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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 11, 2013 20:31:00 GMT -5
Figured this would be a good thread for beginning Karateka to post the issues affecting them as beginners, in hopes that the more experienced amongst us can provide a little guidance here and there and maybe a few answers. Some of us have questions we're uncomfortable asking Sensei, aren't sure if it's appropiate to ask Sensei .. or just things in general that we may be a little confused about. My current dillema is that of a training/conflict of interest issue. I currently train in Kyokushin Karate in one part of my state here in the US. In another area of the state, an area that I frequent very often and also used to reside in, there is an offshoot style that trains at a local dojo there. I have 'asked to/been invited' to train there for a session during an upcoming visit to the area that I'll be making for reasons unrelated to karate. I am very exicted for this opportunity. What I'm concerned about is what MY Sensei would think. I don't know if it's respectful to train in another dojo, even if just for a day, at such a beginner level(I've only recently promoted to 10th Kyu about 2 months ago). I don't want to send my Sensei the wrong idea. I don't want him thinking that I am trying to 'supplement his training' or that I feel his training is 'not enough'. My training in my home dojo with my home Sensei is more than adequate and I am very satisfied. My only reason for taking this opportunity to train in another dojo for a day is because I simply would like to experience another dojo, and mostly just for that, the experience, and quite frankly simply because the opportunity presented itself. Yet, I feel there's a risk of breaching our trust if I inform my Sensei about this. Or is it a bigger risk to NOT inform him, and then he somehow later finds out that I recently tained in another dojo, an offshoot to our style even, and that I did so and never told him about it? What should I do? Should I ask him if it's okay and risk causing a wedge or issue between us? Should I not ask but instead respectfully and nonchalantly inform him that I will be going to train there for a day, just to give him a courtesy heads up, but still make it my own decision? I have approximately 5 days to make a decision. Keep in mind that in deciding not to go, I will also be letting down the Sensei of the dojo I've been invited (and accepted the invite) to train in. But is that more important than upsetting my own Sensei? I think not. Advise please..
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GJEC
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Post by GJEC on Oct 12, 2013 0:32:24 GMT -5
Instructors are human and many took the same opportunities you are now thinking of. That's what raised them above the herd. They didn't just do the minimum, they tried to improve. I always liked my students to give the odd visit to other clubs. (So long as they didn't come back injured ) We all need to grow and I had a good relationship with several instructors who made my students welcome and I theirs. But I would mention it. No one likes to be caught off guard and a phone call saying "Your student did well last night" when you haven't a clue who or where can be awkward. So "Osu Sensei. I've been invited to train at ************ when I'm there next. I'm keen to go, but thought I'd run it by you first" seems to cover all bases. If done properly I'd wonder why any instructor would refuse. Gary
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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 12, 2013 12:38:31 GMT -5
Osu! GJEC, Thank you for the advice. It's going to be challenging to say what you suggested that I say, to my Sensei. It is indeed very sound and does cover all bases, but not knowing how he may feel about it still brings a little apprehension. I will however tell him, in those words, next training class.
Thanks again for the advice! Osu!
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GJEC
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Post by GJEC on Oct 12, 2013 13:18:58 GMT -5
Your call. I always tried to be approachable before, after and even during training. If you are unsure how he'll react I'd suggest talking after training as before is usually a busy time. Ask face to face, don't email or text.
Confident instructors rarely mind talking as equals. You're not there to beg, but to ask his opinion. Of course, if he says "I wouldn't bother, the blokes not wired up right" you should then consider your options.
Gary
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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 12, 2013 14:52:07 GMT -5
Your call. I always tried to be approachable before, after and even during training. If you are unsure how he'll react I'd suggest talking after training as before is usually a busy time. Ask face to face, don't email or text. Confident instructors rarely mind talking as equals. You're not there to beg, but to ask his opinion. Of course, if he says "I wouldn't bother, the blokes not wired up right" you should then consider your options. Gary Not quite clear on what you're conveying there at the end, my apologies. Consider my options with whom, and why?
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GJEC
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Post by GJEC on Oct 12, 2013 15:12:36 GMT -5
I'd approach this not as asking permission but more a case of "What's your opinion of"
If he knows the instructor you intend to visit is an idiot he might advise against going, I've done that myself.
