Humble yourself... be prepared... train not only in the dojo, but on you own… that means you Sensei!

I had a humbling moment when our dojo hosted a kyu test and clinic. I’ve always had the desire to just train, I love training and I love training in Shotokan karate. I’m not too fond of teaching and running the dojo. But when my sensei left the dojo to pursue his formal professional education full time, I had no choice… “Do I quit, or do I take over the dojo so I can keep on training”. My love of the art pushed me into being the Sensei, which is still a title I’m not comfortable with. In any event, here I am, running a small dojo with 8 students, myself and my sempai. Are the students dedicated and training regularly… you bet! Are they advancing, yes sir they are. Two of my students have just passed their 4 kyu test… which to me is a great accomplishment.



But how’s the sensei doing? Well, to tell you the truth… not so good!

It’s not that I’m lacking in teaching the techniques in kihon, kumite and kata. It’s not that I’m showing no dedication because I’m keeping the students training regularly at every class with no cancellations without a replacement sensei. It’s not that I fail to sharpen my own techniques…

it’s that I’ve failed to instill good karate etiquette in the dojo and it showed at our last kyu test and clinic.

Our dojo was scheduled to host this most recent kyu test/clinic. I did my duty to pick up our Sensei at the airport and to send out invitations and schedule for the day’s events. karateka from three different dojos showed up and we were ready to begin. The host dojo is responsible for leading the clinic, especially when it comes to the opening ceremony, stretching as well as instructing the students on what to expect for the test (marking the floor, instructions, etc.).

Well to be honest, I blew it. I went “brain dead” on remembering dojo kun, I forget to stretch us in, I forgot how to mark the dojo floor for test lineups and failed to instruct the students before test. I disappointed my fellow sensei’s for my lack of preparation and my example was not in line to proper Karate etiquette. Fortunately our certified karate examiner was very forgiving and mentioned nothing of my errors, but I noticed them and I’m humbled and humiliated. Because of my lack of formal training (the knoweldge of tradition) outside and inside the dojo, and for not instilling the proper Karate etiquette in the dojo at every class, I showed a poor display of discipline and failed in my leadership.

Lesson learned… I’m humbled, now what?

Be prepared and show good Karate etiquette in and out of the dojo… ALWAYS!

Good etiquette should make for good karate. It should play an important part in karate training. It is pure common courtesy which I failed to do the day of the kyu test (and is something which, unfortunately, is missing from certain areas of life today). It should not be interpreted or considered as an act of subservience. Mutual respect is also important in karate and applying the principles of etiquette inside and outside the dojo is certainly recommended. I failed in showing mutual respect to my fellow sensei’s and the rest of karateka who came to train and are used to formal dojo etiquette.

Having said this, those who have no problem in knowing all about practicing etiquette inside and outside the dojo and who have experience in running clinics/kyu tests must have a certain amount of commitment in mentoring new sensei's who are just beginning.

Studying karate is much more than learning to perfect a variety of techniques and really requires an understanding of the cultural and historical background which have risen to the conventional code of conduct. This takes time to learn and apply. The importance of culture, tradition and philosophy in karate are readily expressed by the conventional code of conduct which emanated from, inter alia, the ancient traditions of Okinawa and Japan.

A karateka (student of karate) who understands the principles of etiquette and practices the same will be a credit not only to oneself but also to his/her instructor and indeed, fellow karateka.

So, where do I go from here?

I’ve humble myself, to say the least... I’ve learned to be prepared, even if I need to ask when I don’t understand... I must train not only in the dojo, but on my own, and that means the business of being a sensei! Karate training is based largely on the development of discipline and respect. Observing etiquette is a fundamental expression of the respect that is due to the instructors and my fellow students.

The Dojo Code is the code of conduct under which the Art of Karate in practiced.

I've now learned that Dojo Kun (when properly learned and remembered) emphasizes the character building aspects of Karate in which respect for the dojo, instructors and fellow students is an essential principle. It's not just a recital of words!

