus will be on Saifa. Loved the 3 kick part as I seem to always do it with toes down (for some reason I also stay more balanced this way). I'm showing the video to a fellow dojo member as he's starting to get the Saifa groove and this video will be very useful to him!
Good luck with the test - we would love to hear how it went! Definitely no new info just before a grading, but hopefully this will be useful for your future training 🙇🏻♀️
Thank you so much for your kind words, and taking the time to watch and comment - always appreciated!
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre We passed! I really wish I'd recorded that Saifa. I put sooooo much energy and heart into it. I'm super proud of it. My dojo friend (who also tested and watches your videos too) told me it's the best Saifa he's seen me do.
We also had a lot of fun free sparring for the belt testing. And I still have to work on some lingering kick issues since my Shotokan days - mostly having to do with turning for mawashi geri and flexibility, but I am definitely a better kicker than I was 2 years ago. Just have to keep grinding!
Hooray! Well done! And there's something wonderful about a great kata - there's a line from one of my favourite books that a moment is all you can expect from perfection. A kata that makes you feel strong while also encapsulating your progress is a truly special moment.
Sounds like a great grading, and the kicking really does come right, eventually. With your spirit, I know you will correct your kicks over time.
Well done to you and your friend! So happy to share in your news 🎉
Muchas gracias
SALUDOS DE CHILE
¡De nada! Muchas gracias por mirar y comentar, realmente lo apreciamos :)
Absolutely love this!
Yay! It was pulled together quite quickly, glad it is well received 🙇
Thank you sensei!
Pleasure, Lina!
What the hell we fighting for?
Just surrender and it won't hurt at all
You just got time to say your prayers
While your waiting for the hammer to
Hammer To Fall
It's gonna fall
Hammer, you know,
Hammer To Fall
While you're waiting for the
Hammer To Fall
Give it to me one more time
(Queen practicing saifa)
We will, we will, we will KICK you!
Your comments are truly highlights, we love it
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre : thank you for posting! And for seiyunchin next time, I think "another one bites the dust" would be a proper accompaniment. :)
Hilarious! I love it! 🤣
Appreciated some of the haito technique, I see it done so many different ways, so appreciate the explanation. The hammer fist low in the kata after the double punch: isn't one of the purposes of this technique to stop a kick by breaking the ankle (pinning between palm and fist)? Seems like for that purpose elbows leading the movement down would be the appropriate execution of technique..?
Zoe here - that is a wonderful bunkai, though maybe a high risk one? Normally the double punch to the face/collarbones brings them low, and then smashing the temples, but hitting an incoming kick is also an option.
Thank you as always for watching and commenting - we appreciate it!
I was told the old/original kata didn't have one open palm and one fist, it used to be double fisted. Catching a kick this way is dangerous for the catcher....most likely would fail and get kicked.
Great video loved it! Do you think I can still learn with only being able to practice against like 2 different people?
Oh, definitely! My first dojo was so small that I trained with the same three people for a year 🤣
So glad you enjoyed the video - thank you so much for commenting and watching 🙇🏻♀️
Thank you sencey
Pleasure, champ!
I got the movie reference!
What was it?! This Millennial needs to know 😂
Wait, Ché explained. Gosh, 80s martial arts movies 😆
OSU!! 🙇 Thanks!
Ah, we were wondering where you were! Not a Friday without hearing from @Rayvandragon!
Thank you 🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️
@@GojuRyuKarateCentre bussy weekend! 😅🙇
Thank you Sensei, well done !
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 🙇🏻♀️
👏👏
Thank you!
❤ karatê e suas variações de treino é para vida toda..Oss
So true! Thank you so much 🤗