I was very suprised and not impressed that most instructors were not black belts. In fact quite junior grades with 1 - 2 years total martial arts training. Also that instructors don't get any real training in instructional skills. Just follow the basic lesson pattern. This is reflected in the standardised class training pattern, repeated week after week, month after month, year after year. Ideally designed for a junior belt to run.
I pay to train and be instructed in Karate by an instructor that has more skill, experience, ability and knowledge than I have. When a student reaches around 1st kyu the instructors job changes to that of a mentor and guide rather than a source of technical skill and application.
GKR has a very limited range of strikes, kicks and blocks. They are practical and effective in sports/tournament karate, but as an art very limited and boring. To teach advanced techniques effectively requires skills and experience that most GKR instructors don't have.
Having attended several dojo's I've obseved a pattern in student belt grades and grading times. Junior belt instructors have most students as yellow belts, slightly less orange, 3-4 green maybe a blue and if lucky a red. Grading times are often 3 times the guidelines above yellow belt. Black belt instructors have brown and black belt students, with lower belts grading much quicker. Why? All students pay the same training fee, just the skill and quality of instruction varies.
I get very little out of standing line, not even in a fighting stance doing punches, blocks and kicks. Then squatting in sumo stance for up to 5 minutes. A quick run through each kata to the my grade kata, then 5 minutes of free sparring with no instructions on sparring strategies and techniques.
Seminars do cover kata and kumite in more detail, they should be an intensive training session not to make up for the poor quality instruction in ones local dojo.
Full Version: lesson quality and instructor experience
Hi Zen.
Sounds like you trained in a dojo which may be unsuitable for you.
I think you'll find there are an aweful lot of instructors who are or are very close to black belt. Does a black belt suddenly mean you are good? hell no!
My last school had an instructor I hated. Second degree black belt and he was useless. What offended me most was when he laughed when a student misperformed a technique. He'd been training for 7 years, but I respect my current karate instructor so much more for having the patience to deal with an unco like me.
Id like to ask the general forum to comment on some of your points:
Please remember I am still a novice, but this is my perspective.
Limited? In Taekwondo we had a lot more kicks, but about 4 strikes and 3 blocks, half karates.
I dont understand. Are you saying black belt instructors grade lower belts quicker?
Havent seen this but would be interested if others have. May even go to one
Ive always believed thats how traditional karate classes were run. Why would kancho set that format otherwise? He did train in Japan for several months so Im told.
I'd like to ask Sionnagh to comment, as he has done a traditional class in another style according to his latest post.
Why is it poor?
Is your instructor no good?
Maybe they arent right for you. I moved dojos because I didnt like the class I went to. Found one better suited to me, more aerobic. Doesnt mean the old class was bad, just I didnt enjoy it. My instructor can teach me the basics coz he knows them and I dont. Youd be hard pushed to find a school which doesnt employ non black belts in a teaching capacity. Just because they arent masters doesnt mean they cant get new students up to a certain level, at which time they themselves would hopefully have improved.
Please understand this is not challenging you mate, just debating your points with you. Youve had a bad experience but would like you to see the other side. Look Im new at karate, but have every faith in my instructor to teach me the basics, and for the time being am happy with them.
Sounds like you trained in a dojo which may be unsuitable for you.
I think you'll find there are an aweful lot of instructors who are or are very close to black belt. Does a black belt suddenly mean you are good? hell no!
My last school had an instructor I hated. Second degree black belt and he was useless. What offended me most was when he laughed when a student misperformed a technique. He'd been training for 7 years, but I respect my current karate instructor so much more for having the patience to deal with an unco like me.
Id like to ask the general forum to comment on some of your points:
Please remember I am still a novice, but this is my perspective.
QUOTE
GKR has a very limited range of strikes, kicks and blocks. They are practical and effective in sports/tournament karate, but as an art very limited and boring. To teach advanced techniques effectively requires skills and experience that most GKR instructors don't have.
Limited? In Taekwondo we had a lot more kicks, but about 4 strikes and 3 blocks, half karates.
QUOTE
Having attended several dojo's I've obseved a pattern in student belt grades and grading times. Junior belt instructors have most students as yellow belts, slightly less orange, 3-4 green maybe a blue and if lucky a red. Grading times are often 3 times the guidelines above yellow belt. Black belt instructors have brown and black belt students, with lower belts grading much quicker. Why? All students pay the same training fee, just the skill and quality of instruction varies.
I dont understand. Are you saying black belt instructors grade lower belts quicker?
Havent seen this but would be interested if others have. May even go to one
QUOTE
I get very little out of standing line, not even in a fighting stance doing punches, blocks and kicks. Then squatting in sumo stance for up to 5 minutes. A quick run through each kata to the my grade kata, then 5 minutes of free sparring with no instructions on sparring strategies and techniques.
Ive always believed thats how traditional karate classes were run. Why would kancho set that format otherwise? He did train in Japan for several months so Im told.
I'd like to ask Sionnagh to comment, as he has done a traditional class in another style according to his latest post.
QUOTE
Seminars do cover kata and kumite in more detail, they should be an intensive training session not to make up for the poor quality instruction in ones local dojo..
Why is it poor?
Is your instructor no good?
Maybe they arent right for you. I moved dojos because I didnt like the class I went to. Found one better suited to me, more aerobic. Doesnt mean the old class was bad, just I didnt enjoy it. My instructor can teach me the basics coz he knows them and I dont. Youd be hard pushed to find a school which doesnt employ non black belts in a teaching capacity. Just because they arent masters doesnt mean they cant get new students up to a certain level, at which time they themselves would hopefully have improved.
Please understand this is not challenging you mate, just debating your points with you. Youve had a bad experience but would like you to see the other side. Look Im new at karate, but have every faith in my instructor to teach me the basics, and for the time being am happy with them.
You don't like being drilled in the basics?Consider yourself lucky you are in a GKR dojo and not training with Miyagi Chogun.He had beginners practicing Hojo Undo(austre physical training)for 5 years before learning any technique.After that came 3 years of Sanchin kata then the basics techniques were taught.Reverse punches were done by the thousand in each training session.
Times have changed but in my former dojo we had to do punches and kicks for 6 months before learning any blocks .Even then punches were done in sets of 100.The idea was to weed out unsuitable people and to make students more humble.I have lost count of the times a hard looking skinhead entered the dojo and didn't last the first lesson.The training was to get rid of that type of person.
You don't need a Blackbelt instructor to learn basics.What you do need is someone with reasonable technique who has the ability to put it across.It takes a good 5 years to learn the basics and having a blackbelt teaching isn't going to make you good overnight.Practicing everyday at home will lead to good technique within a few years.Hojo Undo should also be done at home as this will lead to powerful technique.
