sensei8

Thanks, Brian and Danielle. Above all things is to reach said shy student is to just pay attention, and break the ice first, but do not push. The shy person has to be allowed the time to trust the CI and staff.

To the bolded, thats what i love and learnt through Trial and Error is to get to their level and have them feel more comfortable. But to be honest with you I do feel like if i can get to their level and have them enjoy class then I can enjoy it. As i'm not forcing either side to enjoy things, as we are mutually having fun. But i'll definitely take your advice on board regarding giving them a small job to do. Does it work for the much newer (like 2nd or 3rd lesson) students? I feel like i was on the knife edge with encouraging her to get on with including the parents and inviting them on. As I felt like I may have embarrassed her. Absolutely. If a CI sits down and right down everything that MUST be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual, one can see that there are many things that can be assigned; no duty is too small or too large or bad. Accountability in and to the dojo is also paramount in nourishing all students, especially the shy. Some 20 years ago I created an assignment for a very shy 9 year old girl. Most assignments were already assigned. First of all, I never treat these assignments as required and as it being a chore. So, creativity had to be explored to help break her out of her shyness. I created, and it stuck and became one of the best breakthroughs for reaching a shy student. What did I do for this 9 year old girl?? I assigned her as the Yudansha Holder. Yes, you read that right; the Yudansha Holder. That was hers to do, and hers alone. Her assignment was to care for my ceremonial Yudansha, to bring it over to me prior any ceremony, and to retrieve it from me at the end of the ceremony, and so that it wasn't once every 3 months or annually, I added my regular Yudansha on a daily basis. No, this wasn't an ego thing for me or a giving me some trumped up whatever, it was just a way to break her out of her shell of shyness. Now, whenever SHE was ready, she could resign from that assignment; it was always up to her. Within 6 months, she resigned, and she was the charmer and fighter that I knew was bottled up inside. Appreciate those that are shy sincerely, that student will move mountains. Great reward for any CI is to see the warm smile spread across their face; priceless!!

I've never heard of them either. IF this is about insuring the school, then I stand behind that idea because without proper insurance, the MA school is opening themselves for being closed off one claim. I didn't have insurance right away for my dojo, but we're talking about the late 1970's, and that specialized insurance wasn't that well known, even though that type of insurance has been around in the USA for 70 plus years. I quickly purchased a plan once I understood it more, and that that insurance company had proven integrity; I've never looked back.

Serious resistive training; the more the better. Without this type of training, how will someone know how they might react to an attack and/or technique(s)?! Confidence is an earned element in any practitioner, and that confidence needs, no, demands a qualified instructor than can properly nourish that confidence, but not any false security; effectiveness is the exclamation point of confidence. Yet, that nourished confidence has to be realistic and practical.

I understand this sentiment, but you also have to understand how many instructors will feel about this, as well. As an instructor myself, I would not feel comfortable offering to test an individual for rank that I have never seen in person before, and never had in my class before. With that said, it's important to understand how difficult it may be to find someone who is willing to do this. To go along with that, if you can find someone willing to do this for you, the first thing I would question is the quality of instruction, and what the instructor's motives are. They may be truly genuine, and they may do a very good job. Or, they may be looking for a way to make money, and not be concerned with the quality of student they produce, and only with collecting testing fees. So, just be wary about what you find. You say most. Are there a few dojos in your area that are actually hosting some classes? If this is the case, then I would highly recommend that you seek them out, and look to begin your training that way. I think you would be much happier with your progress and results if you go this route. If crowds concern you, you could ask if private classes are offered, and you could probably wear a mask to the classes if that makes you feel safer. I imagine the instructors at these dojos are holding classes to a more limited number, as well, in accordance with most ordinances that are in place at this time. As an instructor, this would be my first recommendation. Now, back to your original request. If you are looking to start some training on your own, and cannot find anyone that offers an online service, there are, again, lots and lots of channels out there on YouTube that you can find to use as resources. Solid post!!

