Total Karate

Bad Techniques!

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:32 GMT

Learn well!

2011 in Training

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:16 GMT

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.

Getting my act together

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:01 GMT

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.

New Club Website

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:25 GMT

Our club has a new website. Visit us at:

www.barrowkarate.org.uk

Desert Island Karate

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:39 GMT

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!

Written and Verbal Tests in Karate

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:34 GMT

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.)

After-Training Chillout Tunes

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:46 GMT

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 :)

http://ambientzoo.bandcamp.com/

New Wado Forum

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 05:18 GMT

A new forum for Wadoka has been set up. Check it out at www.allwado.com

Erle Montaigue

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:31 GMT

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.

www.taijiworld.com

Senior Class

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 04:01 GMT

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