Journals

[dtstiachi]

How many of you keep a training journal or take a notebook to class with you so you can write down the instructions so you will remember what you were taught. My grandmaster requires us to keep a notebook that we bring to class and a journal that we keep at home where we can write about what we learned and what we need to work on. He said that after several years of doing this, that notebook or Journal will be more valuable to you than the price you paid for all of the MA classes you took. I welcome your thoughts and input.

[Sparkey]

I've kept my own notebook since day one, and I've been training for 3 years, now. I started by having a reflection time after every class and writing down what I learned in that class. Sometimes I had real techniques to write down like "today we worked on parrying a punch and following up with reverse punch". Other times it was a comment on the class in general like "today I learned that the tall bald guy in class is a jerk."

I've also written down, step by step, every kata as I learn them. THIS has been an invaluable resource for me. I've found that once I have written down a kata, I really have the steps down. Other students have approached me and asked to copy pages from my book. I really resent this, since I worked long and hard to keep my own notebook, I don't want other people mooching off me. When other students ask me to copy my book, I'll tell them that I'll help them remember whatever kata they have a question on and they can write it themselves.

I love my notebook and really appreciate the time I spent writing it. It's not a requirement in my dojo, but I think that when and if I teach my own classes, I will have students keep a notebook.

[aefibird]

I used to keep a notebook when I first started MA, but I've fallen out of the habit. I really ought to get back into it as it is a very useful thing to have. My early noted from classes were invaluable to me.

A new resolution for me - to start my note-taking again.

[solar_kid]

I keep a notebook also. I started using it to record the meanings of the movements in the katas, but found it useful to begin writing down the feedback that I had been given in class, so I could work on weak spots outside of class. Too often, I'd just forget, so writing it down helped.

[tufrthanu]

Well I am thinking of starting one...I just switched to a new school and they require you to make up I beleive 12 defenses to a punch per belt level...which is just a huge number to remember. So I am thinking of writing them down to memorize them.

[strangepair03]

I keep a journal of seminars, rank advancement, dates I started and completed katas, tournaments etc:

[Muaythaiboxer]

only 12 doesent seem like much

[vertigo]

I should start taking one of these. It sounds like a fantastic idea to remember pointers you pick up and need to work on.

[tufrthanu]

12 one steps per belt level to a simple lunge punch doesnt seem like alot to you?

[dtstiachi]

I have found that I have a void in my brain that sucks information from the time I leave the school to my home a few miles away. I have to write things down. These comments are really helpful. Keep it up.