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Though I never got to lead an entire class - once I got my brown belt, my Sensei started having me take some lower belts to the back to help them. Sometimes a group of up to 6, sometimes just a single student. As a green belt, I knew I felt this fire in my training. Things were more intense and I started working much harder. But once my teacher had me helping others as a brown belt, my own training became INTENSE. I often tell people that my brown belt days were the most intense days of my karate journey. When I corrected someone else’s mistake, I was comparing it to my own execution of the technique. And I took notes. I learned. I tried to eliminate as many errors as I could. This resulted in my knowing the ins and outs of what I was teaching and practicing - that’s how I got better! When my own training was free from error (it was by no means perfect), I had the freedom to go all out and give my all. Teaching is such a gift, I became a MUCH better martial artist, all around, when I started teaching. Congratulations!

At the end of the day, "you gotta do you". Certainly if you are uncomfortable with the sensei/deshi relationship from the outset, then it probably would not bode well for either of you. I am one of those people that takes such a relationship pretty seriously (one of the reasons I don't run a commercial school or teach many folks period). It seems to be lost on most martial artists nowadays. Sad to see... Good convo though! Not sure if you saw my other post, but I started working as a head instructor for a Premier Martial Arts franchise. My coworker and I (also a fellow martial artist) have struggled with this so much! We’re doing our best to be our own authentic selves and not just sell fast tracks to black belt - but unfortunately, that seems to be the mission of the company. Fortunately, the owner of our school, though not a martial artist, has a big heart and is great to work for. And the curriculum that I teach is determined by the company, so there’s only so much I can do to give my students the best experience possible. The company says they teach a blend of karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, jiu jitsu and Krav Maga - but it’s really only kickboxing and Krav Maga. It pains me that I can’t teach kata! Thankfully, it’s still martial arts. The owner wants to give back to the community and my coworker and I are doing the best we can with what we’ve got.

Wastelander, always a pleasure to hear what you have to say. Respectfully, I think you should give yourself much more credit. In regards to what you said about Patrick - that’s exactly what my entire dojo’s reasoning was (at least 20 different people have chimed in on this, everything you said as well as other point of view - basically saying the same thing) for cancelling their affiliation with him. LOL. Personally, I never met him or interacted with him in any way, so I can’t speak from personal experience. However, there’s definitely a common trend that I continue to see, every time his name is mentioned. Due to the mass amounts of respect that I’ve always held for my own Sensei, I’d never be able to train under someone who’s character is continuously in question. Teach me Chinto!

Tatsujin, thank you so much for your response! Your wisdom and experience has really shines through all the answers you’ve provided me. I struggled with who Patrick McCarthy was for a long time. My initial impression of him was an overly egotistic, overly confident man who loved listening to himself ramble on. I’ve listened to a few podcasts where he’s a guest and I’ve ALWAYS caught myself thinking, “is he even going to give the other person a chance to speak???” However. The man has absolutely earned his right to ramble on. I’ve never heard of NLP, but regardless, he has a wealth of knowledge to share that anyone, regardless of style, would greatly benefit from listening to. It goes without saying that it probably requires patience to be a student of his, but I’d still kill for the opportunity. Along with Noah Legal and Iain Abernathy - I rank all 3 of them as equals. Simply because Noah also studies Shorin Ryu, I’d probably choose him as my Sensei if I could. Lol. Although your answer didn’t have a direct relationship to my questions, I still found it highly insightful. Im happy to have read what you had to share and it really did affect how I view him as an individual. Thank you!

My body seems to go through random periods of being severely prone to injuries. Whenever this happens, I put my focus back on kata until I can pick up the pace again. So, how do you practice kata? I have a few ideas: One Step Kata - Do the first move from the kata, reset. Do the first two moves, reset. Then the first 3 moves, etc. (got this one from The great Noah Legal) Straight kata - each kata, X amount of times. Focused kata - picking one kata to focus on and do multiple times. I’d probably it still run through each kata once just to get in the repetitions. Partner kata (if only I had a partner) - one karateka holds pads for the other karateka to strike while they perform the each movement from the kata. That’s really all I’ve got! If you have any other ways you enjoy practicing kata, I’d love to hear it.

