Nidan Melbourne

I totally understand of your heart not being in it. It has happened to me a few times, including throughout the course of this year. Sometimes doing less (aka taking a break) is doing more. Especially when it comes to karate. When I last took some time off training, I came back better and stronger with a much renewed interest in my training. Dedication - to me at least doesn't mean you have to drag yourself through something. Especially when it could potentially lead to further injury; which could easily happen if your not training with the right frame of mind. What I find interesting is how different people talk about how dedication is shown and how it can be tested. But at the same hand, dedication and MA training is really only shown when you compete or grade. For me at least; - Low Dedication + Training = I just can't focus, and tend to distract others. Eventually do something silly and get injured. - Low Motivation + Training = I readjust and find that focus that I was missing very quickly.

Oh god I dislike the Throaty Kiai's very much so. And the number of times I've seen people bust up their vocal cords because of that is just ridiculous.

I'm not a fan of the title master; as to me it indicates that the person has a level of mastery and abilityto work around all the different points and applications that could potentially exist. Look at Stephen Hawking; an PHD in his respective field, and he was still researching and learning.

Today I was asked by my PT and his employer to do an Assessment of a few clients today; fortunately I had 6 trainers there to assist me with supervising the groups doing their assessments. And with consent of the Trainers AND the participants, I thought i'd share some info of today whilst withholding any identifying information. Split of Clients: 14 Female, 10 Male and 4 Inter-sex. 90% (25 Clients) were aged between 40 - 60, with the remaining 10% (3 Clients) were 18 - 24. So today I had a total of - 14 New Clients - 14 Existing Clients So with 7 of us total; I was able to organise everyone for 1 of 4 x 90 minute sessions for their assessments. I was the most "educated" of all the staff as I was the only one with a Bachelors Degree or Higher. The rest have Certificates in Personal Training, but one is actually in a position to be studying Exercise Science (which is my qualification) and their doing their placement hours now so they are getting good practice at what we had to do today. So between the 7 of us we did Height + Weight (= BMI even if not accurate) Resting Blood Pressure, Resting Heart Rate Girth Measurements (with tape) - Thighs, Hips, Waist, Chest, Arms Flexibility - Sit and Reach Mobility - Goniometer 3RM - Leg Press, Leg Curl, Chest Press, Lat Pull Down Bruce Protocol (Treadmill) (Sub-Maximal) or Beep Test (Sub-Maximal) Sit to Stand Then with their consent; I performed a Blood Glucose Test where I tested their Blood using the Finger Prick Method in a Sterile Environment (or as close to) and it was done over the course of 3 hours. Which separated them from those from performing exercise testing today, and their going to get their turn next week. All of which (10 participants) were clear with their resting Blood Glucose. As the gym didn't have the equipment to perform Maximal Aerobic Capacity; we went with a choice of Sub-Maximal Tests which allowed for a choice depending on the health of the participants. This was in addition to taking the time to talk to each person getting their history, or updating their history to keep the centers records up to date. What was interesting; those who were already signed up had mentioned that they had never done such an extensive Pre-Exercise or Exercise Assessment before in their lives or since High School. But at the end of the day, they learnt a lot more about their bodies than what they have done previously and where they are at physically. So I sat down after we finished, discussed results with the other trainers to see what we found and immediately contacted the relevant participants of their results and what steps should be taken next if required. So of the 28 Clients we tested today, we found the following; 6/28 were "Exceptional" in several components 18/28 were considered "Average" in all areas Safe to exercise; No Absolute Contradindications to Exercise There may be some "Relative" Containdications; but with observing those issues and appropriate management it is ok to work with. Speak to Doctors about these issues either way 4/28 were "Below Average" in several areas, these 4 were referred to their General Practitioners for further treatment All had "Absolute" Contranindications = No Exercise till further advisement Cardiovascular Health was of the highest priority. Abnormal sounds were heard - Recommendation - Cardiologist Now you might be asking "how did you get uniformity across all trainers?" - that was actually quite easy because we went through all tests prior to the first group and I showed them where to collect the data from and how to do it. Along with providing Information Sheets/Diagrams of where to collect the data from. I've collected some interest from those participants and trainers to assisting me in doing to 12 Lead ECG Practice; as I am preparing to applying for my Masters Program once things calm down from my personal life. Which means now I just have to organise a time at my old University to book one of the rooms and have people come in over a period of a few weeks to practice and collect data. Then I'll be doing the same type of thing with Karate Practitioners at different levels, with the help of the university (Sports Physiologists and Exercise Physiologists as I will be dealing with Athletes and the General Population) as I am looking at doing some research into Karate Practitioners at different levels.

