Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
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Generally, most colored belt gradings are held around every 3-4 months, and going to the Dojo twice a week for 4 months adds up to around 30 hours of training...
...training that may or may not be solely dedicated to helping you pass your next belt grading.
So, guess what, you have to spend at least that many hours dedicated to the display of basics, forms called Kata's and then either one step, three step, five step, or free style Kumite (sparring).
How are you going to do that you ask?
That's right...I'm talking about homework...that dreaded word we all hated while growing up.
That's if you want to excel and pull off a decent showing that is...
Now, there is going to be a huge difference between little Johnny doing Heian Nidan and a strong 20 year old man or woman...so make sure there really is a difference in the eyes of the judges...
...the difference in Kime (Focus and Concentration) should be apparent.
Also, if your not near total exhaustion after your grading...you just didn't put in the effort...and it will be noticed.
If you simply want to do the motions and achieve a black belt, that's fine...
...but if you truly want to live the life and way that Karate and other martial arts teach...then you have to get serious about your training...
...and if you happen to end up with a black belt after 4-5 years of hard training, well, that's just a bonus but it's not the real goal.
So, in a nut shell, to pass your belt grading you simply have to practice...
...practice some more and then finally practice some more after that...
Easy, isn't it?
...and believe me, when grading time comes, you'll do just fine.
RJF
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Here and Now continued...from The Zen Way To The Martial Arts
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the blogger search this blog box, at the top of the page to find the story you were looking for...RJF
From The Zen Way to The Martial Arts...
"The moon's refection on the surface of the water moves incessantly. Yet the moon shines and goes nowhere it stays but it moves."
A very short poem on the secret of Zen and the martial arts, and also a great koan.
The stream never flows backward. The water slips past, past, past...but the moon doesn't move. In a contest the mind must be like the moon, while body and time slip past, past, past like water in the stream.
Now never returns. In zazen every breath out is that one, the one now, and it never comes back again. Of course, you can "catch" your breath but what you catch is never what went before, The breath that comes after is never the one that came before. Yesterday was yesterday and today is today. Different.
To be continued...
RJF
Use the blogger search this blog box, at the top of the page to find the story you were looking for...RJF
From The Zen Way to The Martial Arts...
"The moon's refection on the surface of the water moves incessantly. Yet the moon shines and goes nowhere it stays but it moves."
A very short poem on the secret of Zen and the martial arts, and also a great koan.
The stream never flows backward. The water slips past, past, past...but the moon doesn't move. In a contest the mind must be like the moon, while body and time slip past, past, past like water in the stream.
Now never returns. In zazen every breath out is that one, the one now, and it never comes back again. Of course, you can "catch" your breath but what you catch is never what went before, The breath that comes after is never the one that came before. Yesterday was yesterday and today is today. Different.
To be continued...
RJF
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Adventures in Kumite...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the blogger search search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
I should know better...trying to front kick a 6'2 260 lb black belt...
...I'm a second level brown belt by the way, 48 years old, 5'7 and 150 lbs with all my clothes on.
I didn't hear my big toe crack, but I sure felt it...ouch!
It didn't stop me from sparring for the rest of the night...I just wasn't able to use that foot for any kicks...which reduces the number of weapons I have at my disposal.
One of natures and our bodies neat tricks, is to block out pain when the adrenaline starts flowing in a fight or flight response from an outside threat.
Of course when the adrenaline is gone, as a matter of course, my body appropriately informs me of the injured area that needs attending too, by sending shooting pain signals from my toe to my brain.
It was really bad technique on my part...kicking like I'm kicking a soccer ball, rather than raising my knee and thrusting forward with my hips, and hitting with the ball of my foot.
Anyway, I'm at least symmetrical now, cracked toes wise, my right big toe a month ago and now my left...
When am I going to learn...
At least I'm not as bad off as the black belt teenager that took a reverse roundhouse kick to the face, bloodying his nose, courtesy of a female black belt in our class.
Guys, a word of warning when sparring with women...
...always be prepared for the unexpected and give yourself more room for defending yourself...
...women will take liberties with you because they will see you as being bigger and stronger and able to take more abuse, which is true of course...
...but even a 110 lb women can knock a man down with just the right roundhouse or reverse roundhouse to the jaw...
