Many Shotokan instructors use the term "hip rotation" almost every class. The hips are definitely moving during most Karate techniques. But is it really rotational force driving the hips in the basic punches, delivered from a stationary (feet not moving) position? I have a different theory…
There is definitely use of rotational force in many techniques of Karate. But I believe that the use of the term may be misleading when used to explain the application of force during many basic techniques, especially those delivered while keeping the feet planted. There may even be a rotating/circular movement of the hips coinciding with the technique's delivery. But the force that is behind that technique may not be a driven by this rotational movement, per se.
As was discussed in the 11/99 article, there are stepping patterns that use hip rotation and in which that hip rotation may increase the effectiveness of the technique. The example in that article shows that there can be benefit to using hip rotation and that proper application of that rotation can benefit the effect of a given technique. Even if one hip or both move, though, that does not by itself indicate that there is rotational force driving the technique.
When you open or close a door, are you imparting rotational force on the side of the door that is moving (the knob side)? The door rotates around the hinged side of the door; there is no question that there is rotational movement of the door. But the force that is acting upon it is your push or pull that is probably fairly linear. Rotation of the door around its axis (the hinges) is the result of the force, not the cause of it.
Applying the same thought process to analysis of gyakuzuki (reverse-punch) executed while in a basic zenkutsudachi (front stance), you may come to realize that the hip rotation is more a resulting movement than a cause of force. The back leg's push forward is fairly linear, or at least should be if the alignment is correct. The leg should be flexing and stretching in such a way that the hip is moving directly towards and away from the target. The hip's movement along a somewhat circular path (a relatively small arch that is almost indiscernible from a straight line) is a result of the push of the back leg. This force is, at best, curvilinear (curved line) in its projection.
The torso should be moving in the same manner as the hips. Therefore, the same theory applies to the shoulders' "rotation." The extended limb in most techniques is linear as well. So that the force acting upon the moving limb is also linear makes sense, doesn't it?
To sum up:
The force is linearly projected from the push of the back leg towards the target in the same way that one pushes open a door. The hip's swing around its axis (the unmoving hip) is a result of this linear force. It may be better to emphasize the linear push of the back leg, rather than the rotation of the hip, when trying to increase power and speed in the delivery of basic techniques.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Wednesday, December 1, 1999
Monday, November 1, 1999
<i>Hikite</i> (pull hand) - What's It Good For?
Hikite is a Japanese term meaning, literally, "pull hand."
Some instructors will say that a punch, strike or block is not effective if not properly using the pulling hand on the other side of the torso; perhaps for balance, perhaps for added rotational power. Some will say that the pull represents an actual pull; pulling the opponent into the attack.
Regardless of what reasons are given, hikite has its functions. I believe, however, that there are some holes in a few of the more common theories.
Pulling the opponent in
Ever try to pull someone while you are punching? Not that easy, is it? Especially not for a smaller person to do to a larger person, as a self-defense situation might warrant. More practical might be the idea that the "pulling hand" is stabilizing the opponent while the punching/striking arm moves into the target. Following this idea, try catching the opponent's arm with one hand and punching or striking with the other. Instead of actually pulling back with the non-punching/striking arm, simply anchor yourself to the opponent at that point. In relation to the "push" of the other arm, this arm seems to "pull." In actuality, that arm doesn't really move much, but does inhibit the opponent's movement, particularly his ability to pull his arm back. Your "counter-pull" may end up canceling out his movement, more than anything else.
Power
Hikite adds power through timing with the hip rotation? Ha! Maybe I'll write another entire article on this subject sometime in the future. The pull of the arm does not really create more power in basic techniques as performed from static stances. Although it can help when using some non-basic stepping patterns, including some kinds of shifting and stepping. I will discuss one such pattern below.
Hikite adds power through coordinated tension? Not really. The idea of tensing various body parts to make a stronger technique is very good. But not all the muscles need to be tensed. In fact, the tensing of some muscles can actually make a technique slower and weaker. Tension in the pull-hand may not detract from the power of the technique, but it may not add anything to it, either. See my 3/99 article for more on this subject. The muscles to tense are those located between the base of support (from the feet, where support from the floor is initiated, up through the hips) and the target (through the attacking limb into the opponent). If this "connection stream" does not include the pulling arm, why tense it?
Balance
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Pulling one side of the body helps propel the other side forward…right? Not in basics. This will be discussed further in a future article.* Balancing the "pull" with the "push" doesn't really make much sense for most basic techniques.
Efficiency
Maybe it makes for a stronger technique somehow. Maybe it also makes for a good start for a big follow-up technique. But we do lose something when pulling back the non-punching/striking/blocking arm. That arm is then out of the way and less able to block/cover the opponent's attack. It also takes that arm longer to move forward again to apply an additional technique. There are tradeoffs when using a large pull-back of the arm. As long as these trade-offs are understood, there is nothing wrong with its practice. I see a big hikite action to have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation.
Example of good use of hikite
Here is one example of how I believe a large, forceful hikite action can benefit the overall technique:
Start with the left foot forward in a front or free stance. As the opponent comes straight towards you, step back with the left foot and continue the step around such that your left foot ends about 45 degrees off to the right side. At the same time, perform a kizamizuki (jab) or uraken-uchi (backfist-strike) with the right arm, pulling the left hand back to your left hip.
Why is the hikite action more important in this technique than in basics? First, note that the attacking arm in this example does not have the benefit of a large amount of mass pushing into the target. The only thing that is really going into the target is the arm; not the shoulder, hip and other parts of the body that are usually involved when using a "normal" (forward shifting/stepping) pattern of attack. Because of this lesser effective mass going towards the target, we must rely on speed and timing more. The quick and forceful movement back on the pulling side of the torso helps propel the attacking arm towards the target. But, perhaps more importantly, it helps move your body out of harms way. This is an added benefit of the hikite action sometimes. Perhaps this is even more important than some other, more common ideas.
Another point to consider in this example technique is the use of the hips. As the left hip is moving in a large arch, the use of rotational force may be very important in this type of action. The pull of the arm may aid in the application of this rotational force, helping the hips move faster. But for control and efficiency, the pulling arm is not allowed to extend out from the body, as might have helped the rotational force further if that were our only goal. Generally, the more the hip moves backwards, the more the pull of that hand helps that action become larger, faster and more forceful.
Conclusion: Hikite can be helpful. But the goals should be understood, to be sure that we are training the proper points, instead of just mindlessly following what we are told.
*Please watch for more on the subjects of hikite and hip rotation in future articles.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Some instructors will say that a punch, strike or block is not effective if not properly using the pulling hand on the other side of the torso; perhaps for balance, perhaps for added rotational power. Some will say that the pull represents an actual pull; pulling the opponent into the attack.
Regardless of what reasons are given, hikite has its functions. I believe, however, that there are some holes in a few of the more common theories.
Pulling the opponent in
Ever try to pull someone while you are punching? Not that easy, is it? Especially not for a smaller person to do to a larger person, as a self-defense situation might warrant. More practical might be the idea that the "pulling hand" is stabilizing the opponent while the punching/striking arm moves into the target. Following this idea, try catching the opponent's arm with one hand and punching or striking with the other. Instead of actually pulling back with the non-punching/striking arm, simply anchor yourself to the opponent at that point. In relation to the "push" of the other arm, this arm seems to "pull." In actuality, that arm doesn't really move much, but does inhibit the opponent's movement, particularly his ability to pull his arm back. Your "counter-pull" may end up canceling out his movement, more than anything else.
Power
Hikite adds power through timing with the hip rotation? Ha! Maybe I'll write another entire article on this subject sometime in the future. The pull of the arm does not really create more power in basic techniques as performed from static stances. Although it can help when using some non-basic stepping patterns, including some kinds of shifting and stepping. I will discuss one such pattern below.
Hikite adds power through coordinated tension? Not really. The idea of tensing various body parts to make a stronger technique is very good. But not all the muscles need to be tensed. In fact, the tensing of some muscles can actually make a technique slower and weaker. Tension in the pull-hand may not detract from the power of the technique, but it may not add anything to it, either. See my 3/99 article for more on this subject. The muscles to tense are those located between the base of support (from the feet, where support from the floor is initiated, up through the hips) and the target (through the attacking limb into the opponent). If this "connection stream" does not include the pulling arm, why tense it?
Balance
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Pulling one side of the body helps propel the other side forward…right? Not in basics. This will be discussed further in a future article.* Balancing the "pull" with the "push" doesn't really make much sense for most basic techniques.
Efficiency
Maybe it makes for a stronger technique somehow. Maybe it also makes for a good start for a big follow-up technique. But we do lose something when pulling back the non-punching/striking/blocking arm. That arm is then out of the way and less able to block/cover the opponent's attack. It also takes that arm longer to move forward again to apply an additional technique. There are tradeoffs when using a large pull-back of the arm. As long as these trade-offs are understood, there is nothing wrong with its practice. I see a big hikite action to have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation.
Example of good use of hikite
Here is one example of how I believe a large, forceful hikite action can benefit the overall technique:
Start with the left foot forward in a front or free stance. As the opponent comes straight towards you, step back with the left foot and continue the step around such that your left foot ends about 45 degrees off to the right side. At the same time, perform a kizamizuki (jab) or uraken-uchi (backfist-strike) with the right arm, pulling the left hand back to your left hip.