Its actually quite fascinating when you look at movement patterns and some movements from some martial arts how similar they are to each other. When you look at Shiko Dachi; it is similar to a squat movement (regardless of foot positioning) - which in the real world equates to picking things up from the ground, along with sitting down/standing up from a seated position. An interesting one is a single legged position (Crane Stance; see Saifa Kata); now some say this is a stretch but climbing stairs, running, walking and climbing in general or being able to clear obstacles. Oh and the obvious great for working balance; which as we get older becomes more and more of an issue. Food for thought; Front Kick is a great one for building strength and endurance in the muscle for walking and having to carefully place for movement. So with that in mind; even if you don't utilise MA in your normal Gym Workout, but when you go to make a particular exercise more difficult or to target muscles slightly differently it comes in handy in knowing where to place them in functional places that will work.

Whilst at the Gym doing your usual workout, who incorporates some form of their Martial Arts Training into their workout? Be it your stance, performing certain kihon whilst using certain equipment, Kata with resistance (weighted ankles/hands etc). So for me I do: - Sumo Squats (Close to Shiko Dachi) - Cable Machine w/ Rotation (Simulates Mawate) - use different stances and transition into other stances - Cable Rows (Pulling back like Hikite)

I'm ok with students going to enquire to other clubs/styles to learn a kata or train. But I do say to students, that some instructors may not be comfortable having students come in just for that or coming without their chief instructors approval. WHen students come to me to learn a Goju Kata, I ask about their knowledge of Goju Kihon and all that fun before taking them on board.

So for context, I wouldn't say camps wouldn't promote someone if they didn't have a "representative" available from their style. That being said, if I ran a camp and didn't have a KishimotoDi Instructor Present. i'd say to the student "sorry we can't hold a fair grading for you, as we don't have someone suitably qualified from your style to assess your skill"

I don't remember my other gradings except for my White Belt Grading, and all my Dan Gradings. Otherwise its just nervous excitement.

Out of curiousity to the bolded part in the quote: Do you have many students that for whatever reason unable to regularly train 3 classes/week? So they would automatically be discounted for being considered for promotion? Like when I run my own classes (so not via my shihan's club), I do look at their account; what I do look at is that they are consistently training each week.

NIghtclubs are definitely a big one, i'd say some choice words but I don't want to get in trouble here. lol

I'm glad that majority of the time Martial Arts Clubs (or at least in my experience) we're pretty lucky that we rarely have this. I've had more Wrong Customers when I was a Stadium Supervisor for my old basketball association than my karate club.

I was rather nervous before my first grading. At my first club; I trained at one of the satellite dojos (Kew, Victoria) and all our gradings were held at our Hombu Dojo in Ashburton Victoria (20 minute drive/12 km apart). So on the day of the grading; I rocked up and heard one of the instructors (one I didn't know) said to everyone who was grading "Make sure you pull your card out". So I thought "Ok, that's easy enough and not realising that they were more meaning just the Ashburton Students to do it" So When I couldn't find my card, I burst into tears and wanted to cry. Which fortunately one of my instructors (Danielle, a wonderful instructor who I had for 3-4 years) saw me and comforted me and told me what was happening. Despite the confusion around pre-grading; once I got on the mats to bow in and got the grading underway everything ran smoothly. Not sure about other clubs; but the ones I work with (or stemmed from my old club) our students wait till the following week to find out results. So Grading Sunday, majority of students find out on Monday afternoon.

I saw a screenshot of a post on Facebook and it got me thinking about Kumite, and how much some people struggle to adapt to how different some people fight especially when they are preparing for their Shodan. In my mind; this is sometimes something that I have noticed some clubs don't really teach or have people consider. For instance, I fight somewhat like a MMA Fighter; biding my time and making opportunities. Along with being a pain in the butt by fighting "Dirty" which a lot of people hate. But by "Dirty" I mean: low kicks, making the person look at my hands and then kick them again. Also annoyingly having a lot of "sticky hands" when I fight.

The bowing I've only had a handful of times over the years. It is definitely embarrassing. The last time it happened; I was working as a School Crossing Supervisor and happened to be at a school that a number of my students attend. They saw me and were bowing. What was awkward I was having a check-up assessment done by my manager at the time. When the kids left and my shift was nearly done, they came up to me and asked about had happened and why. So I had to explain to her that they were my karate students, and they didn't realise that the only time they have to do that is at the dojo.

Hahaha same here with the guessing. of the last 4 tournaments I watched in person; I'm sitting at about 75% correct and that's without cheating and looking at the board that sits in front of the Judges Table.