So I’m at a week long training course for Krav Maga with some kickboxing intertwined. My body seems to be very injury prone and has been for about the last decade. A re-occurring neck injury forced me to give up BJJ because it just wouldn’t stop getting triggered. What hurt it yesterday was shadow boxing. Light shadow boxing. Then, what set it off and made me leave class, was having the audacity to look left at my training partner when he said something to me. As it seems, I’m the kind of person (at 26 years old) that has to warm up, for the warm up. It’s the most discouraging thing I’ve experienced. Some of you may have noticed in previous posts of mine that I’m actually a yoga teacher, and I help other people deal with this problem all the time. But I’m starting to think that my knowledge on yoga may not be best for my own body. I mean, I’ve never met anyone who had to tap out of class because they got injured at the beginning of the warm up. Can you share what a warmup looks like for you? Things that you make sure to do? Things that you make sure to avoid? I’m looking for as many points of view as I can find. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated!

In case anyones wondering, I’m talking about Patrick McCarthys Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu. My dojo used to be affiliated with him, so there was a period of time that we trained all (or at least most) of the KU curriculum, alongside Shorin Ryu kata and Yakusoku Kumite developed by Shoshin Nagamine (Matsubayashi). Fortunately or unfortunately, the dojo is no longer affiliated and only bits of the KU stuff will pop up in class from time to time. The focus is now back on bunkai directly from the kata. Anyway, I never liked the KU training until a day came when I was “attacked” in high school (years ago). My attacker threw a punch at me, I caught it and performed a hip throw. It all happened so quick, and my movements came directly from one of the KU waza’s that I had been working on for my next belt. Since then, without studying KU too much, I’ve always assumed that it has benefits that are practical for self defense. Has anyone ever trained in Koryu Uchinadi? What did you think? Do you still practice KU? Would you do it if you could? If you’ve done it, would you do it again?

Thanks for posting this!! I’m actually a yoga teacher so I’m very excited to see a post about my two passions: karate and yoga. I bounce back and forth between the two constantly. Some weeks or months I’m training karate hard and just doing some yoga here and there, other times I’m doing karate and there but putting in 2-4 hours of yoga in every day. There’s SO much to work on. With kata being such a fun part of martial arts for me, I love using “set sequences” in yoga as well. These could range from a few poses strung together, to Sun Salutations and even a whole program like Ashtanga. Now, Ashtanga yoga… that’s extremely challenging, fun, and pretty darn effective all at the same time. The Ashtanga primary series is a set sequence, so you’re doing the same thing every day (though there are harder progressions that you can work up to). A full class can take up to an hour and a half, but there’s short versions you can do for an hour, 45 minutes, 30, 15, etc etc… Regardless, if you want to improve all aspects of your potential yoga skills, Ashtanga is a tried and true method. I myself teach vinyasa yoga, but I’m very inspired by Ashtanga with my classes. Not so much the format of the class, but I love using bits of the sequence in my classes. My own practice has been focused on flexibility and mobility (more of a vinyasa style practice) because I’m trying to work on my kicking techniques so I can kick like Bruce Lee some day. I’ll try to sum it up: - Gentle Stretches to prep for movement. - Sun Salutations (all set sequences). I usually do 12 rounds, varying the kind of Sun Sals between what I’ve picked up from styles, teachers, and what I’ve put together myself. - standing poses. Triangle, side angle, wide legged fold variations. - various mobility exercises focused on internal hip rotation. Kicking focused. - kick-specific exercises - splits, if I can remember. - wheel poses, then I chill out in some relaxing poses. Some days I’m working on handstands and arm balances, but that’s not my current goal. The thing with yoga, is that there are endless ways to practice it. If you have a strenuous job or activity, you can use yoga to just stretch, loosen and relax your body. If you don’t have an active lifestyle, yoga can be ***extremely*** challenging if you explore the realms of Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga. And everything in between! Check out Patrick Beach on YouTube for great, high quality, and very challenging vinyasa classes. So glad you found yoga. I took a yoga teacher training back in 2017/2018 and it’s one of the greatest things I ever did for myself. Good luck!