Standing in sumo stance is a great exercise for strengthening the legs and should be done everyday.If you find it too easy buy a pair of niri game(gripping jars)and hold these when doing sumo stance.You could even make a Kong Jen(iron hoop,weight about 70-100lbs)and put it over your shoulders whilst doing sumo.
I feel one of the mistakes GKR has made is to mix up the shotokan and goju ryu katas.Saifa is a 2nd or 3 rd kyu Goju ryu kata and the same for Bassai dai which is 2nd kyu in shotokan.Its good that they have reduced the number of katas but they should also add Sanchin and Tensho katas from Goju ryu as these are the katas that make Goju ryu so powerful.Seichuin is a Goju ryu Dan grade kata.
I think training sessions could be made harder but having kids on class presents a problem in this respect.Classes for children should be held on there own.I have never known children and adults train together as its not really practical.Both groups require different types of traning.
GKR instructors should be allowed to use their imagination when it comes to training and put some of their own ideas into the class.I was approached with a view to instructing but declined the offer due to the restrictions GKR would impose on me.Karate is a serious business and should be taught in a serious manner.
If you don't like your dojo shop around.GKR has some very good instructors but you must look for them.Some of them are also very bad and should be kicked back into the ranks until they either improve or fall by the wayside.
Times have changed but in my former dojo we had to do punches and kicks for 6 months before learning any blocks .Even then punches were done in sets of 100.The idea was to weed out unsuitable people and to make students more humble.I have lost count of the times a hard looking skinhead entered the dojo and didn't last the first lesson.The training was to get rid of that type of person.
You don't need a Blackbelt instructor to learn basics.What you do need is someone with reasonable technique who has the ability to put it across.It takes a good 5 years to learn the basics and having a blackbelt teaching isn't going to make you good overnight.Practicing everyday at home will lead to good technique within a few years.Hojo Undo should also be done at home as this will lead to powerful technique.
Standing in sumo stance is a great exercise for strengthening the legs and should be done everyday.If you find it too easy buy a pair of niri game(gripping jars)and hold these when doing sumo stance.You could even make a Kong Jen(iron hoop,weight about 70-100lbs)and put it over your shoulders whilst doing sumo.
I feel one of the mistakes GKR has made is to mix up the shotokan and goju ryu katas.Saifa is a 2nd or 3 rd kyu Goju ryu kata and the same for Bassai dai which is 2nd kyu in shotokan.Its good that they have reduced the number of katas but they should also add Sanchin and Tensho katas from Goju ryu as these are the katas that make Goju ryu so powerful.Seichuin is a Goju ryu Dan grade kata.
I think training sessions could be made harder but having kids on class presents a problem in this respect.Classes for children should be held on there own.I have never known children and adults train together as its not really practical.Both groups require different types of traning.
GKR instructors should be allowed to use their imagination when it comes to training and put some of their own ideas into the class.I was approached with a view to instructing but declined the offer due to the restrictions GKR would impose on me.Karate is a serious business and should be taught in a serious manner.
If you don't like your dojo shop around.GKR has some very good instructors but you must look for them.Some of them are also very bad and should be kicked back into the ranks until they either improve or fall by the wayside.
BTW.All the techniques are in the kata's.Saifa will keep anyone occupied for at least a couple of years.Try finding its 50 plus applications.
HI tonyk, deano and forum readers.
Please note in my original posting I have been to several GKR dojos not just 1. with each one following the basic lesson training pattern. The topic is lesson quality and instructor experience, not that I don't like basics. In fact GKR only trains basics. The only oppertunity one has to do an "advanced" technique is in a kata and only in that one situation. Karate is a dynamic art, it's application is with sudden, hard and fast body movements from one stance to another incorparating the majority of muscle groups. Rarely in a standard GKR training session is this taught and practiced.
Fortunately I train with my regions top Black belts on the tornament team.
For those not sure if an instructor is a black belt it is very simple. If they wear a black and white one they are not a black belt. GKR is the only karate club I have personally visited or trained with that has non black belts as instructors. That is 1 of the reasons GKR can not get affiliated with the Australian karate federation. Another is the lack of proper training and accreditation programs for instructors.
This posting is about raising instructor standards to meet student expectations.
Go Kan Ryu is a very effective sports karate style, proven over several years by gkr students winning their divisions state and national titles at National All Styles competitions. This more a reflextion of the standard of training provided by 1st, 2nd and 3rd dan Black belts coaching the various state teams than the quality of your local dojo instructor.
Please note in my original posting I have been to several GKR dojos not just 1. with each one following the basic lesson training pattern. The topic is lesson quality and instructor experience, not that I don't like basics. In fact GKR only trains basics. The only oppertunity one has to do an "advanced" technique is in a kata and only in that one situation. Karate is a dynamic art, it's application is with sudden, hard and fast body movements from one stance to another incorparating the majority of muscle groups. Rarely in a standard GKR training session is this taught and practiced.
Fortunately I train with my regions top Black belts on the tornament team.
For those not sure if an instructor is a black belt it is very simple. If they wear a black and white one they are not a black belt. GKR is the only karate club I have personally visited or trained with that has non black belts as instructors. That is 1 of the reasons GKR can not get affiliated with the Australian karate federation. Another is the lack of proper training and accreditation programs for instructors.
This posting is about raising instructor standards to meet student expectations.
Go Kan Ryu is a very effective sports karate style, proven over several years by gkr students winning their divisions state and national titles at National All Styles competitions. This more a reflextion of the standard of training provided by 1st, 2nd and 3rd dan Black belts coaching the various state teams than the quality of your local dojo instructor.
ALthough, I can't say Zen is entirely correct, I see he has some points to be made there. I had been wanting to post quite similar thread but I don't want it to become a debate.
What I've been feeling all along is that there are just too many senseis in GKR. And too many means a spread in qualities.
Zen, I'll say I have the same thinking as yours that I feel fortunate to train in the state team. The topic I want to arise is about how do we learn new kata. I've noticed that in regular dojo the senseis want us to do the kata that we know.
I remember one guy tried to do a kata but he wasn't proficient yet that time so the sensei asked him to join the kata group that he's capable of doing. That happens to me as well, I have to do a new kata quiate reasonably before begining quarter of next year.
I'm hoping that my senseis will be able to help me, but what I got instead when it's the time to do that new kata, I was told to join the lower kata group. I was really disappointed that time, not because I've to do the kata, but because of the sensei. And I know there is only limited time of training, then how are we going to learn new kata?
Zen, eversince I joined the state team, I learn that belt doesn't mean anything. That kind of thought has enabled me to beat higher belt/ sensei in GKR tournament (well I didn't know till someone said to me I just beat a sensei
). Because somehow it boosts my confidence to let all my knowledge out.