...so remember, don't take the gals lightly.
My sensei likes to mix up the partners, so that we get a chance to spar with karate-ka with different body types and different levels of skill.
After sparring with the immovable object, a 260 lb blackbelt instructor from a different dojo, I was partnered with a purple belt, with similar stature to myself.
Now this fellow and it is one advantage of smaller men, very quick...so all my blocking and striking had to be turned up a notch.
Kumite is where the practical aspect of basic training and kata are utilized...
...Unfortunately performing free sparring kumite at kata and basic kicking and striking speeds, will have you lying on the mat for the 10 count.
There is no time for thinking in free sparring kumite...
...even at this basic introductory level this fact is all too clear.
The game can change from defense to offense in a split second...
...being the first to attack, can also mean being the first to be hit the floor.
More on Kumite soon...
RJF
Use the blogger search search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
I should know better...trying to front kick a 6'2 260 lb black belt...
...I'm a second level brown belt by the way, 48 years old, 5'7 and 150 lbs with all my clothes on.
I didn't hear my big toe crack, but I sure felt it...ouch!
It didn't stop me from sparring for the rest of the night...I just wasn't able to use that foot for any kicks...which reduces the number of weapons I have at my disposal.
One of natures and our bodies neat tricks, is to block out pain when the adrenaline starts flowing in a fight or flight response from an outside threat.
Of course when the adrenaline is gone, as a matter of course, my body appropriately informs me of the injured area that needs attending too, by sending shooting pain signals from my toe to my brain.
It was really bad technique on my part...kicking like I'm kicking a soccer ball, rather than raising my knee and thrusting forward with my hips, and hitting with the ball of my foot.
Anyway, I'm at least symmetrical now, cracked toes wise, my right big toe a month ago and now my left...
When am I going to learn...
At least I'm not as bad off as the black belt teenager that took a reverse roundhouse kick to the face, bloodying his nose, courtesy of a female black belt in our class.
Guys, a word of warning when sparring with women...
...always be prepared for the unexpected and give yourself more room for defending yourself...
...women will take liberties with you because they will see you as being bigger and stronger and able to take more abuse, which is true of course...
...but even a 110 lb women can knock a man down with just the right roundhouse or reverse roundhouse to the jaw...
...so remember, don't take the gals lightly.
My sensei likes to mix up the partners, so that we get a chance to spar with karate-ka with different body types and different levels of skill.
After sparring with the immovable object, a 260 lb blackbelt instructor from a different dojo, I was partnered with a purple belt, with similar stature to myself.
Now this fellow and it is one advantage of smaller men, very quick...so all my blocking and striking had to be turned up a notch.
Kumite is where the practical aspect of basic training and kata are utilized...
...Unfortunately performing free sparring kumite at kata and basic kicking and striking speeds, will have you lying on the mat for the 10 count.
There is no time for thinking in free sparring kumite...
...even at this basic introductory level this fact is all too clear.
The game can change from defense to offense in a split second...
...being the first to attack, can also mean being the first to be hit the floor.
More on Kumite soon...
RJF
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Alcohol and Karate training...save it for after...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
A lot of people enjoy a beer or two after work, I know I do...
...but when the Head Instructor starts to notice it, smell or otherwise...then I have to question my practice. Especially when it gets pointed out in front of the whole class.
I'm definitely not one to preach about the evils of alcohol...
...I've got my numerous stories of overindulgence...
...and there's plenty of evidence about it's negative affects, no matter where you care to look...
...everything from brain and liver damage, right through to addiction and possibly family violence.
So back to Karate and alcohol...
...so the way I see it, Karate is a way of life and a way of becoming aware of my actions and in turn a way to discipline myself...
...after all, I need discipline to off set my indulgence...don't I?
You know, Ying and Yang, balance, and all that stuff...
Anyway, I've decided to break a long held routine of having a beer after work, and in particular before going to the Dojo, and I will now wait patiently until after my class...
Besides, it will probably taste even better...
Cheers..
RJF
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
A lot of people enjoy a beer or two after work, I know I do...
...but when the Head Instructor starts to notice it, smell or otherwise...then I have to question my practice. Especially when it gets pointed out in front of the whole class.
I'm definitely not one to preach about the evils of alcohol...