Coming to the TKD section for this one of course. I’m 26 years old and only started stretching around 21 years old. I’ve made great progress since then! However, I’ve found a plateau in my kicking techniques, particularly the round kick and side kick. I can do them, sure. But I love thinking of that scene in a Bruce Lee movie - someone walks into a room where he’s working out. Bruce is holding his leg up in the air after doing a side kick, and just turns around to face the guy entering the room - leg still up in a flawless side kick position. If not that, I’d like to have a great round kick (head level) that I can demonstrate for my students. The highest I can round kick with good looking form is probably belt/solar plexus level. The highest I can kick (Muay Thai style, not what I teach so not what I’ll be demonstrating for my students) is probably shoulder or neck level. If that’s my ultimate goal, or at least heading in that direction, are there any stretching/mobility/kicking routines that have helped you? I’m looking for specific exercises if you can. I’ve tried kicking, kicking, and kicking some more, which I’ll continue to do, but I really think I need some accessory exercises to help me improve. What worked for you? And yes, I’ve googled and youtubed this topic quite a bit. I found a bunch of great ideas, but there’s so many out there, it’s hard to buckle down on what I can realistically add to my routine and continue to practice. Thank you in advance!

Hey everyone! So I’ve recently been offered a job to be a head karate instructor for a franchise called Premiere Martial Arts. The “style” of karate I’d be teaching isn’t really karate at all, as I’ve been told it’s a blend of various styles and Krav Maga. I saw the job offer on indeed, applied with some videos of myself demonstrating a list of things they wanted to see and was selected for the job. Next month, I’ll be attending a week long “instructor seminar” and that’s all I know so far. Before we jump to any judgements, please know that this is a fantastic JOB opportunity for me and one that I’d like to take full advantage of. It’s much more than I’m making now and the owners seem to be huge on giving back to the community - good people. I’ve been doing various styles of martial arts my whole life, mainly focusing on Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu. I’ve assisted my instructors many times for both kids and adult classes and I’ve been a yoga teacher for the last 5 years, having taught both adults (mainly) and kids classes as well. Has anyone heard of this franchise before? Any knowledge you can share? How can I be the best instructor for these students? There will be both kids classes and adult classes. New instructor tips? Franchise tips? Any wisdom or advice you can share? Everything about this opportunity looks and feels great, it’s just the franchise part that’s throwing me off a bit. Switching from traditional styles to this new blend. I’m excited! But still want to make sure that I give it my best. Thank you!

Thank you!!

Thank you everyone! Zaine, that’s a great, cheap idea that I might actually try lol Mr. Noah, I LOVE the idea of getting a spring loaded reflex bag - didn’t even think of that. I also ordered some kinda resistance bands for punching. Comes with a weird vest, I’m feeling optimistic. Thanks again!

So my problem with the wavemaster and others like it is that they make a LOT of noise when I hit them. Something about the base area, my neighbors below me would hate it lol

Hey everyone! It’s been a long time since I’ve posted here, just been busy with life and whatnot. So I moved into a new apartment building. It has hardwood floors and plenty of space for kata and exercise. The problem, now that I don’t live near any dojos, is that I don’t have anything to actually strike! Can you guys help me brainstorm some things I can use/build, like a makiwara, to practice striking without disturbing my neighbors? Or as minimally as possible at least. Could I go find a tree? Yes. Do I want to? No. Lol. Thank you everyone!

Sensei8, My thoughts exactly! I really would have loved to try Hung Gar. Even though I do and love karate, Kung fu is still awesome and I’ve always wanted to try it. Everyone else around me is BJJ, MMA, TKD or TSD. Hung Gar would have been a great change of pace for me. I have no clue where his students are coming from, but he’s still open. Good for him.