Why is the hikite action more important in this technique than in basics? First, note that the attacking arm in this example does not have the benefit of a large amount of mass pushing into the target. The only thing that is really going into the target is the arm; not the shoulder, hip and other parts of the body that are usually involved when using a "normal" (forward shifting/stepping) pattern of attack. Because of this lesser effective mass going towards the target, we must rely on speed and timing more. The quick and forceful movement back on the pulling side of the torso helps propel the attacking arm towards the target. But, perhaps more importantly, it helps move your body out of harms way. This is an added benefit of the hikite action sometimes. Perhaps this is even more important than some other, more common ideas.
Another point to consider in this example technique is the use of the hips. As the left hip is moving in a large arch, the use of rotational force may be very important in this type of action. The pull of the arm may aid in the application of this rotational force, helping the hips move faster. But for control and efficiency, the pulling arm is not allowed to extend out from the body, as might have helped the rotational force further if that were our only goal. Generally, the more the hip moves backwards, the more the pull of that hand helps that action become larger, faster and more forceful.
Conclusion: Hikite can be helpful. But the goals should be understood, to be sure that we are training the proper points, instead of just mindlessly following what we are told.
*Please watch for more on the subjects of hikite and hip rotation in future articles.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Saturday, October 2, 1999
Wrist Rotation: How Important Is It?
The rotation of the wrist/fist while punching and blocking is usually one of the very first things taught to a beginner in traditional Karate. While there is no doubt in my mind that rotation of the wrist plays an important part in Karate training, I believe its purpose is often misunderstood, even by some very senior practitioners.
The fist's rotation does not, as many are told, multiply the power of a punch. At least the rotation in-and-of-itself does not. Sometimes the rotation of the fist is compared to that of a spinning bullet or the bit on a power drill. While excellent analogies for getting the proper feeling into a technique, these analogies break down once the shape of the weapon is considered; the fist is far too blunt to gain any real benefit from the spin the way the bullet or drill bit do. And is the objective of a punch to actually pierce the target, the way a bullet or drill could? Again, a good analogy, but that is all (unless you want to be in an Indiana Jones movie...).
The rotation of the fist causes the forearm to twist. This twisting involves a change in the orientation of the muscles of the forearm such that some of these muscles naturally stretch or tense (as when turning a screwdriver). Actually, this natural tension is much less than what is usually desired in a Karate technique. But it is easier to add to this natural tension inherent in this motion, rather than to start from a more naturally relaxed position. It is this extreme tension that we are usually after when rotating the fist while punching or blocking. The rotation facilitates the tensing of the muscles that help make the technique stronger. The rotation itself does almost nothing for increasing the strength of the technique.
So the tensing associated with the fist's rotation does help the punch, right?! Well, yes. But can we not tense the muscles of the arm without the fist turning at the completion of the technique? Well, YES! So why do we practice for years to coordinate the timing such that the fist rotates at the culmination of a technique? The answer: for timing training. It is really not essential when applying the technique. Rather, it is a training tool. For more on tension timing, please see my Feb'98 article.
So why not train from the beginning with only the vertical punch? If we started training with a vertical punch (thumb side of fist up), as opposed to a fully-rotated punch, how would we know when to tense the arm? Training with a rotating fist helps us to coordinate the tension to occur only at the final instant of the technique. After many years of training with a basic punch, the timing should be good enough that a vertical punch could be just as powerful. But to start off with such a punch, in my opinion, is skipping too many steps at once. In addition, the twist of the fist encourages a larger technique, which is usually one of the main goals for most Shotokan enthusiasts.
An added benefit of incorporating vertical punching into your curriculum (for more advanced practitioners, anyway) is that this is a much more versatile technique than the basic punch. As the timing of the tension does not rely on the rotation of the wrist, tension can be added at any time during the extension of the arm. It is easier to do this with a non-rotating fist. Also, it is easier to keep the elbow in during this punch; an important idea during punching, both to maintain control and make efficient technique.
Furthermore, when considering the timing of impact, the fist actually makes contact with the target just prior to full extension. In that case, the wrist cannot rotate much, if at all, while in contact with the target when trying to perform a standard (rotated) punch. So the vertical fist is again advantageous as a training technique, as it is more realistically applied directly as it is practiced. For more on distance/target penetration, please refer to my July'99 article.
Conclusion: keep practicing those basic punches, but realize that the wrist rotation is primarily to train the timing of the arm's tension. This tension-timing is a very important point, as discussed elsewhere in my articles. But sometimes it is good to deviate from the most basic techniques, as long as the basic points of those techniques are utilized.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
The fist's rotation does not, as many are told, multiply the power of a punch. At least the rotation in-and-of-itself does not. Sometimes the rotation of the fist is compared to that of a spinning bullet or the bit on a power drill. While excellent analogies for getting the proper feeling into a technique, these analogies break down once the shape of the weapon is considered; the fist is far too blunt to gain any real benefit from the spin the way the bullet or drill bit do. And is the objective of a punch to actually pierce the target, the way a bullet or drill could? Again, a good analogy, but that is all (unless you want to be in an Indiana Jones movie...).
The rotation of the fist causes the forearm to twist. This twisting involves a change in the orientation of the muscles of the forearm such that some of these muscles naturally stretch or tense (as when turning a screwdriver). Actually, this natural tension is much less than what is usually desired in a Karate technique. But it is easier to add to this natural tension inherent in this motion, rather than to start from a more naturally relaxed position. It is this extreme tension that we are usually after when rotating the fist while punching or blocking. The rotation facilitates the tensing of the muscles that help make the technique stronger. The rotation itself does almost nothing for increasing the strength of the technique.
So the tensing associated with the fist's rotation does help the punch, right?! Well, yes. But can we not tense the muscles of the arm without the fist turning at the completion of the technique? Well, YES! So why do we practice for years to coordinate the timing such that the fist rotates at the culmination of a technique? The answer: for timing training. It is really not essential when applying the technique. Rather, it is a training tool. For more on tension timing, please see my Feb'98 article.
So why not train from the beginning with only the vertical punch? If we started training with a vertical punch (thumb side of fist up), as opposed to a fully-rotated punch, how would we know when to tense the arm? Training with a rotating fist helps us to coordinate the tension to occur only at the final instant of the technique. After many years of training with a basic punch, the timing should be good enough that a vertical punch could be just as powerful. But to start off with such a punch, in my opinion, is skipping too many steps at once. In addition, the twist of the fist encourages a larger technique, which is usually one of the main goals for most Shotokan enthusiasts.
An added benefit of incorporating vertical punching into your curriculum (for more advanced practitioners, anyway) is that this is a much more versatile technique than the basic punch. As the timing of the tension does not rely on the rotation of the wrist, tension can be added at any time during the extension of the arm. It is easier to do this with a non-rotating fist. Also, it is easier to keep the elbow in during this punch; an important idea during punching, both to maintain control and make efficient technique.
Furthermore, when considering the timing of impact, the fist actually makes contact with the target just prior to full extension. In that case, the wrist cannot rotate much, if at all, while in contact with the target when trying to perform a standard (rotated) punch. So the vertical fist is again advantageous as a training technique, as it is more realistically applied directly as it is practiced. For more on distance/target penetration, please refer to my July'99 article.
Conclusion: keep practicing those basic punches, but realize that the wrist rotation is primarily to train the timing of the arm's tension. This tension-timing is a very important point, as discussed elsewhere in my articles. But sometimes it is good to deviate from the most basic techniques, as long as the basic points of those techniques are utilized.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Wrist Rotation: How Important Is It?
The rotation of the wrist/fist while punching and blocking is usually one of the very first things taught to a beginner in traditional Karate. While there is no doubt in my mind that rotation of the wrist plays an important part in Karate training, I believe its purpose is often misunderstood, even by some very senior practitioners.
The fist's rotation does not, as many are told, multiply the power of a punch. At least the rotation in-and-of-itself does not. Sometimes the rotation of the fist is compared to that of a spinning bullet or the bit on a power drill. While excellent analogies for getting the proper feeling into a technique, these analogies break down once the shape of the weapon is considered; the fist is far too blunt to gain any real benefit from the spin the way the bullet or drill bit do. And is the objective of a punch to actually pierce the target, the way a bullet or drill could? Again, a good analogy, but that is all (unless you want to be in an Indiana Jones movie...).
The rotation of the fist causes the forearm to twist. This twisting involves a change in the orientation of the muscles of the forearm such that some of these muscles naturally stretch or tense (as when turning a screwdriver). Actually, this natural tension is much less than what is usually desired in a Karate technique. But it is easier to add to this natural tension inherent in this motion, rather than to start from a more naturally relaxed position. It is this extreme tension that we are usually after when rotating the fist while punching or blocking. The rotation facilitates the tensing of the muscles that help make the technique stronger. The rotation itself does almost nothing for increasing the strength of the technique.
So the tensing associated with the fist's rotation does help the punch, right?! Well, yes. But can we not tense the muscles of the arm without the fist turning at the completion of the technique? Well, YES! So why do we practice for years to coordinate the timing such that the fist rotates at the culmination of a technique? The answer: for timing training. It is really not essential when applying the technique. Rather, it is a training tool. For more on tension timing, please see my Feb'98 article.
