RJCKarate

My sensei is sensei everywhere. It wouldn't occur to me to not call them sensei - whether it's in Okinawa or Australia. However, I do not feel the requirement to bow in public to my sensei, but my sensei wouldn't expect that. When we're not in the dojo, there is no necessity to draw attention to our karate craziness. We can nod, shake hands, converse, whatever.

Good post, OP (I'm not sure: but I have a feeling we already know each other). Firstly, someone remarked about if it's not-for-profit what does it matter. My dojo is not-for-profit but we run a commercial full-time dojo where we offer regular karate classes per week, 2 aikido, and various events. Not-for-profit means we're not doing it for the profit, but we still need to make one. When I started my dojo, I would have been concerned about this. I was concerned about everything that may affect my student's happiness. Now, I'm only concerned with what's in my control. So, what's that? Firstly, I educate my students on what grade means at my dojo: not much. It's about the skill, and not the colour of the belt. We have 4 testing cycles per year for juniors, and most students test at 1-2 of those cycles depending on their progress. I have had junior students at a white belt for more than a year because they can't meet the standard, but everyone therefore knows it's a standard. For seniors, we have actually moved away from having any formal grading cycle. When a student is ready, I tell them, we organise a one-on-one time (or sometimes there are a few students) and we do atest to formalise their advancement to the next rank. Or I just award a grade in class. I think that this method works well, and our feedback is that people enjoy not being just given a belt or stripe. Why? Because we educate, right from the start in our welcome letter and student handbook (and before that on our website), what the grading system means in our dojo. We do not grade students to shodan before 16yo. I do have little Johnny coming and telling me every now and then, "hey sensei, my friend does XYZ-ryu and he just got a black belt!", and I usually respond with "that's great, good on him/her!". That's usually the end of it.

Hello. I've been to Okinawa quite a few times now, but I belong to an organisation that has it's Headquarters in Okinawa, and we train with our sensei, not other organisations. First and foremost, if you go to Okinawa: do not go to train in Shotokan. If you want to train in Shotokan, go to Japan. The closest style to Shotokan would be Shorin-ryu. Variants of Shorin-ryu include Matsubayashi-ryu (my style), Shorinkan, Kyudokan, Shidokan or Seibukan - I think any would be suitable. Secondly, don't just go to train. Go to immerse yourself in the rich culture, the history, and the people. Make it a pilgrimage where you spend your time looking at the birthplace of karate. You'll get much more out of it this way. Go with an open mind, and an attitude to learn as much as you can, and a happiness to accept that things are different (not right or wrong). Try to retain this information and use it to expand your knowledge. I don't think your grade matters as long as you can do the above. I've taken my students to Okinawa on a variety of occasions, and the least experience have included a person with < 1 year training. I am sure, with or without karate training, that you will enjoy Okinawa - it is one of the best places on earth, in my opinion. As someone else mentioned, yes, contact the Okinawa Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau and Mr Miguel Da Luz (http://okkb.org/) - he will assist you wherever you need. If you'd like to chat at all, or ask any questions, don't hesitate to PM me.

I actually got together with a group of four like-minded dojo today. We get together every 2 months and rotate between each dojo's location & instructor where they deliver a lesson based on something fundamental to their style. We're a Shorin-ryu dojo, and there is Goju-ryu and 2 Shotokan. This lesson was hosted by me, and we focused on what I called the "Functional Format of Bunkai". This looks at how kata was (re)engineered and possibly put together to represent the applications. It is my opinion that kata is simply the representation of someone's self defence/fighting techniques in solo form, as a way to act as a template for their memory. It is common, even in my style of Okinawan karate, that kata is taught for a long time (say until black belt) without application, and application is something that you do when you get a greater understanding of the solo movements. I think there is a validation in this method, but I prefer to introduce application right from the start at a very basic level in the form of fundamentals or principles. We do not have designated applications for each technique or kata segment, but rather rules to apply to create an application. Therefore, I think it is the sensei's job to instruct the student on fundamentals, principles, and of course, show actual application for kata and its segments, but I also think its up to the student to explore a little: we're all different sizes, heights, shapes, experience levels etc. You might have noticed I didn't use the term "bunkai" above. That's because it's often used wrong. Bunkai means to disassemble or break apart, and Bunseki means to analyse, and oyo means to apply (or an application). However, most karate people use bunkai as the blanket term - which I think is ok, as long as you know the actual meaning too.

