tsuru24

Well, as someone in a similar position (3 torn ligaments, broken metatarsal), I can sympathise. What I've been doing is working on the mental aspect of training; meditating, reading books on karate, and visualising moves e.g. kata. Visualising and really 'feeling' it in your head can help. And like you said, there are other parts of your body you can work on. So you can make a certain kind of progress, and in fact work on areas that others might neglect. Also, I have been getting deep tissue massage from a physio which helps break down the scar tissue so you have a better chance of regaining better movement. I'm not a doctor or a physiotherapist so can't comment on whether this would be suitable for you, but it might be worth seeing a good sports therapist to get their opinion on whether it would be worthwhile in your case. You will have to wait until the healing has reached a certain stage, and it will probably be expensive, but worth it in the long run. Hope your knee gets better soon!

Thank you

Ah good, I'm glad the general consensus is that there are advantages to training with two different schools/instructors, because that's what I was feeling. I also think that like some of you have mentioned, it's probably better to get it out in the open. The issue is just finding the right time/way to broach the subject with Sensei. If I explain it in terms of increasing my knowledge being a benefit for everyone I think he'll understand. And of course depending on if the other school will take me!

Hi, I wanted to ask your opinions on the possibility of training at two different schools (in the same MA)... I've been a member of my current karate school for around 2 years and it's extremely convenient for me. However recently I've been getting a bit 'deeper' into karate and learning more about the art, if you like, rather than just the physical fitness. In short, it's becoming more than a hobby. Looking into this, I'm starting to have some reservations about the club I'm in; I've sensed a shift in priorities lately and feel that more emphasis is being put on getting the seniors up their grades as quickly as possible in order to reduce the amount of time Sensei has to teach (most of the seniors instruct). Although this is completely voluntary and seniors who are sempai don't pay for lessons, the way in which it's happened didn't seem to involve much choice for the students who are no longer taught by an experienced black belt (in some cases they are being taught by lower grades than themselves). I'm often questioned by my students who want to know when/why Sensei isn't coming back, and I'm not sure how to answer them. My training-teaching ratio has also reduced in favour of teaching. Now, I don't necessarily want to leave my school, because I do like our Sensei and feel very close to both my peers and students- they're like my family in some ways. But I don't feel like I am getting all of what I need from it. I have done a bit of research online and it is very hard to find what looks like a decent karate dojo in my area, although I have found one that looks serious and "authentic" about 20 miles away who offer lessons on Saturdays. Since I don't normally train on a Saturday, I'd like to try it out and am wondering if it would add another dimension to my training. However, I don't know if it is right to train at two different schools and if it would be a betrayal in some ways. There's no question of me switching to this new school completely: it's too far away from home/work and the lesson times aren't right for me to train more than once a week, and like I said I feel I have a connection and obligation to my peers and students at my current school. Apologies for this being a bit long... have to say though it feels good to get it off my chest! Any advice much appreciated.

I've already made a few posts, but might as well formally introduce myself I live in England and have been practising goju ryu karate for just over 2 years, and since the start of this year have been senpai-ing at 2 classes a week (1 kids' and 1 adults' class). Currently not much training due to an injury but focussing on theory side of things more! Been enjoying looking through the forums and found a lot of interesting things. Nice to meet y'all

It's my surname in Japanese

Same at my school- you don't have to wear a gi, although it's encouraged after you get to a certain level. I think that, like your Sensei, ours understands that not everyone can easily afford one, especially when several students are unemployed or if they're children, they come from large families. I think you have to adapt to the situation of your students to a certain extent, and as long as you wear proper gym/sports clothes it's fine to train, although I definitely think gi should be worn in competitions or anywhere you're representing your dojo, even if you have to borrow one!

As somebody who's been in a similar position, I say, just keep doing it! The more often you do it, the more 'normal' it will seem. Try not to avoid it, and as and when you start to feel more confident, maybe even volunteer to demonstrate other moves (if they ever ask for volunteers in your dojo). Speaking more generally, I can't recommend mindfulness and meditation enough. It can all sound a bit cheesy, but just being aware of your feelings, accepting them and recognising that your emotions aren't you really helps in all kinds of stressful situations!

Thanks for the recommendations and welcomes, I'll look those ones up. Definitely helps to get recommends from people who've actually read the books. Ah yes it does, have done something similar with music practice in the past and it's strange but it does help! Sorry to hear about your knee, hope it's not too bad and recovers soon.

Great, thanks for the link and your kind words! The list reminded me of a couple of books my sensei mentioned, so now's a good chance to actually read them myself.

Hi, this is my first post; I've just joined this forum as yesterday I badly sprained my ankle and have been told I can't walk on it for 4-6 weeks, and apart from using my arms, no karate for at least this time. So I've decided that in my recovery time I'm going to work on the mind/spirit aspect of training- more meditation and reading! So I wanted to ask what are your recommended theory/inspirational books on karate, whether general training/martial arts or specifically about goju ryu karate jitsu? Also, any book recommendations about teaching would be good as I act as senpai at two classes a week (adult and children- aiming to keep this up, even if it means sitting on a chair!) Any other tips about things I could do while resting up would be great. Thanks!