So why not train from the beginning with only the vertical punch? If we started training with a vertical punch (thumb side of fist up), as opposed to a fully-rotated punch, how would we know when to tense the arm? Training with a rotating fist helps us to coordinate the tension to occur only at the final instant of the technique. After many years of training with a basic punch, the timing should be good enough that a vertical punch could be just as powerful. But to start off with such a punch, in my opinion, is skipping too many steps at once. In addition, the twist of the fist encourages a larger technique, which is usually one of the main goals for most Shotokan enthusiasts.
An added benefit of incorporating vertical punching into your curriculum (for more advanced practitioners, anyway) is that this is a much more versatile technique than the basic punch. As the timing of the tension does not rely on the rotation of the wrist, tension can be added at any time during the extension of the arm. It is easier to do this with a non-rotating fist. Also, it is easier to keep the elbow in during this punch; an important idea during punching, both to maintain control and make efficient technique.
Furthermore, when considering the timing of impact, the fist actually makes contact with the target just prior to full extension. In that case, the wrist cannot rotate much, if at all, while in contact with the target when trying to perform a standard (rotated) punch. So the vertical fist is again advantageous as a training technique, as it is more realistically applied directly as it is practiced. For more on distance/target penetration, please refer to my July'99 article.
Conclusion: keep practicing those basic punches, but realize that the wrist rotation is primarily to train the timing of the arm's tension. This tension-timing is a very important point, as discussed elsewhere in my articles. But sometimes it is good to deviate from the most basic techniques, as long as the basic points of those techniques are utilized.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
The fist's rotation does not, as many are told, multiply the power of a punch. At least the rotation in-and-of-itself does not. Sometimes the rotation of the fist is compared to that of a spinning bullet or the bit on a power drill. While excellent analogies for getting the proper feeling into a technique, these analogies break down once the shape of the weapon is considered; the fist is far too blunt to gain any real benefit from the spin the way the bullet or drill bit do. And is the objective of a punch to actually pierce the target, the way a bullet or drill could? Again, a good analogy, but that is all (unless you want to be in an Indiana Jones movie...).
The rotation of the fist causes the forearm to twist. This twisting involves a change in the orientation of the muscles of the forearm such that some of these muscles naturally stretch or tense (as when turning a screwdriver). Actually, this natural tension is much less than what is usually desired in a Karate technique. But it is easier to add to this natural tension inherent in this motion, rather than to start from a more naturally relaxed position. It is this extreme tension that we are usually after when rotating the fist while punching or blocking. The rotation facilitates the tensing of the muscles that help make the technique stronger. The rotation itself does almost nothing for increasing the strength of the technique.
So the tensing associated with the fist's rotation does help the punch, right?! Well, yes. But can we not tense the muscles of the arm without the fist turning at the completion of the technique? Well, YES! So why do we practice for years to coordinate the timing such that the fist rotates at the culmination of a technique? The answer: for timing training. It is really not essential when applying the technique. Rather, it is a training tool. For more on tension timing, please see my Feb'98 article.
So why not train from the beginning with only the vertical punch? If we started training with a vertical punch (thumb side of fist up), as opposed to a fully-rotated punch, how would we know when to tense the arm? Training with a rotating fist helps us to coordinate the tension to occur only at the final instant of the technique. After many years of training with a basic punch, the timing should be good enough that a vertical punch could be just as powerful. But to start off with such a punch, in my opinion, is skipping too many steps at once. In addition, the twist of the fist encourages a larger technique, which is usually one of the main goals for most Shotokan enthusiasts.
An added benefit of incorporating vertical punching into your curriculum (for more advanced practitioners, anyway) is that this is a much more versatile technique than the basic punch. As the timing of the tension does not rely on the rotation of the wrist, tension can be added at any time during the extension of the arm. It is easier to do this with a non-rotating fist. Also, it is easier to keep the elbow in during this punch; an important idea during punching, both to maintain control and make efficient technique.
Furthermore, when considering the timing of impact, the fist actually makes contact with the target just prior to full extension. In that case, the wrist cannot rotate much, if at all, while in contact with the target when trying to perform a standard (rotated) punch. So the vertical fist is again advantageous as a training technique, as it is more realistically applied directly as it is practiced. For more on distance/target penetration, please refer to my July'99 article.
Conclusion: keep practicing those basic punches, but realize that the wrist rotation is primarily to train the timing of the arm's tension. This tension-timing is a very important point, as discussed elsewhere in my articles. But sometimes it is good to deviate from the most basic techniques, as long as the basic points of those techniques are utilized.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Thursday, September 2, 1999
Going Solo: Self Training
Some Karate enthusiasts prefer to train alone. Others find it necessary, perhaps due to unusual work hours or their remote location away from others who train. Instructors who have many beginners in their classes may find it difficult to train along with their students. For whatever reason, many people train alone on a regular basis, or at least try to. This article is meant for them.
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Going Solo: Self Training
Some Karate enthusiasts prefer to train alone. Others find it necessary, perhaps due to unusual work hours or their remote location away from others who train. Instructors who have many beginners in their classes may find it difficult to train along with their students. For whatever reason, many people train alone on a regular basis, or at least try to. This article is meant for them.
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Going Solo: Self Training
Some Karate enthusiasts prefer to train alone. Others find it necessary, perhaps due to unusual work hours or their remote location away from others who train. Instructors who have many beginners in their classes may find it difficult to train along with their students. For whatever reason, many people train alone on a regular basis, or at least try to. This article is meant for them.
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Going Solo: Self Training
Some Karate enthusiasts prefer to train alone. Others find it necessary, perhaps due to unusual work hours or their remote location away from others who train. Instructors who have many beginners in their classes may find it difficult to train along with their students. For whatever reason, many people train alone on a regular basis, or at least try to. This article is meant for them.
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
How often?
While some may have time for only a couple of hours of exercise each week, others may find that they actually have a couple of hours every day, when adding up all the 10-15 minute periods of available time. Even while I was working 70-80 hours per week in Tokyo, I found that I had at least an hour or so during the week and several hours on the weekends to train. My main problem, though, was that these times usually did not coincide with the hours of operation for the dojo.
How long?
Training more than 30 minutes at a time may be difficult for some busier people. For shorter sessions, though, do not skip the warm-up/stretching entirely. To abbreviate a stretching session might be fine, if only concentrating on a certain technique and/or if the training is not very physically demanding. But at least make sure the muscles are warmed up sufficiently and that the muscles have already stretched to a point before the practice beyond which they will not stretch during the exercise. Practicing a technique for only 10 minutes can be beneficial to your training, if done with the right attitude and attention to detail.
Where?
Is it really important to get to a proper dojo if you're the only one there? When it comes down to it, isn't any space good enough? While a wooden floor is ideal for most types of practice, the reality of self-defense tells us that training in a variety of locations might have some advantage. Stopping to do a few blocks and punches while in the middle of a short run might make very good sense, for example. A small room can even suffice for an entire kata performance, if all the moves are done one step at a time, with shifts in between.
What?
This is probably what you are after in this article. What techniques should be practiced? This is obviously up to the individual. Here is my idea. If time is short, practice only the most basic techniques for repetition, then add more complex kata and combinations in moderation to review the wider range of techniques. When I only had 30 minutes or so in the evenings, for example, I would often do 100+ each of pushups (with feet on the stairs), sittups (some variation) and squats, along with some kicks and punches.
Sometimes, for example, I would practice a few hundred kicks over the arm of my sofa, to ensure that I was properly lifting my leg high. Other times I would do kizamizuki/gyakuzuki combinations at a jacket hanging on the wall for target practice. Still other times I would do block/counter combinations, with various stepping/shifting patterns. All of this would either follow a 20-minute bike ride back from the office or some other activity for a warm-up,, with a short stretching period for the days I did more kicking. I would do kata on the weekends to round things out.
You may want to vary your practice routine, to keep from becoming bored. But remember that most techniques would not be usable in a real-life encounter unless practiced on a regular basis. For this reason, I would select a focus for a particular day, but keep the techniques basic and practice many repetitions of whatever techniques are the focus that day. Additionally, if you are not sure if your technique is correct, better not practice it too much; habits become hard to break. A wise man said "Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect." For 3-days/week, maybe have one day for punches/strikes, one day for blocks, and one day for kicks, with some shadow-boxing and kata thrown in as well.
Keeping track
Keeping a journal of progress and ideas may seem childish. But it really is helpful sometimes. It doesn't have to be a detailed record of every technique you practice. Especially when a new concept is studied or a new theory is developed, however, I suggest you write it down for reference. I kept a journal of some of the classes I attended in Japan. In hindsight, I should have written more. Better late than never--I have created lengthy lists of training and technical theories since then, which I refer to when I am in need of a new subject to teach my class or particular focus for my individual training.
Thinking about it
Although it may seem obvious to you, some people don't realize that using the mind is important to physical training. Maybe you don't have time to physically practice your Karate everyday. But is there absolutely no time at all for thinking about Karate? While thinking, reading and talking about Karate are no substitute for physical training, they can be great complements, helping make the physical portion of your practice time more efficient. I became accustomed to making almost half of my training non-physical in nature during my busiest times at work. Don't get into an accident while driving, or get into trouble for day-dreaming at work or school. But when you have nothing else going on for a few minutes, maybe the time would be more productively spent thinking about Karate technique, strategy, or other training points. And again, write down important revelations for reference when you have time to get physical.
