SenNoSen

In JKA Shotokan, we also pivot on the heel when we do Kihon & Kata even if in kumite we move on the ball of the foot. The main reason is to avoid "Nige" in japaneese; i.e. if you move foword and give a punch and if your heal move in opposite direction (slip other direction than the block or body) then you lose power and momentum in the direction you are stiking. In physics this can be modelized by vector of force. All body must go in same direction. If one part of the body going in a different direction then one vector of force cancel to some proportion the other one.

Tall guys will most of the time attack the head area because easier target for them. They also need more energy to strike So I would change direction randomly and try attack in the attack or upper block and counter attack at the same time. I would also impose my own rythm

Shodan Balck belt is really the start of learning the art (at least for Karate that I teach). Then you need to seek perfection of technique, spirit and kime for the following Dan. The practitioner having a black belt is a very important pillar in a dojo as for me it's a role model for beginners and kids who will aways watch the most graduated to improve the technique.

Thanks JR137 for the valuable inputs. I Agree, the teaching must be fun so that they are motivated to continue until they become adults. For JKA Karate the spirit of Budo is: 1. Seigi: The right decision and rectitude 2. Yuki: Bravery and heroism 3. Jin: Compassion and benevolence to all 4. Reigi: Courtesy and right action 5. Makoto: Truthfulness and utter sincerity 6. Meiyo: Honour and glory 7. Chugi: Devotion and loyalty Some parents bring their kids to do karate because they want them to be more disciplined, increase focus (some kids are even Hyperactive) and have a balance physical activity in using both legs and arms. For young kids, we could find a way to teach some of these principle ex: rectitude, courtesy, right action and sincerity. The challenge is therefore to adapt specific training to the adequate age group

Thanks a lot Spartacus, Yes you are right, patience is a must. I find it difficult to when it comes to discipline which is a must in martial art. To keep the course attractive, I sometime include games and small competition and it seems to work but I wonder if this is correct since one may view this as conflicting with the spirit of budo.

Hello, I am from Mauritius Island and we have recently launched the Japan Karate Association of Mauritius and we sometime train on the beach with the kids who love it. Having always their attention in the dojo is not always easy ... On a general note, I was wondering if we could share our experience about teaching, kihon, kata, kumite to kids in the dojo. Personally I am interested in improving the pedagogy with new concept Any recommandation from other styles or school would be much appreciated. Thanks SenNoSen