Hello. I have the worst model of them all: I do everything myself. However, I do love it. My dojo is a full-time centre, but I also maintain my day job. We're a registered not-for-profit association, and therefore are run with this in mind (many people interpret this as "doesn't make a profit", which is completely wrong, we're like every other business except I do not draw a wage from it). This is our 8th year going, and from the start I have managed everything from the accounting, contracts, student enrollment, marketing, facility management and class teaching. I have up until recently been teaching 8 classes per week (4 juniors, 4 seniors) but have reassigned 1 of my juniors classes to a senior student who has taken an interest (and been trained) in teaching. With this model, we have around 70-80 active students at one time, with everyone training at least twice (it's a requirement) per week, and many three times. We are, however, really at capacity with this model. This is mostly because our classes are full (usually around 25-30 kids with an instructor [me] and an assistant). So, we're focusing on trying to build some of our members into future instructors and to take on bigger roles in the dojo - but everyone is busy, and not as karate-crazy as me. My partner (in life, not karate) does help with things when needed, especially around events, but doesn't play a role in managing the dojo.

Hi DWx, Interesting topic. I think these personality tests are always fun to look at, and coming from a marketing background, it's an introduction to looking at your audience mix. I got: Commander (ENTJ-a). I'd say looking at things overall, this is fairly accurate (and what I've got before): https://www.16personalities.com/entj-personality Alternatively, I've also come up as ENTP & ESTJ.

I've only just seem this and it's a year ago... what was the outcome?

Hi sensei8, I agree re black belts not all being able to teach, which is why I wanted to base this conversation around non-grade and MA requirements. You mention can you teach someone to teach? I'm going to disagree and say yes. School teachers aren't simply picked for their academic ability and personality - that might be one factor - but then they engage in formal education to learn the skills they need from the ethics of education to curriculum building and teaching methods and techniques. I think a lot of MA organisations certify instructors on their "teaching ability" which is actually their personality. While this is important, it doesn't ensure that they know the finer details of instructing. Is there anything you do in your dojo to ensure that your instuctors undergo some formal recognised training to not only give consumers confidence, but to ensure they're learning to coach properly? I do think some people can teach well naturally, they're personable, knowledgeable and passionate, but are they as good as they could be? To make it clear, I don't think an external qualification is needed. Coaching ability can be learnt through an apprentice/mentoring model, but what about things life business management, lesson planning, risk and safety management, dealing with those with learning development needs? Great contributions all, keep them coming!

Hi all, While I'm asking this primarily as a karate Instructor, I'm interested in all MA. We all know the MA industry, especially karate, is relatively loose when it comes to Instructor Qualifications and training. I would like to ask everyone what formal qualifications they require (other than MA experience and rank) for different level instructors? Also, is this a requirement of your country, organisation etc? For me, my country doesn't REQUIRE anything by law. My association does require you to be a licenced dojo owner. The closest thing to a requirement in Australia would be accreditation under our National Coaching Accreditation Scheme by the Australian Sports Commission, delivered by the Australian Karate Federation (part of the WKF), our only federal government endorsed karate coaching course. This course mainly covers off on basic coaching principles, ethics, methods etc. I had never bothered with this course as I'd done a variety of other ones and heard mixed reviews, but I recently completed it and would actually say that it would be a good legal requirement to roll out. As for what I require from my instructors, it's a community coaching course through our national sports commission and a working with children check. Any instructor who wants to take a class on their own also needs first aid & cpr training. Myself, I have the above as well as a Sports Trainer qual and recently a Diploma of Sport Coaching (from an education institute: Diploma in Australia is called "vocatiobal education" and is an alternative to university that generally focuses more on teaching practical competencies than theory). We do not have an internal course for instuctors, but rather have them complete the above courses. I am trying to develop an internal course to supplement these generic coaching courses though, and am interested to hear what others do, and if there are any resources (such as Instructor handbooks) that you're willing to share. P.s. sorry for typos, I posted from my phone.

