Learn well!
Friday, January 20, 2012
2011 in Training
So that was 2011. Might be a bit late for an annual review, but we're well and truly into 2012 it might be worth taking a brief pause to reflect.
The club has seen a number of changes... some leavers (ah, college and uni...), some new faces arrived and a few of the old guard still doing their thing.
The kids' class is doing well. There's a solid collection of regulars all trying their best. Standards are definitely on the up. The new syllabus has helped, along with some "new thinking" when it comes to working with the kids. Keep them busy, keep it dynamic and don't make it impossible for them to learn (or for instructors to instruct!)
The children's display in the town centre during the summer went down really well. Feedback was very positive, and I hope we can do more of that in 2012.
In the seniors I think we've "found our feet" (in more ways than one!) But I think having a definite purpose to training is a big plus point. No more trying to please everyone at the same time. People either like what we do or they don't. Which is good.
We have a new association membership, good insurance coverage and backing. I hope it goes well, I must admit I am a bit adverse to big groups, rules and regulations, and paperwork. There's much to be said for going independant and that's fine as long as you're honest about who you are and what you do.
Ahh, that's all for now. Back to training.
The club has seen a number of changes... some leavers (ah, college and uni...), some new faces arrived and a few of the old guard still doing their thing.
The kids' class is doing well. There's a solid collection of regulars all trying their best. Standards are definitely on the up. The new syllabus has helped, along with some "new thinking" when it comes to working with the kids. Keep them busy, keep it dynamic and don't make it impossible for them to learn (or for instructors to instruct!)
The children's display in the town centre during the summer went down really well. Feedback was very positive, and I hope we can do more of that in 2012.
In the seniors I think we've "found our feet" (in more ways than one!) But I think having a definite purpose to training is a big plus point. No more trying to please everyone at the same time. People either like what we do or they don't. Which is good.
We have a new association membership, good insurance coverage and backing. I hope it goes well, I must admit I am a bit adverse to big groups, rules and regulations, and paperwork. There's much to be said for going independant and that's fine as long as you're honest about who you are and what you do.
Ahh, that's all for now. Back to training.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Getting my act together
Been so busy with the club, and that other stuff we call life; I realised I was starting to lose direction in my training. Fortunately I caught it in time, my efforts are refocused and I've started writing out training goals again. It's been a long time since I've done that.
Working those basics is always a good start. Plus I want to improve my fitness levels, I think next year is going to be busy, karate-wise.
Working those basics is always a good start. Plus I want to improve my fitness levels, I think next year is going to be busy, karate-wise.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Desert Island Karate
Imagine being stranded on a desert island. A nice one with lots of edible fruit, coconuts and fresh water. No work, no hassle, no facebook, no twitter, no door-to-door salespeople (mostly).
Exotic beaches, deep blue sea, crystal clear nights, long hot sunny days.
I know some people who would spend their entire lives there, and they'd love it. They'd pack up and go right now if they could.
How would that appeal to you?
After six months.... after one year.... a decade....
All alone ruling over your island kingdom!
How soon would the boredom set in? Or, indeed, insanity? How long would it take for you to want to leave that place forever? To return to daily life, to people, a place where you can make mistakes (and grow old disgracefully!)
Hold on, isn't this a Karate blog? What's all this desert island stuff? Well... in your training.... don't get stuck on that desert island!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Written and Verbal Tests in Karate
Bit of a strange one this. Some grading requirements ask students to answer general knowledge questions about karate, or for Black Belt grades - write an essay or complete a written test.
Not sure if I like this.
We're here to learn karate, an activity which is done by, er, being active and doing things. What does answering general knowledge questions have to do with developing skills in the art? Fair enough for people going for instructors' qualifications or some formally recognised qualification (in the UK there are NVQs, national vocational qualifications - these are attained by putting together a portfolio of evidence demonstrating knowledge and doing something).
But I don't think there is much value in giving black belt candidates 20 questions. After 3-5 years of training (at least!) you'd think they would know something about their style in question. I wonder if anyone has ever failed to get a Dan grade because they didn't write their essay?
And who marks these exam papers and essays? Are the people setting them qualified educationalists? What is the nature of these questions - I bet they are easy to answer if you have a web connection and google. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the people setting the questions used google to get their answers too....
