Whap! I am stuck by a front kick, caught off guard and my blocking technique didn’t work. Of course, the instructor in front of me knows this and he is trying to help me. Whap! Again, I am struck by the same kick. Why can’t I get this? It is just a simple block, and I know the kick is on its way. Why isn’t this ‘clicking’ for me?
When I was in school my teachers would often recommend that we students figure out our ‘learning style.’ We learned by doing, reading, watching, etc. I believe it is the same for training. For me, self training works and it helps things make sense. Perhaps this doesn’t work for you or it may not be feasible. There are different ways to learn; asking questions, watching, doing and being in the right mindset. Try asking questions. This seems simple and very straight forward; but how often do you ask questions of your senpai, the ones who don’t normally teach classes? This is a gold mine for me. I’ve always noticed that my senpai like sharing their knowledge and they enjoy helping. They have a way of explaining things that are different than the instructors and it is always helpful. Training under different instructors, different dojos, going to camps and tournaments is a great way to learn. It is here where the world is your oyster. Ask questions, seek advice, and try new things.
We watch others when we are in the dojo, it is natural. We watch how others react, move, what they do well, and where they need some work. During a formal class you may not have much opportunity to watch, except for the times your instructor has groups take turns on and off the floor. Watch your fellow karate-ka. It will surprise you how much you can learn. If it’s a lower ranking group, think of ways you can help, think of advice you can offer. When you go back on the floor, make sure you are executing proper technique so when the lower ranks watch you are setting a good example. If you are a lower rank, watch your senpai and try to imitate what they do well. After class, I often see people watching others who are participating in post-training drills or kata. Watching is an good way to learn but don’t spend too much time idle when you have the opportunity to move. Work on some drills from class, grab a partner and do some training, ask questions and solve it together.
Every now and then a certain technique, feeling or movement ‘clicks’ for me. Sometimes the information is presented differently, sometimes it clicks by watching others, but most of the time self training and an empty mind is key for me. I am fortunate to have a small space in my home to train. Amidst the mess of an unfinished basement, towers of dirty laundry and an obstacle course of matchbox cars and transformer toys, lays the glory land we call our dojo. It is here where I find myself lately working over and over again on kihon, kata, and sometimes kumite. (Don’t worry, I only ask my husband to be a target, not the little boys.) I don’t spend much time here, maybe 30-40 minutes per day, but this time is precious and instrumental in my progress. Try to do a little bit of self training every day. Start with just 10-15 mintues a day or every other day. Even if you just stand and punch for 10 minutes, it is not wasted time.
When we struggle with a certain task, we often become frustrated and emotional. We get down on ourselves and cannot focus. This makes everything more difficult. We come to the dojo to learn and to continue on our journey in our own martial art. When you walk in, empty your mind, free it from distractions and expectations. Just do your best. Empty your cup, don’t be prideful. You cannot learn what you think you already know. Mental training is the toughest of all, since our mind controls what our body does. I find that when my mind is free, I can move, respond and absorb much better.
Something just clicked for me. I’m not sure what it is, but training feels different. I know too well that I will soon again be searching for more answers to something that just isn’t right. But, currently, I'm in the now (or then?). In some way I look forward to the next challenge because what I’ve learned in the past few weeks is that karate is all about the journey between the now and then.