I've just finished up my 10th trip there last week. I hope you're going with training preorganised? Good places to visit include: Matsuyama Park with Chijun Miyagi Monument Tomari with Kosaku Matsumora Monument Fukushuen Shurijo Shikinaen Zakimi Castle Aquaroum in Nago Forest Adventure Park Ryukyu Mura Peace Memorial Okinawa World Shureido martial arts supplies store Dojo Bar If you want to look at some of the fun places I took my students, just take a look at https://www.facebook.com/karatecanberra

I use a couple of different systems rather than one alone. Booking into their first lessons - I use a program called Smoothbook where you can set up your class times, days, categories etc and have a "book now" button This alerts me when someone has booked and also sends automatic emails of confirmation, reminder (24h before), and follow up (next day). It's great. Joining and member management - The software I use to manage our dojo including member records, event registrations, event payments, gradings, attendances, email correspondence, text messages etc is called DojoExpert - it's great and the owner will work with you to customise it. It has the ability to take payments through PayPal regularly for fees, but I only use it for event based fees, and the below for regular. When people join they full out an eForm and this inputs directly into my management system. The only paper we have is the signed waiver/disclaimer. Trainings fees - We require fees to be paid monthly, 12 months of the year. We use a direct debit company where the student can select their method of payment and it comes out automatically. I use this rather than the inbuilt system as it allows me to more easily suspend and cancel payments, provide more flexibility in payment options, and they've written all the financial disclaimers for me. I can also easily just add a charge for gradimgs etc. I have templates built for each program, so it's a fully electronic sign up and cancellation etc. It's taken me 8 years to get to this system, but it works really well and is fairly seamless and has reduced my manual workload and admin significantly. We're a dojo with a commercial facility, 8 classes a week, and 80 students, but we're not a business, we're a non profit and it means I do everything from teach to admin while having a full time day job - so I try to use efficient self regulating systems. P.s. typed this in my phone, sorry for any mistakes.

Hi there, First - unaccepted, I've sent you a PM, so hopefully you read it. Second - Safroot, thanks for the unsolicited referral. There are plenty of quality Karate schools in Canberra, and many high-class instructors. Just do a good search via google and you'll get most listed. All the best.

If there are set self-defence techniques I've taught, and some of these are required at a specific grading, I'd like to see the ones I asked for, not others. However, I do always ask my students at the grading if they know anything higher (kata, kumite, goshin-waza etc) as I believe grade just shows where you're at in the syllabus so if you know more, you get more. Are takedowns part of your syllabus for your green/white belt? I think ask your sensei. p.s. I assume you train with Mr Mark Greville of Shorinkan Australia? I've trained with one of his students at my dojo. Good luck on your journey.

In Matsubayashi-ryu, finishing and ending on the same spot is called 'positional coincidence' - the kata are designed to do this, and if you're doing everything correctly (stance wise) you will start/end on same spot. Firstly, if you haven't already - please ask your sensei, it's the best way. However, kata are a template designed to help your solo practice, and you can reference the kata against Nagamine-sensei's book to ensure you're doing things right. If your stances are correct (i.e. shank + fist length etc) then what you need to check is you're following the correct embusen and placed the feet correctly. For Pinan Shodan, I find that when doing the turn with simultaneous kick and block is where people mess up. Also, when doing the first middle block after the last knife-hand block the left foot moves to ensure alignment with the embusen. I'm not sure why you would end up off on Pinan Nidan other than your stances being off - i.e. longer/wider on one side then the other, as it's a fairly simple kata stance wise.

I've had similar situations where families have expressed dissatisfaction due to their feeling that their kids were being treated unfairly and held back in grades. I feel it was more of a miscommunication/understanding but it happened none the less, some leave, some understand. While it was sad - you can't please everyone, and sometimes people just change and move on. Plenty more students to focus on! Gambatte.

Up until recently, my kids class was 1 hour, but I've recently shortened it due to their concentration and also timetabling issues, but now... Kids (beginners) 50 minutes Kids (intermediate-advanced) 80 minutes Adults 90-105 minutes Adults (brown-black) 120 minutes I do think 2 hour classes for adults is a good length twice a week. However, most of my students train three times, so I find just slightly shorter better.

Isshin-ryu is a mix of goju and shorin, so it's similar in some ways, but different in more. Why not go along for yourself and see what that school does?