So if he advises against I'd take that into account. You didn't state if your instructor is Japanese. I've found they tend to be more uptight about 'group loyalty' than westerners.
Sorry if I wasn't clear.
Gary
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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 12, 2013 17:10:33 GMT -5
I'd approach this not as asking permission but more a case of "What's your opinion of" If he knows the instructor you intend to visit is an idiot he might advise against going, I've done that myself. So if he advises against I'd take that into account. You didn't state if your instructor is Japanese. I've found they tend to be more uptight about 'group loyalty' than westerners. Sorry if I wasn't clear. Gary Thanks for clarifying! HAHA I was way off. I was thinking that you meant that if my Sensei were to say such a thing about another Sensei, then it would reflect badly on him(my Sensei) and that I'd do better to consider changing dojos. My Sensei is not Japanese but has spent many years training in Japan in his past. I can say he is definitely quite the loyalist, especially to Kyokushin. Aside from that he is, while a very practical and open minded Sensei, is also big on maintaining the Budo aspect of things.. I'm not sure how much of that carries with it those 'dojo loyalty' ideals that you mention most Japanese instructors are known for. I cannot tell you how much your insight has helped me with this matter and how thankful I am. I'm very comfortable approaching him with this now (well, with still a slight bit of apprehension lol), very much appreciated!
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Post by powerof0ne on Oct 12, 2013 19:25:10 GMT -5
I figured out long ago, that I wasn't wired to teach commercially. I have done what Gary's talking about, if I know, or know of an instructor a student is considering training with...and I know they're not good, I will let my student know. I've also done just the opposite, when a student talks about living in a certain area, with a world class instructor, I highly recommend that they should train under that instructor if their schedule permits. Hindsight is 20/20, I had a few opportunities in the past that I didn't partake in, because I thought there was some weird sense of "loyalty" that permitted me from going to another school. Now, 20 years later, give or take, I wish I did go to one of the schools . I always learn the hard way, and try to do my best, so my students don't repeat the mistakes I made. With all of this being said, I would be very cautious if your instructor is dead-set against you ever training with those outside your dojo and style. I have known, and trained with instructors like that before...they usually are the ones that aren't that confident in their own skills...but want their students to worship them. Osu!
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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 12, 2013 20:23:29 GMT -5
There's another issue I've been dealing with, and I would greatly appreciate your opinion GJEC if you don't mind good sir! One of my favorite kicks is mae geri, as I'm sure is the case with most beginners. However, I cannot make a good chusoku to strike with, and especially not on my left foot. About two months ago(and approximately 1 week prior to my 1st testing !) I jammed my big toe on my left foot throwing a lead-leg mae geri during sparring. It still has yet to "fully" heal, and has affected my sparring, and my confidence in throwing kicks with my left leg.
However, I have this issue with both feet. It's just that the left foot's set of toes has little to no ability to bend back (unless forced), while the right has at least a tiny bit of ability to retract on it's own. I've heard that stubbing it enough, or in plain terms 'injuring it repeatedly', will 'train' my toes to 'get out of the way'. Having injured the big toe on each foot at least once(left toe injury was far more severe than the right one though!) as a result of executing the same kick, and not seeing any improvement in my toes' abilities or willingness to get out of the way afterwards, I am inclined to not have much faith in the whole stub til they're nubs technique. Is there a better way to get the ligaments, muscles, bones, whatever, in my toes to gain enough control/feeling to be able to retract on their own and make at least a half decent chusoku, or are there cases where there are some people who just aren't physically capable to make a decent chusoku because of their foot structure etc? Any advice would help.
Also I've thought of changing my strike point during a mae geri from striking with chusoku to striking with my heel instead. Any suggestions as to whether or not I should do that? It would still make for a hard striking surface, harder and more sturdy than the chusoku even..but there must be disadvantages, else this would probably already be the primary striking surface, right?
My main goal though is to be able to form a good chusoku, and to be able to do so without much thought or deliberation - for those two things(thought and deliberation) have very little room during the heat of battle. I'd like for it to become more relfexive than just simply 'able'.
