Finding difficulties learning a new style

[muttley]

Despite the similarities between the two style, there are some quite obvious differences. In Shotokan, all kihon was done in zenkutsu dachi or kokutsu dachi, in the new style I have started (derived from Kyokushin), every thing at beginner level is done in fighting stance with a switch step or double step to create power and movement.

This difference I am struggling with, but I turned up tonight and was the only student so had a 1-1 session with my sensei, that helped a lot. As there was only the 2 of us, we did some partner work which really put the movements into perspective and seriously helped me understand the movement. It also helped with some conditioning as we were actually hitting each other (not full force, but enough to know you'd been hit) whereas in Shotokan it was all no-contact etc, pulling techniques etc.

Loved it tonight, great session, can't wait for the next one and hopefully, despite my many years of training, one day I might learn to relax my shoulders and let the body/hips do the work!

[sensei8]

I believe you're doing a great job of learning a new style; you're adapting quite well. That 1 on 1 session with your Sensei was quite valuable; priceless. How to dot the I's and cross the t's for you in the new style through that 1 on 1; THAT, that right there, that was your Aha moment. Don't, and you're not, discard what you learnt from Shotokan, unless you must.

You're absorbing that which benefits YOU!! Continue to do so, respecting both styles and what they provide you. Train hard, and train well!!

[muttley]

I believe you're doing a great job of learning a new style; you're adapting quite well. That 1 on 1 session with your Sensei was quite valuable; priceless. How to dot the I's and cross the t's for you in the new style through that 1 on 1; THAT, that right there, that was your Aha moment. Don't, and you're not, discard what you learnt from Shotokan, unless you must.

You're absorbing that which benefits YOU!! Continue to do so, respecting both styles and what they provide you. Train hard, and train well!!

 

Thank you, I do feel that I am getting somewhere now and hope that I can stick at this style and succeed. As for the last bit of your post, I seriously ache today, my legs and hips are screaming at me!

With any luck, I will be able to get my daughter involved in the club as well, she wants to learn and I think it would do her the world of good.

[sensei8]

I believe you're doing a great job of learning a new style; you're adapting quite well. That 1 on 1 session with your Sensei was quite valuable; priceless. How to dot the I's and cross the t's for you in the new style through that 1 on 1; THAT, that right there, that was your Aha moment. Don't, and you're not, discard what you learnt from Shotokan, unless you must.

You're absorbing that which benefits YOU!! Continue to do so, respecting both styles and what they provide you. Train hard, and train well!!

 

Thank you, I do feel that I am getting somewhere now and hope that I can stick at this style and succeed. As for the last bit of your post, I seriously ache today, my legs and hips are screaming at me!

With any luck, I will be able to get my daughter involved in the club as well, she wants to learn and I think it would do her the world of good.

In time, you'll get through all of the ache and pains, but for those times when you do ache, remember this...the pain reminds you that you're still alive.

I hope you can get your daughter interested and involved; so much positive comes from training together.

[muttley]

I look forward to my next session, just hoping that the club continues, I know it's early days but currently there is 1 junior and 2 seniors training.

[sensei8]

I too, for you and your daughter, hope that the school stays open. The easy part of owning a school is the teaching part. The hard part about owning a school is keeping it open. Sure, low attendance can cause a school to close, especially if the school is the full time job for the owner, but the desire of the owner must be there for everything to fall in its proper place.

Hang in there, and for those students still there, please let the owner/CI know just how much you all appreciate all of the hard work that he's doing; it'll make the instructor feel that much better, and that what he's trying to do isn't in vain.

[muttley]

Quick update.

I went again tonight (have had a lot of very busy shifts at work lately that have kept me away from training). I took my 6 year old daughter to the junior session, there was basically my daughter and I there so she had a lot of attention from the Sensei. She LOVED IT! I was shocked at how well she took to the training, I know she is able to follow instructions, she's done ballet, tap and modern for 3 years but to be able to go and adapt to Karate was fantastic to see, very impressed.

I had another 1-1 session in the adult class and it was brilliant, I honestly feel I am coming along leaps and bounds, my body is getting more conditioned and used to being struck (useful in my line of work). My punching is getting stronger and stronger, my use of hips (I have ALWAYS struggled with) is improving and I am feeling as though I am honestly getting there. Loving the training.

Now I am torn as I am really enjoying the 1-1 sessions but know that Sensei needs more students to make the dojo a success.

[sensei8]

I'm not shocked about how easily your daughter took to the Karate training because kids are sponges and they've no preconceived notions about anything that's the MA.

Good to hear that things are working out. Even if your Sensei's student body increases, as it should, you can still see if your Sensei is willing to teach you in a private lesson. Until your Sensei's student body grows to 6 or more, you're STILL receiving private lessons. My private lessons are 1-5 students, after 5, it turns into a group lesson, albeit a small group, but a group nonetheless.

If your Sensei is willing to teach private lessons, be prepared for your monthly tuition to increase...maybe...not all, but most charge more for private lessons.

Train hard and train well, you and your daughter!! You'll both be just fine!!

[muttley]

I don't mind paying slightly more, Sensei charges £6 for 90 minutes (adults), £4 for an hour for juniors. Tonight I paid him £10 as I stayed and did some very light training with my daughter (and son until he couldn't maintain concentration.) My kids were on their first session which is free anyway. Sensei did offer to pay me the change (I only had a £10 note), to me £10 for 2.5 hours of training is nothing. Seeing as I can't always train every week due to the requirements of my job, it's nothing really.

[sensei8]

Still...solid training is at your door...knocking loud and clear. Now, just answer that knocking and a door of quality training will open.