Dojo Etiquette

To an outsider (meaning a non Karate practitioner) the etiquette that suurounds the martial arts in particular Karate, seems to be rather strange.
Why do all these people bow down to this person, lots of noises (oss) being said. No one is talking back to the Instructor. I wouldnt put up with being spoken to like that...
Clearly Karate is a Martial Art, so we need to understand what the martial arts are, Martial ways are very often seen in the forces, likened to the way of ."You do as I say" " You try hard all the time" you give respect for everyone and everything and especially your Commanding Officer. Or in Karate terms your Teacher (Sensei)

Helpful Tips to be a good Teaching Assistant Pt2

At some point in your Karate training you will be called upon by your Sensei to help demonstrate techniques to the class. This could be either the form of the attacker (Uke) or using you to show how technique should or should not be done. There may also be times when you are asked to circulate amongst the class whilst your Sensei is teaching.

These opportunities should be used to its full potential & they hold great advantages to you. Let me explain.

Being called out to demonstrate with Sensei for the first time is often daunting or embarrassing. When you are called out, do not refuse. This is very bad ettiquete and will be frowned upon by most Sensei. You should step up to the challenge and learn from the experience. You should show correct etiquette when called. You Bow (Rei) Say "Oss Sensei!" as a term of acknowledgement,  then step forward. Sensei will then direct you in what it is they wish you to do. 

Should  you be asked to be the Uke (attacker) make sure your technique is announced clearly, not only for your Sensei to hear your clarification but also for those that are looking on too. Your attack should be strong and direct, keep on target and keep focused. A weak attack is not good as this does not show the defence in its best form. also make sure that you are not too resistant to the defence that is being executed against you.

I will explain further:

When you have techniques that would cause serious harm, like an arm break, then you should be more giving, dont be a hero, your Sensei is probably more than capable of finishing this technique, but who would train after something like that. Resisting some techniques like throws could  be dangerous. However this does not mean you should weaken your techniques to make Sensei look better, you should make them strong and firm. I have had students myself that have gone to ground before I have even touched them...

Should you be called out to perform a technique in front of class, dont worry. It is not an excersie to belittle anyone. In fact, an opportunity to get some one on one direction with your Karate training.

Your Sensei may ask you to perform keri or tsuki waza (technique). Your Sensei will use you to point out the good & bad parts of your techniques. learn from it.

In larger classes, Sempai (Senior Grades) are often used to help amongst the class. Mainly so that everyone can follow someone with experience of the task and also everyone will get corrected on technique.

It is the Sempai duty to mingle amongst the class without being to obstructive to the student learning.  As Sempai, try not to be a wall between the student and sensei, especially if sensei is demonstrating technique or talking to the class. This is a difficult task, though when you get to know your Sensei well it becomes easier a there will be more of a non verbal communication between Sensei & Sempai. Understanding each other. The Sempai, moves around the Dojo, correcting & helping students with technique that Sensei is teaching. This could be just correcting a Stance (Dachi) or fist/hand (te) positioning. It is a good way to examine mistakes others make and think about your own way of doing things. Do you make the same mistakes?

Should you be the student being corrected by a Sempai during class, you should still demonstrate the correct etiquette. The same as you would for your own Sensei. Sempai is an extension of your Sensei & acts on the instruction of Sensei.

Please feel free to comment on any of my articles that I have written, also if you would like to see something written on a  particular subject of  your interest..get in touch.

Oss!

Helpful Tips Learning to Teach Karate Pt1

For some students of Karate there is a natural desire to want to to teach the art to others. There are also many that would not wish to follow that path, it is not always a natural progression.

For those that don't wish to teach, I would imagine you have given advice on certain areas of Karate training to fellow students. To me that is teaching. Sharing knowledge from past experiences. Whether you are in front of a large class or giving advice to your Karate friends when stood outside waiting for a lesson or grading to start.

Teaching is a big responsibility, you are indeed passing on knowledge that could indeed hurt the participant or someone else. Badly given information can be detrimental to the students progression. Teaching poor technique can lead to injury. You are also responsible for passing on information correctly that has been given by your Sensei. Think of karate techniques being passed like Chinese whispers, The student at the end of the line probably will end up doing something completely different to what you intended them to do.

In this article I would hope that I will pass on my knowledge & experiences from teaching over the years..

In most schools of Karate it is often the Sensei that starts the lesson, and hands over to a Senior (Sempai) to take the warm up. A lot of clubs will allow lower level grades to take the warm up, as this can promote confidence in the student. Often a daunting feeling, you will be filled with a huge rush of mixed emotions, with your sensei & Sempai watching your every move. They understand the pressure your under.