I agree that not all black belt means they're good enough to teach, as Deano said. They might have the skills, but do they have the attitude as a teacher? Being very skillful is something everyone can do, by practising. But having the right attitude towards other students is something that comes with maturity and special training to become a good teacher. And this leads to what concern me most, age.
I know there are quite numbers of senseis who age is just enough to get a driving license.
What I've been feeling all along is that there are just too many senseis in GKR. And too many means a spread in qualities.
Zen, I'll say I have the same thinking as yours that I feel fortunate to train in the state team. The topic I want to arise is about how do we learn new kata. I've noticed that in regular dojo the senseis want us to do the kata that we know.
I remember one guy tried to do a kata but he wasn't proficient yet that time so the sensei asked him to join the kata group that he's capable of doing. That happens to me as well, I have to do a new kata quiate reasonably before begining quarter of next year.
I'm hoping that my senseis will be able to help me, but what I got instead when it's the time to do that new kata, I was told to join the lower kata group. I was really disappointed that time, not because I've to do the kata, but because of the sensei. And I know there is only limited time of training, then how are we going to learn new kata?
Zen, eversince I joined the state team, I learn that belt doesn't mean anything. That kind of thought has enabled me to beat higher belt/ sensei in GKR tournament (well I didn't know till someone said to me I just beat a sensei
). Because somehow it boosts my confidence to let all my knowledge out.I agree that not all black belt means they're good enough to teach, as Deano said. They might have the skills, but do they have the attitude as a teacher? Being very skillful is something everyone can do, by practising. But having the right attitude towards other students is something that comes with maturity and special training to become a good teacher. And this leads to what concern me most, age.
I know there are quite numbers of senseis who age is just enough to get a driving license.
One of the problems GKR faces with regard to instructors is that its a young style.Shotokan has been in the UK since the 1960's but even in the mid1970's blackbelts were still quite rare.When I started my instructor was 2nd kyu.We did have a resident Japanese instructor,Mr Asano,but we only trained with him once a month and all he did was shout at us in Japanese.He was like a regional manager in GKR but was affiliated to the Japanese KA.My former instructor is now 6th dan.So if GKR manages to keep going some of todays 5 and 6th kyu's will be 3rd and 4th dans in twenty years time.
MYSRH is right in saying you can't judge a person by their belt.Its best to be openminded and give the teacher a chance.
MYSRH is right in saying you can't judge a person by their belt.Its best to be openminded and give the teacher a chance.
Me comment? Sometimes I get in trouble for commenting
Oh what the heck...
GKR is a basic style. And it's not represented as anything but. This also means basic techniques, a set of kata (no bunkai unless you're lucky), and basic sparring.
As far as I know, 30 years ago it was relatively common to have kyu grades teaching classes. But I believe they wore their grade belt. This was not an issue then, is it an issue now only because the GKR kyu grade instructors wear a b+w belt? If they changed to brown+white belts would it make a difference?
Some other clubs also do a standard format of basics, punching and kicking in line or marching up and down. What is done in a class may often depend on the aims of the club founder. A teacher who wants to pass on as much as they can may teach some basics, some kata and applications and sparring drills in any given class. The classes I have seen like this are generally a little different each time, different focus each week.
Some teachers with 20 years experience may be just 1 year of experience repeated 20 times.
The question of why the particular kata GKR has, and why the order they're arranged has been raised before. Nobody seems to know the answer. Also, if you have a look in Mr Sullivan's book there were more kata in the past including Sanchin and Tensho. My own opinion is that they were dropped because they're not typical tournament kata. Having learnt them now though I find myself amazed that they were dropped - they should have been retained IMO.
The bottom line is the same - shop around to find a dojo with an instructor that suits you. If you don't think GKR is right for you there are plenty of other clubs. But there are both good and bad. I have seen AKF-affiliated clubs with a terrible level of ability, and I have seen clubs of a high standard.
But I have found personally that I am about equal when it comes to sparring with BBs from other clubs.
Mick
Oh what the heck...
GKR is a basic style. And it's not represented as anything but. This also means basic techniques, a set of kata (no bunkai unless you're lucky), and basic sparring.
As far as I know, 30 years ago it was relatively common to have kyu grades teaching classes. But I believe they wore their grade belt. This was not an issue then, is it an issue now only because the GKR kyu grade instructors wear a b+w belt? If they changed to brown+white belts would it make a difference?
Some other clubs also do a standard format of basics, punching and kicking in line or marching up and down. What is done in a class may often depend on the aims of the club founder. A teacher who wants to pass on as much as they can may teach some basics, some kata and applications and sparring drills in any given class. The classes I have seen like this are generally a little different each time, different focus each week.
Some teachers with 20 years experience may be just 1 year of experience repeated 20 times.
The question of why the particular kata GKR has, and why the order they're arranged has been raised before. Nobody seems to know the answer. Also, if you have a look in Mr Sullivan's book there were more kata in the past including Sanchin and Tensho. My own opinion is that they were dropped because they're not typical tournament kata. Having learnt them now though I find myself amazed that they were dropped - they should have been retained IMO.
The bottom line is the same - shop around to find a dojo with an instructor that suits you. If you don't think GKR is right for you there are plenty of other clubs. But there are both good and bad. I have seen AKF-affiliated clubs with a terrible level of ability, and I have seen clubs of a high standard.
But I have found personally that I am about equal when it comes to sparring with BBs from other clubs.
Mick
There seems to be an awful lot of controversy about these "kyu grade instructors".
By this I believe you mean non black belts?
When looking for a martial arts club to join I watched and even took part in many classes from many different styles including tae kwon do, karate, and a couple of different kung fu styles (since that was where my interests were).
Almost every class I watched or took part in had "coloured belt" instructors, including the one that I joined.
Why did I choose to join a kung fu class that had coloured belt instructors over one with only black belt intructors?
Because the quality of instruction was better (or different), there seemed to be a 'family' like quality to it, and the instructors were broken up into different levels and made obvious by different uniforms (I have a feeling I've said this before).
An assistant will only teach in classes where ALL the students are below their own level.
The only instructor that takes 'some' control over classes within his own level is dye si hing (biggest brother) or sifu's right hand...
He has the power to test and grade anyone up to his own level (he can't grade anyone to a level higher than his own).
My point is, if other schools (and most of them) are using "kyu grades" as instructors why is it a big deal for GKR to do it too?
So they hide their grade, big deal. You should be able to tell with in one lesson if they are a suitable instructor for you. If not, move on.
By this I believe you mean non black belts?
When looking for a martial arts club to join I watched and even took part in many classes from many different styles including tae kwon do, karate, and a couple of different kung fu styles (since that was where my interests were).
Almost every class I watched or took part in had "coloured belt" instructors, including the one that I joined.
Why did I choose to join a kung fu class that had coloured belt instructors over one with only black belt intructors?
