Spartacus Maximus

Maybe this will come off as shocking to a few people, but the training methods mentioned are not unusual. There is no rule anywhere which says that a certain belt/rank or level should know a set number of kata. The only thing that matters is how well one understands the kata, the principles it contains and the use of the techniques. As for training while enduring outside physical stress like hotter or colder temperatures, that also is not the least bit unusual. As long as it is done responsibly with proper preparations and supervision it is feasible for normal healthy people who have no preexisting conditions. In Okinawa the summers can be as hot as 35 degrees in the shade, yet karateka still train and most dojos have no air conditioning. People are softer than they used to be because of modern comforts, but if done slowly and gradually it is possible to get used to intense effort in that kind of climate. The belt issue is also not questionable in any way. Many traditional dojo and instructors do not give a new belt after shodan, but only a certificate or other similar document. That formal written recognition of rank is actually more significant than the belt. The one and only objectionable thing in the OP is the fact the sensei seems to be pressuring students to buy or use the health products. Unless requested and approached by students, the only thing a sensei should discuss is martial arts. Other subjects ought to be kept for a time after training and outside the dojo.

The square knot is the standard way and wether it is crossed in the back or overlapping is either a dan versus kyu thing; or left to the discretion of individual instructors. What ever the tying method, new belts usually tend to slip and untie themselves, especially those fancy silk covered "look-at-me" blackbelts.

For practicality and versatility nothing is better than a good stick. Even though it may not be easily carried, sticks can be found almost anywhere so learning to effectively use one is not wasted. A knife is another good choice but it comes second to the stick because unlike the stick, knives often have somekind of legal restriction making their use and/or ownership problematic. The same can be also said of every other martial arts weapons.

If everyone involved is in agreement, then there should be nothing to interfere with someone teaching a rank higher. It is however, more common with people training in different systems or style than within the same one.

It is a fact that those who are trained for certain situations are likely to respond according to the way they learned if and whenever they find themselves in that type of situation. That is the entire purpose of training and why it makes sense to train a given response, even if it is obvious that the real-life situation will most likely not present exactly the ideal circumstances. Training provides only ideas and only prepares to deal with what might happen. However, it is better to be able to do something, anything without thinking than being completely unprepared. In self defense, for example, it is not important how stop or avoid an attack. What is important is that you do it, and quickly without significant injury. Essentially, a karate trained person will probably use something from karate. But karate or any other martial art system does not have a monopoly on effective defense techniques for a given situation. There really is no such animal as "karate style" self defense or a XYZ way self defense.

Maybe one of the things many will agree with is an instructors personality. This is almost immediately apparent within minutes of meeting or a conversation. As mentioned by Sensei8, honesty is very important to as credibility factor. Someone who is completely honest and matter-of-fact about what they can and cannot do or teach is more likely to be trusted than one who brags, flaunts or exaggerates their background.

Even in karate's craddle dojo's or instructors who refuse outright to teach children under 16 are not very common. What is quite common, from my experience is that adults will either have their own exclusive training time where the "full" curriculum will be taught including the so called "dangerous" aspects. Some will restrict that further and only teach those details to the most senior and trusted students. Children are usually taught only the basic punch, kick and blocks and are taught the "dirty tricks" when they reach appropriate level and maturity. It maybe something to consider if keeping the dojo open requires income from paying parents. If not, then just go on teaching exactly what you think best lives up to the legacy of your teacher.

Karate training and practise is supposed to be physically demanding. If one feels not strain at all afterwards, then either effort is lacking or one is doing it the wrong way. Kata, for example, is one of the most exhausting thing to do if it is done with intent and without pause at just a third of full power into each and every technique. Much more so than a few rounds of full speed/full contact kumite.

My instructor was like a character from a movie. The perfect stereotype of a little wise old sensei with unexpected and amazing skills. At 70 years old, he is in phenomenal shape and trains every day. The most impressive thing was that he explained in a way that is rare for martial arts teachers. Very scientific, especially for things like body mechanics. Perhaps what makes him a great instructor is more how he teaches than anything else. He is very good at showing how and why everything works and getting people to understand quickly what they should strive for when training.