Mind over matter. At the beginning, the pain matters, and the mind thinks you've lost it. Shugyo...Suck it up. We endure now, so when the moment introduces itself, it's of no concern.

Yes, yes, yes, and more yes!! Play games with them...talk to them; engage sincere interaction with them. Kids can spot insincerity miles and miles away, and if they perceive any, it'll push them away...cause them to be far more shy. One the other hand, sincere interaction will draw them out of their shyness. As CI, it's my job to make sure that whatever we're doing on the floor, I make it so tempting that the student is itching to at least try it once so bad that they can't wait to run onto the floor; the floor is where all of the fun happens. Give them a meaningful duty/chore that only they or very, very few can/are allowed to perform while at the dojo. Trust me, there's a ton of meaningful things to assign. If you can't find something meaningful to assign, then the CI isn't even trying hard in that area. Takes two to tango, and with a shy student, it takes two to create a sincere relationship; a mutual respect begins to grow, but only IF it's properly nourished, and by both parties, and as a group, parents and the like included in this formula, but the journey starts with the CI across the board. FEAR = Future Events Appear Real That's more real to any insecure person, and even worse with a shy and withdrawn person. Offer sincere actions, like, complimenting when it's due, yet not empty and vague compliments. One of my strengths to teaching kids is that I become that age. If I'm teaching 4 year old's, then I become 4 years old, and if I'm teaching 10 year old's, then I become a 10 year old. Same thing whenever I'm teaching teenagers, I become a teenager. In short, I get to their level. Adults are just bigger kids, and while I don't play games and like with them like I do with the kids, sincere interactions with adults is no different than with the kids. No matter the age, fake sincerity and all can be spotted miles and miles away. If any student, shy or not, believes that the CI is full of doo doo, than trust is damaged, and if damaged to much, there's no getting to them. Integrity should be alive and well in ones own dojo, no matter the topic.

I could not agree more. In Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), white and brown belt (kyu) gradings are held twice a year, in April and November. Students are asked to test by their instructor when he/she thinks that they are ready to do so. Black belt (dan) gradings are held once a year at Special Trainings (gasshuku). Candidates are invited to test, and are graded by senior members of the Black Belt Committee. Also, SKA does not charge grading fees - ranking is considered to be a benefit of membership in the organization. As SKA founder Tsutomu Ohshima said, in his book Notes on Training: “the exam is not our goal; it is only one kind of practice for us. No matter where, no matter what, we have to express our best.” Cheers, Scott Solid post!!

Yes, Congratulations, everyone!!

In the Shindokan, there are NO SUBJECTIVE selections whatsoever. Every Testing Cycle candidate has to apply to the Hombu/SKKA through their CI, first and foremost. The CI then must sign-off on each and every Testing Cycle Petition by and before the date of the upcoming Testing Cycle as set forth by the SKKA/Hombu. Then, once the SKKA/Hombu receives said signed off Testing Cycle Petitions in hand, they are then forwarded to many departments, including its highest department, Administration, in order to determine if said Testing Cycle candidate qualifies for consideration for ANY Testing Cycle. No, no CI can conduct a Testing Cycle in their own dojo without the explicit written permission of the SKKA/Homu as long as that CI/dojo is a card carrying network dojo with the umbrella of the SKKA/Hombu. Any Testing Cycle candidate that's been denied consideration, the CI must file a Testing Cycle Waiver to the SKKA/Hombu. That waiver states by the CI the reason(s) why said Testing Cycle candidate shouldn't be considered. At the discretion of the SKKA/Hombu, the SKKA/Hombu will formally contact said CI enquiring about said student(s) as to why a Petition wasn't forwared to the SKKA/Hombu for consideration. That CI better have a solid cause as to why said proper paperwork wasn't forwarded properly in a timely manner. The SKKA/Hombu carries each and every students Hard Card in a very secure room that very very few have access to, and at all times, two must be present in the Hard Card Room. The Hard Card carries to the Nth degree information about said student. The SKKA/Hombu knows everything and anything about that students history within the SKKA/Hombu...and I mean everything, no rock is left unturned about any and all Testing Cycle candidates. The SKKA can and will deny any and all candidates that do not meet the SKKA/Hombu extremely strict protocol. A CI and/or student can file an Appeal of Consideration, but very very rarely does see the daylight of round 1 of arbitration, and there are 3 rounds that any and all Appeal's go through. Why all of this?? Integrity!! Integrity that goes way beyond the scope of any Testing Cycle. The integrity of the SKKA/Hombu and its CI's aren't for sale in any shape, way, and form. Testing Cycles, and the like, are just an infinitesimal part of Shindokan/SKKA/Hombu; there's so much more important things for both the Student Body and the SKKA/Hombu to consider other than if a student ever attends any Testing Cycle. Rank is WAY WAY WAY WAY UNDER knowledge and experience.