Training with others
Take the opportunity to train with others when you can. Some instructors think that they should not practice with their students. This may be OK for someone with enough time to train separately. But for some of us, there isn't that much additional training time available. Also, when an instructor comes to visit the area, do not make excuses such as "I'm not in shape" or "He's not an instructor in my organization." If there is an opportunity that looks like it has value, don't let it pass you by.
Bringing it all together
Training with others is valuable for improvement. But independent training can also be rewarding. This is a time to focus on yourself; not to compare yourself to others. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, right? If you want to work out to work out, there may be other options just as good as Karate. If you have decided that you want to do Karate, though, think about your objectives and get to it. And, as always, don't forget to smile once in a while, even when training alone. It may be hard work, but training should be enjoyable, too.
For more on the subject of training by yourself, please see http://www.baylor.edu/~BUKarate/articles/WorkingOutByYourself.html
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Monday, August 2, 1999
Dojo Etiquette
More interested in subjects such as biomechanics, I was hesitant to write an article on etiquette. But this subject was requested by two different people in July. So here goes…
General Etiquette
I do not wish this article to be overly detailed, as etiquette does differ greatly from place to place. What is considered acceptable in one country may be considered rude in another. Etiquette followed in a children's class may differ from what goes on in a college class, which may also differ from how things are done in a class filled with older practitioners. If what I write here does not make sense to you, please feel free to question it. My experience is mostly limited to life and training in the US and Japan, and the situation may be different for you for reasons of culture or lifestyle. My feeling, though, is that at least some basic rules of good etiquette should be followed while training.
Bowing
"When in doubt, bow" is an idea I adopted when I first arrived in Japan. This, I believe, helped me greatly to gain acceptance in the dojo. Humility is generally considered a virtue in almost every culture. But perhaps this is especially true in Japan.
Bows are required at most dojo when entering the training area, when greeting the instructor, before and after kumite sets, before and after kata sets, and various other times. There is of course a chance that one could bow too much. But better too much than too little, I think.
For more on bowing, please see my 4/98 article.
Osu
This term is often used in traditional Karate dojo. It is not, however, used by ALL martial artists. It is not even used by all Karate practitioners. If nobody else you know says it, maybe you should not either. If your entire dojo says it, maybe you should as well. It should be noted, however, that the term is really limited in its usage to greetings and accepting criticism. "Osu?" as a question, for example, makes no sense whatsoever.
Coming to training late, missing class, visiting another dojo
The rules for all of these may differ greatly from one dojo to another, even within the same organization and even within a 10-mile area. Some instructors demand students call in advance if they plan on being late to class or missing class. Some students are required to sit in seiza for several minutes before being allowed to join a class already in progress. Some instructors do not allow visitors to train without watching at least one class first and asking permission formally. I do not require so much formal etiquette in my dojo. I do, however, demand that students at my dojo train seriously while in class, even if they can't make it to every class and work keeps them from making it on time sometimes.
Asking questions
Some instructors do not like students to ask questions. In my experience, it seems that most of these instructors are afraid of not knowing the answers. Some questions are better left unasked and/or unanswered, such as if a beginner asks a question about an advanced kata or sparring combination he saw a black belt performing. Personally, I enjoy answering questions from students; it is usually a sign that they are thinking, which is generally a good thing.
Anarchy isn't so great and discussion time in class should be limited in an effort to maximize physical training time. But occasional questions on the subject being studied in that particular class can sometimes help not only the questioning student but also other students (and sometimes even the instructors). This provides the opportunity for all involved to rethink what they are doing such that they might improve faster than simply repeating the physical movements over and over.
Sensei/Seito
Sensei is the title of the instructor. I may go into more detail in a future article on the exact meaning of this and other Japanese terms. But for now, suffice it to say that the Sensei is the instructor and the seito is the student. In Japanese, the title comes after the name. In most western countries, the title (such as Mr.) comes before the name. In the west, therefore, it is acceptable most places to call an instructor "X Sensei" or "Sensei X."
Personally, I don't really care if my students call me "Sensei" or "Jon." But I would not like to be called "Sempai" or "Keeling." "Sempai" is an incorrect term for a student to use when addressing an instructor. And calling someone by family name (without a title, that is) is also generally considered rude even in the US, at least according to my upbringing; and this is especially true in Japan.
Please note: Titles such as Sensei used by someone referring to him/herself is usually a sign that that person is not worthy of that title, or at least lacks humility. The only real acceptable exception to this might be when addressing children who do not yet understand social etiquette, as a way of enforcing a degree of order and discipline, such as when a teacher in grade school tells her class that she is "Mrs. Smith."
Sempai/Kohai
Just as there is a hierarchical difference between sensei and seito, there is a difference between sempai (senior) and kohai (junior). In some places, such as Japan, this difference is very important. In Japan, it is not unusual to see someone of far superior abilities call an older person "Sempai," simply because the older person began training earlier.
One thing strange I have noticed recently, particularly in the US, is some individuals seem to try to "claim" their sempai status. As an example of this, there are some who will make a point of pushing toward the senior end of the lineup whenever possible. It seems to me that many of the people doing this may be undeserving of their rank. Ability should be clear enough that the junior practitioners provide space for their seniors at the senior end of the lineup. Of course this is a two-way street. Many of the lower ranks simply do not realize the ability of their seniors. When in doubt, though, it is usually considered a sign of good etiquette and humility to only line up ahead of those who offer you a position on their senior side.
Souji (cleaning)
It is a custom of most traditional dojo to clean at least the floor of the training area before and/or after class. In my dojo, it is done before class, as we train in a fitness club and the room is used by other groups during the day. Some dojo use damp rags, others use dry rags. Still others use mops or brooms.
Some claim that the cleaning process is symbolic of a cleansing of the soul or a polishing of the spirit or some such thing. Whatever…cleaning is cleaning. If you want to think deeply about it, feel free. But just make sure you don't miss a spot; that's far more important.
In most dojo, the Sensei do/does not clean the floor with the students. The main idea with this seems to be that the instructor has put in many years cleaning the floor and deserves a break. Another idea is that the students are the ones training on the dojo floor and thus should want to have a clean surface on which to train. When there are only a few students in the room when my dojo floor is cleaned, I usually join in. I may not clean as much as some of the students do, but I do bring the bucket of rags home each night and rinse them through. This takes far longer than cleaning the floor. So I don't feel guilty about letting students clean a little more than me sometimes.
In the JKA Honbu dojo in Tokyo, instructors do not take part in the regular class cleaning of the floor. But the instructors have a separate, more thorough cleaning of other areas of the dojo on a regular basis. This is true of many other dojo as well. So although many instructors may appear to be slacking, they often are simply reallocating their cleaning time.
Summary
No matter what your particular dojo may require in terms of etiquette, remember that actions speak louder than words. Bow deeply and show respect where it is deserved. But don't spend too much time thinking about proper procedure at the expense of actually showing proper etiquette. Do what you feel is right. If you mean to show respect and good etiquette, but end up saying the wrong word by accident, this will not really matter all that much. Your true intentions usually show through. People usually see others for who they really are.
For more on dojo etiquette, please see the Yale dojo site. (I found this site just after I finished writing this. Coincidentally, it includes many of the same points.)
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
General Etiquette
I do not wish this article to be overly detailed, as etiquette does differ greatly from place to place. What is considered acceptable in one country may be considered rude in another. Etiquette followed in a children's class may differ from what goes on in a college class, which may also differ from how things are done in a class filled with older practitioners. If what I write here does not make sense to you, please feel free to question it. My experience is mostly limited to life and training in the US and Japan, and the situation may be different for you for reasons of culture or lifestyle. My feeling, though, is that at least some basic rules of good etiquette should be followed while training.
Bowing
"When in doubt, bow" is an idea I adopted when I first arrived in Japan. This, I believe, helped me greatly to gain acceptance in the dojo. Humility is generally considered a virtue in almost every culture. But perhaps this is especially true in Japan.
Bows are required at most dojo when entering the training area, when greeting the instructor, before and after kumite sets, before and after kata sets, and various other times. There is of course a chance that one could bow too much. But better too much than too little, I think.
For more on bowing, please see my 4/98 article.
Osu
This term is often used in traditional Karate dojo. It is not, however, used by ALL martial artists. It is not even used by all Karate practitioners. If nobody else you know says it, maybe you should not either. If your entire dojo says it, maybe you should as well. It should be noted, however, that the term is really limited in its usage to greetings and accepting criticism. "Osu?" as a question, for example, makes no sense whatsoever.
Coming to training late, missing class, visiting another dojo
The rules for all of these may differ greatly from one dojo to another, even within the same organization and even within a 10-mile area. Some instructors demand students call in advance if they plan on being late to class or missing class. Some students are required to sit in seiza for several minutes before being allowed to join a class already in progress. Some instructors do not allow visitors to train without watching at least one class first and asking permission formally. I do not require so much formal etiquette in my dojo. I do, however, demand that students at my dojo train seriously while in class, even if they can't make it to every class and work keeps them from making it on time sometimes.
Asking questions
Some instructors do not like students to ask questions. In my experience, it seems that most of these instructors are afraid of not knowing the answers. Some questions are better left unasked and/or unanswered, such as if a beginner asks a question about an advanced kata or sparring combination he saw a black belt performing. Personally, I enjoy answering questions from students; it is usually a sign that they are thinking, which is generally a good thing.
