The missing word

[GJEC]

Our club is probably like most. We use a fairly simple process of preparation - training - application. Skills are picked up over a period of time; drilled to 'unconscious competence' then (hopefully) successfully applied in kumite. The process may take weeks, months or years but if people stick at it, it will come.

But the missing word is 'evaluation'. When I finished training as a 15 year old I had an hour to cycle home. Maybe this was really helpful as I didn't switch off as soon as I left the dojo, but replayed parts of the session in my mind. Even as a kid - before I'd even heard of sports psychology - I felt the value of remembering and strongly visualising what went well. On the other hand stuff that didn't burned a hole in me and the next day I'd be practising or planning how to make it work better.

Is this missing today? A lot of my students rush in and rush out and I'm sure switch straight back to normal life by the time they get in their car. I know some keep a journal or a log, but I see people make a mistake on Monday, miss Thursday - then make the SAME mistake the next Monday.

I'm wondering if this is just modern life? Are we too rushed to take things in properly? In my opinion this needs bringing back. It should be an endless circle: Preparation - Training - Application - Evaluation.

Gary

[MMX]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense.

I know myself when I feel a technique lacking in the dojo it is the first one I work on the next time I practice at home.

[monty]

Gary, Are you talking about the kids, the adults or both?

I can't speak for anyone else but I'd be happy if you said "come on Monty, I've shown you this before, you should be doing.......".

[GJEC]

It's mainly the kids Monty. I'm sure some have their DS fired up before they even get home and forget about training between sessions ...

As a coach it is really tiring to keep correcting the same things over and over again. (As an example, we've been stressing that correct foot placement before mawashi geri for months now, but some still haven't grasped the idea)

With you and Ros, I know you review the session afterwards together as you write up your log. That really helps as I never get the impression - with either of you - that you switch off between sessions or fail to work on things.

Gary

[senshido]

I'm having exactly the same issues Gary...

it is very frustrating, and I feel I'm wasting the time of the ones who make an effort by re-tracing old steps again and again.
I think I am being too "nice" to those who are not making the effort... I think I need to change also....

[GJEC]

I think it helps to make an effort if people mentally prepare first. It's common with things like weight training to check how you did in your last session, and should be in karate (IMO)

If people took the time to evaluate what they did - mentally is better than nothing but written is streets ahead - AFTER a session, then prepare by reviewing that and setting themselves goals (mental as well as physical) BEFORE the next one, I'm convinced they'd make better progress, feel more involved and enjoy the process.

It doesn't need to be an essay. It could be as simple as:

AFTER: Kicks felt great. Need to use hips more in punches. (visualise correct feel) Sparring felt a bit tight.

BEFORE: (Physical goal) Must turn hips in (Mental goal) Relax and take charge.

Too many just turn up, follow instructions then wonder off frustrated if it doesn't work immediately. How many times have we heard "I wasn't learning anything" when in reality we are giving them all the pointers they need, they are just not picking up on them or remembering them.

Gary

[senshido]

only last week I handed out a letter (so that the parents can see what I'm getting at)... saying to read their syllabus, ask questions if you're not sure of anything, I also tell them to make notes in their syllabus along side the techniques... all to no avail

[GJEC]

Happily, we don't have a syllabus now and only a few basics. I've deliberately made the requirements technically simpler so we can work hard and get strong.

But you're up against it when kids can't remember 'water - fees - pads' before they come training, let alone what they did last week.

Press on!

Gary

[senshido]

aye, as they say.... carry on rewardless!

[Ros]

I can see where you'e coming from and I think it sounds like a great idea...until I tried to do it.

Last night for example, I can only think of one thing that I thought went particularly well (grab and mawashi geri) and only one thing that particularly didn't (keeping up with the count for kicks in line). Trouble is that the thing that didn't go particularly well never goes particularly well! (I also had a particular learning point from last night: when you've done your sabaki move against constant forward pressure, pushing them away afterwards gets you a few more seconds).

I can't think of any ultra short-term goals either - mental or physical - that I could measure in any way.

I'm not trying to be negative but I found it really difficult. I'm fairly sure it's just me (I always struggle to think of objectives in my appraisal at work as well), so I would be interested to hear from anyone who has done this successfully.

[GJEC]

Don't worry, I'm not turning into a tree-hugger.

Getting stronger is all down to focus and hard work. This is just a peripheral thing that might 'oil the wheels' a little and help the kids remember what I show them (and maybe involve their parents)

I know some seniors also write their own notes / reminders, this is just one way of doing it amongst many.

Gary

[senshido]

I held a grading test yesterday and felt the need to fail 13 of my own students , mostly through lack of effort... most of those that failed didnt appear to "want it" enough
we will see if this gives them a kick start to improve, I wonder how many will turn up at the class this week?

[GJEC]

I used to give mine a long ramble about what I wanted in tests but now I just say two words. "Impress us"

I've also stopped really pushing the date, just telling them a month or so before that they are being assessed to see who comes regularly and gives their best.



Gary