Budokin

When I first started martial arts, a kick was just a kick and a punch was just a punch. While studying martial arts, I learned that a kick was more than just a kick and a punch was more than just a punch. After becoming proficient in the martial arts I realize that a kick is juat a kick and a punch is just a punch. A very profound statement by a very good martial artist. What this means is that before any formal martial arts training, someone punches just for the punch meaning they throw their fist at you either the right or wrong way. When you first start martial arts, you are taught there is a specific way to punch or kick. And you practice that way for years. After many years, the martial artist has practiced for so long that throwing a correct kick or punch the right way is second nature now. So to answer your question, my advice is to first work with your instructor because many kicks from different schools have different mechanics. Train and work with your senior students for they have all gone through the same thing. Also try breathing with your kicks that is the most important thing no matter what style you practice. Good luck to you Keep at it, Shodan is just the beginning Budokin

Any book by Gichin Funakoshi is worth a read. Keep at it, Shodan is just the beginning... Budokin

Hello I just want to say that I too have returned to studying karate after a long (10 year!) break. I have to say my body is not the same as it was before. Hehe My main reason for getting back into it is purely for the health benefits both physically and mentally. I hope that you get these benefits from your dojo also. You probably don't realize it but you are constantly learning self protection while you practice karate even if you aren't focusing on it or calling it self protection. Keep with it, Shodan is just the beginning... Budokin

There have been many good replies here. I don't know if they answer your question or not but here Is my thoughts on it. First ask yourself if what you are learning from this sensei is actually what you want to learn. What I mean by this is are you learning something of substance in your eyes. If so then stick with it. If not seek something else. As far as your actual question of "what do I owe my sensei?" that is a harder question to answer than most understand. For the answer lies mostly with the specific sensei. A true sensei, you owe everything to. Someone pretending to be a sensei you owe nothing to.