Wondering

[Koopyetz]

Hello forum members:

I'm currently learning American Kenpo Karate via DVD's provided by Sensei who will critique video of techniques for each belt level . I'm a yellow belt working on my orange belt.

I wonder if I'm training in a bubble.

I have some concerns:

All my training is done as a solo exercise. I do not have a training partner.

Sparring is also not part of program and I wonder if this should be part of

my martial arts training.

I also wonder about my age ( 50 + ) and my chances in a fight against a younger opponent. Perhaps I may never get into a fight but for me learning

is to prepare if it does happen.

Thoughts please

[MasterPain]

I think a training partner is an absolute necessity for learning to fight.

Imagine a first surgery being performed by someone who had never even cut into a cadaver.

[Wastelander]

Hello forum members:

I'm currently learning American Kenpo Karate via DVD's provided by Sensei who will critique video of techniques for each belt level . I'm a yellow belt working on my orange belt.

I wonder if I'm training in a bubble.

I have some concerns:

All my training is done as a solo exercise. I do not have a training partner.

Sparring is also not part of program and I wonder if this should be part of

my martial arts training.

I also wonder about my age ( 50 + ) and my chances in a fight against a younger opponent. Perhaps I may never get into a fight but for me learning

is to prepare if it does happen.

Thoughts please

So you're learning from DVD's and having someone double-check it for you, without any partner work or sparring? What credentials does your "Sensei" have, because it doesn't sound like any training program I have ever heard of from any reputable martial arts instructors.

That said, Kenpo is very effective when taught correctly, so it can most certainly prepare you to defend yourself.

[Koopyetz]

Thank you for your replies

[Dobbersky]

2nd Attempt

Welcome to the Forum!

I would definitely look at sourcing a training partner, ask you DVD Sensei if there is any other DVD students in your area.

Also I would look to see if there are any Kempo schools in your area that you could attend at least once a month or at least attend one of their seminars. Ask your DVD Sensei if he runs seminars too

Note there is NOTHING better than training face to face with an Instructor and a room full of other students!

As for my opinion, well to me learning from just DVD instruction is like learning to swim on the sand

Good luck in your chosen path

[Koopyetz]

Dobbersky

Thank you for the possibilities.

Appreciate the guidance.

[JusticeZero]

I'd look into finding someone who knows the art to check your work in person. Sometimes there are subtle issues that are seriously dangerous.

I'd also contemplate training in whatever you can find a decent teacher of in your area. I'm not a fan of video training for anyone who doesn't already have a solid background in martial arts.

[spiritkarate]

Face-to-face teaching is much better than distance learning. I would suggest as others have said that any local established club would be a good move - I can recommend Tae Kwon Do or Goju-Ryu karate, but really any established club will get you going and start to build your confidence at actually working with a partner. Good luck and do not give up - it is a lifelong journey! : )

[Koopyetz]

Thank you all for your help and suggestions

[bushido_man96]

I'd look into finding someone who knows the art to check your work in person. Sometimes there are subtle issues that are seriously dangerous.

I'd also contemplate training in whatever you can find a decent teacher of in your area. I'm not a fan of video training for anyone who doesn't already have a solid background in martial arts.

I agree with JusticeZero. If you absolutely have no options but to video train, then by all means, give it your best effort. However, if you do have someplace you can go train with an instructor, especially if you have no prior experience, then that would be the better route to take. You'll likely get some better technical advise, and immediate feedback, which will increase the quality of your training.

Good luck to you.