jaymac

Don't have regrets. You probably just dodged some bullets with this mom. I know that I might sound crude, but she may just cause you and your instructor problems down the road. The best way to advertise is through word of mouth. If she finds even one thing to complain about in your school, she will definitely give your dojo some negative publicity to all who listen.

That is funny!

The other night I was watching a great documentary on Karate and it was based in Japan. The head instructors of these dojo's were very high ranking and the students ranged from white to 5th Dan. It showed much emphasis on kata and the importance of kata. In it, the head instructor did exactly what your class was doing, one step count kata, him leading of course. I watched 5th dan black belts going through the most basic kata right along side the white belts, step by step, not as instructors, but as students. There is a time in your training that you feel that you aren't advancing as fast. This is the time to really evaluate yourself, your dedication, your technique, and your loyalty to the art. You can always improve. Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Are you really concerned about training and being good at what you do, or are you more concerned with earning your next rank?

You will benefit in the Martial Arts and Karate is a great place to start, no matter what style of Karate. I feel bad that people, including your parents tell you that you are a weak hearted guy. I really doubt that. Don't join karate to prove anything to them, do it just for yourself. You are going to love your training. Good luck.

Definitely talk to your instructor, but don't be disappointed if your instructor advises against you teaching him the art. If he is really wanting to train, he should do it under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

Cathal, I have dealt with parents like this. Her intentions are good, but here is the problem ------> she is always going to question everything you do and teach, and she is never going to be satisfied with the answer. That is why she has already left 2 schools and probably 2 gymnastics classes and 2 piano teachers etc.... The person suffering here is her child, who will grow up believing that nothing is ever going to be good enough for her.

Weapons are just the extension of your arms. I believe that many kata may be interpreted as either hand forms or weapons forms, but some more advanced kata, I believe are just hand forms that are not intended for use of weapons.

I had a japanese artist paint ( in kanji) my instructors name and the school name on one rice paper and on the other, the kanji said honor, respect, loyalty, and had both framed in bamboo. It turned out awesome and was really inexpensive. He loved it.

It really is a sad situation, because most instructors would hate to lose their students, especially ones who have been there awhile. I mean there will always be turnover when running a dojo, but to lose a student this way-------> sad. Most instructors would find a way to assist.

Just talk to the head instructor in regards on what to do. No one is going to force you to buy a gi the first day and some schools give free uniforms with a trial membership. Good luck and have fun!

Nice Kata!

The color should be whatever the instructor requires. Starting out, students in our dojo are required to wear white. At 5th kyu, they may wear black. I do prefer black to white. I don't know why. Makes me look thinner Just kidding.

I would go to him and tell him that you would hate to stop training and offer to help out around the dojo. My instructor always has somethings that need to be done: painting, cleaning, fixing up... With Christmas around the corner, there will be lots of places hiring. Good luck.

Years ago when I trained in Kung-fu, we would be frequented by many onlookers passing by our big glass windows. Many times the onlookers were drunks from the bars nearby. They would mimic us outside and yell HIYAA! We really got tired of it going on night after night. My instructor developed a plan for the next time it occurred. Well, we didn't have to wait long. They got into our doorway and began their regular antics and we all grabbed a weapon ( spear, crescent spear, broadswords, 3 section staff) and ran out chasing after them. They took off running like nothing I have ever seen. One guys pants fell down around his knees as he was fleeing ( beer belly bad). We were laughing so hard. After that night, we covered our windows so that people could no longer watch.

This was the most enjoyable article I have read.

We are not affiliated with JKA or any other organization, so it was to my instructors discretion when we learned kata. At 1st kyu, I already knew both Tekki Shodan and Tekki Nidan. At Shodan, I learned Tekki Sandan. It is neat to see how different schools do things.

We must know everything from white to current rank. All kata All self defense techniques against strikes, kicks, etc... All blocks, stances, strikes must be shown correctly and know them in japanese. All defenses against weapons. Physical exam ( pushups, situps, jumping jacks, heavy bag workout, squat thrusts) Sparring against all others testing or other Black belt examiners if not many testing. Written exam and essays.

Actually though, there is no smell to vodka, so it may work. Really though, any antibacterial spray or wipe should work, unless you have cloth material, then just wash it.

I have recently thought about trying swimming and/or yoga. I know both would greatly increase my performance in karate. I should quit thinking about it and just get out there and do it. Thanks for this post, it made me realize I have been procrastinating too long.

Work the next day hmm, what a great way to get out of work Just kidding.

I joined MA for fun and fitness also. Self defense is a bonus. However, my reaction time to anything coming in at me is quickly done without thinking, even outside of the dojo when someone is just messing around and I am not really paying attention, I can respond immediately. Of course, it is with good control and I do not follow through with my strikes. But, maybe this is how your friend should be tested. Do sparring drills as mentioned previously where he has to quickly respond to those attacking. I think it eventually becomes muscle memory and he will learn to react without freezing up.

Again, getting involved no matter who is hitting who is a bad idea. We have been warned in this area to watch out for people doing this (fighting). When someone intervenes on behalf of the "victim", they turn on the individual trying to help and take his/her belongings. It was a scam the whole time. Just call the cops and let them now from a distance that you did.

People bump into each other all the time. Thank goodness we all aren't throwing elbows because of it. You should have followed and apologized immediatley. It might be too late now unless you know who he is.

That is awesome! We are sparring in class tonight and I had already pulled out one of my uniforms with the elastic waist. Now I will have to have a wardrobe change. Definitely going with the tie waist instead. Thanks!!

He is a great instructor, I feel very fortunate to be at this dojo.