Because the quality of instruction was better (or different), there seemed to be a 'family' like quality to it, and the instructors were broken up into different levels and made obvious by different uniforms (I have a feeling I've said this before).
An assistant will only teach in classes where ALL the students are below their own level.
The only instructor that takes 'some' control over classes within his own level is dye si hing (biggest brother) or sifu's right hand...
He has the power to test and grade anyone up to his own level (he can't grade anyone to a level higher than his own).
My point is, if other schools (and most of them) are using "kyu grades" as instructors why is it a big deal for GKR to do it too?
So they hide their grade, big deal. You should be able to tell with in one lesson if they are a suitable instructor for you. If not, move on.
Mick why in your opinion should sanchin and Tensho have been retained? what would they give extra that the other Katas dont?I dont know these Katas so cant comment.
When my children first started with GKR we attended our local dojo,with a male sensei(who as we didnt know at the time was not a black belt) shock horror.
Unfortunatley his classes were very boring as he was not a good teacher,he knew what he was doing but was unable to teach.He had a regular class of around 6 students of which two were his children.Despite having numerous big influxes of new students he was unable to keep any bar the dedicated few.We stayed with the sensei out of respect(he is a lovely guy) for around9 months.
Then we started to look for extra classes,we travelled around the region visiting all the dojos a few times each,so as to ascertain the sensei teaching qualities.We settled on two female sensei who gave in my opinion excellent structured lessons.
The moral of this story is not knowing what grade the sensei were was imaterial as the original Sensei was a brown belt and the highest grade sensei in our region,one of the lady sensei was a red belt,and the other was a green belt
All three sensei have had a big input in my childrens development,now we have moved on again,to another sensei,we still train with one of the lady sensei,but unfortunatley the other sensei class clashed with a weapons class that my two were desparate to do.
Some of you may think we are being disloyal to our sensei by changing sensei,but each sensei gives something different to the children and i hope would help them become a more rounded martial artist.We are on very good terms with all our sensei and i have explained the situation to each,now we dont have just 2 sensei who care we have 4.
High or low grade does it really matter,most sensei teach because they love teaching,we as a family are grateful to them all.
Nigel
When my children first started with GKR we attended our local dojo,with a male sensei(who as we didnt know at the time was not a black belt) shock horror.
Unfortunatley his classes were very boring as he was not a good teacher,he knew what he was doing but was unable to teach.He had a regular class of around 6 students of which two were his children.Despite having numerous big influxes of new students he was unable to keep any bar the dedicated few.We stayed with the sensei out of respect(he is a lovely guy) for around9 months.
Then we started to look for extra classes,we travelled around the region visiting all the dojos a few times each,so as to ascertain the sensei teaching qualities.We settled on two female sensei who gave in my opinion excellent structured lessons.
The moral of this story is not knowing what grade the sensei were was imaterial as the original Sensei was a brown belt and the highest grade sensei in our region,one of the lady sensei was a red belt,and the other was a green belt
All three sensei have had a big input in my childrens development,now we have moved on again,to another sensei,we still train with one of the lady sensei,but unfortunatley the other sensei class clashed with a weapons class that my two were desparate to do.
Some of you may think we are being disloyal to our sensei by changing sensei,but each sensei gives something different to the children and i hope would help them become a more rounded martial artist.We are on very good terms with all our sensei and i have explained the situation to each,now we dont have just 2 sensei who care we have 4.
High or low grade does it really matter,most sensei teach because they love teaching,we as a family are grateful to them all.
Nigel
No way should you think that was "disloyal"
You are the student - customer if you like - and deserve to get a class you like and can progress in. Ive lost students because of my teaching style, but Ive gained some for the same reason. Shop around. If people dont they quit and the whole genre is the loser.
----------
I was never a fan of the black and white belt. Must admit I like buttercups schools idea, wear your normal belt but an instructor uniform. However, should I get my black belt say tomorrow does that suddenly make me a better teacher? or is it only in the eyes of the students? Whilst this is important I would honestly like to think I have something to offer my students and they can learn from me. Any instructor should realise they are a student also, and far from being an expert have a lot to learn.
----------
Our former RM (I am informed he is experienced in Goju) taught us tensho on a few occassions. I can see what Mick means in that its not an "exciting" kata, but when done properly it looks awesome and to me showcases the art of karate. The simplicity of the movements shadows the difficulty of performing it properly. It is a shame its not taught any more. Practicing this kata hit home for me some fundamentals.
You are the student - customer if you like - and deserve to get a class you like and can progress in. Ive lost students because of my teaching style, but Ive gained some for the same reason. Shop around. If people dont they quit and the whole genre is the loser.
----------
I was never a fan of the black and white belt. Must admit I like buttercups schools idea, wear your normal belt but an instructor uniform. However, should I get my black belt say tomorrow does that suddenly make me a better teacher? or is it only in the eyes of the students? Whilst this is important I would honestly like to think I have something to offer my students and they can learn from me. Any instructor should realise they are a student also, and far from being an expert have a lot to learn.
----------
Our former RM (I am informed he is experienced in Goju) taught us tensho on a few occassions. I can see what Mick means in that its not an "exciting" kata, but when done properly it looks awesome and to me showcases the art of karate. The simplicity of the movements shadows the difficulty of performing it properly. It is a shame its not taught any more. Practicing this kata hit home for me some fundamentals.
Its interesting that the katas Sanchin and Tensho were in Robert Sullivans book.Perhaps the reason for dropping Sanchin was due to children being taught with adults.My own feeling is that Sanchin should not be taught to people under 16 years of age due to the inherrent dangers.I had problems with my feet going numb due to using too much tension in the legs.The blood supply was almost cut off!Also Sanchin has dangers for people with high blood pressure and could lead to a stroke.
The benefits of Sanchin are huge.Increase in striking power,being almost immune to blows to the body,and a general feeling of wellbeing.When delivering a punch there must be a definite connection between the tanden and the hand.In haito the thumb is contracted and the tanden is squeezed from all sides pushing ki into the hand.Sanchin is the training for harnessing the ki.
Tensho kata could be taught to children as it dosen't use such aggressive breathing as Sanchin.I am not aware of any dangers in Tensho.
The benefits of Sanchin are huge.Increase in striking power,being almost immune to blows to the body,and a general feeling of wellbeing.When delivering a punch there must be a definite connection between the tanden and the hand.In haito the thumb is contracted and the tanden is squeezed from all sides pushing ki into the hand.Sanchin is the training for harnessing the ki.