More often than not you will be given the opportunity because your Sensei thinks that :

1. You could cope with the pressure and not totally crack up.

2. Thinks that you will benefit from the task, building confidence. You will probably feel elated when the whole ordeal is over.

3, Most importantly you understand the the correct sequence of the warm up and can complete the task to a competent level.

4 (which you do not want to be in this category) You are over confident & show far to much arrogance when in class. Your Sensei will probably put you there to make sure you understand that you know, what you don't know.

I remember my first time being asked to take the warm up, I was 7th Kyu, which is about the time you should understand the sequence & purpose of the task. I was sweating as soon as my name was called out. Stood in front of a class of 40 or so, some Dan Grades & a watchful Sensei. I could feel my face burn red, & my mind was no where to be seen. Sempai in the line up, smiling at me. I thought they were laughing, but now I know, they had been there.

I got through it, although 10 minutes seemed like 30, All I could think of ,was whats the next bit, & when will my Sensei give me the nod to line the class up.. I think that's when my hair started to fall out.. I was only 20yrs & looking back I was quite cocky and full of myself..

Maybe I was Category 4. My first lesson in humility I think.

I often give students the opportunity to take the warm up, this has been met with some resistance from a few, refusing to step out in the class.  If you know your students well, you can pre warn those ones that you know that would struggle. Remember this is not a test but a learning curve for them. 

Always be around for them to see you, for security & reassurance. Never leave a novice in charge of your club.

I stand out of view of the students, so that you do not distract them from concentrating on the task. Though I do like them to feel my presence. I can also gauge the reaction of those receiving the warm up, is the message being received?

For those that take the warm up, think of a few key areas that are important.

1. Positioning, where you stand in front of the class is all important, If the class is lined up correctly, you should be able to see each and every student in front of you. So don't stand directly in the centre, facing someone, you wont see behind them. take a pace to one side.. Check your diagonal lines. Do you need to stagger the line up so giving more space to avoid collisions.

2. Be heard. Often shy students will talk to the floor, lift your chin up and project your voice over the heads of your students. Don't stand to far away, you want to be close. Especially these days when sports halls are shared with other activities. You`ll soon know if you cannot be heard. Students have that worried look about them, turn there ear towards you and lean in.

3. Don't go of on a tangent, Your not there as a drill Sargent, you not there to teach jiyu ippon kumite, its a warm up. & keep going until your sensei gives you the nod to wind up the class.

4.You must be in command of the class, don't ask the class to do something, followed by please. Tell them what it is they are doing. Stay in control, stay focused on the task.

5.Observe what is going on with every individual. Each person will have limitations, keep eye contact. This is important if you are looking for signs of feinting, fatigue & injury. Observe the area in which you are doing the warm up, are there any obstructions to avoid.

6. Remember your etiquette, giving and receiving.

Remember this is the early stages of becoming a teacher, working under pressure,every move you make being scrutinised by every person in the Dojo, including spectators.

Work on these few simple ideas before moving onto more complex lessons, which I will cover in my next blog.

I would love to hear your views regarding this  article.

Oss for now.

Well its two weeks into the new year, its been tough getting going after the festive period.

Not only have students had the hard task of returning to school/work and getting back into the routine of daily life, we have also had to deal with the snow & ice.

Training for myself continued regardless, only one class was cancelled due to the weather. However, many of TSKR students were training throughout xmas.

Those students that managed to turn up during bad weather, were either fortunate to live close to the dojo or very dedicated to training. Either way, I was greatful for the company.

2010 will be a great year for the association, I hope that most stay for the journey.

Training is back into full swing, the first week was really basic, getting you motivated and revisiting old techniques that may have been a distant memory over the holiday.

Week two was better, I get more enthusiastic with bigger turnouts in class, it raises my game puts me under pressure and I feel that my efforts are valued.

I too, need constant pressure to keep myself from losing technique, The old saying, Karate is like hot water, it must be kept on the boil and never left to cool down, is very true. So remember that when you are next in class and think, this is really hard , I dont seem to be getting better. Maybe putting more into your training will reep better & bigger rewards.

I could easily of had a lazy week, having a cold it would of been my easy option to hand over classes to senior grades. I didnt and ended the week on a high, though I still had the cold, I actually had some good sessions.

I conentrated on Kata for week two in all of the sessions I took this week. I believe that its important to get students recapping over old Kata and paying attention to some details, that have either been overlooked or lost in complacency.

Taikyoku Kata is the very basic of Kata, yet the hardest to accomplish, it as actually a Kata that I find very hard to perform and always find room for improvement in my own form. My Sensei always said this Kata will get harder the more you practice but karate technique will improve altogether.