I attend tournaments where they use the WKF Rules Set - so Red/Blue Flag System. To me a good kata; you see the following: Correct Start/Finish Procedure Loud YET Confident Announcement of Kata (Not Screaming that it becomes unintelligible) I.e. Announcing say Unsu; Loudly and Clearly that all in the area knows that you said Unsu (Not "I'M SCREAMING AT YOU FIFIDJIFDOGSUODGUHGOSIDFF") Performing the Correct Kata Can't go butchering it Strength and Softness when appropriate Maybe that's why I love doing Suparinpei at tournaments? Now I have never done Weapons (Other than Balintawak Arnis) at my dojo let alone at a Tournament. If I was to judge a weapons form; Drop it - you're done/form finished Lose Control - Lose points Proper Start/Finish Demonstrate proper carrying Ie Katana in its Sheath on the correct side and practitioner wearing a Hakama

Is it a fairly uniform policy for classes for all Kyu Grades? or does it scale upwards as they progress through the Kyu Grades? Our students have a similar thing; where they have to have a minimum of 30 class credits to be eligible. Yet students often do in excess of 40-50 before attending their next grading. Yet our 1st Kyu's may have well over 100 class credits attributed to them.

Now fortunately, when I help at such camps where there are gradings; I make sure they get the approval for students to grade from their instructors. The last camp I was at; I was part of the Goju Crew that were permitted to grade. albeit I was responsible for those grading up to Shodan-Ho.

Out of curiousity, what does your country list (outside of Gun Laws) as a Prohibited Weapon? I attached what my state of Victoria has in its Prohibited List. Which lists a lot of Martial Arts Weapons, Knives/Blades and a few other items. So legally own these, we have to apply for a special permit and list how we will store this and what purpose for us acquiring them are. So Sai for instance; we would indicate that we are using them for Kobudo purposes. My intentions are when/if I can run a full time location with Karate AND Kobudo, I would have a secure location storing them and only permitted people to access them for class. Prohibited-Weapons-Guide_APR-2015.pdf

So I am currently a 2nd Dan at the club I train + teach at; we don't award the title of Sensei to any person until they are a 3rd Dan and an active instructor. So by my club standards, I am a Sempai until I get my promotion. However, do I correct people when they address me as Sensei? Nope, why? because to me they are addressing me as such out of respect and politeness. Especially from those who have cross trained; they tend to do it more often as I am more often than not the most senior person there. Unless I am physically training myself and there are generally 2 or 3 people more senior than myself there teaching or training. Students who see me outside of class, tend to have difficulty separating me from the dojo and as an instructor. Unless I am friends with the person then they have no issue with addressing me as just Liam.

Lol As much as i agree with that; there should be a Rule 3. If Sensei is wrong; they will correct their mistake and provide the correct information when it comes to teaching their art.

Since this has popped back up since I last contributed to it; Kyu Grades have a lot more flexibility at my club than we do for our Dan Grades. As our requirements for all Kyu Grades require the following: 5 'Tags' Students tested at minimum every 6 lessons; but dependent on their attitude and behaviour on the day Can't just know the skills tested, but need to be proficient. 30 Training Hours (Minimum) By the time gradings come around; most students will have close to 40-50 hours per rank. If they miss a grading; they will attend the next one I expect of students to have some understanding/knowledge of the history of Karate and Goju For me at my own club; you need to be invited to grade Dan Grades; have a time in grade minimum as a Nidan; I have a 3 Year Training Requirement Requirements (in addition to that gap) also require me to consistently train throughout the 3 years Understanding and Knowledge of History of Karate (as a whole) and Goju-Kai Build an understanding of other Styles or Martial Arts and to demonstrate such knowledge For Example: Learn some Judo Techniques; regardless of technical difficulty or even say Kobud That is starkly different to say someone preparing to grade to Shodan (1st Dan) from Shodan-Ho (Provisional 1st Dan) where they mainly have to worry about their curriculum and the time in grade (18 months).

I had a feeling you'd post and make points that would allow me to clarify further. So the promotions would be for your style; so if for instance here in Australia there was say a 6th or 7th Dan in Shindokan and they would be there. They would have asked to "oversee" the promotion of those students. Who else outside of yourself would you allow to oversee gradings? If for whatever reason you were unable to be in attendance at the Testing Cycle. Also what is policy for future testings where you are no longer in a position to supervise and make it a valid testing cycle? For instance; my Shihan (he formally started using it a couple of month ago, after realising we had 6 other Instructors using the "Sensei" Title at our small club) allows us Dan Graded students to grade outside of him with (but not limited to) - Yamaguchi Goshi Saiko Shihan - Tino Ceberano Hanshi (IGK) - John Ross Sensei (IGK Victoria) - John Lamberos Renshi (IGK Victoria) - Karate Victoria - Karate Australia Both Karate Australia and Karate Victoria run Dan Gradings, but costs a fair bit to organise senior graded persons (3 or 4 instructors; usually 6th Dan or above) to come and oversea your promotion. We might not be formally affiliated with the IGK; but my Shihan has a positive relationship with the instructors (especially Tino Ceberano Hanshi) to allow us to be graded and recognised by them.

If this is still around in 23 years, that would be pretty damn cool to see and the type of updates that may occur. Also @Patrick the team you have behind you that keeps this site up and running is pretty damn cool. Like the others and myself play a small part in helping you here, but no where as much as the others.