Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Association Budokai - Okinawan Goju Ryu
Be a fan
  • Home
  • Training Location & Contact Information
  • After School Karate Progam
  • Self Defense
  • GoJu Ryu Style
    • GoJu Ryu History
  • About the Instructor
  • Video Gallery
  • Image Gallery
  • Student Curriculum and Instruction
    • Grading Criteria for Advancement
    • Rules for advancement
    • Gi and Obi
    • Dojo Behavior and Protocol
    • Opening and Closing Ceremonies
    • General Terms
    • Counting In Japanese
    • Hojo Undo - Supplementary exercises
    • Tachi Waza - Standing Techniques (Stances)
    • Te Waza - Hand Techniques
    • Ate Waza - Striking Techniques
    • Uke Waza - Blocking Techniques
    • Geri Waza - Kicking Techniques
    • Ukemi Waza - Break Falls
    • Understanding Karate and the Relationship between Kihon, Kata and Kumite
    • Belt System
    • An Introduction to Kumite (Sparing or Fighting)
    • An Introduction to Kata's
    • White Belt - 10th to 8th Kyu: Introduction (Beginner age 13 & up) >
      • Gekisai-Ichi
      • Gekisai-Ni
    • Yellow / Green Strip - 9th to 8th Kyu Introduction (beginner - children to age 12)
    • Green Belt - 7th to 5th Jyu: Introduction >
      • Sanchin
      • Tensho
    • Purple Belt - 4th to 3rd Kyu: Introduction >
      • The Magic is in the First Few Punches
      • Saifa
    • Brown Belt - 2nd to 1st Kyu: Introduction >
      • Introduction to Seiyunchin Kata
      • Seiyunchin
      • Advanced Kumite Techniques
      • Preparing for your Black Belt
      • Introduction to Shisochin Kata
    • A Black Belt is always a Black Belt >
      • How to make the Most Out of Class
      • Seisan
      • Sanseru
      • Sepai
      • Shisochin
      • Suparinpei
      • Kururunfa
  • Testimonials
  • Special Events

How to Make the Most Out of a Class

Picture
 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?

  • 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
So you may not always get what you want but it isn’t to say it wasn’t a great class for you.Building your    appreciation for different types of classes and instructors is merely another stage of your training but it             doesn’t take away the fact we don’t get what we really want. So what are some ways we can ensure we           always get what we want?

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

Remember, not every class is going to be exactly what you want, but it will be what you need. For the classes   where you don’t get all you want, take advantage of the before and after class minutes and ensure you leave completely satisfied.





Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.