I once had an experience at a Chito Ryu place. The instructors had tons of information, but couldn’t teach at all and we’re barely capable of demonstrating. They just loved to talk about what they know and what they would to do. Most notably, the Sensei was having us practice a cool move he saw on YouTube. I was doing holding the position wrong, so he told me to “turn more.” After he repeated himself 5 more times, he became visibly frustrated and just walked away. Every time he repeated himself, I just tried to turn a different part of my body, not understanding what exactly I was supposed to be turning more. Learn to communicate with your students in different way, have more than one way of saying something, and have patience as an instructor!

Great answers, everyone! Very eye opening for me. Since I’m a “rogue karateka” now (lol), I’d like to dive a little deeper into other styles. I love the kata of Shorin Ryu and I’ll never stop practicing them, but I’d just like to explore more. Is there one kata from each style that you find significant, or worth adding to into personal practice?

Samlaren, Thank you so much for that response! Exactly what I was looking for. I’m always so fascinated by Goju Ryu, even though my style is Shorin Ryu. Still wish there was a Goju place where I live!

I say go for it. ANY training is better than no training. And if you’re learning from someone legit, and they’re saying that you’ve earned a rank - then you earned that rank (under them). Yes, you’ll be lacking on the practicality side of things because training partners will always be better than training alone, but learning and understanding the practicality will become your own responsibility. If your online teacher promotes you, you’ll essentially become a representation of his teachings. I’d hope that he would want that to reflect well upon him. Is it ideal? Not unless you’re extremely introverted. But again, any training at all will always be better than none.

Bushido_man96, That’s awesome! I’d love to hear your thoughts when you’re finished with it! Or even better, post a review about it. LOL. Although my Sensei doesn’t talk about it, I’m sure COVID has affected his business and ALL of his students would appreciate all the support he can get. Thank you!

https://www.ecbbacademy.com/shop.html The first link takes you to the official videos that my Sensei, Jerry Figgiani (8th Dan), has released on his dojo website. Just below that link is a trailer for what the videos have to offer. They focus on the kata bunkai of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu, founded by O’Sensei Shoshin Nagamine. At the bottom of this response is a link (I apologize for its massive length!) to an excellent DVD that shows fukyugata 1-2, Pinan 1-5, and Naihanchi 1-3. These are the main kata of Matsubayashi Ryu, and you’ll get to see them performed at normal speed and slowed down. However, you can easily find the same (or similar) videos on YouTube I can’t recommend anything that Jerry Figgiani Sensei has to offer enough! He’s an amazing person, both extremely talented and loving of his students. He changed my life and countless others as well. Because I love him so much, I’ll share a video about how he really did change someone’s life for anyone who might be interested. It made it on the news in New York. https://www.budovideos.com/products/matsubayashi-shorin-ryu-karate-dvd-vol-2?variant=905493731&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2018-10-18&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAiAi_D_BRApEiwASslbJ5yyGW88WAT2s5se-wOobToQPnJVtK5iw1Kf2uNq7XC7qdXWVkdd-BoCbxsQAvD_BwE

Great post. I’ve only ever trained in Shorin Ryu, but I’d really love to give shotokan a try one of these days.

I once walked into a dojo that had a big “KARATE” sign out front. Since I already had a background in Shorin Ryu, I asked what style of karate they taught and the instructor seemed to “admit” that it was TSD. He then explained that it’s for marketing, because while not everyone will know what TSD is, everyone will know what karate is. I wish I could answer your question!

I’d love to hear thoughts on this because I simply have no clue! What makes that kata (or katas) special for that style? Why would one style almost emphasize practicing that kata, while another style won’t even bother with it? For example, I believe the main kata in Shorin Ryu is Naihanchi. I believe the main kata in Goju Ryu is Sanchin. However, I have no idea why. What about other styles? Thank you in advance!

The last few posts have me laughing. Current goal, I’m always thinking about how I want to lose some weight. I plan things and buy things but my eating habits are just too out of control! Another goal is getting to the dojo as often as I can