DRUM ROLL, ALL... Good luck to all that have been nominated in the 19th annual KarateForums.com Awards 2020!

Patrick, I'm quite excited for the upcoming changes here at KF, that Patrick has just laid out for all to see, across the board. Change is inevitable, and in that regards, is a great thing for us all here at KF. 20 years, in this venue, is astonishing...that milestone that benefits every KF member one way or another. How about that KF!?!?! Rock solid as the day is long!! Thank you, Patrick for everything that you do for KF and its members!!

Congrats, stonecrusher69; well deserved!!

Welcome to KF, SLK59; glad that you're here!!

Weird looking at near empty to empty stands this year for the NFL. My team, The Cowboys are doing great, if going backwards is a great thing. Well, my Cowboys are stacking up...that entire wrong direction...3-7. Their win against the Vikings was almost another game for the 'L' column. I'm glad they found the 'W' side, but I was on the edge of my seat wondering and wondering as to the outcome. The entire NFC East records are dismal beyond dismal. The first place Eagles are touting a record of 3-6, while the remaining teams in that division are 3-7, with the Cowboys proudly holding last place. Looking at the rest of the NFL teams' records sends shivers down my spine because whomever wins the NFC East would be fortunate and miraculous to get by round 1 of the playoffs. ::SMH:: ::Face Palm:: Injuries are an expected occurrences in the NFL, and when one of the injured is the starting QB early in the season, the game of playing QB shuffle begins, but with fingers crossed. First Prescott out with an ankle, then Dalton out with the Covid-19, then Rush took over QB duties, and walked us into multiple losses. Dark clouds turned from gloomy to head-in-the-sand. Remaining schedule for the Cowboys isn't something to smile about. Washington, Ravens, Bengals, 49ers, Eagles, and Giants, in that order. While those teams share the bottom of the standings in their respective divisions, except the 6-4 Ravens, not one of those teams have nothing to lose and everything to gain by handing the Cowboys many more in the 'L' column. Do I have faith in the Cowboys to turn things around and end the 2020 seasons with their heads held high? But of course, after all, I'm a Cowboy fan for life. I'm just disgruntled just a tad bit, which might be expected when you experience your team fumble when they shouldn't, but, that's to be expected from time to time to time to time to, well, HOW ABOUT THEM COYBOYS. As optimistic that this season is shaping out to be, I have to hope and pray that this season ends 9-7...and then I work up!! HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS!?!?

It sure is; thank you, Patrick.

I rarely think much about instructors who teach under those kind of guidelines because how else is a beginning student suppose to earn that type of experience. Well, not all instructors have the patience to teach beginners, and taking experienced students presents other problems, like, retraining bad muscle memories, which can be more frustrating than teaching new students.

Thank you so much, Danielle!!

...and increases ones waist line.

