tanuki

I teach bunkai to all of my students. Without bunkai, there is the danger of the kata becoming a dance. One of my black belts or myself teaches the bunkai as we teach the kata. Usually this is done by striking or providing a target as the case may be. Sometimes we may ask another student to play the role of the adversary. Once a student learns a kata, we have them go through it while full speed attacks are done in all directions of the kata consecutively. I should mention that I quiz the students on the bunkai of the kata at kyu examinations. I'll perform the move and then ask the student the meaning of the move. We also use parts from the katas in yakusoku kumite. For example, one student would strike with a jodanzuki and the other would block with an open-hand agezuki and strike to the ear with shuto-uchi (from Pinan Yondan). I'm sure that there are many other effective ways to teach bunkai as well.

From what I've heard Seagal studied at Tohei Sensei's dojo rather erratically. He did attain the rank of Shodan from the dojo and I guess he gave himself the rank of 7th dan as he went along. His dojo was in Juso, Osaka and as someone pointed out, it was his Japanese wife's father's dojo. His taisabaki is normal for a shodan for a person who trained in the Ki no Kenkyukai. I guess when a person gets famous, his background gets a little "larger than life".

I teach in Japan so there are probably things I do that would not be appropriate in the US (such as whacking kids that get out of line - in full view and with the permission of their parent(s)). Also, I teach them patience through the use of seiza (all of my students, mostly elementary school age) can sit quietly for at least 30 minutes without changing position. Most of the older ones can sit for an hour with no problem. As for the right/left problem, I think it is important to face in the same direction as the student when teaching those with this problem. I've taught many kids with this problem and most of them will get the right direction to move if they are facing the same direction as the model (instructor). This may help. As for having kids that don't want to train, I explain to them before they join that if they don't want to be here then they shouldn't. We also have a no-tuition "trial period" during which they have to master the basics of seiza and ochitsuki as well as basic stances and movements. This lasts for a month or two, after which the student fills in an application form in front of everyone. The student is allowed to wear a dogi only after being "accepted" (this removes what would be a needless expense for the parents if the child decides that karate is not for him/her). Perhaps because of this trial period we have a low-drop out rate for students that pass through it.