...I've got my numerous stories of overindulgence...
...and there's plenty of evidence about it's negative affects, no matter where you care to look...
...everything from brain and liver damage, right through to addiction and possibly family violence.
So back to Karate and alcohol...
...so the way I see it, Karate is a way of life and a way of becoming aware of my actions and in turn a way to discipline myself...
...after all, I need discipline to off set my indulgence...don't I?
You know, Ying and Yang, balance, and all that stuff...
Anyway, I've decided to break a long held routine of having a beer after work, and in particular before going to the Dojo, and I will now wait patiently until after my class...
Besides, it will probably taste even better...
Cheers..
RJF
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Pain...it's a part of Karate and the Martial Arts..
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Can't find what your looking for...Try the Blog Search for Searching this Blog at the Top of the Page....
Thanks RJF
Oriental herbal plasters and ointments for pain relief by Ken Cheong
Most of us are acquainted with martial arts based on what we see on TV and the movies; Jacky Chan, Steven Segal, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee etc.
Some of the most popular martial arts in practize today include Judo, Tek Kwan Do, Karate, which have made it to the Olympic Games, Akido, Tai Chi and Qigong, which are not in the Olympic Games as yet. Although some of these martial arts come from Korea and Japan, the roots of most martial arts can be traced to China.
It is believed that all martial arts can be traced to the Shaolin Temple and the Wudang Hills in China. In reality, there must be hundreds of different types of martial arts practized in China, including the more popular BaQuaQuan, TangLangQuan, TaiChi, HouQuan, etc.
Training injuries, bruises and cuts are common during practizes and sparring sessions in martial arts schools. In fact, injuries are so common that most martial arts teachers also double up as doctors in treating aches and pains that come from sporting and training injuries.
The common ways to treat pain and ache in martial arts schools include:
Accupuncture
Accupuncture needles are inserted at the right accupoints or meridians in various part of the human body to relieve pain and tension of the muscle. A trained accupunture practioner is required to carry out such treatment.
Tui Na
A form of Chinese accupressure massage where muscles aches and pain are relieved through massaging the right accupoints and meridians. This may sometimes be used in conjunction with heat pads.
Herbal Plasters
Almost every martial arts school has their own secret formula for a herbal plaster. These plasters are mostly herbal conconction and used to treat pain, bruises and aches caused by training and actual fights. These herbal plasters are very effective and bruises and pain tend to disappear very fast once the plasters are applied to the injured area.
Herbal Ointments
Used mostly in conjunction with TuiNa or massage, these ointments are also herbal liquid formulas handed down from generation after generation. They are extremely popular and almost every martial arts school will have their 'own brand' of herbal ointment.
Today, accupuncture and TuiNa has made it to mainstream sports schools and even hospitals in China and also gaining much prominence and popularity in sports schools and hospitals in Asia and the Western countries.
In fact, accupuncture is used for many forms of treatments including backaches, kicking cigarette habits, menopause pain, migrane etc
TuiNa has also made it into mainstream life as a form of relaxation massage in addition to it's use for treating pain and ache.
Many martial arts schools has also tied up with pharmaceutical companies to produce modern versions of their herbal plasters and ointments in hygienic, scientific and environmentally controlled factories. These herbal plasters and ointments are produced in large quantities and has made their way into most Asian homes and families. Most families will have these plasters and ointments in their cabinets to treat pain ranging from arthritis, shoulder and neck aches, back pain, ankle pain etc.
Some of these brands are now household brands in Asian societies. They are also slowly making their way into Western countries.
About the Author
Ken Cheong lived, worked and travelled in China for 7 years. He shares articles of China in his websites http://www.quick-pain-relief and *Note* the previous link wasn't working when I last tried it...also try this one...Quick Guide: Modern China and Chinese culture, travel, business, customs and people. Please feel free to distribute this article as long as you mention his websites.
Of course good old Tylenol works great too, especially after a tough workout in the the Dojo...
RJF
Can't find what your looking for...Try the Blog Search for Searching this Blog at the Top of the Page....
Thanks RJF
Oriental herbal plasters and ointments for pain relief by Ken Cheong
Most of us are acquainted with martial arts based on what we see on TV and the movies; Jacky Chan, Steven Segal, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee etc.