In Synchronized Kata, yes. That's because they're all doing the same Kata at the same time for one total score. That's the only time I've ever seen more than one of the floor at one time. I've never seen, in any capacity, where in the Individual Divisions where two competitors are on the floor at the same time executing the same Kata. I mean, I've not ever seen that in all of the years where I was active as a competitor or judge or Arbitrator. Well, it's a big world, and I've not been to every Karate tournament held.

Yes, you're more than welcome. As Brian says, it's great that you're sharing your experiences with us, thank you. I never stop training. Virus or not; training for me is a daily thing.

You're right because timing factors might also include, bowing in/out, walking in/out of the floor, and waiting for scores to be revealed.

Thank you both, Brian and Colin for your kind and insightful words; they mean everything!!

10lbs is a respectful weight that will benefit you across the board. Not to light and not to heavy; just right. Going up weight, imho, is more of a personal preference, and not a requirement, even if insisted by the CI. Students ask me for my input on a plethora of subjects all of the time, but things like that, well, I leave that up to the students. IF I say anything, it's to remind them to not rush and or push training; baby steps, that's the MA.

Today marks the 19 and a ½ year anniversary of the launch of KarateForums.com. Patrick has asked me to address the community, as a senior member of the staff. I see this as a great honor and a privilege to be able to address this great community on this day! Being online for 19 and a ½ years is quite the milestone, and it brings to my mind one of the most important qualities all martial artists must accept: Proof is on the floor. February 23, 2008 That's the date that I joined KarateForums.com; I've never looked back to that moment with any regret, whatsoever. I have Brian, bushido_man96, to thank for that moment, and without his tenacity in bringing KarateForums.com to my mind, I might've never kicked open these unknown doors. Like a shooting star that streaks across the nighttime sky, and then fizzles away before it's too late to appreciate just what might've been, I, too, during my very early days here at KF, nearly disappeared in a blink. But, if not for the interventions of Patrick, and of his staff way back then, I wouldn't be here today to have this distinctive honor to speak about KF, its staff, and its countless members. Thank you, everyone, for opening up my eyes some 12 years ago. KarateForums.com quickly became that safe haven for me to escape from the closed bubble known as Shindokan Saitou-ryu; but more importantly, the SKKA, the martial art and governing body that I've trained in for these past 56 years, thus far. However, eating, sleeping, breathing, and drinking Shindokan for those 5.6 decades has been my deepest and sincerest privilege, especially under the watchful eyes of our taskmasters Soke Saitou and Dai-Soke Takahashi. Bubbles stand up against the forces of nature and, oftentimes, the bubble surrenders to the unyielding pressures brought up against it. Albeit, the pressures of being part of the SKKA hierarchy for nearly 30 years, a pressure release valve was needed quite desperately... KarateForums.com was, and still is, that escape vent. I came to not only need that escape from the SKKA, I depended on that release back then, and still do now, from all that KarateForums.com could only provide me away from that bubble. As I battle against a new personal challenge, KarateForums.com as well as its members stand toe-to-toe with me as I fight this that is within me. Their compassionate support as well as their words of comfort mean everything to me, and these aren't idle words, for I mean them with all of my heart and soul. This too is the means of what "the proof is on the floor" means within the gates of KarateForums.com; no one is alone and no one stands alone. Not with family, and KarateForums.com is family. A plethora of knowledge and experience, in and out, as well as away from the martial arts, seeps from the pores of each and every KarateForums.com member. Their topics constantly challenge all of us, as we are so willingly passionate with each other to engage from one conversation to another. This helps each member to find that which they either seek for and/or that which they desire to share which they're so very heartfelt about, whether it be about the martial arts and/or the world outside of the martial arts. Everyone is always welcomed with open arms. These expressions that I gladly speak towards here are the areas where KF excels. Proof is on the floor. Time and time again, KF has exhibited that particular thing with unwavering distinctions. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you. Happy 19 and a ½ years to KarateForums.com.