Tensho kata could be taught to children as it dosen't use such aggressive breathing as Sanchin.I am not aware of any dangers in Tensho.
personally i think a black belt instructor is way better than a lower grade, if only that it shows you he/she takes their martial arts whatever it maybe seriously.
but most black belts i'v seen are pretty good there are a few i wonder how the hell they got the grade, maybe because they persisted over a long time.
the level of teaching in gkr as i'v said before is a joke, there are some good sensei's out there but why should the students have to track them down?. and yes gkr is a basic style but it is a good base to work from.
i must admitt i really like buttercups way of getting the lower belts to only teach those lower than them maybe gkr could look at the kung fu way of doing it. but that would take money out of the big guys pocket cann't have that.
but most black belts i'v seen are pretty good there are a few i wonder how the hell they got the grade, maybe because they persisted over a long time.
the level of teaching in gkr as i'v said before is a joke, there are some good sensei's out there but why should the students have to track them down?. and yes gkr is a basic style but it is a good base to work from.
i must admitt i really like buttercups way of getting the lower belts to only teach those lower than them maybe gkr could look at the kung fu way of doing it. but that would take money out of the big guys pocket cann't have that.
Hey you guys wanna dumb it down a bit for us new ones? 
Whats with this sanchin kata anyway?
You make it sound like one wrong move and you explode or something
Whats with this sanchin kata anyway?
You make it sound like one wrong move and you explode or something
Hmm maybe deano's found the reason they dropped Sanchin - too many students exploding at gradings LOL.
Sanchin IS done under tension and is not recommended for everyone. But not every kata needs to be a grading kata.
Mick
Sanchin IS done under tension and is not recommended for everyone. But not every kata needs to be a grading kata.
Mick
Ok. a few things. GKR does follow a plan of how to do the classes. but some instructers focus on one thing a week as has been said b4. In the class I attend, one week we might spend a whole heap of time on the basics. the next on kata. and then on sparring and combinations and stuff. Sometimes we even follow the normal class plan of basics (including kicks) then kata and then maybe a little bit of sparring. you just need to find the right instructer.
Now the Instructers. I think it is fine to have kyu instructers. But only if they are able to take the classes well and if they have the basic technique. Also. some of the instructers may be at blue or green belt and dont know some of the higher katas. The problem there is they might get a higher belt student come along who wants/needs to work on a higher kata and wont be able too. three people i train with recently became instructers and they aren't black belts but they are really good teachers so it isn't a problem there. You just have to find the senseis/classes that you dont like and try to avoid them (no offence to all you senseis out there.
I dont think that the senseis wearing ther grade belt would be a good idea because a higher grade may come along, look at them and think "who are they to tell me what to do/work on. they're only a ... belt".
I think there was something else i was going to comment on but i cant remember so i'll just be quiet now. lol
Now the Instructers. I think it is fine to have kyu instructers. But only if they are able to take the classes well and if they have the basic technique. Also. some of the instructers may be at blue or green belt and dont know some of the higher katas. The problem there is they might get a higher belt student come along who wants/needs to work on a higher kata and wont be able too. three people i train with recently became instructers and they aren't black belts but they are really good teachers so it isn't a problem there. You just have to find the senseis/classes that you dont like and try to avoid them (no offence to all you senseis out there.
I dont think that the senseis wearing ther grade belt would be a good idea because a higher grade may come along, look at them and think "who are they to tell me what to do/work on. they're only a ... belt".
I think there was something else i was going to comment on but i cant remember so i'll just be quiet now. lol
Deano,
The dangers from Sanchin are caused by students using too much tension.There have been reports of twisted small intestines and cracked ribs.But these injuries are rare and shouldn't put people off.
Looking at GKR's kata list I see they do have a tension kata in Hangetsu which is introduced at 1st dan.This is very similar to Sanchin but uses an hour glass stance and the breathing is not as aggressive.Perhaps this is the reason for dropping Sanchin.Does anyone know if Hangetsu is in Robert Sullivans book?Perhaps Shihan Stacy introduced this kata to GKR as he was a shotokan 1st dan and Hangetsu is a shotokan kata.
The dangers from Sanchin are caused by students using too much tension.There have been reports of twisted small intestines and cracked ribs.But these injuries are rare and shouldn't put people off.
Looking at GKR's kata list I see they do have a tension kata in Hangetsu which is introduced at 1st dan.This is very similar to Sanchin but uses an hour glass stance and the breathing is not as aggressive.Perhaps this is the reason for dropping Sanchin.Does anyone know if Hangetsu is in Robert Sullivans book?Perhaps Shihan Stacy introduced this kata to GKR as he was a shotokan 1st dan and Hangetsu is a shotokan kata.
Hello all.
What does a black and white belt actually mean? I thought that it allowed people to tell the sensei's and students apart. However some sensei's wear full black belt. I'm so confused....
Toodles.
Ken.
What does a black and white belt actually mean? I thought that it allowed people to tell the sensei's and students apart. However some sensei's wear full black belt. I'm so confused....
Toodles.
Ken.
Hi there (and welcome aboard )
The black and white belt is an instructor belt yes.
When the instructor gets a black belt they wear that one instead.
)The black and white belt is an instructor belt yes.
When the instructor gets a black belt they wear that one instead.
Thanks for the answer and the welcome Matt. :thumbwink:
Just to add my $0.02, the set plan that GKR uses for each class is good for kids and newbies (like me and my son Jarryd - we started together about six weeks ago).
The trick is to find a good sensei who can vary the class depending on who shows up and what their particular needs are. An example: I went to a late evening class last week. Including myself there were two yellow tips and the normal two senseis. We did go through the set strikes/blocks/stances/etc. But we did so very quickly and then the senseis gave us the opportunity to do what we wanted to do. So we did advanced strikes and blocks (mawashi uke? that two-hand round blocking thing that looks cool) and then we went through the first kata in detail.
I digress.... The point is that classes need to be flexible. I'm not sure how classes run in other regions, but we normally have two classes per night. The first is only an hour long, and is primarily for kids ( and parents
) The second is for adults primarily and is 90 minutes long.
IMHO...The real trouble is that we are a very new dojo with few coloured belts. There was a door-to-door recruiting drive and now there are many soon-to-be yellow belts in the early class.
It seems that there was a better than expected result of the drive as the senseis have to recruit the coloured belts in order to cope with the sheer number of new students. The sensei who is teaching the coloured belts at one end of the hall tries to rotate the coloured belts teaching us with the ones she is teaching so that they all get some of her time. However, the class is only an hour and half of that is eaten up with bowing in/out, warmups, and basics. Maybe the senseis here can comment, but I feel sorry for the coloured belts above orange as they don't seem to be getting the attention that they are paying for. Conversely, my wife is unimpressed that we are not getting taught by the sensei, but by another student.
Don't get me wrong, the sensei in question does a good job given she takes anything up to 30 students (mostly kids) in that class and I can't think of a better way to do it. I imagine that it is hard work being a sensei not knowing who is going to show up to a class and so not knowing what needs to be taught. A brave bunch indeed.
I'll shut up now
Cheers.
Ken.