Kanku Sho was another Kata covered, this is a high grade Kata that is enjoyed by a lot of students regardles of grade, probably for the jumping part. (for which we covered the Bunkai). Often classes are designed around teaching of Kyu grades, though I always try to keep in mind that Dan Grades need to be kept watered or the will not grow. So high grade Kata is important regardless of grade.

Heian Sandan was covered in great detail. Mainly the foot work, students tend to rush the Kata and forget again that these are training Kata and should be practiced as a form. Completion of one technique before moving onto another is important.

Bassai dai was covered in full, giving Brown belts something to work on. Some students can find Kata easy to learn, though they tend to forget to put meaning into the movements and this shows in their interpretation. Bassai should improve hip movement, speed & strength.

Jiin was revisited for a few that have forgotten the Kata, it was covered quite a lot last year in the senior Brown/Black Belt classes. I spent two evenings on this Kata for those taking 1st Kyu & shodan grades this year. Remember the version I practice is the same as Kanazawa Ryu.

Finally the Saturday class was very busy, again Kata was covered, in the main Heian Kata, breaking down in detail the movements. Individual groups reviewing the way they do Kata, including Dan Grades...

Not a bad week really, as I said earlier, I could of easily passed the Buck, I didnt & I got the rewards.

So when your sat there at home thinking, I can`t be bothered to get out the door or your at the grading feeling nervous, ask yourself have you put in the most amount of effort & thought into your karate development. Effort & spirit is the key to any good training session.

Without any preset routine of what I am going to teach when I turn up, I always aim to cover the compete syllabus and more over the coming weeks. Students have approached me before, saying, I have not been through my Kata/Kumite/Kihon, think you are probably not the only student at that level, they may have covered it because they attend on a regular basis.

I dont like to announce what I am going to be doing in lessons as this leads to students not getting a balanced diet of Kata Kihon Kumite. Karate is Karate... students ask, what are we doing tonight Sensei... karate..I reply.. what would you expect..

Dont just think that training is in the Dojo only, I tend to think that Dojo training is for learning & where students can be advised on where correction is needed.

Whatever the training you do in the Dojo, it must be backed up by some extra at home. I can very often tell who has taken time out to think about technique that I have corrected them on and will always remember and be looking for improvement next time I see them.

I have to be thankful for all of last years students returning to training again this year. I hope that you all progress to your full potential this year. We already have many new members trying lessons at various clubs. Just take time out to say hello to them & make them feel welcome. Its hard enough getting into an alien environment such as a Dojo. Intimidating, Humiliating springs to mind... A feeling most of us have felt before. So think back, was anyone there holding out a welcoming hand when you started.

Karate is for everyone to try, everyone should feel supported and not belittled into thinking they cannot get any better. Confidence can build bridges and also knock them down.

Are you the builder or the destroyer...? I know who I am... (thats for later)

but do you know who you are.....?

Please log onto this blog, the more that sign up the more I will write...

Oss! for now....

Welcome.............

Welcome to my first ever Blog ....

I hope to continue posting on a regular basis on the subject of Karate. I hope that the topics I choose to scribe, will be informative yet imaginative in content.

I will try to keep to the path of which i started and pass on my experiences and thoughts through the Blog.

I am currently in the process of writing a book on Karate-do of which I have been keeping notes in many guises, since i started my training 20yrs ago. The Journey has been long and at times very tiring. Since my first day of walking into a Dojo I have been captivated by the aura that surrounds a Martial Art Sensei. There is something special about the role of Sensei, a most important role. A role which carries huge responsibilities, liability & at times a burden.

For those starting out in Karate, very few of you would be realistically thinking of achieving a Black Belt although most of us have a burning desire to gain one.

My first lesson was different, I wanted to be where my Sensei stood and have the same respect and be able to conduct a class as my Sensei could. I was a young man, niaive & (i hate to say somewhat) arrogant, who was looking too far ahead. I hadnt even completed my first lesson. How clouded was my vision back then.

20yrs has passed, I have my own Association and currently hold the rank of 4th Dan. I have many students and teach full time. I train regularly with some of the best in the world today some are masters in there own styles/associations others are associates who I have met along the way, whom I share a common interest with.

Fast approaching my 40th Birthday, I ask myself the questions. Many that I do not know the answers too, some may be answered in this Blog.

Am I a Good Sensei or a Good student?

Has the journey I took, followed the path of Karate-do or was this my chosen path that life threw at me anyway..?

Did I get there or am I still traveling along that path...?

Questions Questions Questions!!! and not so many answers....

Come back soon!!!

OSS!!!

Stay tuned and spread the word.