Some of the most popular martial arts in practize today include Judo, Tek Kwan Do, Karate, which have made it to the Olympic Games, Akido, Tai Chi and Qigong, which are not in the Olympic Games as yet. Although some of these martial arts come from Korea and Japan, the roots of most martial arts can be traced to China.
It is believed that all martial arts can be traced to the Shaolin Temple and the Wudang Hills in China. In reality, there must be hundreds of different types of martial arts practized in China, including the more popular BaQuaQuan, TangLangQuan, TaiChi, HouQuan, etc.
Training injuries, bruises and cuts are common during practizes and sparring sessions in martial arts schools. In fact, injuries are so common that most martial arts teachers also double up as doctors in treating aches and pains that come from sporting and training injuries.
The common ways to treat pain and ache in martial arts schools include:
Accupuncture
Accupuncture needles are inserted at the right accupoints or meridians in various part of the human body to relieve pain and tension of the muscle. A trained accupunture practioner is required to carry out such treatment.
Tui Na
A form of Chinese accupressure massage where muscles aches and pain are relieved through massaging the right accupoints and meridians. This may sometimes be used in conjunction with heat pads.
Herbal Plasters
Almost every martial arts school has their own secret formula for a herbal plaster. These plasters are mostly herbal conconction and used to treat pain, bruises and aches caused by training and actual fights. These herbal plasters are very effective and bruises and pain tend to disappear very fast once the plasters are applied to the injured area.
Herbal Ointments
Used mostly in conjunction with TuiNa or massage, these ointments are also herbal liquid formulas handed down from generation after generation. They are extremely popular and almost every martial arts school will have their 'own brand' of herbal ointment.
Today, accupuncture and TuiNa has made it to mainstream sports schools and even hospitals in China and also gaining much prominence and popularity in sports schools and hospitals in Asia and the Western countries.
In fact, accupuncture is used for many forms of treatments including backaches, kicking cigarette habits, menopause pain, migrane etc
TuiNa has also made it into mainstream life as a form of relaxation massage in addition to it's use for treating pain and ache.
Many martial arts schools has also tied up with pharmaceutical companies to produce modern versions of their herbal plasters and ointments in hygienic, scientific and environmentally controlled factories. These herbal plasters and ointments are produced in large quantities and has made their way into most Asian homes and families. Most families will have these plasters and ointments in their cabinets to treat pain ranging from arthritis, shoulder and neck aches, back pain, ankle pain etc.
Some of these brands are now household brands in Asian societies. They are also slowly making their way into Western countries.
About the Author
Ken Cheong lived, worked and travelled in China for 7 years. He shares articles of China in his websites http://www.quick-pain-relief and *Note* the previous link wasn't working when I last tried it...also try this one...Quick Guide: Modern China and Chinese culture, travel, business, customs and people. Please feel free to distribute this article as long as you mention his websites.
Of course good old Tylenol works great too, especially after a tough workout in the the Dojo...
RJF
Finding and Using your Ki...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
Extend Your Ki to Get a New Job by Scott Brown
If you have studied or read about martial arts, you are most likely aware of the basic principle that most of the Asian martial arts teach is that each individual possesses an inner strength that can be used and projected to enhance that individual's prowess and abilities.
In Japanese martial arts, this energy is known as Ki. In Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese dance-like martial art, the energy is referred to as Chi. In Qi Gong, another ancient Chinese martial art, this energy is referred to as Qi. Ancient Ninja referred to it as Hara. Luke Skywalker from Star Wars knew it as 'the Force.'
What is Ki?
Have you ever read a story in the paper of how a 140 pound woman moved a 2000 pound car to save an individual trapped under the car? Have you ever watched on TV when in martial arts demonstrations the little, tiny 80 year old man breaks an incredible number of cinder blocks with just his fingers or with his head? Have you ever watched those gruesome shows where people pierce their backs with huge stainless steel posts and then are suspended hundreds of feet in the air by those posts?
These are all examples of where ordinary (and sometimes not so ordinary) individuals have tapped an inner well of strength and energy and focused and controlled it so tightly that they were able to perform acts that are considered impossible or unbearable.