Just to add my $0.02, the set plan that GKR uses for each class is good for kids and newbies (like me and my son Jarryd - we started together about six weeks ago).
The trick is to find a good sensei who can vary the class depending on who shows up and what their particular needs are. An example: I went to a late evening class last week. Including myself there were two yellow tips and the normal two senseis. We did go through the set strikes/blocks/stances/etc. But we did so very quickly and then the senseis gave us the opportunity to do what we wanted to do. So we did advanced strikes and blocks (mawashi uke? that two-hand round blocking thing that looks cool) and then we went through the first kata in detail.
I digress.... The point is that classes need to be flexible. I'm not sure how classes run in other regions, but we normally have two classes per night. The first is only an hour long, and is primarily for kids ( and parents
) The second is for adults primarily and is 90 minutes long.IMHO...The real trouble is that we are a very new dojo with few coloured belts. There was a door-to-door recruiting drive and now there are many soon-to-be yellow belts in the early class.
It seems that there was a better than expected result of the drive as the senseis have to recruit the coloured belts in order to cope with the sheer number of new students. The sensei who is teaching the coloured belts at one end of the hall tries to rotate the coloured belts teaching us with the ones she is teaching so that they all get some of her time. However, the class is only an hour and half of that is eaten up with bowing in/out, warmups, and basics. Maybe the senseis here can comment, but I feel sorry for the coloured belts above orange as they don't seem to be getting the attention that they are paying for. Conversely, my wife is unimpressed that we are not getting taught by the sensei, but by another student.
Don't get me wrong, the sensei in question does a good job given she takes anything up to 30 students (mostly kids) in that class and I can't think of a better way to do it. I imagine that it is hard work being a sensei not knowing who is going to show up to a class and so not knowing what needs to be taught. A brave bunch indeed.
I'll shut up now
Cheers.
Ken.
30 kids one sensei and only yellow belts to help out, that is getting tough on the sensei maybe she/he sould ask the r/m for an assisstant. in my opinion yellow belt cann't teach the right way of doing things because they are still trying to get it right themselfs.
Yeah, my wife teaches and has a class of around 25 kids - 3 or 4 of them are kids with attention deficit type problems. And has been asking her RM for someone to help with the class for ages, to no avail. 
Mick
Mick
Tony
Thanks for the reply.
I'm still at a loss to understand why you would practice such a kata if overdoing it can cause an injury. If its conditioning surely the sanchin stance performed properly would condition the body all the same?
Thanks for the reply.
I'm still at a loss to understand why you would practice such a kata if overdoing it can cause an injury. If its conditioning surely the sanchin stance performed properly would condition the body all the same?
deano it is that things done under tension teaches you great power. my first r/m use to get me to do most my kata's at home under tension. when you get back into normal karate mode relaxed, everything is alot cleaner faster and it has a heap more power. the downside under tension kata or anything really takes it out of you.
Deano,
The dangers in Sanchin are caused by students doing the kata incorrectley or not using commonsense.I have only had the cold hand effect and that went after decreasing the tension.
Sanchin provides protection when done properly as the tension can be maintained during kumite providing protection to the throat,chest and abdomen.
You are correct in saying holding Sanchin stance would condition the body but tension would have to be held.Learning how to move under tension and breath whilst in the tense state is far better and provides a better workout.
The dangers in Sanchin are caused by students doing the kata incorrectley or not using commonsense.I have only had the cold hand effect and that went after decreasing the tension.
Sanchin provides protection when done properly as the tension can be maintained during kumite providing protection to the throat,chest and abdomen.
You are correct in saying holding Sanchin stance would condition the body but tension would have to be held.Learning how to move under tension and breath whilst in the tense state is far better and provides a better workout.
QUOTE (tonyk @ Dec 13 2003, 12:02 AM)
Deano,
The dangers in Sanchin are caused by students doing the kata incorrectley or not using commonsense.I have only had the cold hand effect and that went after decreasing the tension.
Sanchin provides protection when done properly as the tension can be maintained during kumite providing protection to the throat,chest and abdomen.
You are correct in saying holding Sanchin stance would condition the body but tension would have to be held.Learning how to move under tension and breath whilst in the tense state is far better and provides a better workout.
The dangers in Sanchin are caused by students doing the kata incorrectley or not using commonsense.I have only had the cold hand effect and that went after decreasing the tension.
Sanchin provides protection when done properly as the tension can be maintained during kumite providing protection to the throat,chest and abdomen.
You are correct in saying holding Sanchin stance would condition the body but tension would have to be held.Learning how to move under tension and breath whilst in the tense state is far better and provides a better workout.
Hi All,
You need to consider the context of the sanchin kata in the age in which it was created. Isometric exercises were considered a great training device back in the 1900's when there was a bit of a fitness fad under way in the world.
We practice a combination of Sanchin and Tensho. It is just called Tensho but we don't practise the full exertion way as I consider the healths risks far outweight the benefits to be gained.
I see little sense in developing the 'iron shirt' when the head and other bodily parts cannot be conditioned as well
I find a lot of practical applications in the Sanchin signature moves and I enjoy the 'chin na' grappling techniques found in Tensho.Really, there is a lot of romantic nonsense attached to karate and especially the kata. A little bit of fact and a lot of fantasy. Karate was developed in Okinawa, a small backward country with a small population.
While it is has been cleverly designed, it ain't rocket science. Sensei are ordinary people, more than ordinary if still novices themselves. Respect the art but don't become besotted with the myths and the rituals.
Coomon sense is the secret of karate!
Regards,
Boz
I can't really agree here.Whilst I respect your obvious knowledge,and no doubt technique,I feel it is wrong to dismiss Okinawa as a small backward country.The standards of training on Okinawa were far harder than today.
Uechi ryu karate techniques are quite feeble without a firm grounding in Sanchin kata.With 3 years of Sanchin training the techniques become quite formidable.Modern karateka fail to train the tendons and try to move before they can even stand properly.My Yiquan teacher,Master Lam Kam Chuen,had me standing in horse stance for one and a half hours a day for 3 years before introducing any new techniques.The training was arduous but has paid off.This is the only way to train the tendons.With weak tendons there will be no explosive power.
The Pangainoon master,Shinyu Gushi 9th dan,has an incredible physique and he is in his mid sixties.He puts this down to Sanchin training and nigiri game.He dosen't do weight training as he says this can cause muscle inbalance.I have also heard this argument from Chinese masters.How many Western Atheletes maintain their physiques into their late sixties?
There is far more to Sanchin than isometric exercise.The qi is developed and the student will come to know the meaning of relaxation through experiencing extreme tension.This is the opposite of yiquan where the student learns relaxation then tension is introduced.
I feel strengthening the body is important.I would sooner be able to take blows than fall apart at the first kick in the stomach.If the body can take blows only defence of the head and groin need worrying about.Sanchin stance helps protect the groin.