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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 12, 2013 20:35:34 GMT -5
I figured out long ago, that I wasn't wired to teach commercially. I have done what Gary's talking about, if I know, or know of an instructor a student is considering training with...and I know they're not good, I will let my student know. I've also done just the opposite, when a student talks about living in a certain area, with a world class instructor, I highly recommend that they should train under that instructor if their schedule permits. Hindsight is 20/20, I had a few opportunities in the past that I didn't partake in, because I thought there was some weird sense of "loyalty" that permitted me from going to another school. Now, 20 years later, give or take, I wish I did go to one of the schools . I always learn the hard way, and try to do my best, so my students don't repeat the mistakes I made. With all of this being said, I would be very cautious if your instructor is dead-set against you ever training with those outside your dojo and style. I have known, and trained with instructors like that before...they usually are the ones that aren't that confident in their own skills...but want their students to worship them. Osu! Osu, powerofone! Thank you for your words, it was a great read and I will surely take heed to your and GJEC's advice. You really brought it home for me when you mentioned hindsight being 20/20 and that you wished to have taken advantage of those opportunities when they arose, and that it was your sense of loyalty to your dojo that played a part in preventing it. I too feel a bit of that. But i am definitely going to follow through with the suggestions provided! I'll also report back here with the 'results' lol.
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GJEC
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Post by GJEC on Oct 13, 2013 2:46:23 GMT -5
I definitely wouldn't force it. Keep reaching up onto your toes and mobilising them by hand, then start tapping a wall in socks etc. It will come. Using the heel (kakato geri) is quite strong but of course you lose distance. I'd work on mawashi geri until you can make chusoku without damaging yourself further.
Gary
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Post by meguro on Oct 13, 2013 14:11:39 GMT -5
I don't see the point in training at two very similar dojo, Kyokushin and a spin-off. Cross training in a completely different martial art, say Aikido or Judo, sure, everything you learn will be useful. With two virtually identical arts, you give the impression that it is not the material but the instructor that has you feeling a little dissatisfied. Now it might be that you are looking for a better karate teacher. In which case, make a clean break.
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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 13, 2013 14:44:59 GMT -5
I definitely wouldn't force it. Keep reaching up onto your toes and mobilising them by hand, then start tapping a wall in socks etc. It will come. Using the heel (kakato geri) is quite strong but of course you lose distance. I'd work on mawashi geri until you can make chusoku without damaging yourself further. Gary Thank you! That makes so much more sense to just focus on that kick for now and slow down with my 'slinging mae geris every-other-strike when I cant even make a decent chusoku' behavior, lol. Additionally, mawashi geri is another favorite kick of mine and strangely, one that I am able to perform rather "okay" considering my level of experience. While I throw it very sloppily, off balance, and therefore with very little impact, I still miraculously manage to get it up to face-height of sparring partners taller than I. Thanks for the sound advice! Just out of curiousity may I ask, why socks against the wall instead of barefoot against the wall?
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GJEC
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Post by GJEC on Oct 13, 2013 15:41:21 GMT -5
Ha Ha because most karateka have borderline ocd and running round kicking walls barefoot will make things sore. Don't force it.
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Post by kyokanrik on Oct 13, 2013 15:57:19 GMT -5
I don't see the point in training at two very similar dojo, Kyokushin and a spin-off. Cross training in a completely different martial art, say Aikido or Judo, sure, everything you learn will be useful. With two virtually identical arts, you give the impression that it is not the material but the instructor that has you feeling a little dissatisfied. Now it might be that you are looking for a better karate teacher. In which case, make a clean break. I can assure you that I am completely satisfied with my Sensei, his instruction, and the dojo as a whole. I admire him not only as a man and instructor, but also because of his Kyokushin lineage. I know (or am at least very confident) that I am recieving top instruction and wouldn't trade that for anything. I often marvel, with other students, at how fortunate we are to have our Sensei and to only be paying what we pay for instruction from him. But, it is that very sentiment which you have raised that I am concerned he too could possibly have towards my bringing this up to him. The last thing I'd want is to create some ill sentiment towrds myself because he is misinterpreting my visit as if I am seeking alternate instruction. I'm more just in it for the fun and the experience, and it's not going to be a regular thing.
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