How to Make the Most Out of a Class
With greater expectations on your technical competence as a
Purple Belt, a number of students start to increase the frequency
of their training. Some add one extra class per week while others
might add three or four. When trying new classes (either at the
same location or an entirely new dojo), students often discover
how instructors differ. Because of this, some may feel another instructor is not giving them what really want so they choose to
stay at home instead of training.
The following is a perspective on different instructors and different classes:
We all have our favorite types of karate classes. Some of us love a session where we work extensively on our
kata, or learn a new kata. Others love a class where they spend plenty of time doing kumite. There are those
who are most happy when they walk out of class absolutely dripping with sweat and those who prefer walking
out having learnt a great deal.
Yes, we all have our favorite type of session, so what of those sessions where we don’t get our preferred class?
Let’s face it we can’t always get what we want. Classes will vary. A varied class is good for you because it
means you are working on different aspects of training, each one important. However, some people can get
a little upset when they don’t get what they want.
An example could be people who expect a really hard sweat session from their instructor, and then leave
unsatisfied after an explanation filled class where they finish without sweating a drop.
So what are the signs of a good class?
The best method to ensure every class meets your criteria is to utilize the minutes before and after class.
Some examples include:
Purple Belt, a number of students start to increase the frequency
of their training. Some add one extra class per week while others
might add three or four. When trying new classes (either at the
same location or an entirely new dojo), students often discover
how instructors differ. Because of this, some may feel another instructor is not giving them what really want so they choose to
stay at home instead of training.
The following is a perspective on different instructors and different classes:
We all have our favorite types of karate classes. Some of us love a session where we work extensively on our
kata, or learn a new kata. Others love a class where they spend plenty of time doing kumite. There are those
who are most happy when they walk out of class absolutely dripping with sweat and those who prefer walking
out having learnt a great deal.
Yes, we all have our favorite type of session, so what of those sessions where we don’t get our preferred class?
Let’s face it we can’t always get what we want. Classes will vary. A varied class is good for you because it
means you are working on different aspects of training, each one important. However, some people can get
a little upset when they don’t get what they want.
An example could be people who expect a really hard sweat session from their instructor, and then leave
unsatisfied after an explanation filled class where they finish without sweating a drop.
So what are the signs of a good class?
- When you walk out dripping with sweat, it meant you did your body a world of good. You likely also strengthened your character by pushing beyond your normal comfort zone. Even if you prefer to learn all the nuts and bolts of karate, it is still great for you to be pushed.
When you walk out enthused and re inspired. These types of classes are beneficial to your long term
- goals.
- When you walk out having had a reality check. Reality checks are great because they give us a clear indication of where we are at (progress wise) and what we need to start working on.
- When you walk out having learnt a lot or gained understanding of something. Perhaps you weren’t so enthused that you didn’t sweat as much as you’d hoped but karate is not aerobics and requires understanding to accompany its activity.
- When something has finally clicked with your body. Some techniques take longer for our bodies to grasp hold of. Any class where you have a technique breakthrough is a beneficial class.
- When you have spent ample time working on something important for your next grading or self-defense. This doesn’t necessarily mean a class where you did partner work and self-defense training. Spending ample time on a few techniques, refining these and helping them become instinctive will serve both to see you grade more quickly and more equipped for self-defense
The best method to ensure every class meets your criteria is to utilize the minutes before and after class.
Some examples include:
- Those Who Love a Sweat Session
Ok, so your instructor did a lot of explaining tonight and you didn’t sweat. As soon as class finishes, go over to the side and do some of your own training. You can go through some kumite combinations, kata, push-ups, sit-ups; shadow sparing, and so on. The list is endless. A simple ten minutes of high intensity work will ensure you leave sweating.
- Those Who Love a Kata Class
Immediately before and/or after every class take ten minutes to work on kata. Ask your instructor or a higher grade for some feedback
- Those Who Love Their Kumite
Find a fellow student and spar for ten minutes. If it is before class, keep it light and don’t do any kicks until you are warmed up properly - Those Who Love to Seek Understanding and Knowledge
Take advantage of your instructor by getting to class early to pick their brain. Furthermore, you can ask those questions after class