I would agree that commonsense is the secret of karate but I would also add very hard work to the equation.
Regards
Uechi ryu karate techniques are quite feeble without a firm grounding in Sanchin kata.With 3 years of Sanchin training the techniques become quite formidable.Modern karateka fail to train the tendons and try to move before they can even stand properly.My Yiquan teacher,Master Lam Kam Chuen,had me standing in horse stance for one and a half hours a day for 3 years before introducing any new techniques.The training was arduous but has paid off.This is the only way to train the tendons.With weak tendons there will be no explosive power.
The Pangainoon master,Shinyu Gushi 9th dan,has an incredible physique and he is in his mid sixties.He puts this down to Sanchin training and nigiri game.He dosen't do weight training as he says this can cause muscle inbalance.I have also heard this argument from Chinese masters.How many Western Atheletes maintain their physiques into their late sixties?
There is far more to Sanchin than isometric exercise.The qi is developed and the student will come to know the meaning of relaxation through experiencing extreme tension.This is the opposite of yiquan where the student learns relaxation then tension is introduced.
I feel strengthening the body is important.I would sooner be able to take blows than fall apart at the first kick in the stomach.If the body can take blows only defence of the head and groin need worrying about.Sanchin stance helps protect the groin.
I would agree that commonsense is the secret of karate but I would also add very hard work to the equation.
Regards
Horse Stance ONLY for three years?
Sorry Tony, but I feel that kind of training is completely redundant in todays' society.
Martial Arts (styles aside here) were originally developed as a self defence method against warriors and the military etc.
I don't know about you, but in my entire life I've never come across an armed warrior.
Modern day martial arts is designed primarily for self defence against street attacks, or as a sport. I don't think an iron shirt (karate), or even an iron palm (kung fu) is quite necessary to defend oneself against a modern day attacker. Armed or unarmed. And if you WERE to defend yourself with a developed iron palm YOU would be the one facing a trial.
Sorry Tony, but I feel that kind of training is completely redundant in todays' society.
Martial Arts (styles aside here) were originally developed as a self defence method against warriors and the military etc.
I don't know about you, but in my entire life I've never come across an armed warrior.
Modern day martial arts is designed primarily for self defence against street attacks, or as a sport. I don't think an iron shirt (karate), or even an iron palm (kung fu) is quite necessary to defend oneself against a modern day attacker. Armed or unarmed. And if you WERE to defend yourself with a developed iron palm YOU would be the one facing a trial.
QUOTE (tonyk @ Dec 13 2003, 07:29 AM)
I can't really agree here.Whilst I respect your obvious knowledge,and no doubt technique,I feel it is wrong to dismiss Okinawa as a small backward country.The standards of training on Okinawa were far harder than today.
# Okinawa was a backward country in the early 20th Century. That is no slight against Okinawans, just fact.
Uechi ryu karate techniques are quite feeble without a firm grounding in Sanchin kata.With 3 years of Sanchin training the techniques become quite formidable.
# Yes they are formidable, never said they weren't. So are others with no Sanchin training.
Modern karateka fail to train the tendons and try to move before they can even stand properly.
# What???
My Yiquan teacher,Master Lam Kam Chuen,had me standing in horse stance for one and a half hours a day for 3 years before introducing any new techniques.The training was arduous but has paid off.This is the only way to train the tendons.With weak tendons there will be no explosive power.
# Standing in horse stance for 1.5 hrs X 3 years will only make you better at standing in horse stance. It cannot give you explosive power. Specificity is the name of the game. You can use pylometrics and other training methods specifically designed to give you explosive power. I don't see any sprinters standing around in horse stance for years!
The Pangainoon master,Shinyu Gushi 9th dan,has an incredible physique and he is in his mid sixties.He puts this down to Sanchin training and nigiri game.He dosen't do weight training as he says this can cause muscle inbalance.I have also heard this argument from Chinese masters.
# Gushi Sensei is very impressive, so are others. The athletes of today are superbly conditioned, the average karateka has not got the time.
How many Western Atheletes maintain their physiques into their late sixties?
# C'mon now.. you haven't seen all the fat, pot-bellied Okinawan Masters on video tape. There are many reasons why some maintain and some don't and whether one is from the East or the West makes not one iota of difference IMO.
There is far more to Sanchin than isometric exercise.The qi is developed and the student will come to know the meaning of relaxation through experiencing extreme tension.This is the opposite of yiquan where the student learns relaxation then tension is introduced.
# Codswallop, horse puckey and doggy doo doo, I don't believe in Qi, chi or the man on the moon. What is described as chi is more a combination of bio mechanical actions working at the one time precisely. I think everyone grasps the idea of relaxation and tension from activities in every day life. No offense intended!
I feel strengthening the body is important.I would sooner be able to take blows than fall apart at the first kick in the stomach.If the body can take blows only defence of the head and groin need worrying about.Sanchin stance helps protect the groin.
# I don't see fighters that don't train in Sanchin falling apart when struck. My comment was directed at avioding a stroke or a heart attack from the normal body reaction to being placed under continuous high levels of stress through the breating operation performed by some when performing Sanchin.
# I also don't see Uechi Ryu guys fighting in Sanchin, being tested in Sanchin, yes (Shime) fighting out of that stance.. no mobility!
I would agree that commonsense is the secret of karate but I would also add very hard work to the equation.
# Isn't training hard common sense also?
# Okinawa was a backward country in the early 20th Century. That is no slight against Okinawans, just fact.
Uechi ryu karate techniques are quite feeble without a firm grounding in Sanchin kata.With 3 years of Sanchin training the techniques become quite formidable.
# Yes they are formidable, never said they weren't. So are others with no Sanchin training.
Modern karateka fail to train the tendons and try to move before they can even stand properly.
# What???
My Yiquan teacher,Master Lam Kam Chuen,had me standing in horse stance for one and a half hours a day for 3 years before introducing any new techniques.The training was arduous but has paid off.This is the only way to train the tendons.With weak tendons there will be no explosive power.
# Standing in horse stance for 1.5 hrs X 3 years will only make you better at standing in horse stance. It cannot give you explosive power. Specificity is the name of the game. You can use pylometrics and other training methods specifically designed to give you explosive power. I don't see any sprinters standing around in horse stance for years!
The Pangainoon master,Shinyu Gushi 9th dan,has an incredible physique and he is in his mid sixties.He puts this down to Sanchin training and nigiri game.He dosen't do weight training as he says this can cause muscle inbalance.I have also heard this argument from Chinese masters.
# Gushi Sensei is very impressive, so are others. The athletes of today are superbly conditioned, the average karateka has not got the time.
How many Western Atheletes maintain their physiques into their late sixties?
