sensei8

Now, that is just too cool!! Thanks for the pics and info; great minds meet!!

Congrats to Kaylee!! Was a nice match between the two!!

I'm not either a Kru or Kickboxing instructor. However, I've been teaching for quite some time now. Hopefully, what I say here, might help you. Don't sell yourself short! After all, you did say... 12 years isn't something to sneeze at. There's value there. You believe that you're good at teaching, and this is the first step to being a great teacher; self-awareness, but not being smug. I'd say that after 12 years, you have enough knowledge to pass on. Not all can teach the MA and not all should!! Are you cruel? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Are you quick tempered? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Do you have patience? Yes, then teach. No, then don't teach. Are you a bully? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Are you more important than your students? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Are you professional in every shape, way, and/or form? Yes, then teach. No, then don't teach. These are just some examples of questions you must be asking yourself. However, make sure that you're honest with yourself; and depending on how you answer them, might tell you if you've the makings of a good teacher. The fact that you ARE teaching right now, per what you've posted, tells me a lot. You're teaching!! Did you start teaching on your own? Did your instructor teach you how to teach? Can you sit down, and write out on paper everything that a beginner would have to learn? If yes, then that's the beginning. If no, then you're done...until you can!! Once you can write down every technique that a beginner has to learn, then start listing how they will learn each and every technique. All the learning which is planned and guided by you. Then outline the skills! The syllabus is the content of the instructions. Sit down and write on paper everything you'd teach a student...the stance; one of kickboxing's most basic technique. If you can do that, you're on the way to understanding how to formulate a curriculum. Then write down the same thing for...the jab. Then write down the same thing for...the front kick So on and so forth. Before you know it, you've written out the entire curriculum. One technique at a time; that's how a curriculum is written. Will you re-write it? Sure, many times. But soon, you'll have a solid curriculum. Any it doesn't have to be like anyone's else's. A curriculum should be personal to the instructor. One word at a time...that's how a curriculum is made. You'll be fine, but first you need to believe in yourself!!

My "aha" moment came off the floor! Quite reflections can sometimes bring those changes; this is what happened. In modicum conversations with MAists, both in and out of the Shindokan circle, about a plethora of topics, has started to stir something within me. Things to consider, alas, things to ponder. This is what awakened this new "aha" moment within me during this years testing cycle. I will sit within many circles and engage in many conversations during both official and unofficial gatherings during the two week testing cycle at our Hombu. No matter the rank, I'll be in the midst, and often, I'll just listen and keep my big fat mouth shut. During one of these gatherings, while I was being quite in my voice, I thought about KF. At KF, we've had many conversations about "traditional" this and that. And at times, here at KF, and wherever the subject rears up its head, I can be over enthusiastic and compassion about said subject. As though my way needs to be the one way. Well, of course, that's my stupidity, and not my enthusiastic compassion, at all. Dai-Soke once said..."The only thing traditional about Shindokan is how it's spelled!" He drilled it in us, but I was like that mouse who refused to seek out new cheese; I was dying inside as a MAist!! I see that now. So, in the short, Brian, quite reflections is what birthed my new "aha" moment during this years testing cycle. But those quite reflections were encouraged by what others have said on the subject, both in and out of the Shindokan circle.

One more thing, please. If someone's asking..."Just what does this have to do with the MA?" Everything!! More than one can ever hope for and more than one could ever imagine. And if that someone is asking that question, then I say this...the floor will reveal "you" faster than "you" would like.

You're more than welcome! It's been a staple of my life for quite along time. I'm glad that you liked my article, and in reading your post, I sense the power of your words, and in that, you've understood the important of the floor, and the power that it possesses, for some time now. We remain calm while the floor goes about its business. We do so because we understand that the floor has its job, as we have our job. The diplomacy between the floor and its subject for the moment, is appreciated between them both. However, the floor will only yield when the subject is in agreement that each are of them have a job to do. To shine? No! To take center stage? No! To be the most important one on the floor? No! To be noticed? No! To be respected? No! To be full of self? No! Then what? To honestly train; to pour out ones soul on the floor and surrender to what might be. The floor isn't just a MA floor. No. From every walk of life; there the floor is, and there the floor will be waiting to do its job. EITHER ONE CAN'T OR ONE CAN...the floor judges whether one likes it or not. Be careful, very careful because someone might be watching "you" when one least expects it, and if "you're" not complete in your totality, well, best stay off the floor until you are.

Yes, welcome to KF; glad you're here!! Build yourself up to that point, because 10k punches in one day is...insane. Wastelander and Zaine have given you some solid advice. Making sure your technique is solid for EACH AND EVERY PUNCH; from the start to the finish. Stay hydrated! Listen to your body! When your body says something, listen to it. I'd visit a doctor to ensure that my body can tolerate the pounding. 10k in one day...wow. 10k in a month...grueling.

