As a complete novice I agree with Papa-san as to meeting your own requirements in the art.
I had started, left for a couple of years and have just returned. For me, from the list the most important things to me are the feeling and the flow, then achieving the same under pressure.

While the technique is important, I see the art as being so fluid that you can miss alot by focusing heavily on the technique.

Also for me, being the best fighter is not my aim.

These requirements will likely change as I gain more experience and knowledge but for now I would be very satisfied with my progress when I start to flow with the technique and understand the feeling and principles behind the technique.

Greg

One of the most important things to include after you have drilled the basic kata in repeatedly is 緩急強弱kankyukyojaku. Slow fast strong weak. There is a point in every kata where you use these.

With a small risk I appear ignorant I would not rank at all.

If I would rank something it would be

1. Survive.
2.Distance/timing/controll

3. to train and grind your self in evry day life to fix 1 and 2. It differs from person to person.

+ I think people focus a bit too little on kata and kihon. Points that make it work, before trying make it your own,

Happy training! And New Year!

Sincerely,
Onni

I think (of course this is all opinion isn't it?) that the most important two things on the list are the last two listed, good health and athletics.
if you work on having thoes two things the others come much more easily. And no, I'm not all that healthy and I'm not in very good shape. as in all things knowing what is right and doing what is right are two entirely different things! lol!

Hi Duncan,

Ranking:

1. Basic technique
2. High level of physical fitness

Discuss:

I started training looking for something that I could continue well into later life, something that would be mentally and physically stimulating, something to which I could aspire knowing I could never fully master its breadth or depth in my lifetime.

I don't have the time or discipline to even attempt 3/4 of your list... unlike yourself of course :o)

Thanks and regards,
Matt

I met a guy who does Kyokushin Karate. He told me for his sho dan test he had to do 100 push ups in a row. On his knuckles. For ni dan 200 push ups.
Yowza!