I can't imagine footballers/cricketers/baseball players/race horses/etc having to complete a written exam so they can get to play in the first team or whatever.
Written exams in karate? No thanks.
(PS. I have an NVQ Level 3 in Management and team leadership. How very nice.)
Friday, March 18, 2011
After-Training Chillout Tunes
When I'm not training/working/annoying the kids/eating/sleeping/etc I like to mess about making tunes.
Here's some evening chillout for you :)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Erle Montaigue
Just heard that Erle Montaigue passed away this week. How sad, he was certainly an inspiration in my early training years. His articles in 'Fighting Arts International' were always something to look forward to.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Senior Class
A quick mention for our senior class!
Try our Senior Group at Greengate School
Our adult Karate sessions focus on traditional Wado Ryu Karate, Push Hands training and Pad Work. Train in a friendly environment and develop your skills at your pace. We do not practice sport karate, our classes are suitable for all age groups.
Please see club details at this link. Get in touch or drop in to the club for a chat and watch a session. You can also have a free taster training session.
"At 53 I needed to get fitter and went to Shoshin for their free introductory session. The hourly sessions are fun, friendly and tailor-made to build individual fitness and skill levels. I would highly recommend it to anyone."
-- Gary from Barrow
Friday, January 14, 2011
Every Little Thing Matters
This is an interesting book I recently came across. Every Little Thing Matters (By Stephen Oakes) is a book about the human energy field, how to heal it and how to use it. Sounds like the sort of thing many martial artists would be interested in.
The book describes the Human Energy Field (HEF) in layman's terms, and how energy works in life. Part two discusses applications of energy work in a number of areas such as career, abundance, relationships and diet.
Written with humour and from direct experience (the author has 20 years' experience in healing, energy work and reiki) it is easy to read and understand - the experience was more akin to chatting to a mate down the pub than being lectured at from some 'guru'. And unlike many other books on similar subjects it has immediate applications you can use straight away.
It's a great book for anyone interested in internal energy. If you like the works of Stuart Wilde, Dr Wayne Dyer, et al then I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Recommended!
Here's a link for UK/Europe people:
And if you're in the US:
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Empty Mind Films
Just discovered Empty Mind films, if you like Asian culture and martial arts then check them out.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Summer Training
Half way through the summer holidays already! Turnout has been really good too, and the summer training schedule is going well.
We've had a good mix of training during classes; it's a chance for the seniors to sharpen up their basics, and the juniors have been working on all kinds of pairs work. The junior group is coming along very nicely.
We've had a good mix of training during classes; it's a chance for the seniors to sharpen up their basics, and the juniors have been working on all kinds of pairs work. The junior group is coming along very nicely.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Martial Training Scam Alert
There seems to be an email scam going around. I received an email a few weeks ago from someone claiming to want dance lessons, then today I received this:
Yes, its a scam. Delete it!
Hello,
My name is Howard Paul. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country
for 5weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from the last week of August to
September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .What can you offer? Can I know your qualification and
service rate ?
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your
proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Howard paul
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
Yes, its a scam. Delete it!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Some amendments to the syllabus
I'm working on some amendments to our syllabus. I'm stretching things out a little bit so the middle grades only need to study the one kata each. This will put more focus onto each kata instead of trying to learn two at once. I believe the pinans are often bypassed in favour of flashier kata. I think this is a mistake.
Previously some of our mid grades had two new pinan kata to learn. I thought it was a bit of a squeeze and didn't allow a more in-depth study of the kata.
Some of the basics have been jiggled around a bit too. Now they are more closely tied to their associated kata. No techniques have been removed, they've just been swapped about a little. I'll post a copy when it's finalised.
Passai is off the shodan requirement list, and is added to the "additional kata" section. Shodan now requires Seishan and Chinto.
Previously some of our mid grades had two new pinan kata to learn. I thought it was a bit of a squeeze and didn't allow a more in-depth study of the kata.
Some of the basics have been jiggled around a bit too. Now they are more closely tied to their associated kata. No techniques have been removed, they've just been swapped about a little. I'll post a copy when it's finalised.
Passai is off the shodan requirement list, and is added to the "additional kata" section. Shodan now requires Seishan and Chinto.
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