Is it for the Art or for Money ?

[Safroot]

Hi All,

I would like to figure out, how would you know if the dojo you are training at is really teaching you the Art of Karate or the art wouldn't matter much as long as they collect money ?!

Don't get me wrong, I know some instructors earn their living from their dojos which is fair enough but I am trying to re-start my training in a new dojo close to my new place & I have 2 free lessons to try it out.

In my old dojo ( where I have trained about only 3 months ) I wasn't sure but all what I could feel is that they don't give you much individual attention, all grades training at the same time doing the same thing, how do you expect a rookie like myself to cope & get the right techniques ?! Is the privates lessons /sessions (it cost fortune !) the only way to do it ?

I really want to be on the right track to start my journey this time !

[Alan Armstrong]

Martial arts is certainly not a get rich scheme for the majority of senseis.

Some ci's are good at the art but not so good at teaching it and some are good at teaching but not so good when doing it, due to a multitude of reasons usally attributed to health issues. Both are fine, it is the knowledge and experience that you need to draw from and if the ci can bring out the best in you.

If a ci doesn't seem very interested in helping you to develop your potential, go somewhere else.

People that teach have a passion to share, this is your clue to the being in the right school or not.

When the teacher is looking forward to finishing the class. Then it's time to look for a new school.

I would always search out likewise individuals that would want to train on off dojo hrs; higher or lower ranks, no matter.

[Alan Armstrong]

Enjoy your new martial art journey.

Good luck!

[Safroot]

Enjoy your new martial art journey.

Good luck!

Thanks so much Alan, I hope I can figure it out within the 2 free lessons 👍🏻

[bushido_man96]

Some instructors have a different approach to teaching than others. I'd say that if you don't like the feel of the instructor and the class, then you should look somewhere else.

[Safroot]

Hpefully I like the feel of the new dojo , I am dying to go back to training

[Alan Armstrong]

Hpefully I like the feel of the new dojo , I am dying to go back to training

You could start your training now, with the A B C method:

Always

Be

Conditioning

This is how Bruce Lee became so great at martial arts.

When I hear people saying that they don't have time to train, for me this is not possible.

I make martial arts a part of my everyday movements. From when I awake till I fall to sleep.

[Safroot]

I make martial arts a part of my everyday movements. From when I awake till I fall to sleep.

How can you do that ?! Very interested to know !

[Lowkickr]

Since the 1980's I have co-owned two schools. The first didn't survive because of location. I was required to maintain insurance and could not handle the cost. The second school failed because I could not keep enough students. Looking back on the latter, I saw that I shared in some of the blame because I wouldn't bend from my teaching approach.

In my experience, students wished to progress at a fast rate, even if the growth wasn't actually there. I suspect that's why some schools cover the spectrum of belt colors. Still others were looking for things I wasnt willing to offer like a substitute for daycare, or fitness center. Needless to say I never got rich! The chain schools seem to be the ones most geared to money before substance, beyond that I suppose the responsibility falls to the student to see that they are getting what they want from the instructors.

I agree that there are many things we can do to train ourselves daily. Such as awareness drills, or some fitness or kata work. Beyond that though, depending on your level of training, you still need the guidance of a qualified experienced instructor. Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect, and that requires guidance and wisdom from someone further down the path.

I suppose in the end all you can do is try an instructor out and see if it's a good fit for your specific needs. Regardless of whether or not they are "in it for the money."

[Alan Armstrong]

Re: Safroot's question;

A B C = Always Be Conditioning.

Wake up and pandiculate while still in bed.

Go to the WC and do some wrist and finger exercises Chin Na and Aikido style; every trip to the WC when seated I will do these exercises.

Make breakfast while standing on one foot or the other.

Eat breakfast with one foot on the counter top and alternate legs.

Have a shower and do some stretching and relaxing while there and massage the neck.

Towel dry with more stretching utilizing the towel.

Get dressed at the same time stretch with the clothes.

Strap on ankle weights and perhapse work on perfecting or remembering a form.

Watch some informative MA videos while stretching out.

Clean the house while bending and stretching.

Go for a brisk walk wearing ankle weights or a back pack with weights.

Do some Yoga in the park or use the free open air adult exercise equipment.

Walk back home make lunch and play with the pull up bar attached to the bathroom door frame.

Work on proper posture while eating lunch.

Watch more educational MA videos during my digestion or have a cat nap.

Out the door for another brisk walk without the ankle weights perhaps for about 6 kilometers.

Quickly get cleaned up have a snack and out the door to give an MA class. If no class that evening, then perhaps watch a movie while stretching.

Go home again shower and stretch again, eat supper and write some comments here on KarateForum.com

That's just one day in the life and times, every day is different but keeping to the A B C idea.