The ultimate aim of the Art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants through hard training, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self control. My personal understanding of Dojo Kun is:

SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER
Character - Exert oneself in the perfection of character
BE FAITHFUL
Sincerity - Be faithful and sincere
ENDEAVOUR
Effort - Cultivate the spirit of perseverance
RESPECT OTHERS
Etiquette - Be respectful and courteous
REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR
Self-control - Refrain from impetuous and violent behavior

Now Sensei... repeat this over and over! Learn it, be it, pracrise it in the dojo always!

So you want to learn Karate? Welcome to my dojo!

I am the Sensei or teacher in this class and I hope that you have a wonderful experience that will help you to enjoy martial arts as much as I do! That is how I greet new students. Of course, it may not be verbatim but you get the idea.

In the first class at my dojo, there are many things that you will learn. You will learn some of the history of the Shotokan Karate and some of the principles or precepts that come with our style (also known as the dojo kun). The amount of time spent discussing these things depends upon the age of the student, and their attention level. Younger students get a little less history at a time, since they have a shorter attention span. As we progress through the traditions of our class-like rei-ing in (bowing in), we discuss those too.

It is important not to overload any student. So I keep a good watch on the student's expressions and body language. After all, my goal as a teacher is to inspire and ignite a passion for the martial arts. So I don't want to talk too long, as I don't want to lose them. So after a bit of talk about history, dojo rules and traditions we begin training.

It is customary in my dojo to warm up with some stretching. It doesn't matter if it is a beginning class or a more advanced class. Then I introduce some techniques. While demonstrating the techniques, the proper form is explained. I try to pattern my teaching after the way I was taught by my Sensei. I give a lot of encouragement to my students. As time goes on with a student, a balance is reached that includes encouragement and constructive feedback. During a first class, though, we concentrate on encouragement.

The first techniques that are learned in my dojo are dachis (stances). Our foundation is built upon our connection to the earth and so it is very important that we are able to stand correctly. We generally cover just the most basic of stances in terms of practicing those techniques, although some of the others to be taught later are demonstrated. We spend some time practicing what we have learned and then we learn to walk using the stances. Usually, I concentrate on moving in zenkutsu dachi (forward stance) since it is one of the most commonly used stances.

Moving into the next technique, I teach a choku zuki - straight punch. After a bit of practice in slow motion, we speed it up a bit. Then we are ready to try to put stance, movement and strike together. So we drill with our zenkutsu dachi (forward stance) and walking, rooting ourselves and then executing choku zuki - straight punch.

The first class with a student usually consists of these things and bowing out ceremony. On paper, this may not seem like it would take a great deal of time, but it actually works out to be about one class period. Of course it depends upon the age of the students, whether or not they learn quickly and various other factors.

Students are welcome to stay after and ask questions. Sometimes we spend a little bit of time processing what is learned and I encourage them to practice daily. I am also open to being called if there are more questions that come up later and email is always an option. My purpose as a teacher is to pass on what I know and my love of the art. It is my mission and passion. I look forward to teaching each person who takes the time to come to my dojo. Hopefully, the experience they have with me will inspire them to continue into the do (way of life) and enhance their life.

Martial arts - at my age?!

Maybe you can't picture yourself kickboxing your way to fitness or mimicking moves you've seen in old Bruce Lee films, but the vast world of martial arts disciplines has something to offer just about everyone.

A martial art is an Oriental art of combat or self-defense practiced with or without weapons. People who study martial arts in the U.S. today do so mostly for sport, self-defense, and exercise, as well as to develop concentration, self-confidence, and self-discipline. Karate is one of the more popular martial arts in the U.S.

Kicking It Up A Notch
If you're looking for a more physically intense martial arts experience, consider Karate which is one of the better known martial arts that involve varying degrees of kicking, punching, blocking, striking, and self-defense techniques.

All martial arts, regardless of style, can help develop strength, balance, and flexibility, and improve concentration and confidence. Martial arts are the best for helping older people develop and maintain strength and balance.

Because the martial arts are progressive, you won't start out kicking to your head and breaking boards with your hands, regardless of how old you are. With time and practice, you'll reach higher and higher levels of expertise at your own pace.

Studying a martial art can challenge you both mentally and physically, teach you about different cultures and philosophies, and provide a new outlet for physical activity that can last for years, depending on how much you want to learn and how far you want to advance.