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.