# C'mon now.. you haven't seen all the fat, pot-bellied Okinawan Masters on video tape. There are many reasons why some maintain and some don't and whether one is from the East or the West makes not one iota of difference IMO.
There is far more to Sanchin than isometric exercise.The qi is developed and the student will come to know the meaning of relaxation through experiencing extreme tension.This is the opposite of yiquan where the student learns relaxation then tension is introduced.
# Codswallop, horse puckey and doggy doo doo, I don't believe in Qi, chi or the man on the moon. What is described as chi is more a combination of bio mechanical actions working at the one time precisely. I think everyone grasps the idea of relaxation and tension from activities in every day life. No offense intended!
I feel strengthening the body is important.I would sooner be able to take blows than fall apart at the first kick in the stomach.If the body can take blows only defence of the head and groin need worrying about.Sanchin stance helps protect the groin.
# I don't see fighters that don't train in Sanchin falling apart when struck. My comment was directed at avioding a stroke or a heart attack from the normal body reaction to being placed under continuous high levels of stress through the breating operation performed by some when performing Sanchin.
# I also don't see Uechi Ryu guys fighting in Sanchin, being tested in Sanchin, yes (Shime) fighting out of that stance.. no mobility!
I would agree that commonsense is the secret of karate but I would also add very hard work to the equation.
# Isn't training hard common sense also?
Regards,
Boz
QUOTE (Boz @ Dec 13 2003, 10:01 AM)
# Codswallop, horse puckey and doggy doo doo, I don't believe in Qi, chi or the man on the moon. What is described as chi is more a combination of bio mechanical actions working at the one time precisely. I think everyone grasps the idea of relaxation and tension from activities in every day life. No offense intended!
Regards,
Boz
Regards,
Boz
What? You don't believe in the man on the moon! I'm absolutely crushed!
Next you'll be telling us you don't believe in Santa or the Easter Bunny either!
Anon
I think we should agree to differ on this one.
Regards
Regards
HUH??? 
Santa doesn't exist???
The man on the moon too..... and please not the easter bunny....
You people have wrecked my life
:thumbgrin:
just kiddin' :thumbwink:
Santa doesn't exist??? The man on the moon too..... and please not the easter bunny....
You people have wrecked my life
:thumbgrin: just kiddin' :thumbwink:
Hi all, Zen Warrior's comments about instructor quality and repetitive classes drew my in to this discussion. When I first joined my dojo, I loved it! I had two female sensais. One is 2 years younger than me, the other was 30 yrs. The class was small and made of mostly young adults like me. It was great. Then all of a sudden after a 2 week break on my part, I come back and there's 20 little little kids running around like mad. One sensai left. The young sensai lost all control, and didn't try. I think she liked mucking around with the kids. There was no discipline, no advancement. The same repetitive class structure remained and I stopped learning. I stuck at it for a while but the 8 class members I started with all left one by one and I did too. My sensai was immature, had no control and had no skill for making sure class members were getting what teaching they needed. The class should have been split into kids and adults and held at different times but nothing was ever done. The dojo is now a mickey mouse club where no one learns a thing. I'm outta there. How is this allowed to happen?
A mickey mouse club, Liv? That totally defines every beginners class I've ever been to, that has had a million kids in them.
Senseis should seriously only be created after they reach a high level rank, and they feel they have the right state of mind and leadership skills to handle a rowdy class of kids. And from what I've seen, there are way too many senseis as it is.
You can stop manufacturing them now. It's okay. Really.
Just another point. If you find a dojo where the senseis don't follow the drill pattern, try to go to that dojo as much as possible because they're the best if you want to learn and become better. True, drill is beneficial, but every so often a class based around lots of partner stretching or an entire class based on combos can be beneficial too.
Senseis should seriously only be created after they reach a high level rank, and they feel they have the right state of mind and leadership skills to handle a rowdy class of kids. And from what I've seen, there are way too many senseis as it is.
You can stop manufacturing them now. It's okay. Really.
Just another point. If you find a dojo where the senseis don't follow the drill pattern, try to go to that dojo as much as possible because they're the best if you want to learn and become better. True, drill is beneficial, but every so often a class based around lots of partner stretching or an entire class based on combos can be beneficial too.
brodius i hate to say this but i really liked your post and couldn't agree more :thumbwink:. now back to your usual dribble so i can get a laugh, no seriously dude great thoughts great post grats. now i have to lift my game.
What, is that a compliment? Whooaah, I think Fang has a fever or something. =P
Gawd, the holiday break is driving me insane. The 5th of January feels so far away... =O
Gawd, the holiday break is driving me insane. The 5th of January feels so far away... =O
The holiday break doesn't stop you training, you know
Mick
Mick
True that, but it's not the same as training with other Karateka.
Alone, in front of a mirror....
One should practice instead of admiring oneself....
One should practice instead of admiring oneself....
But what if you're just so damn admirable?
if you're just so damn admirable, your probably looking in the wrong mirror!
Wow, Will, that was pretty funny... Except it wasn't. =P
QUOTE (Sionnagh @ Jan 1 2004, 12:23 PM)
Alone, in front of a mirror....
That's how I learned to train with my eyes shut!
Really, mirrors are great. They don't lie to you the way people do who want to spare your feelings if you look like cr*p. Or tell you it looks good to try and boost you a little when you really want to know what you need to fix.
Mick
Mick
QUOTE (Sionnagh @ Jan 3 2004, 05:43 PM)
Really, mirrors are great. They don't lie to you the way people do who want to spare your feelings if you look like cr*p. Or tell you it looks good to try and boost you a little when you really want to know what you need to fix.
Mick
Mick
Wow, I've never spared anyones feelings when I see them doing something wrong. Better to say to them there that they're doing it wrong, and this is how they should be doing it, instead of lieing to them and letting em go home to practise incorrectly in front of the mirror.
But, I guess it's harder to tell the new students of incorrect movements because you don't know 'em as well as higher students. Usually, I'll just be like, "That was crap. Now do it again, but like this." You can't do that to newer students though, cuz you don't know if they're gonna react badly to it or not.
Spose it depends if you think the class is overpopulated and want to thin out numbers a bit
Mick
Mick
i'm so bad i never pratise in front of a mirror, well i did once and it even turned away so it didn't have to look at me. now i have 7 years bad luck got to watch my temper
Aah, back into the swing of things, Karate classes back up and running! =O
And the cool thing was, all the new students were my age. Not young kids, not old fogies. Ain't that great? =D And I got to say "That was crap. Do it this way" a few times too.
And the cool thing was, all the new students were my age. Not young kids, not old fogies. Ain't that great? =D And I got to say "That was crap. Do it this way" a few times too.
Cool, I got to say "That was crap" too. Except I was talking about me at the time
Mick
Except I was talking about me at the time Mick
Well, at least you didn't deny it.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.