private teacher

[BlackBeltHorseRider]

Anybody else here have a private teacher? I was just wondering because I do. Well, you see he had been teaching at a regular school, but that school burnt down a year before I was born. And I went looking for lessons and he told me that he would teach me. I thought it was great, but then I remember we had little money, so I told him that and declined. He told me that he would train me for free, but ONLY if I promised never to give up.

 

He's a cool guy--very smart. I'm his only student. He hasn't taught since the fire, so about 14 or 15 years, but he practiced on his own everyday.

 

So I was wondering if anyone else had a private teacher.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

There are advantages, and disadvantages to having a private teacher actually.

 

Obvious advantages are 1 - 1 instruction and sensei can work on what only you need to work on.

 

Disadvantages are tha tyou only get used to working with your sensei, and not anybody else. To me this is a MAJOR disadvantage, as everybody moves differently, and you need to be able to adjust to different body sizes and fighting styles. For example, if you sensei is small, you are getting used to how a smaller man fights. Visa versa if your sensei is bigger. See what I mean?

[CloudDragon]

If that's all you got, then it is better than nothing. There are some serious disadvantages as SS pointed out, but it is better to train than not to train.

[krzychicano]

Maybe one day you'll make him proud and fight in the kumite!

[BlackBeltHorseRider]

Already made him proud when I continued to fight after my knee was shattered. He told me that I shouldn't, but he said my decision was my decision. I won that match.

[1kickKO]

Sounds like you really enjoy it, and that's all that counts. What style does he teach?

[Red J]

Take advantage of the one-on-one time. I also had a simular situation for about 18-24 months. The growth was incredible. It gave me a great foundation and start into the martial arts.

[Pacificshore]

1-on-1 time is great vs. a big group lesson for sure, but like SS stated, there are those disadvantages that will present itself. However, knowing what the disadvantages are, then hopefully you would be able to compensate for them. Just my 2 cents!

[AnonymousOne]

Karate was developed from private tuition. It was illegal at one time in Okinawa and many teachers only had one student.

 

Back in the 1970's when I worked night shift, I got one on one for several years.

 

What it allowed was for my teacher to work me at my exact pace and needs and not a class pace. I found that most beneficial.

[1kickKO]

1-on-1 does have it's advantages and disadvantages.