Personal view of Karate. By Alban (part 2)
My Personal view of Karate
2nd Dan
What has changed since last grading?
Since my last grading, I have changed in many ways due to the new things I have learnt. But the most important thing of all, is that I feel as though I have grown closer to karate as a way of life. I have become much closer with the other students and sensei in the dojo. I don't feel as though I am mindlessly going through the day anymore, I feel as though the things I have learnt are useful in not just training, but also in life.
What did I (you) learn during this time?
During this time, I have learnt many kata's and have performed them well, but recently I believe I am able to see more of the practical side of training; the way I convey myself and the way I act with others have been modified slightly from my learning, this is because the understanding of my training has finally begun.
I am starting to use the techniques and philosophy from each kata in my way of life. It is slowly changing me, allowing me to better control my focus and act according to the situation I'm in.
Are you teaching karate?
While I am not teaching now, (due to my age limit) there are short periods of time in which I am in control of the lesson, or at least a small group of students. When this happens, I can learn the way of command and how to lead others, a very difficult skill that I'm still not very good at, but I am getting better. In this time, I am best able to understand others, and understand the difficulties of teaching others, importantly I am able to see the other students based on their karate, the way that they train and the way that they fight, I'm using that to better understand them as a person, which is important for figuring out the best way to teach them, as many of the students are held back by mental blocks in their training more than physical ones. Whether that be over-confidence, fear, lack of discipline or not being able to understand the philosophy of the training, these are all important things to help them with, which can only be done by learning more about them through their karate.
What improvements are needed?
In my opinion, I believe my biggest improvement would be to be able to be more aggressive and control it. For example, many times, particularly in sparring, I let my guard down and I go easy on the opponent, not letting my creative techniques be used, out of fear of hurting the person. In this situation I will need to be more daring but disciplined, allowing myself to take more control and fighting more desperately while still caring for the opponent's wellbeing, instead of giving up and letting my opponent win the fight easily when I could have fought harder. This is going to be my biggest goal for the next few months, as it is one of my strongest weaknesses.
What advice would (I) you give?
From my experience, one piece of advice I could give would be to be ambitious but focused, while someone could have a lot of determination and drive to accomplish something, they are also going to need form and structure to guide them there. Emotional yet disciplined. That would be my strongest piece of advice.
Personal view of Karate written by Alban. Part of our grading system (paper work) for junior Dan grade. Here are some of the questions this article was written/created.
• What has changed since last grade
• What did you learn
• How is karate benefitting you
• What would you do differently now
• Are you teaching karate
• What's you need to improve
• What are your goals for the future, for karate or other
• What can you advise from your experience so far
USS!
🥋 🙏
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