Again if in doubt, please ask!

Oss

For all those that did pass, especially the higher grades, remember to come back down to earth! lol. I expect to see you all training hard next week, not giving yourself a break! In all seriousness, many of you have reached a landmark, you are now brown belts and that carries with it much responsibility within the club. Lower grades will be looking to you for example and you must lead by example. Your training will now be harder as will expectations of you and I'm sure you all will not disappoint. Everything should now come together in your training; you are beginning to master the basics, now it must begin to flow. You must start to visualize when performing your Kata and make it feel and look real, oh, and now you have to start getting those hips to work! lol.

Again, congratulations to you all. Good job!

Oss!

Anyway, I just want to wish everyone good training in the week to come. Remember to ask Sensei lots of questions and advice while you still can! My own opinion and observation is that the standard is high amongst the students once again, so keep up the good work!!

All the best for the coming week and very good luck on the day!

Oss!

Do you both remember me asking you about the Dojo Kun in Japanese. You did promise that you would either write it down for me in a form that i know how to pronounce those tricky words or record it for me. Any chance you could do this for me. I have looked on youtube but it has not been of any help......

I just would really like to be able to do this.

Thanks......

As you know I am struggling with taikyoku shodan(?) move. I really don't feel confident with this move as I have to watch the others and follow there lead. We haven't practiced this move in class recently. Can anyone help with the direction of each move. I think I am ok with the moves it's just the direction I can't remember. I want to practice this move at home but really can't remember how to do it. HELP!!!!

Do you have any concerns?

Do you think you're not ready?

Is there any info you need?

Are you worried about any basic combinations or techniques?

If you are too shy to ask Sensei or any of the instructors directly, then please use this thread. That said, you should never be shy, we are all very approachable and are only too happy to help you. Always feel free to ask me any questions and if I can help I will, I know for a fact Sensei will too.

So, ask away!

OSS

Not a question, just me trying to pass on a few tips for those about to undertake their grading on Saturday 7th March 2009.

Sometimes attendance in the dojo is not enough.

What I mean by this is that training can also be done at home with minimum space.

Before I took my Nidan grading, I spent at least 30mins a night practicing the kumite sets on the spot in my living room. I would select two sets, for example Kihon ippon kumite set 1 and 2. I would go through these on both sides for 20 to 30 mins, to try and get them ingrained into my mind, so I'd be ready on the day to perform all when asked. Two sets every evening.

I also found it possible to perform basic combinations at least twice through in my living room, but if that isn't possible, then one technique will suffice. Remember the better you are at individual techniques, the better you will be able to combine several.

Kata was a bit more difficult, but then you can do those on the spot to a degree.

Remember though that the most important training to be done at home is learning the Japanese and also learning about dojo etiquette.

I know some of you will be saying, "It's alright for him to say that, I don't have the time!" Well in case some of you don't already know, I run my own business, If I can find the time I'm sure you can find a little. Remember you get nothing for free and success takes hard work and dedication. There are no shortcuts.

OSS!