I've been studying Uechi-ryu for 3 years, and will be testing for Shodan at the end of March. All throughout my training I've heard people say that you really start learning Uechi once you get your black belt. Now that I'm close, I'm actually understanding what they've been talking about. Everything has started coming together. The stance, breathing, Sanchin arms, stepping, blocking, etc. It's all starting to make sense, and I now realize how far I still have to go. It's given me the greatest respect for the people who have been studying for a long time, and I feel very grateful to everyone who has taught me these seemingly simple, yet very complex concepts. I can't wait to find out what I'll learn next...
If all goes well, I'll finish my Shodan test 1 week before my 49th birthday.
I'm finally starting to understand Uechi-Ryu
Moderator: Available
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Bill Bauknecht
- Posts: 189
- Joined: Tue Nov 10, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Falmouth, Ma.
Congratulations and best wishes when you test. I'm sure you will pass with flying colors. It's nice to hear from someone who has started the experience of stepping up in Uechi ryu. Each step is another learning process and the best part is, there doesn't seem to be a "top to the stairs." I think of the many years of training and teaching, and yet, each class I attend and/or teach in, I am still learning. Either from my peers or the students. Enjoy your next 5, 10, 20 years and more. Your learning really does begin now,,,,so does your teaching. Go for it all and remember, always take san chin with you.
Bill Bauknecht
Bill Bauknecht
"I've been studying Uechi-ryu for 3 years, and will be testing for Shodan at the end of March".JFinnivan
Wow! That in itself is cause for congratulation! You must have worked extremely hard over those three years, that's amazing!
Can you share your training experience with us?
~N~
Wow! That in itself is cause for congratulation! You must have worked extremely hard over those three years, that's amazing!
Can you share your training experience with us?
~N~
The music spoke to me. I felt compelled to answer.
congrats
Don`t let the Shodan be the goal...Great feeling getting the Dan rank but consider it the real beginning . 49? Still young 
Léo
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Bill Bauknecht
- Posts: 189
- Joined: Tue Nov 10, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Falmouth, Ma.
I'm one of the older people in my dojo, but you guys are starting to make me feel like a kid!
I don't have a good point of reference for how hard I'm training. I started taking classes during "parent appreciation month" under Sensei Mike Rozumick. My two daughters were (and still are) taking class, and they offered a free month for parents as a "membership drive". I loved it, and kept going. My current teacher is Sensei Mike Luth. I average 3-4 classes per week, with additional sparring and weapons classes when time permits. I've also been taking some bo classes from a Shotokan dojo in Acton when I can fit it in.
My dojo has their own requirements in addition to the association requirements for promotion. We had a 9 page written test covering history, terminology, concepts, lineage, etc. We had a physical requirements test a few weeks ago. To pass, we had to do a certain number of pushups, situps, etc. as well as an agility test, and a three mile run. It was 15 degrees and snowing during the run, and we all had a great time doing it. We had a dojo pre-test, and then the association pre-test last weekend. I feel both were helpful in preparing for the "real" test at the end of March. The association pre-test was very helpful because it really showed me the differences in techniques that different dojos use for Dan Kumite and Seisan bunkai. Finally, I took the association written test, which was the same basic material as my dojo written test.
I don't have a good point of reference for how hard I'm training. I started taking classes during "parent appreciation month" under Sensei Mike Rozumick. My two daughters were (and still are) taking class, and they offered a free month for parents as a "membership drive". I loved it, and kept going. My current teacher is Sensei Mike Luth. I average 3-4 classes per week, with additional sparring and weapons classes when time permits. I've also been taking some bo classes from a Shotokan dojo in Acton when I can fit it in.
My dojo has their own requirements in addition to the association requirements for promotion. We had a 9 page written test covering history, terminology, concepts, lineage, etc. We had a physical requirements test a few weeks ago. To pass, we had to do a certain number of pushups, situps, etc. as well as an agility test, and a three mile run. It was 15 degrees and snowing during the run, and we all had a great time doing it. We had a dojo pre-test, and then the association pre-test last weekend. I feel both were helpful in preparing for the "real" test at the end of March. The association pre-test was very helpful because it really showed me the differences in techniques that different dojos use for Dan Kumite and Seisan bunkai. Finally, I took the association written test, which was the same basic material as my dojo written test.
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
It sounds like you have a great dojo.
I've always taught a curriculum that is a superset of the minimum requirements. If you take this material seriously, "some assemply required." That means you need to take many of the concepts and directions of training to the next level.
Good for your teacher for all those extra written, technique, and physical requirements.
That "superset" can be a very individual proposition. I've had students go into grappling and aikido. I've had students who entered the military service. I've had them become NRA-certified firearm instructors with various weapons, and even help train the Marines in Quantico. I've had others delve into the medical aspects of their art, and make careers as physicians and nurses.
Good luck on the shodan test. Don't let "it" be a letdown. It's just a mark in time, and a moment to celebrate where you are. (Secondarily it's an opportunity to show how you can perform under stress - a very important aspect of what we do.)
After the test, take time to engage in a little "active" rest. Then begin to plan out what you want to do with your karate between shodan and nidan.
Oh, and good luck with the daughters as well!
- Bill
I've always taught a curriculum that is a superset of the minimum requirements. If you take this material seriously, "some assemply required." That means you need to take many of the concepts and directions of training to the next level.
Good for your teacher for all those extra written, technique, and physical requirements.
That "superset" can be a very individual proposition. I've had students go into grappling and aikido. I've had students who entered the military service. I've had them become NRA-certified firearm instructors with various weapons, and even help train the Marines in Quantico. I've had others delve into the medical aspects of their art, and make careers as physicians and nurses.
Good luck on the shodan test. Don't let "it" be a letdown. It's just a mark in time, and a moment to celebrate where you are. (Secondarily it's an opportunity to show how you can perform under stress - a very important aspect of what we do.)
After the test, take time to engage in a little "active" rest. Then begin to plan out what you want to do with your karate between shodan and nidan.
Oh, and good luck with the daughters as well!
- Bill
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Bill Bauknecht
- Posts: 189
- Joined: Tue Nov 10, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Falmouth, Ma.
Good post Bill. Too many students set their goal to get to their black belt level and then quit. We "older" folks know that this is only an * in our training and the learning and fun of it all is just beginning. If everyone knew what was down the road, there would be no drop outs. The rewards are endless.
Bill B.
Bill B.
