Ryukyu_lover

I think if a blackbelt starts to slack off, that means they have never really wanted to do Karate. Either they will quit soon after this habit starts, or most instructors will have a chat to them. Agreed with JusticeZero though; they just wouldn't be able to grade.

I don't think these arguments really qualify a place for a "Mcdojo". My dojo teaches in a school hall as it is quite a young school, and rental for businesses is too darn high where I live. Forms and patterns aka kata. That is where we get bunkai from. There is so much to be gained from studying kata. If you study the kata in depth, and think outside the box as to where you can apply these different techniques. It's not a dance. There may be a few more points, but these ones were glaring out at me.

Should understand that the blocks that you train e.g. Soto uke, ageuke etc. aren't really effective if they're used as just a block. My dojos practice is to train them, setup etc. and put them to work. They end up not really being "blocks" at all. Just need to keep an open mind, adapt the techniques to many different situations. In the end, it's your decision. If you feel that the dojo is too traditional, and not to your liking, then you don't have to train it.

Great thread. Lower belts should have nothing to fear. The higher belts should be giving advice throughout the sparring. Tell the beginners how to move their feet, let them know their guard should be up. Have them move in and out. It's not just the instructor that helps the lower belts. Everyone helps everyone.

I noticed you said Japanese don't train with gloves. I've trained with a few shotokan dojos here in Japan, and all of them have worn gloves. Even, for the younger studets, Bogu. Your dojo sounds fine. Keep with it.

I too have felt exactly the same. The weeks leading up to my grading were nerve-wracking. Just do what you remember. If you stuff up, don't worry about it. Good luck with achieving shodan.

I am also in agreement with most of what has been said already. A dojo should be like a family. You all train together, you all help each other. A sensei is a figurehead of the dojo, and teaches the techniques. He keeps it together, but there is no reason that you can't be friends with a sensei. My dojo does plenty of things together. Everyone is happy. Maybe if a sensei is hanging out with younger students, it may be a bit sus. But as adults, no problem.

Hi all, Well, I finally decided to get in touch with the wider world of Karate. I've made my pilgrimage to Okinawa, and am keen to learn even more from everyone outside my dojo. Looking forward to meeting all of you.