It depends, on the situation, so here are my two answers: 1) If it's just temporarily/occasionally - if it's the same style, and same organisation I don't think there is anything wrong with it - it's good to experience difference teaching methods. 2) If you're planning to do it as a part of your regular schedule - if this is because there aren't enough classes to satisfy your wants (i.e. there's only 2 a week at your dojo and you want to do more) I think this is quite reasonable. However, if you're deciding to substitute a class from your main sensei with another dojo, as an instructor I'd probably have a little bit of an issue with that. Why would I have an issue? If you aren't adding them as supplementary classes I would wonder why you're doing it - am I not meeting your needs as a student, or do you feel that the other teacher is better? If you feel the other teacher is better, I'd rather you train with them and I'd have no hard feelings. But secondly, every teacher (even within the same organisation/style) often have slight differences and training at both the dojo might make it quite hard. In summary, ask your sensei - what (s)he thinks is ultimately what matters. We're all going to have a wide range of opinions, but they don't really matter in the end.

In my dojo and organisation, minimum grade to run a dojo is 2nd Dan, preferred is 3rd Dan. We are an Okinawan style, and use the 2 grade below system many have previously referred to. 2nd Dan -> 1st Kyu 3rd Dan -> 1st Dan 4th Dan -> 2nd Dan 5th Dan -> 3rd Dan 6th Dan -> 4th Dan Panel of 5 7th Dan (or above) -> 5th Dan (from here on it's done by a panel of 5). Our Kyu grades are done in house, and if an instructor holds the appropriate grade, they can issue Dan ranks and are permitted to issue grades up to 4th Dan. 5th Dan should be taken at the Honbu in Okinawa, and usually under at least 5 judges (usually all 9th Dan and above). In my country's Association, we try to have all of the dojo owners present at any Dan promotion tests, but it's not always possible. I also want to note that in my association in Okinawa, and in most other Okinawan associations kyu grades and 1st Dan really don't have a lot of meaning. Most people I know achieve a 1st Kyu after about a year of training a few times a week, and 1st Dan after 3 years.

Hi Rasputin, While I can't specially comment on the quality of individual schools, I thought I would provide some resources from my website that I encourage potential students to read... http://www.karatecanberra.com.au/faqs.html#pickamartialartsschool - this is a list we combined and generally refer to. http://www.karatecanberra.com.au/faqs.html#firstclass - look at the bottom of this FAQ, that dot points at the bottom, in particular point 2 & 3 are some useful goes. Regards, RJ.

We do use one in our Dojo. I'm a little more OCD though I guess, if someone is promoted, I update the board. Might be different if there were hundreds of names up there. We don't include white belts. http://i59.tinypic.com/1j3iba.jpg[/img]

This is purely hypothetical, but I just thought it poses some interesting questions, and might spur a good conversation. A visiting karate student from a similar style, with the permission of his sensei of course, comes to you (through a letter, email, visit whatever way you think is most appropriate) and asks you to teach him a kata, but only that kata, and isn't interested in learning the other parts of the system. The student wants to learn this kata as he's simply interested in it. You know once the student has learned the kata from you, they will continue to practice it, but will of course do things their own style's way (i.e. types of blocks etc). Supposing you do have the time to fit this in, do you teach the student this kata, and if yes/no why? Would them offering you a monetary amount make a difference? If the student's sensei is a friend, does that make a difference? What would turn your no to a yes? When you give your answer if you remark whether you are a 'traditional' martial art, that will also be great for the conversation!

I framed my dan certificates and hang them on the wall in my dojo. If I didn't have a dedicated dojo, I'm not sure what I'd do with them - perhaps up at home?

While it was sad to hear, at 3pm Okinawa time on Sunday, dojo all around the world who are WMKA members and connected to Okinawa, entered their dojo to train at the same time as Okinawa - this was 5pm for Australia, and anywhere between 1am and 6am from Canada to Ireland. This was a great event and fostered a good feeling of spirit and closeness between members of the WMKA. There will be a news article posted on https://www.matsubayashi-ryu.com soon, however, in the meantime you can see our facebook page from photos not only from our dojo in Australia, but from the dojo in Okinawa: Our dojo: https://www.facebook.com/KarateCanberra Photos from dojo around the world: https://www.facebook.com/events/656727311046793/

It is sad to hear, especially for those of us who have lived and trained at the Nagamine dojo many times. However, just to provide a bit of context, our organisation (the WMKA) is fortunate enough to have 7 other dojo in Okinawa, and since Sensei T. Nagamine's passing, Taira dojo had played the role of the world headquarters. Events like these are sad, but we continue to move forward and practice karate as best as we can.