If it can be of any consolation, dinosaurs are not only found in the upper levels of senior students. When political arguments and endless discussion about how and what should be taught become unbearably tedious, there really is only one choice and that is to leave. If that is the only way to continue training or teaching the way one was taught, it is better to go on without a governing body, association or organization. One's instructor should take priority over whatever governing body and politics. After all, do we not learn from someone because of what they teach and how they teach or just because they belong to XYZ association? So says the mighty Karate-saurus

Let's say that only the training floor is needed and that the dojo does not need an office space, a lobby or display area. 1000sq feet sounds a bit too large.

How much space is one "mat"? Approximately how many square feet or meters? A commonly used puzzle style mat sold by sports/gym suppliers comes in 1sq meter.

Let's assume it is for adults or at least no one smaller than the average 16 year old of both sexes. Keeping in mind that different types of martial arts might have different floor space needs, what is the minimum for yours?

What would be the minimum training floor area for about a dozen people? how much space is required so that everyone can move comfortably without risking bumping into one another?

The best idea to deal with shrinking cotton dogi is to buy one size or size and a half bigger than needed. That way it will still fit comfortably even after it shrinks. Personally I have a preference for pure cotton canvas so that is what I do. Also never use harsh detergents and wash in cold water. Avoid dryers and only hang dry. There isn't much else to do to make sure a gi lasts as long as possible.

It can be difficult to think from a prospective student's point of view especially if it has been a long time since one was in that position. The benchmark for reference in the original question was something very general. The one thing about a potential instructor that would get people to say to themselves " this is someone who knows what they're doing, and who can be trusted to teach martial arts"

Different people have different ideas about what makes someone a good instructor. What trait or quality makes someone credible as a martial arts instructor besides having a school or dojo? Is it age? Rank? Fighting , combat or competion record? Reputation or recognition? What are prospective students more likely to consider?

Yes, the gift giving thing is quite serious and extents to Okinawan and Japan culture as well. An appropriate visit gift is nothing extraordinary or very expensive and it is usually based on one's social relationship with the person one is visiting. A popular thing to offer is a specialty of wherever one is coming from such as fancy candies or a good wine. Perhaps something unique from your native region? Better still if one happens to know the person's tastes. If possible ask someone who knows. Also avoid at all costs giving anything in 4s or sets of 4. 4 is to Japanese what 666 is to superstitious Westerners. All around bad, bad mojo because 4 and "death" are pronounced the same in Japanese. It is also a very negative symbol in Buddhist influenced cultures.

"Fighting dirty" is a concept that comes from sport and the rules of sportsmanship. Fighting, the kind that is required when one is truly in danger is inherently dirty. In self-defense one uses whatever works best to minimize injury to oneself, stop the attack and allow escape from further harm. At the risk of sounding cheesy, Bruce Lee (maybe others as well) said "If it works, who cares where it comes from?)

One term and concept to learn and accept is shima jikan. It means "island time". As with all island cultures, people tend to be quite loose on time. It should be no surprise if something or someone due for a specific time is not exactly at the time intended. Especially outside of the more tourist oriented places. If the time is supposed to be 10 o clock, expect 10:15-10:20ish. Buses are notorious for this and that is the way it is unless it is a formal event or business meeting or something of that nature.

The tuition given includes all training days and weekends. There are no other costs. The dojo accepts anyone who is at least 12 years old. Everyone is together at first, but groups based on age and level may be if and when numbers allow it.

Make excuses for doing something instead of giving reasons not to do it. Missing a training day at the dojo here and there should not matter that much at all if one attends as often as possible and practices at home or wherever and whenever one has a spare few minutes. The key is to do as much as possible with the time available. Any worthwhile instructor can see who practices and who show up for lessons but do nothing until the next day. This is how a student who only shows up once a week but practices can make more progress than one who just goes to the classes and does nothing between a class and the next.

For maximum benefit to health and overall wellness, whatever the choice may be should be made into a daily habit. If it is karate, then train and practice some of it every day. Even if it is just a few minutes, making it the most intense few minutes of the day. Results will come in time

To make things clear and add details to our fictional dojo, here is a recap: 100$ a month for 3 days a week plus weekends: 5days total. No contracts of any kind. The price is the same for everyone. One training session is an hour and a half long. Saturday and Sunday are semi-private and open to anyone who can attend. On weekends training is 2 hours.

What was the single most influential or useful advice for your training you ever got and where did it come from? If you had only one thing to offer to a student of yours about to become an instructor ?