Anarchy isn't so great and discussion time in class should be limited in an effort to maximize physical training time. But occasional questions on the subject being studied in that particular class can sometimes help not only the questioning student but also other students (and sometimes even the instructors). This provides the opportunity for all involved to rethink what they are doing such that they might improve faster than simply repeating the physical movements over and over.
Sensei/Seito
Sensei is the title of the instructor. I may go into more detail in a future article on the exact meaning of this and other Japanese terms. But for now, suffice it to say that the Sensei is the instructor and the seito is the student. In Japanese, the title comes after the name. In most western countries, the title (such as Mr.) comes before the name. In the west, therefore, it is acceptable most places to call an instructor "X Sensei" or "Sensei X."
Personally, I don't really care if my students call me "Sensei" or "Jon." But I would not like to be called "Sempai" or "Keeling." "Sempai" is an incorrect term for a student to use when addressing an instructor. And calling someone by family name (without a title, that is) is also generally considered rude even in the US, at least according to my upbringing; and this is especially true in Japan.
Please note: Titles such as Sensei used by someone referring to him/herself is usually a sign that that person is not worthy of that title, or at least lacks humility. The only real acceptable exception to this might be when addressing children who do not yet understand social etiquette, as a way of enforcing a degree of order and discipline, such as when a teacher in grade school tells her class that she is "Mrs. Smith."
Sempai/Kohai
Just as there is a hierarchical difference between sensei and seito, there is a difference between sempai (senior) and kohai (junior). In some places, such as Japan, this difference is very important. In Japan, it is not unusual to see someone of far superior abilities call an older person "Sempai," simply because the older person began training earlier.
One thing strange I have noticed recently, particularly in the US, is some individuals seem to try to "claim" their sempai status. As an example of this, there are some who will make a point of pushing toward the senior end of the lineup whenever possible. It seems to me that many of the people doing this may be undeserving of their rank. Ability should be clear enough that the junior practitioners provide space for their seniors at the senior end of the lineup. Of course this is a two-way street. Many of the lower ranks simply do not realize the ability of their seniors. When in doubt, though, it is usually considered a sign of good etiquette and humility to only line up ahead of those who offer you a position on their senior side.
Souji (cleaning)
It is a custom of most traditional dojo to clean at least the floor of the training area before and/or after class. In my dojo, it is done before class, as we train in a fitness club and the room is used by other groups during the day. Some dojo use damp rags, others use dry rags. Still others use mops or brooms.
Some claim that the cleaning process is symbolic of a cleansing of the soul or a polishing of the spirit or some such thing. Whatever…cleaning is cleaning. If you want to think deeply about it, feel free. But just make sure you don't miss a spot; that's far more important.
In most dojo, the Sensei do/does not clean the floor with the students. The main idea with this seems to be that the instructor has put in many years cleaning the floor and deserves a break. Another idea is that the students are the ones training on the dojo floor and thus should want to have a clean surface on which to train. When there are only a few students in the room when my dojo floor is cleaned, I usually join in. I may not clean as much as some of the students do, but I do bring the bucket of rags home each night and rinse them through. This takes far longer than cleaning the floor. So I don't feel guilty about letting students clean a little more than me sometimes.
In the JKA Honbu dojo in Tokyo, instructors do not take part in the regular class cleaning of the floor. But the instructors have a separate, more thorough cleaning of other areas of the dojo on a regular basis. This is true of many other dojo as well. So although many instructors may appear to be slacking, they often are simply reallocating their cleaning time.
Summary
No matter what your particular dojo may require in terms of etiquette, remember that actions speak louder than words. Bow deeply and show respect where it is deserved. But don't spend too much time thinking about proper procedure at the expense of actually showing proper etiquette. Do what you feel is right. If you mean to show respect and good etiquette, but end up saying the wrong word by accident, this will not really matter all that much. Your true intentions usually show through. People usually see others for who they really are.
For more on dojo etiquette, please see the Yale dojo site. (I found this site just after I finished writing this. Coincidentally, it includes many of the same points.)
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Dojo Etiquette
More interested in subjects such as biomechanics, I was hesitant to write an article on etiquette. But this subject was requested by two different people in July. So here goes…
General Etiquette
I do not wish this article to be overly detailed, as etiquette does differ greatly from place to place. What is considered acceptable in one country may be considered rude in another. Etiquette followed in a children's class may differ from what goes on in a college class, which may also differ from how things are done in a class filled with older practitioners. If what I write here does not make sense to you, please feel free to question it. My experience is mostly limited to life and training in the US and Japan, and the situation may be different for you for reasons of culture or lifestyle. My feeling, though, is that at least some basic rules of good etiquette should be followed while training.
Bowing
"When in doubt, bow" is an idea I adopted when I first arrived in Japan. This, I believe, helped me greatly to gain acceptance in the dojo. Humility is generally considered a virtue in almost every culture. But perhaps this is especially true in Japan.
Bows are required at most dojo when entering the training area, when greeting the instructor, before and after kumite sets, before and after kata sets, and various other times. There is of course a chance that one could bow too much. But better too much than too little, I think.
For more on bowing, please see my 4/98 article.
Osu
This term is often used in traditional Karate dojo. It is not, however, used by ALL martial artists. It is not even used by all Karate practitioners. If nobody else you know says it, maybe you should not either. If your entire dojo says it, maybe you should as well. It should be noted, however, that the term is really limited in its usage to greetings and accepting criticism. "Osu?" as a question, for example, makes no sense whatsoever.
Coming to training late, missing class, visiting another dojo
The rules for all of these may differ greatly from one dojo to another, even within the same organization and even within a 10-mile area. Some instructors demand students call in advance if they plan on being late to class or missing class. Some students are required to sit in seiza for several minutes before being allowed to join a class already in progress. Some instructors do not allow visitors to train without watching at least one class first and asking permission formally. I do not require so much formal etiquette in my dojo. I do, however, demand that students at my dojo train seriously while in class, even if they can't make it to every class and work keeps them from making it on time sometimes.
Asking questions
Some instructors do not like students to ask questions. In my experience, it seems that most of these instructors are afraid of not knowing the answers. Some questions are better left unasked and/or unanswered, such as if a beginner asks a question about an advanced kata or sparring combination he saw a black belt performing. Personally, I enjoy answering questions from students; it is usually a sign that they are thinking, which is generally a good thing.
Anarchy isn't so great and discussion time in class should be limited in an effort to maximize physical training time. But occasional questions on the subject being studied in that particular class can sometimes help not only the questioning student but also other students (and sometimes even the instructors). This provides the opportunity for all involved to rethink what they are doing such that they might improve faster than simply repeating the physical movements over and over.
Sensei/Seito
Sensei is the title of the instructor. I may go into more detail in a future article on the exact meaning of this and other Japanese terms. But for now, suffice it to say that the Sensei is the instructor and the seito is the student. In Japanese, the title comes after the name. In most western countries, the title (such as Mr.) comes before the name. In the west, therefore, it is acceptable most places to call an instructor "X Sensei" or "Sensei X."
Personally, I don't really care if my students call me "Sensei" or "Jon." But I would not like to be called "Sempai" or "Keeling." "Sempai" is an incorrect term for a student to use when addressing an instructor. And calling someone by family name (without a title, that is) is also generally considered rude even in the US, at least according to my upbringing; and this is especially true in Japan.
Please note: Titles such as Sensei used by someone referring to him/herself is usually a sign that that person is not worthy of that title, or at least lacks humility. The only real acceptable exception to this might be when addressing children who do not yet understand social etiquette, as a way of enforcing a degree of order and discipline, such as when a teacher in grade school tells her class that she is "Mrs. Smith."
Sempai/Kohai
Just as there is a hierarchical difference between sensei and seito, there is a difference between sempai (senior) and kohai (junior). In some places, such as Japan, this difference is very important. In Japan, it is not unusual to see someone of far superior abilities call an older person "Sempai," simply because the older person began training earlier.
One thing strange I have noticed recently, particularly in the US, is some individuals seem to try to "claim" their sempai status. As an example of this, there are some who will make a point of pushing toward the senior end of the lineup whenever possible. It seems to me that many of the people doing this may be undeserving of their rank. Ability should be clear enough that the junior practitioners provide space for their seniors at the senior end of the lineup. Of course this is a two-way street. Many of the lower ranks simply do not realize the ability of their seniors. When in doubt, though, it is usually considered a sign of good etiquette and humility to only line up ahead of those who offer you a position on their senior side.
Souji (cleaning)
It is a custom of most traditional dojo to clean at least the floor of the training area before and/or after class. In my dojo, it is done before class, as we train in a fitness club and the room is used by other groups during the day. Some dojo use damp rags, others use dry rags. Still others use mops or brooms.
Some claim that the cleaning process is symbolic of a cleansing of the soul or a polishing of the spirit or some such thing. Whatever…cleaning is cleaning. If you want to think deeply about it, feel free. But just make sure you don't miss a spot; that's far more important.
In most dojo, the Sensei do/does not clean the floor with the students. The main idea with this seems to be that the instructor has put in many years cleaning the floor and deserves a break. Another idea is that the students are the ones training on the dojo floor and thus should want to have a clean surface on which to train. When there are only a few students in the room when my dojo floor is cleaned, I usually join in. I may not clean as much as some of the students do, but I do bring the bucket of rags home each night and rinse them through. This takes far longer than cleaning the floor. So I don't feel guilty about letting students clean a little more than me sometimes.