Another example I can offer is from a friend of mine who uses Ki to calm his child when he has a full blown tantrum. The way he explained it (which helped me to understand the concept better) is that he focuses every inch of his being, his love, his strength, his empathy and his passion on his son as he tries to calm him. My friend pictures an envelope of these feelings emanating from him and encapsulating the baby until the baby is overwhelmed with these feelings and succumbs to his father's ministrations.
One other important aspect of focusing your Ki, my friend explained, is that you have to completel
About the Author
Scott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook Job Search Handbook. As editor of the HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with a complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively.
Find your own Ki... its approximately 3 inches below your belly button...that's the centre of your energy being...see if you can become aware of it during the day.
RJF
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
Extend Your Ki to Get a New Job by Scott Brown
If you have studied or read about martial arts, you are most likely aware of the basic principle that most of the Asian martial arts teach is that each individual possesses an inner strength that can be used and projected to enhance that individual's prowess and abilities.
In Japanese martial arts, this energy is known as Ki. In Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese dance-like martial art, the energy is referred to as Chi. In Qi Gong, another ancient Chinese martial art, this energy is referred to as Qi. Ancient Ninja referred to it as Hara. Luke Skywalker from Star Wars knew it as 'the Force.'
What is Ki?
Have you ever read a story in the paper of how a 140 pound woman moved a 2000 pound car to save an individual trapped under the car? Have you ever watched on TV when in martial arts demonstrations the little, tiny 80 year old man breaks an incredible number of cinder blocks with just his fingers or with his head? Have you ever watched those gruesome shows where people pierce their backs with huge stainless steel posts and then are suspended hundreds of feet in the air by those posts?
These are all examples of where ordinary (and sometimes not so ordinary) individuals have tapped an inner well of strength and energy and focused and controlled it so tightly that they were able to perform acts that are considered impossible or unbearable.
Another example I can offer is from a friend of mine who uses Ki to calm his child when he has a full blown tantrum. The way he explained it (which helped me to understand the concept better) is that he focuses every inch of his being, his love, his strength, his empathy and his passion on his son as he tries to calm him. My friend pictures an envelope of these feelings emanating from him and encapsulating the baby until the baby is overwhelmed with these feelings and succumbs to his father's ministrations.
One other important aspect of focusing your Ki, my friend explained, is that you have to completel
About the Author
Scott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook Job Search Handbook. As editor of the HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with a complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively.
Find your own Ki... its approximately 3 inches below your belly button...that's the centre of your energy being...see if you can become aware of it during the day.
RJF
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The Kiai Yell...how its made and why...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
Making the Kiai Sound
How do you correctly do a Kiai Yell? Remember we said that the Kiai comes from the lower abdomen. Also remember that you do not have to make a sound to perform a Kiai. But traditionally, a sound is made and therefore here are some ideas.
You can use any number of variations when sounding out the Kiai. Try some of the following: “ya” “oh” “I-yah” “orya”
Remember that the Kiai originates in the lower abdomen and so should the sound originate from there. A properly executed Martial Arts Yell will not come from the throat and therefore will not cause you to get a sore throat (All orators, speakers and classical singers know of this method.). Do not think that the movie version of the Kiai Yell, as performed by Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon”, as being the sound you should make. If it feels and sounds like it is coming from the throat, then it’s wrong.
To read more about the Kiai, view the full article at:
http://www.martialinfo.com/articles/article_view.asp?i=74
...About the Authors
Master Dennis Rodriguez has been involved in the martial arts for more than 30 years. He has owned his own martial arts academy (the Black Dragon’s Den) for 11 years and now has 4 locations to include training in Adrian Michigan, Tecumseh Michigan, Adrian College and Sand Creek Elementary School. The Adrian College program is only one of a few colleges or universities that offer martial arts as not only a club sport but also as a “for credit” course.
Master Rodriguez is a 7th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Chief Instructor and has recently received the prestigious degree of Professor of Martial Arts.
Mr. Coscarelli is a 2nd Degree Black Belt who studies under Master Rodriguez. He is also a nationally certified instructor in T’ai Chi, QiGong.
To read additional articles on martial arts or to visit our web site link to http://www.blackdragonsden.com
*Note*...for some reason this last link is broken..
The important thing about the Kiai, is that it should be practiced along with your basics, kata and kumite...its all part of the total package...so don't neglect it.