Kensei, I think you did right concerning this matter!! In addition, is rank that important to this individual? If so, I would not conduct any testing cycle with this individual. The MA isn't about rank, imho!!

Good point. I'd stay in the shallow end, for sure.

This is akin to horse-playing, and it shouldn't ever happen, and this is why accidents occur. Not funny, imho.

I've said this about as much as I've touted Proof Is On The Floor, and that is... Not all BB can teach, nor should they!!

Yes, Ukemi skills are vitally important to the practitioners of any style of the MA. No matter the level of experience/knowledge, I'd say that the lack of embracing Ukemi is akin to a airplane pilot not knowing how to fly; the end result won't be a favorable one. As practitioners of the MA, we need to experience every aspect of what we're learning or have already learnt. Can't appreciate the pros and cons of the MA unless one EXPERIENCES said technique, no matter how minute or complex. Imho.

This post was originally published as an article in a dedicated KarateForums.com Articles section, which is no longer online. After the section was closed, this article was most to the most appropriate forum in our community. While this article might appear short, I felt it quite necessary to follow up on my original article titled "Proof is On the Floor!" with a few additional tidbits. While I'm constantly spouting out my most favorite quote to the entire Shindokan student body, as well as to the Shindokan Hombu's hierarchy, I can often also be found sharing the adage with one and all that I come in contact with. Proof is On the Floor! No the accolades that one possesses or the platitudes that might adorn their wall, proof will always be told by an ever silent witness whose counsel is an ever vigilant testament to what truly exists as more than just the culpable truth. What the floor reveals is without reproach. What it reveals is without ambiguity. What it reveals is without rebuttal. What it reveals is without prejudice. What it reveals is without favoritism. What it reveals is without hatred toward any man or woman. There's an apothegm, "If you don't want the truth, then don't ask me the question." Getting on my floor, or any floor for that fact, will tender a reaction from the floor; it just happens on its own. Each and every time someone/you/I step on the floor, the revealing begins of its own accord. Every movement, technique, lesson, and/or words spoken and the like are under the scrutinizing eye of this "third person" on the floor. Nothing gets by this witness; everything is complete in its totality... EVERYTHING! Excuses die on the floor! Sure, one can try to offer up as many excuses as Carter has liver pills, in a vain attempt to save face. Those excuses wither and die mercilessly. Excuses fall upon callused deaf ears because the floor has revealed what's already been suspected. The floor is judge, jury and executioner of everything that is false, including excuses. On the other hand, the floor also rewards those who pass the unquenchable thirst of the floor with a loud crescendo of silent applause. The floor in comforted by honesty as it exhumes with cause by what's being revealed. Solid, honest, true and exceptional techniques. In closing, if tactfulness fears you, if truth fears you, if you already know what the floor will reveal, and that scares you, then my most sincere advice to you is to stay off my floor! However, if you're confident and humble in your martial arts prowess, then by all means, I eagerly invite you on my floor because warriors of truth we are, and warriors must train hard and exchange knowledge. For now, the floor rests until called upon, and it will be called upon when least expected!

I concur with Brian. In that, I've never really like the line-up protocol because the lower ranks can be overlooked in the back row, and I do understand why the protocol is what it is.

To the bold type above... I use it all of the time. I referred to it briefly in my last post...

Those who no longer follow the ideologies of "traditional" MA concepts, I now realize that they weren't trying to be offensive towards my "traditional" training beliefs. No. They had an epiphany that surfaced in their own MA journey, and it's in that epiphany that has caused them to discard anything that is "traditional". 5 decades in, I've finally understood that their MA journey has inevitably changed, and that change wasn't extracted under duress; for them, this is a good thing to be embraced by all fellow MAists. I will respect their choice to make whatever necessary changes in their own MA journey. I was slow to realization, but being late to the party is better than not ever showing up at all. We all train for our personal reasons, and with these reasons being about improving ones MA betterment, and if the course of their journey is different than from another MAists journey, then so be it because the MA journey is theirs...it's yours...it's mine; personal and profound, and no should try to deny them that which is theirs/yours/mine!!

Nice topic, thanks for starting it. Boshi-ken (thumb knuckle strike)...this strike is used heavily in Shindokan. I use this so often in Tuite/Kyusho that everyone in Shindokan, or those who've trained with me for some time, knows to watch out for it, even though, it's rarely blocked because it comes from anywhere and everywhere during any transitions and the like. In Shindokan, we also extend out our striking thumb while pressing it against the index finger; just "pop' the thumb out from the cradle of the index finger, thus striking with the very end of the thumb, akin to a poke!! The other small surface strike that I just adore is Hiato-uchi (ridge hand strike). Even though it mimics a telegraphed movement, it's truly can be called part of the short-range techniques in Shindokan because of the manner from which it's delivered...up and in, within a very small arch toward target(s).

