Karate for the non- co-ordinated!

[White Warlock]

well, many people make the assumption that one person was born smart, another dumb, and therefore how they are right then and there is as good as they'll get.

[Menjo]

yea i know what you mean, i see it quite often actually

[disarm]

Update!

Went for my 3rd lesson last night and it was much more enjoyable. Some of the co-ordination started-to-fall-into-place quite nicely. I was quite aprehensive entering the dojo again but started to feel calmer after 10 minutes or so.

Yeah, a result I would say.

Spoke to a fellow beginner who told me he was just the same for the first four lessons or so, was going to give up (like me) but decided to stick it out.

Probably wouldn't have gone back if it wasn't for the replies on this very forum:)

Thanks all.

[White Warlock]

[Hawkeye]

Hey, Disarm. If you were any more uncoordinated than I was during my first couple of months of classes, then I hope you are taping them as you could make money selling them on EBay. It gets better. Your physical conditioning will improve. Your concentration will improve. Your confidence will grow as you become familiar with the moves. I started Karate in my early thirties so I can sympathize with the "not getting any younger" thing. Pretty soon, you will be practising moves everywhere and loving it.

Good luck !

[Ryokeen]

Don't give it up. Take it slow, it isn't a race. Get the techniques down piece by piece, then put them together. It isn't a race to the blackbelt it's a race against yourself to learn something new and be able to apply it.

Right now my Sensei's 12 year old son is holding class. Honestly I feel like I'd be a better teacher, he's paying little to no attention to the mistakes and such taking place. I think I will have a talk to my sensei about this, either I or one of hos odler sons should come in. I'm a yellowbelt and I do my technique more correctly than our current instructor. In ym own personal studies I'm allready doing his kataa. He's an advanced rank 2 away from black, yet I beat him in point sparring, and in other competitions we hold.. anyways! He'll be counting to 30 as fast as he can and be woundering why I'm doing ym techniques still being the second best there.

It's becuase I'm acctually doing the techniques right, not just yelling numbers throwing half working techniques.

I struggled with this too; however, now It's second nature for me to throw a spin kick and follow through with that nice backfist to the head.

Just stay focused, and forget about everyone else. Speed does not equal correct. Remember that.

[disarm]

Thanks. 4th lesson last night - went quite well. I felt good afterwards. Had a chat with a few more students, becoming more at ease, etc.

Yep, I'm enjoying this. More!

[cleung]

Granted that people with natural abilities can progress faster in martial arts but everyone can benefit with training. It's a new skill so don't be so hard on yourself. Don't feel pressured. If you do, then you might be in the wrong school. A good instructor lets you progress at your own speed. Don't compare to other students, especially the more advanced ones. Do it for yourself and take little steps. Have fun.

[Little Bug]

hi I just started at 35. Last week I had my 5th lesson and it suddenly started falling into place. Last week I ended up feeling frustrated and as if I'd never get it.

Hang in there!

[disarm]

Hi. Thanks for all the replys, they have been very encouraging. I've now had...9 lessons, and recently purchased more appropiate clothing so I fit in with the class more. Guess I'm here to stay