RJF
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
Making the Kiai Sound
How do you correctly do a Kiai Yell? Remember we said that the Kiai comes from the lower abdomen. Also remember that you do not have to make a sound to perform a Kiai. But traditionally, a sound is made and therefore here are some ideas.
You can use any number of variations when sounding out the Kiai. Try some of the following: “ya” “oh” “I-yah” “orya”
Remember that the Kiai originates in the lower abdomen and so should the sound originate from there. A properly executed Martial Arts Yell will not come from the throat and therefore will not cause you to get a sore throat (All orators, speakers and classical singers know of this method.). Do not think that the movie version of the Kiai Yell, as performed by Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon”, as being the sound you should make. If it feels and sounds like it is coming from the throat, then it’s wrong.
To read more about the Kiai, view the full article at:
http://www.martialinfo.com/articles/article_view.asp?i=74
...About the Authors
Master Dennis Rodriguez has been involved in the martial arts for more than 30 years. He has owned his own martial arts academy (the Black Dragon’s Den) for 11 years and now has 4 locations to include training in Adrian Michigan, Tecumseh Michigan, Adrian College and Sand Creek Elementary School. The Adrian College program is only one of a few colleges or universities that offer martial arts as not only a club sport but also as a “for credit” course.
Master Rodriguez is a 7th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Chief Instructor and has recently received the prestigious degree of Professor of Martial Arts.
Mr. Coscarelli is a 2nd Degree Black Belt who studies under Master Rodriguez. He is also a nationally certified instructor in T’ai Chi, QiGong.
To read additional articles on martial arts or to visit our web site link to http://www.blackdragonsden.com
*Note*...for some reason this last link is broken..
The important thing about the Kiai, is that it should be practiced along with your basics, kata and kumite...its all part of the total package...so don't neglect it.
RJF
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Excerpt from an interview with Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, on teaching Karate-Do...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
Teaching Karate-Do
Interview with Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura,
founder and Chairman of the World Seido Karate Organization
By Christopher Caile
Caile: So how do you teach karate-do versus regular karate and what do you emphasize?
Nakamura: So the way we call dojo, it means a place you find out about yourself, place you find enlightenment, place you find your way, your sincere way. It's not a gym, club, a place of socializing or getting a date, but place to study own self, to learn techniques but also gain spiritual and mental knowledge. I hope each student studies karate, their dojo is also like a second home. Each time you come you feel so comfortable, but also appreciate and feel more serious too, similar feeling to when you go to church, or when you go to special ceremony place. You feel like, kind of dignity.
It's also very important, the way as teacher to make a good program, what we call curriculum - it means the way you study. You have to make sure you have a good system. Each level has a certain amount of material a person has to learn, step by step, instead of all right way. In some systems right away after you a little bit understand basics, you begin fighting. The dojo is not just to produce fighters. The karate dojo is not like a factory for producing strong fighters. This way so often people get injured, they get discouraged or uncomfortable, then discontinue training. That's why it's very important, way you set up the system the proper way so people continue. Then everyone can benefit.
Karate is not just fighting but also how you control your mind, which is your temper, your discipline and your morals. We request student have to take meditation class. At end I give a simple lecture about karate-do attitude, spirit, practice or way to live. In these classes students learn and have a better chance to understand themselves, to look at themselves, more inside and see what they are, what is missing, and reflect also on other people. Maybe they realize, "I'm still immature and that I have to grow and to continue to polish myself." As a teacher I am concerned individually because each student is physically and mentally different. Conditions not exactly same for everybody, and some physically not well. But karate should be for everybody, so especially in Seido we open to everybody, even mentally learning disabled people, homeless children, deaf students, blind people - there is room for everybody, even some domestic violence situation people. Still they can study karate to develop more inner strength to take care of your life.
A student taking a written exam as part of her promotion. Students are asked to write short essays explaining what they have learned, such as: "Why do you study Seido Karate?"; Why do we bow and say "OSU'"?; or for a discussion of the meaning of a particular Japanese saying or phrase.