In the JKA Honbu dojo in Tokyo, instructors do not take part in the regular class cleaning of the floor. But the instructors have a separate, more thorough cleaning of other areas of the dojo on a regular basis. This is true of many other dojo as well. So although many instructors may appear to be slacking, they often are simply reallocating their cleaning time.
Summary
No matter what your particular dojo may require in terms of etiquette, remember that actions speak louder than words. Bow deeply and show respect where it is deserved. But don't spend too much time thinking about proper procedure at the expense of actually showing proper etiquette. Do what you feel is right. If you mean to show respect and good etiquette, but end up saying the wrong word by accident, this will not really matter all that much. Your true intentions usually show through. People usually see others for who they really are.
For more on dojo etiquette, please see the Yale dojo site. (I found this site just after I finished writing this. Coincidentally, it includes many of the same points.)
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
General Etiquette
I do not wish this article to be overly detailed, as etiquette does differ greatly from place to place. What is considered acceptable in one country may be considered rude in another. Etiquette followed in a children's class may differ from what goes on in a college class, which may also differ from how things are done in a class filled with older practitioners. If what I write here does not make sense to you, please feel free to question it. My experience is mostly limited to life and training in the US and Japan, and the situation may be different for you for reasons of culture or lifestyle. My feeling, though, is that at least some basic rules of good etiquette should be followed while training.
Bowing
"When in doubt, bow" is an idea I adopted when I first arrived in Japan. This, I believe, helped me greatly to gain acceptance in the dojo. Humility is generally considered a virtue in almost every culture. But perhaps this is especially true in Japan.
Bows are required at most dojo when entering the training area, when greeting the instructor, before and after kumite sets, before and after kata sets, and various other times. There is of course a chance that one could bow too much. But better too much than too little, I think.
For more on bowing, please see my 4/98 article.
Osu
This term is often used in traditional Karate dojo. It is not, however, used by ALL martial artists. It is not even used by all Karate practitioners. If nobody else you know says it, maybe you should not either. If your entire dojo says it, maybe you should as well. It should be noted, however, that the term is really limited in its usage to greetings and accepting criticism. "Osu?" as a question, for example, makes no sense whatsoever.
Coming to training late, missing class, visiting another dojo
The rules for all of these may differ greatly from one dojo to another, even within the same organization and even within a 10-mile area. Some instructors demand students call in advance if they plan on being late to class or missing class. Some students are required to sit in seiza for several minutes before being allowed to join a class already in progress. Some instructors do not allow visitors to train without watching at least one class first and asking permission formally. I do not require so much formal etiquette in my dojo. I do, however, demand that students at my dojo train seriously while in class, even if they can't make it to every class and work keeps them from making it on time sometimes.
Asking questions
Some instructors do not like students to ask questions. In my experience, it seems that most of these instructors are afraid of not knowing the answers. Some questions are better left unasked and/or unanswered, such as if a beginner asks a question about an advanced kata or sparring combination he saw a black belt performing. Personally, I enjoy answering questions from students; it is usually a sign that they are thinking, which is generally a good thing.
Anarchy isn't so great and discussion time in class should be limited in an effort to maximize physical training time. But occasional questions on the subject being studied in that particular class can sometimes help not only the questioning student but also other students (and sometimes even the instructors). This provides the opportunity for all involved to rethink what they are doing such that they might improve faster than simply repeating the physical movements over and over.
Sensei/Seito
Sensei is the title of the instructor. I may go into more detail in a future article on the exact meaning of this and other Japanese terms. But for now, suffice it to say that the Sensei is the instructor and the seito is the student. In Japanese, the title comes after the name. In most western countries, the title (such as Mr.) comes before the name. In the west, therefore, it is acceptable most places to call an instructor "X Sensei" or "Sensei X."
Personally, I don't really care if my students call me "Sensei" or "Jon." But I would not like to be called "Sempai" or "Keeling." "Sempai" is an incorrect term for a student to use when addressing an instructor. And calling someone by family name (without a title, that is) is also generally considered rude even in the US, at least according to my upbringing; and this is especially true in Japan.
Please note: Titles such as Sensei used by someone referring to him/herself is usually a sign that that person is not worthy of that title, or at least lacks humility. The only real acceptable exception to this might be when addressing children who do not yet understand social etiquette, as a way of enforcing a degree of order and discipline, such as when a teacher in grade school tells her class that she is "Mrs. Smith."
Sempai/Kohai
Just as there is a hierarchical difference between sensei and seito, there is a difference between sempai (senior) and kohai (junior). In some places, such as Japan, this difference is very important. In Japan, it is not unusual to see someone of far superior abilities call an older person "Sempai," simply because the older person began training earlier.
One thing strange I have noticed recently, particularly in the US, is some individuals seem to try to "claim" their sempai status. As an example of this, there are some who will make a point of pushing toward the senior end of the lineup whenever possible. It seems to me that many of the people doing this may be undeserving of their rank. Ability should be clear enough that the junior practitioners provide space for their seniors at the senior end of the lineup. Of course this is a two-way street. Many of the lower ranks simply do not realize the ability of their seniors. When in doubt, though, it is usually considered a sign of good etiquette and humility to only line up ahead of those who offer you a position on their senior side.
Souji (cleaning)
It is a custom of most traditional dojo to clean at least the floor of the training area before and/or after class. In my dojo, it is done before class, as we train in a fitness club and the room is used by other groups during the day. Some dojo use damp rags, others use dry rags. Still others use mops or brooms.
Some claim that the cleaning process is symbolic of a cleansing of the soul or a polishing of the spirit or some such thing. Whatever…cleaning is cleaning. If you want to think deeply about it, feel free. But just make sure you don't miss a spot; that's far more important.
In most dojo, the Sensei do/does not clean the floor with the students. The main idea with this seems to be that the instructor has put in many years cleaning the floor and deserves a break. Another idea is that the students are the ones training on the dojo floor and thus should want to have a clean surface on which to train. When there are only a few students in the room when my dojo floor is cleaned, I usually join in. I may not clean as much as some of the students do, but I do bring the bucket of rags home each night and rinse them through. This takes far longer than cleaning the floor. So I don't feel guilty about letting students clean a little more than me sometimes.
In the JKA Honbu dojo in Tokyo, instructors do not take part in the regular class cleaning of the floor. But the instructors have a separate, more thorough cleaning of other areas of the dojo on a regular basis. This is true of many other dojo as well. So although many instructors may appear to be slacking, they often are simply reallocating their cleaning time.
Summary
No matter what your particular dojo may require in terms of etiquette, remember that actions speak louder than words. Bow deeply and show respect where it is deserved. But don't spend too much time thinking about proper procedure at the expense of actually showing proper etiquette. Do what you feel is right. If you mean to show respect and good etiquette, but end up saying the wrong word by accident, this will not really matter all that much. Your true intentions usually show through. People usually see others for who they really are.
For more on dojo etiquette, please see the Yale dojo site. (I found this site just after I finished writing this. Coincidentally, it includes many of the same points.)
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Friday, July 2, 1999
Target Penetration
To what depth should an attack be aimed? This is a subject introduced early in the training process. But it seems that many people misunderstand this goal in a way that makes the situation even more unrealistic than it already is.
During kumite, practitioners often imagine that if they had extended their attacks just a few more inches, they could have done serious damage. This is usually thought of as "good control." Good control definitely has its place during training and I am not suggesting that we practice without control. But at what point during the attack is this theory of control (stopping before touching the target) considered? It seems to me that it is almost exclusively at the very end of the technique; that the goal is to attack very close to the target such that the punch/kick/strike reaches a point just in front of the target as the opponent stops moving back.
A common misconception in basic training, which often carries over into "advanced" kumite, is that the goal is to attack where the target/opponent is moving to. Is it not more practical, however, to think about where that target is at the present time, rather than where it might go once it starts moving?
Of course there may be a higher potential for accidental contact using this method of distancing, at least at the beginner level. This may actually require more control than the traditional method. Thus, perhaps beginners should not concentrate heavily on this point until they become comfortable with the traditional timing.
Aiming the attack through (not simply at) where the target is when the attack is initiated is not only more practical; it also tends to force the attacker to move faster, as the target soon moves away. Aiming at where the target is moving to is not nearly as difficult, even if the defender shifts in a different direction.
Another related point, to be discussed in more detail in a future article, is that training in this way may cause the attacker to develop a different timing such that contact is made before the attacking limb reaches full extension. Although some "traditional" instructors may not advocate this timing, it is actually much more realistic. If contact were actually intended in a self-defense encounter, this sort of timing would provide a greater chance of connecting with the target. Simply touching the target with the attacking appendage would not do so much damage. For some related reading, please see my Oct '99 article.
If you are a beginner, you may want to just keep this theory on timing in the back of your mind, for future reference. For more advanced practitioners, I would suggest considering experimenting with this timing on a regular basis, at least with fellow advanced practitioners.
(This article will be much more clearly understood after I get a proper link from my video camera into my computer later this year, so I can add some helpful video clips for demonstrations.)
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
During kumite, practitioners often imagine that if they had extended their attacks just a few more inches, they could have done serious damage. This is usually thought of as "good control." Good control definitely has its place during training and I am not suggesting that we practice without control. But at what point during the attack is this theory of control (stopping before touching the target) considered? It seems to me that it is almost exclusively at the very end of the technique; that the goal is to attack very close to the target such that the punch/kick/strike reaches a point just in front of the target as the opponent stops moving back.
