How to be a…..

How to be a…..

                The JKA/MB is dedicated to developing a sound Karate program and delivering a great experience to every student that walks through our doors. Sensei Dingman Set up a specific style of Shotokan Karate many years ago that was heavy on delivering solid basics and focusing on building proper form and understanding of Karate as well as developing the right spirit of Karate. 

                The “how to be….” Blog entries are a result of a need for a focus on what to teach and what students should be working on and focusing on at each step of their Karate journey. Its what we focus on and what we as instructors will bring to each of our students. The “how to be” blogs are designed for each step of  the way, they will focus on common mistakes and things that students should be looking to develop as well as being a guide for young instructors and what we need to present to each level of student to help them progress from a raw beginner to a more advanced student.

                 The JKA/MB way is based on the teachings of Dingman Sensei after years of his training and research, development and exploration of Karate. However it is also based on the personal influence of many instructors in our program as well as those that have taught our students and instructors over the years. We are all different and students may need different things at different times, but the majority of development in this system is linear and the following loose curriculum groups should help students develop smoothly and give some hints along the way.

                First thing that you will want to start to think about when you start this journey is your focus in Karate. Not Kata, or fighting. No, you have to figure why you are in Karate in the first place.  I have seen people start because they want to explore the sport aspect of Karate and then worked on Shiai training pretty exclusively. I have also seen students wanting to just improve fitness, learn to express themselves, become an instructor, socialize and a variety of other reasons. When you enter Karate figure out what you want from training, don’t just show up and throw a gi on. However, be as flexible enough to change that view.

                When I started in Karate it was because I was shy and had a bad temper. I hoped that Karate would get rid of my temper or help me to control it more. Then I got into competitions and thought that was why I was in Karate. However I soon learned that sport Karate was limited in its appeal and the time would come when I would soon leave sport Karate behind. I was flexible enough to change, I choose to teach and propagate Karate, To develop others.

                When you are training at each level you will have things to focus on that you need to know about to progress from one level to another. The mistake that most instructors make is that they treat all students like they are the same level. The brown belt does the same things that a orange belt does in class and then maybe a few things are different but mostly the same. Different Kata, same kihon and the instructor looks for the same things and the students all suffer!  Each level is different and should grow and develop along the way differently.

                These blogs will help the student and the instructor develop properly along the way.