So in the Seido system during promotions we ask students to write down their thoughts on training, our organization and philosophy, and what they have learned. At the black belt level, students talk to other students and teachers about essays they have written. We expect their words to be genuine and sincere and to come from their heart. We also stress etiquette, not just in the dojo but extended to everyday life too. It teaches respect of others, and it is also mental training toward a way of the spirit. Those who have difficulty with etiquette show their difficulties inside, maybe ego, lack of self-respect or other problems. Courtesy and manners require self-control, discipline and sensitivity to others -- what is necessary to change one's self, what is necessary to take control of one's life and future.
Way I believe, to study karate-do is the way of your life, but as karate-ka each karate-ka has responsibility to be more open, to use whatever you learn from karate-do to apply in your every day life - the way you control your emotions, your temper, morals, discipline, how you behave. To the extent you are using, you are becoming more true karate-ka. That means a strong, true karate-ka is not just how many tournaments you compete and how many times you get to be champion, first place, or grand champion. It is not. People think, "How many times I have received Grand Champion, that's why I am a great karate-ka." Sometimes people feel like this. But how strong you are inside which means how you dedicate your life, how you carry on your discipline, that is important. That's why it is so important to maintain and show discipline in the dojo. Especially in Seido, we have so many different types of people, handicapped people, learning disabled, all different, but still those people seriously learn karate. Then we all more realize and appreciate what we have and how lucky we are.
Caile: What about spirit?
Nakamura: Through study of karate students can develop a non-quitting spirit. It doesn't matter if you are a woman, your sex or age, but as long as you study karate you can develop a strong spirit, a non-quit spirit. This because throughout our life there is always something happening, but each time something happens you take it as a challenge, and even if you fall down you take it as your challenge. You say, "This is a way I can grow. This way that I can enrich myself." Then with positive attitude, can face problems, can face obstacles. You can kind of fight back. You develop an attitude as how to carry on and live life. A good punch is fine. A good kick is fine. But what really is really important is your strength inside. That is what allows to meet life's challenges. That is what people respect -- how you dedicate yourself, how you dedicate you life.
Full story at:
FightingArts.com - Teaching Karate-Do
About the Author Christopher Caile
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
Teaching Karate-Do
Interview with Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura,
founder and Chairman of the World Seido Karate Organization
By Christopher Caile
Caile: So how do you teach karate-do versus regular karate and what do you emphasize?
Nakamura: So the way we call dojo, it means a place you find out about yourself, place you find enlightenment, place you find your way, your sincere way. It's not a gym, club, a place of socializing or getting a date, but place to study own self, to learn techniques but also gain spiritual and mental knowledge. I hope each student studies karate, their dojo is also like a second home. Each time you come you feel so comfortable, but also appreciate and feel more serious too, similar feeling to when you go to church, or when you go to special ceremony place. You feel like, kind of dignity.
It's also very important, the way as teacher to make a good program, what we call curriculum - it means the way you study. You have to make sure you have a good system. Each level has a certain amount of material a person has to learn, step by step, instead of all right way. In some systems right away after you a little bit understand basics, you begin fighting. The dojo is not just to produce fighters. The karate dojo is not like a factory for producing strong fighters. This way so often people get injured, they get discouraged or uncomfortable, then discontinue training. That's why it's very important, way you set up the system the proper way so people continue. Then everyone can benefit.
Karate is not just fighting but also how you control your mind, which is your temper, your discipline and your morals. We request student have to take meditation class. At end I give a simple lecture about karate-do attitude, spirit, practice or way to live. In these classes students learn and have a better chance to understand themselves, to look at themselves, more inside and see what they are, what is missing, and reflect also on other people. Maybe they realize, "I'm still immature and that I have to grow and to continue to polish myself." As a teacher I am concerned individually because each student is physically and mentally different. Conditions not exactly same for everybody, and some physically not well. But karate should be for everybody, so especially in Seido we open to everybody, even mentally learning disabled people, homeless children, deaf students, blind people - there is room for everybody, even some domestic violence situation people. Still they can study karate to develop more inner strength to take care of your life.
A student taking a written exam as part of her promotion. Students are asked to write short essays explaining what they have learned, such as: "Why do you study Seido Karate?"; Why do we bow and say "OSU'"?; or for a discussion of the meaning of a particular Japanese saying or phrase.