A common misconception in basic training, which often carries over into "advanced" kumite, is that the goal is to attack where the target/opponent is moving to. Is it not more practical, however, to think about where that target is at the present time, rather than where it might go once it starts moving?
Of course there may be a higher potential for accidental contact using this method of distancing, at least at the beginner level. This may actually require more control than the traditional method. Thus, perhaps beginners should not concentrate heavily on this point until they become comfortable with the traditional timing.
Aiming the attack through (not simply at) where the target is when the attack is initiated is not only more practical; it also tends to force the attacker to move faster, as the target soon moves away. Aiming at where the target is moving to is not nearly as difficult, even if the defender shifts in a different direction.
Another related point, to be discussed in more detail in a future article, is that training in this way may cause the attacker to develop a different timing such that contact is made before the attacking limb reaches full extension. Although some "traditional" instructors may not advocate this timing, it is actually much more realistic. If contact were actually intended in a self-defense encounter, this sort of timing would provide a greater chance of connecting with the target. Simply touching the target with the attacking appendage would not do so much damage. For some related reading, please see my Oct '99 article.
If you are a beginner, you may want to just keep this theory on timing in the back of your mind, for future reference. For more advanced practitioners, I would suggest considering experimenting with this timing on a regular basis, at least with fellow advanced practitioners.
(This article will be much more clearly understood after I get a proper link from my video camera into my computer later this year, so I can add some helpful video clips for demonstrations.)
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Wednesday, June 2, 1999
Looking Pretty
In the classes taught at JKA of Silicon Valley this May by Amos Sensei, many points were discussed. Among these points were obvious ones that most of us had forgotten or become lazy about. Also, there were small details of which many had previously not heard. But, above all else, I think the most important thing mentioned at these classes is probably the idea that "looking pretty" should not be nearly as much of an ideal during training as focusing on the given point of that particular exercise.
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Looking Pretty
In the classes taught at JKA of Silicon Valley this May by Amos Sensei, many points were discussed. Among these points were obvious ones that most of us had forgotten or become lazy about. Also, there were small details of which many had previously not heard. But, above all else, I think the most important thing mentioned at these classes is probably the idea that "looking pretty" should not be nearly as much of an ideal during training as focusing on the given point of that particular exercise.
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Looking Pretty
In the classes taught at JKA of Silicon Valley this May by Amos Sensei, many points were discussed. Among these points were obvious ones that most of us had forgotten or become lazy about. Also, there were small details of which many had previously not heard. But, above all else, I think the most important thing mentioned at these classes is probably the idea that "looking pretty" should not be nearly as much of an ideal during training as focusing on the given point of that particular exercise.
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Looking Pretty
In the classes taught at JKA of Silicon Valley this May by Amos Sensei, many points were discussed. Among these points were obvious ones that most of us had forgotten or become lazy about. Also, there were small details of which many had previously not heard. But, above all else, I think the most important thing mentioned at these classes is probably the idea that "looking pretty" should not be nearly as much of an ideal during training as focusing on the given point of that particular exercise.
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
It is one thing to hear some old ugly guy scream this. But Richard (Amos Sensei) has not only placed high numerous times in international competition in both kumite and kata-- He has also worked as a model in London and New York! He knows what it is like to "look pretty" and has done so more often than not. But he also knows from experience that there are times to get realistic and concentrate on what works. If fighting for your life, effectiveness is the main priority. Why should daily training be any different?
Is this to say that we should not concentrate on having good form? On the contrary! Good form should always be an ideal when training. But some people get lazy and restrict their form in an attempt to not overextend past their comfortable range of abilities. Sometimes, it is better to forget how we look to others and instead focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.
Let's take a simple training concept as an example: making a long stance. When stepping forward, back or turning, many high-ranking students (and even instructors) can often be seen using shorter stances than their juniors even when the instructor has told everyone that they should be making large steps. Some can legitimately blame age for their short stances. Many others claim that the more advanced practitioners no longer require the long stances to be powerful. Both of these may be true. But should we not continue to at least try to reach our maximum when the emphasis is on long stances?
Some may step out far but slide the back leg immediately forward, making a small stance. This may sometimes have its purpose. But for this training exercise, that may be considered simply cheating.
So then we stretch out into a long stance, but perhaps a bit slowly. Again some may blame a lack of flexibility as a limiting factor on the stance length. I am not advocating stretching to the point of tearing muscles. But let's try to be as realistic as can be mustered. Now the question comes up: "How long is too long?" (For more on this subject, please see my 3/98 article.) If the training is focusing on a long stance, maybe there is no such thing as "too long." In such a case, if the emphasis is to have a long stance at the expense of everything else, maybe it would be acceptable to lift the back heel, or even to fall over after the stretch. What is important is that the feeling is there; that the point of the exercise is being trained. The student stretching to her limit but falling over every other time may actually be getting more training out of the exercise than the guy who looks very nice and sharp with his snappy punches, but doesn't bother to stretch into a long stance as instructed.
In this respect, trying to act cool and make a "pretty" technique will not serve the practitioner well. I understand that not everyone practices Karate for self-defense. But even those who are practicing as an art form or self-expressionism would probably have something to gain from trying to extend past "comfort zones" when focusing on a particular point in class.
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Sunday, May 2, 1999
Reaction Training
Having quick reaction time is a valuable trait. Surely, reduction of reaction time must be one of the most important goals of Karate practitioners, whether practicing for tournaments or self-defense. Even though most of us probably realize its importance and occasionally think about improving our reactions, how much attention are we really giving this type of training?
There are many types of reaction training. Here, I would like to break the major ones down by stimulus type:
• Auditory (reaction to sound)
• Visual (reaction to movement that is seen)
• Physical (reaction to touch)
In most traditional Karate dojo, the opportunity to practice auditory stimulus reaction training exists many times during almost every class. Whenever there is a count [1, 2, 3…] each count represents another chance for training. To simply listen to the count to remind yourself how many more repetitions remain is a way of limiting your training. Instead, imagine that each count represents an opportunity to react to your imaginary opponent. Start the movement as soon as you can after the number is heard. When you are attacking, imagine that the count represents a gap in the imaginary opponent's guard or awareness. When defending, imagine that the opponent is coming in very quickly as the count is heard.
For visual training, we also have many opportunities in most Karate classes. Every time we practice with a partner, we have the chance to train our reaction to visual stimulus. But how many of us simply follow the count mindlessly, as with individual repetition, or jump the count altogether? By waiting for the attacker to initiate the movement, the defense side has not only a chance to practice moving quickly, but also to practice reducing reaction time based on visual stimulus. You can watch for any visual indication at all that your partner is about to move or you can wait until you are sure of what particular attack is coming, depending on your particular level.
Reaction to touch is not practiced so often in most Karate dojo. In some other martial arts, such as Aikido and Judo, this type of reaction is practiced much more often. This is simply a factor of how long we remain in contact with our partners during techniques. Karate techniques usually involve separation from the partner as soon as possible after contact is made. Grappling arts involve longer periods of contact.
Here is one example of how we might practice reaction to physical stimulus in a Karate class:
In pairs, one person stands behind the other.
The person in front assumes a stance.
The person behind touches the front partner on the arm or back.
The front person then attacks forward as soon as possible.
For more advanced practice, the front person could attack with the limb that was touched.
Obviously, it is best to be prepared to react to any of the various types of stimuli that may occur in an encounter. By practicing all of them, we should become better prepared for various situations, not simply relying on the one that usually works in typical classes at one or more particular dojo, with a limited number of training partners.
If you would like to test your reaction to visual stimulus now, see below. Good luck!
Test your Response time!
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
There are many types of reaction training. Here, I would like to break the major ones down by stimulus type:
• Auditory (reaction to sound)
• Visual (reaction to movement that is seen)
• Physical (reaction to touch)
In most traditional Karate dojo, the opportunity to practice auditory stimulus reaction training exists many times during almost every class. Whenever there is a count [1, 2, 3…] each count represents another chance for training. To simply listen to the count to remind yourself how many more repetitions remain is a way of limiting your training. Instead, imagine that each count represents an opportunity to react to your imaginary opponent. Start the movement as soon as you can after the number is heard. When you are attacking, imagine that the count represents a gap in the imaginary opponent's guard or awareness. When defending, imagine that the opponent is coming in very quickly as the count is heard.
For visual training, we also have many opportunities in most Karate classes. Every time we practice with a partner, we have the chance to train our reaction to visual stimulus. But how many of us simply follow the count mindlessly, as with individual repetition, or jump the count altogether? By waiting for the attacker to initiate the movement, the defense side has not only a chance to practice moving quickly, but also to practice reducing reaction time based on visual stimulus. You can watch for any visual indication at all that your partner is about to move or you can wait until you are sure of what particular attack is coming, depending on your particular level.
Reaction to touch is not practiced so often in most Karate dojo. In some other martial arts, such as Aikido and Judo, this type of reaction is practiced much more often. This is simply a factor of how long we remain in contact with our partners during techniques. Karate techniques usually involve separation from the partner as soon as possible after contact is made. Grappling arts involve longer periods of contact.
Here is one example of how we might practice reaction to physical stimulus in a Karate class:
In pairs, one person stands behind the other.