Nice...You're having quite a lot of fun with training with the applications of Niahanchi...that's good because this is how one opens the door for Oyo.

To the bold type above...I concur!!

I believe that Mo is right on the money with reply!! It's not rocket science! Still, always get with your doctor before doing anything health related, imho!!

Congrats...five boards isn't as easy as one or two. The mind usually gets in the way of the break because the mind says..."Man, five boards, that's a lot!!" Doubt tries to creep in, but once the mind is set free of any preconceived notions, the only thing that can get in the way is technique...oh yeah, and the holders can make or break you if they're not properly trained on how to hold said material. Again...CONGRATS!!

Thank you, all!!

I've placed this topic in this forum because, one way or another, not all styles of the MA speak highly favorable to "traditional" ideologies, whatever they might be. Having been a proponent of "traditional" Karate ideologies for nearly 50 years, I do, at times, get a little ruffled under the edges whenever a MAist speaks negatively about anything labeled "traditional", whether it's Kata, Kihon, Kumite, and/or anything else "traditional", especially if I've been training in it for nearly 5 decades. I'll try to make my points, as mute as they might be, but the points I try to make are not to have someone change their mind and/or join my mindset/ideology of "traditional", in my case, Okinawan Karate, namely, Shindokan Karate!! The points I try to make are to only explain as to why I've been training "traditionally" for these many years. That's what I've been taught by our Soke and Dai-Soke; it was their way, and therefore, it became our way, thus, my way. It's all I've ever truly known; "traditional" Okinawan Shindokan Saitou-ryu. For those who don't understand or don't follow or don't respect or don't believe or don't this and/or that concerning any aspect of "traditional" MA, I'd like to say this. Please accept my apology if I've ever not been humble in my responses, whether they be written and/or in verbal conversations. I was wrong!! No, I still, and will always be a staunched proponent for the "traditional" ways of the MA, especially with Shindokan. But, during this years annual testing cycle at our Hombu, I came to an understanding, as well as a new found appreciation for those who don't like anything "traditional" with the MA, especially Karate. One of the greatest books that I've ever read wasn't a book about any MA, whether it be a methodology and/or an ideology and/or the like. No! "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson. This simply written book speaks towards one vital concept...CHANGE!! This is what I've began to adopt an philosophy towards those who are no longer, as well as those who have never believed in "traditional" MA, especially where Karate might be concerned. Change is inevitable; it will happen whether one likes it or not. For those who don't recognize the signs and don't prepare for those moments, they're doomed to suffer some type of failure, whether it be in life, or on the joy or, in this case, in the MA. One mouse refused to accept change, and finally died. One the other hand, the other mouse, who understood the concept of change, survived, and did not die. Stubbornness leads down that path to destruction!! For those who've never believed in the "traditional" ways of the MA, this is understood and this is how they've known the MA to be true; I don't fault them in any shape, way, and/or form!! For those who've changed their mindset towards "traditional" ways of the MA, especially Karate, I don't fault them either in any shape, way, and/or form. I've been angered towards them for turning away from "traditional" training, especially in Karate. I speak towards Karate because that's where my many, many years have been spent training in its "traditional" ways. Here's my "Aha" moment that occurred these past few weeks while I was administrating our Hombu's annual testing cycle. For those who once trained in the "traditional" ways of the MA/Karate for some time, but then decided to no longer train in any "traditional" way, I say this... Change is inevitable, and this is what happened to them; they learned, and became a proponent of their new found mindset and methodology and ideology because that was better for them, therefore, it was better for their MA betterment. I accept that! Things of "traditional" flavor have a way to taste great for some, but bitter for others, and the MA isn't an exception. Taste and see that "traditional" MA is good, but, that's not possible to settle on ones palate with any enjoyment. It's them, that I bow to!! It's them that have understood that change, for them, was inevitable, and therefore, acceptable to improve their MA betterment across the board. I didn't savor that change, and expected those MAists to train in "traditional" MA/Karate right along with me without complaining. To eat that meat which is "traditional" that I've been eating for so long. That's selfish and ignorant of me to become dissatisfied towards my fellow MAists/Karateka. They've not slapped me in my "traditional" face, yet, I've slapped them in their new-founded mindset/methodology/ideology by making that necessary and inevitable change in their MA training; it's their journey, and not mine. I've shamed my Dai-Soke, and I've shamed myself in my narrow minded way of viewing my fellow MAists/Karatekas. Having said that, I'll still be that "traditionalist" through and through because that proponent in me probably won't ever be anything else but a "traditionalist" until the day I die. Who's right? All of us are right! Especially when it comes to ones MA journey; it's personal, and it's theirs/mine!!

Very well written article across the board, thank you for it, Jack!! The interpretations are well founded in your article, as well as throughout the MA world. I, too, look forward to reading more of your insightful articles!!

Congrats and well deserved!!