So in the Seido system during promotions we ask students to write down their thoughts on training, our organization and philosophy, and what they have learned. At the black belt level, students talk to other students and teachers about essays they have written. We expect their words to be genuine and sincere and to come from their heart. We also stress etiquette, not just in the dojo but extended to everyday life too. It teaches respect of others, and it is also mental training toward a way of the spirit. Those who have difficulty with etiquette show their difficulties inside, maybe ego, lack of self-respect or other problems. Courtesy and manners require self-control, discipline and sensitivity to others -- what is necessary to change one's self, what is necessary to take control of one's life and future.
Way I believe, to study karate-do is the way of your life, but as karate-ka each karate-ka has responsibility to be more open, to use whatever you learn from karate-do to apply in your every day life - the way you control your emotions, your temper, morals, discipline, how you behave. To the extent you are using, you are becoming more true karate-ka. That means a strong, true karate-ka is not just how many tournaments you compete and how many times you get to be champion, first place, or grand champion. It is not. People think, "How many times I have received Grand Champion, that's why I am a great karate-ka." Sometimes people feel like this. But how strong you are inside which means how you dedicate your life, how you carry on your discipline, that is important. That's why it is so important to maintain and show discipline in the dojo. Especially in Seido, we have so many different types of people, handicapped people, learning disabled, all different, but still those people seriously learn karate. Then we all more realize and appreciate what we have and how lucky we are.
Caile: What about spirit?
Nakamura: Through study of karate students can develop a non-quitting spirit. It doesn't matter if you are a woman, your sex or age, but as long as you study karate you can develop a strong spirit, a non-quit spirit. This because throughout our life there is always something happening, but each time something happens you take it as a challenge, and even if you fall down you take it as your challenge. You say, "This is a way I can grow. This way that I can enrich myself." Then with positive attitude, can face problems, can face obstacles. You can kind of fight back. You develop an attitude as how to carry on and live life. A good punch is fine. A good kick is fine. But what really is really important is your strength inside. That is what allows to meet life's challenges. That is what people respect -- how you dedicate yourself, how you dedicate you life.
Full story at:
FightingArts.com - Teaching Karate-Do
About the Author Christopher Caile
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Do you have the patience to be a Karate Instructor?
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
I guess the question should be, is patience one of your personality traits?
Because if it isn't, you'll certainly find out in a hurry.
It also depends on whether you are teaching adults, children or a combination of both.
My Karate Master has the ability to teach a class made up of beginners and black belts...
...of course there is a sharing of the instructors time, where the black belts feel they aren't challenged enough and the beginners find things a little too vigorous at times.
So the first objective is to determine what kind of Dojo you want to run.
Here is where you have a huge range of choices...everything from family oriented Karate to competitive knock down, drag em out, let's get it on, mixed martial arts fighting.
It's really a pyramid...and as you ascend the pyramid, your students, or clients become fewer and fewer.
So, if your into teaching Karate for extra income or as a full time business, you will have to determine your market...
...not to mention your own training, skill level and particular interests.
It's like one of those Zen Koans, about knowing your opponent and knowing yourself...
Whatever the reasons for teaching, personal or business, do your homework, than give it a try...
...you might just find out more about yourself through teaching, than ever imagined...
...and that experience, can be priceless...
RJF
Use the blogger search this blog feature, at the top of the page if you don't see the article you were looking for...thanks RJF
I guess the question should be, is patience one of your personality traits?
Because if it isn't, you'll certainly find out in a hurry.
It also depends on whether you are teaching adults, children or a combination of both.
My Karate Master has the ability to teach a class made up of beginners and black belts...
...of course there is a sharing of the instructors time, where the black belts feel they aren't challenged enough and the beginners find things a little too vigorous at times.
So the first objective is to determine what kind of Dojo you want to run.
Here is where you have a huge range of choices...everything from family oriented Karate to competitive knock down, drag em out, let's get it on, mixed martial arts fighting.
It's really a pyramid...and as you ascend the pyramid, your students, or clients become fewer and fewer.
So, if your into teaching Karate for extra income or as a full time business, you will have to determine your market...
...not to mention your own training, skill level and particular interests.
It's like one of those Zen Koans, about knowing your opponent and knowing yourself...
Whatever the reasons for teaching, personal or business, do your homework, than give it a try...
...you might just find out more about yourself through teaching, than ever imagined...
...and that experience, can be priceless...
RJF
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