The person in front assumes a stance.
The person behind touches the front partner on the arm or back.
The front person then attacks forward as soon as possible.
For more advanced practice, the front person could attack with the limb that was touched.
Obviously, it is best to be prepared to react to any of the various types of stimuli that may occur in an encounter. By practicing all of them, we should become better prepared for various situations, not simply relying on the one that usually works in typical classes at one or more particular dojo, with a limited number of training partners.
If you would like to test your reaction to visual stimulus now, see below. Good luck!
Test your Response time!
(Netscape browsers only)
Click on "Start" first, and wait until the background color changes. As soon as it changes, hit "stop!"
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Reaction Training
Having quick reaction time is a valuable trait. Surely, reduction of reaction time must be one of the most important goals of Karate practitioners, whether practicing for tournaments or self-defense. Even though most of us probably realize its importance and occasionally think about improving our reactions, how much attention are we really giving this type of training?
There are many types of reaction training. Here, I would like to break the major ones down by stimulus type:
• Auditory (reaction to sound)
• Visual (reaction to movement that is seen)
• Physical (reaction to touch)
In most traditional Karate dojo, the opportunity to practice auditory stimulus reaction training exists many times during almost every class. Whenever there is a count [1, 2, 3…] each count represents another chance for training. To simply listen to the count to remind yourself how many more repetitions remain is a way of limiting your training. Instead, imagine that each count represents an opportunity to react to your imaginary opponent. Start the movement as soon as you can after the number is heard. When you are attacking, imagine that the count represents a gap in the imaginary opponent's guard or awareness. When defending, imagine that the opponent is coming in very quickly as the count is heard.
For visual training, we also have many opportunities in most Karate classes. Every time we practice with a partner, we have the chance to train our reaction to visual stimulus. But how many of us simply follow the count mindlessly, as with individual repetition, or jump the count altogether? By waiting for the attacker to initiate the movement, the defense side has not only a chance to practice moving quickly, but also to practice reducing reaction time based on visual stimulus. You can watch for any visual indication at all that your partner is about to move or you can wait until you are sure of what particular attack is coming, depending on your particular level.
Reaction to touch is not practiced so often in most Karate dojo. In some other martial arts, such as Aikido and Judo, this type of reaction is practiced much more often. This is simply a factor of how long we remain in contact with our partners during techniques. Karate techniques usually involve separation from the partner as soon as possible after contact is made. Grappling arts involve longer periods of contact.
Here is one example of how we might practice reaction to physical stimulus in a Karate class:
In pairs, one person stands behind the other.
The person in front assumes a stance.
The person behind touches the front partner on the arm or back.
The front person then attacks forward as soon as possible.
For more advanced practice, the front person could attack with the limb that was touched.
Obviously, it is best to be prepared to react to any of the various types of stimuli that may occur in an encounter. By practicing all of them, we should become better prepared for various situations, not simply relying on the one that usually works in typical classes at one or more particular dojo, with a limited number of training partners.
If you would like to test your reaction to visual stimulus now, see below. Good luck!
Test your Response time!
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
There are many types of reaction training. Here, I would like to break the major ones down by stimulus type:
• Auditory (reaction to sound)
• Visual (reaction to movement that is seen)
• Physical (reaction to touch)
In most traditional Karate dojo, the opportunity to practice auditory stimulus reaction training exists many times during almost every class. Whenever there is a count [1, 2, 3…] each count represents another chance for training. To simply listen to the count to remind yourself how many more repetitions remain is a way of limiting your training. Instead, imagine that each count represents an opportunity to react to your imaginary opponent. Start the movement as soon as you can after the number is heard. When you are attacking, imagine that the count represents a gap in the imaginary opponent's guard or awareness. When defending, imagine that the opponent is coming in very quickly as the count is heard.
For visual training, we also have many opportunities in most Karate classes. Every time we practice with a partner, we have the chance to train our reaction to visual stimulus. But how many of us simply follow the count mindlessly, as with individual repetition, or jump the count altogether? By waiting for the attacker to initiate the movement, the defense side has not only a chance to practice moving quickly, but also to practice reducing reaction time based on visual stimulus. You can watch for any visual indication at all that your partner is about to move or you can wait until you are sure of what particular attack is coming, depending on your particular level.
Reaction to touch is not practiced so often in most Karate dojo. In some other martial arts, such as Aikido and Judo, this type of reaction is practiced much more often. This is simply a factor of how long we remain in contact with our partners during techniques. Karate techniques usually involve separation from the partner as soon as possible after contact is made. Grappling arts involve longer periods of contact.
Here is one example of how we might practice reaction to physical stimulus in a Karate class:
In pairs, one person stands behind the other.
The person in front assumes a stance.
The person behind touches the front partner on the arm or back.
The front person then attacks forward as soon as possible.
For more advanced practice, the front person could attack with the limb that was touched.
Obviously, it is best to be prepared to react to any of the various types of stimuli that may occur in an encounter. By practicing all of them, we should become better prepared for various situations, not simply relying on the one that usually works in typical classes at one or more particular dojo, with a limited number of training partners.
If you would like to test your reaction to visual stimulus now, see below. Good luck!
Test your Response time!
(Netscape browsers only)
Click on "Start" first, and wait until the background color changes. As soon as it changes, hit "stop!"
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Thursday, April 1, 1999
Equality in the Dojo
(not what you might think)
Day after day in Shotokan dojo around the world, people train in "unequal" ways. I am not referring to gender or race here. I am referring to the practice of techniques on one side of the body more than on the other.
Have you ever stopped to think why we practice 3-step & 5-step sparring, but not any even number of steps? Sure, there is the excuse that 4 is sometimes considered unlucky in Japanese (4 in Japanese can be a homonym of the word for 'death'). But how about 2-step and 6-step sparring? Or how about how we almost always start attacks with the left side forward? Even when performing basics individually, far less often do we take an even number of steps than odd.
What we are doing is working one side of the body more than the other, for some certain techniques and strategies. This may not be an entirely bad thing. But it may not be the right thing for everyone, all the time.
In Japan, there are very few left-handed people. Mothers there are known for making it difficult for children to grow up using their left hands to hold their chopsticks or pencils. "The nail that sticks up needs to be pounded down," is a saying that comes to mind. There is a perfect mold in the Japanese mind. And that mold involves right-handedness.
So we practice specialization. That's not entirely bad. Specialization in global economics terms refers to the idea that different nations can help each other through more efficiently dividing labor resources for production specificity. The U.S. creates software and Japan produces consumer electronics. Why not learn to punch with one hand and block with another? Specialization can work. But why force everyone to specialize in the same way (such as left side block, right attack)?
In kata, we often have sequences of three repetitions, or attacks that use the same side for each occurrence in the kata. By training one side repeatedly, we can possibly make that technique become a natural reaction if performed on that particular side. But what if the chance arises in a self-defense situation to use it on the other side, and we are ill-prepared? For self-defense purposes, doesn't it make sense to practice both sides of every technique and strategy?
I advocate training even-number steps more often in sparring and/or starting from the opposite side sometimes, as well as performing kata mirror-image (starting from the right instead of the left) on a fairly regular basis. Practicing in such a way can be a real eye-opener. Some people who have trained for many years and look like they have totally mastered a certain technique or combination may not be able to stumble through the same technique or combination if done on the opposite side...
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
Day after day in Shotokan dojo around the world, people train in "unequal" ways. I am not referring to gender or race here. I am referring to the practice of techniques on one side of the body more than on the other.
Have you ever stopped to think why we practice 3-step & 5-step sparring, but not any even number of steps? Sure, there is the excuse that 4 is sometimes considered unlucky in Japanese (4 in Japanese can be a homonym of the word for 'death'). But how about 2-step and 6-step sparring? Or how about how we almost always start attacks with the left side forward? Even when performing basics individually, far less often do we take an even number of steps than odd.
What we are doing is working one side of the body more than the other, for some certain techniques and strategies. This may not be an entirely bad thing. But it may not be the right thing for everyone, all the time.
In Japan, there are very few left-handed people. Mothers there are known for making it difficult for children to grow up using their left hands to hold their chopsticks or pencils. "The nail that sticks up needs to be pounded down," is a saying that comes to mind. There is a perfect mold in the Japanese mind. And that mold involves right-handedness.
So we practice specialization. That's not entirely bad. Specialization in global economics terms refers to the idea that different nations can help each other through more efficiently dividing labor resources for production specificity. The U.S. creates software and Japan produces consumer electronics. Why not learn to punch with one hand and block with another? Specialization can work. But why force everyone to specialize in the same way (such as left side block, right attack)?
In kata, we often have sequences of three repetitions, or attacks that use the same side for each occurrence in the kata. By training one side repeatedly, we can possibly make that technique become a natural reaction if performed on that particular side. But what if the chance arises in a self-defense situation to use it on the other side, and we are ill-prepared? For self-defense purposes, doesn't it make sense to practice both sides of every technique and strategy?
I advocate training even-number steps more often in sparring and/or starting from the opposite side sometimes, as well as performing kata mirror-image (starting from the right instead of the left) on a fairly regular basis. Practicing in such a way can be a real eye-opener. Some people who have trained for many years and look like they have totally mastered a certain technique or combination may not be able to stumble through the same technique or combination if done on the opposite side...
Copyright © 1999, Jon Keeling
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