Visiting Another Dojo to Learn a Kata?

[KorroddyDude]

Let's say you saw this awesome kata and you really want to learn it.  This kata is not taught in your school.  However, there's a dojo a half-hour drive away that is of a style that teaches it.

Would it be an unusual or odd to go to that school and inquire about it?

[Zaine]

I would perhaps send them an email or call them over driving to their dojo first, but I don't think it's odd at all to inquire about it. You don't ask, you don't get.

[sensei8]

4 hours ago, KorroddyDude said:

Let's say you saw this awesome kata and you really want to learn it.  This kata is not taught in your school.  However, there's a dojo a half-hour drive away that is of a style that teaches it.

Would it be an unusual or odd to go to that school and inquire about it?

Enquiring minds want to know. So, no, it's not unusual or odd about said kata of interest. It's the right of any MAist to learn whatever might be effective for ones MA betterment. Can't know if one doesn't ask for themselves. 

[Montana]

Early on in my teaching my first class I would have said no if approached to teach them a kata, especially a higher one. Now I'd consider it depending on who it was and why they wanted to learn it. For example: I've had "sensei's" that had a green belt in one system, brown in another, yellow in something else and saw a few kung fu movies, declared themselves a BB and started teaching. Absolutely NOT would I teach them a kata or anything else. 

[Wastelander]

One of the requirements I have for my students going for black belt is to go learn a kata/form from some other style and learn or develop applications for it. I have taught kata to people from other styles on a number of occasions, as well. My only real caveat is that I would prefer them to be at least an intermediate level in their core style so they have a foundation to work with.

[Nidan Melbourne]

I'm ok with students going to enquire to other clubs/styles to learn a kata or train. 

But I do say to students, that some instructors may not be comfortable having students come in just for that or coming without their chief instructors approval. 

WHen students come to me to learn a Goju Kata, I ask about their knowledge of Goju Kihon and all that fun before taking them on board. 

[bushido_man96]

On 10/23/2024 at 6:27 PM, sensei8 said:

Enquiring minds want to know. So, no, it's not unusual or odd about said kata of interest. It's the right of any MAist to learn whatever might be effective for ones MA betterment. Can't know if one doesn't ask for themselves. 

I had Bob teach me Naifanchi years ago.  I think it's a good idea to ask.  You never know.

[sensei8]

On 10/28/2024 at 2:49 PM, bushido_man96 said:

I had Bob teach me Naifanchi years ago.  I think it's a good idea to ask.  You never know.

Those 2 days; I cherish the most!! I'd love for us to share the mat just one more time!!

[bushido_man96]

Boy, that would be a lot of fun, Bob!

[sensei8]

Let's do it next summer!! What do you think??