popo1999 Posted March 3, 2004 Share Posted March 3, 2004 Hello folks, i'm new to the board and I just started Shotokan Karate. I mean just started, I had my first class yesterday and it was very interesting and I had a great time... While I have been checking out these forums I've been seeing stuff about the McDojos and stuff like this. I wanted to know how, if at all, u can tell if your attending one of these McDojo's. This Dojo I attend just had its grand opening and is run by 2nd Dan, and on the business card it says that he is certified black belt by ISKF/JKA, and that he has been teaching Shotokan for more than 10 years and this his present instructor is Sensei Maynard Miner. Does this mean he's legit? Also, I attended a demonstration for the grand opening and there were many students who came from another dojo and demonstrated a training session and sparred, and a few of them were black belts. I was also given a photo book to look through with my instructor at numerous tournaments and gatherings. In the brochure it also says that Kyu Exams are given quarterly by certified instructors, and that the results are recognized by the Japan Karate Association. What i'm getting at is do you folks think this is a legit dojo? Thanx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kungfumaster Posted March 3, 2004 Share Posted March 3, 2004 well you cant really tell by that but those seem to be all good sighns cept maybe the quarterly gradeings. The things you should look for if people are constantly getting injuries. If they want you to sighn a long contract as soon as you sighn up. If they are teaching something diffrent they what they say. (even though many schools cross train) and if they have alot of crappy higher up students. Im great you are not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeygirl Posted March 3, 2004 Share Posted March 3, 2004 Only in extreme cases can one really tell if a school is a 'McDojo' right away. Try out a few classes, give it some time, and don't lock yourself into any long-term committments until you're sure about the place. Hope it works out for you, keep us posted 1st dan & Asst. Instructor TKD 2000-2003No matter the tune...if you can rock it, rock it hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasori_Te Posted March 3, 2004 Share Posted March 3, 2004 I'm going to have to go with Kungfumaster and Monkeygirl on this one. Try it out for awhile and see if you like it. It does sound like you are in a more tournament oriented style, which is fine if that's what you want out of your training. I say this because of the photo albums you mentioned as well as the ISKF (International Sport Karate Federation). Good luck in your training. A block is a strike is a lock is a throw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popo1999 Posted March 3, 2004 Author Share Posted March 3, 2004 Ok, I signed up for 3 months and I'm going to see how it goes. BTW, it is tournament oriented it says that it has annual trips to tourneys and things like this in the brochure. Thanks for the advice, and I'll keep updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramymensa Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 so you'll travel more Stick to it for the 3 months and if you like it there remain for another period. Shotokan is a good style and you'll get many things from it. At beginner level you are working more for conditioning so the McDojo thing is not that important. After some time, decide if you want more and they can't give it to you, or it's just OK. Have fun and take care of your knees. Try not to over train, you'll be tired, no need for injuries. Good luck World Shotokan Karate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian_guy Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 Ok, I signed up for 3 months and I'm going to see how it goes. BTW, it is tournament oriented it says that it has annual trips to tourneys and things like this in the brochure. Thanks for the advice, and I'll keep updated. I think 3 months is a good period for you to judge. Pay attention to the quality of the instruction, the way how the sparring is done (even if you do not spar yet), the real ability of the high grades.... and if you go into turnements you will have the chance to compare your skill with the skill of other students from other dojos and this will clarify the situation of your school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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