sleepmed.md-sama,
Welcome to a new skill set. Judging from your handle, you are in the medical professions. Did you get where you are professionally after only a few months?
Please understand, like any involved skill set, it takes time and practice to develop any level of competency. So, relax, take your time and enjoy yourself.
If you play golf, tennis, soccer or baseball, then you know that it isn't as easy as it looks and karate, regardless of the style, isn't as easy as it looks, either.
Then again, what is?
Welcome to the martial arts. The fundamental rule is: things take time, so relax and enjoy the ride.
Respectfully,
Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
Sandan (retired)
Karate really for me?
Moderator: Available
Karate really for me?
Sleepmed.md,
The other folks have done the job of pointing out how you are in the same boat as the rest of us. But I agree with Glenn-
Even if you never got a BB, you'd still reap huge benefits from the study of martial arts under a good instructor.
Karate is not digital. You won't go from being a novice to an expert in one jump. There are steps along the way. If you continue to do Sanchin every day, YOU WILL START TO FEEL....hmmmm..different? You'll see. You just have to be patient and focused on your goal.
Your goal??? Hmmmm!
Black Belt may be your goal now. I bet that changes, though. I am betting that if you stick it out, you'll start to have the goal of BEING as capable/fluid/powerful/lyrical/vertical/still/motionful/etc. as those Black Belts that you admire. You will see that it is NOT about the Belt; it's about the Karate.
all the best,
T
[This message has been edited by Tokezu (edited March 19, 2002).]
The other folks have done the job of pointing out how you are in the same boat as the rest of us. But I agree with Glenn-
Even if you never got a BB, you'd still reap huge benefits from the study of martial arts under a good instructor.
Karate is not digital. You won't go from being a novice to an expert in one jump. There are steps along the way. If you continue to do Sanchin every day, YOU WILL START TO FEEL....hmmmm..different? You'll see. You just have to be patient and focused on your goal.
Your goal??? Hmmmm!
Black Belt may be your goal now. I bet that changes, though. I am betting that if you stick it out, you'll start to have the goal of BEING as capable/fluid/powerful/lyrical/vertical/still/motionful/etc. as those Black Belts that you admire. You will see that it is NOT about the Belt; it's about the Karate.
all the best,
T
[This message has been edited by Tokezu (edited March 19, 2002).]
-
Allen M.
Karate really for me?
I think I just found that path on my E: drive.
capable/fluid/powerful/lyrical/vertical/still/motionful/etc.
E for energy, that is.
------------------
Allen Moulton from Uechi-ryu Etcetera
capable/fluid/powerful/lyrical/vertical/still/motionful/etc.
E for energy, that is.
------------------
Allen Moulton from Uechi-ryu Etcetera
Karate really for me?
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Allen M.:
I think I just found that path on my E: drive.
capable/fluid/powerful/lyrical/vertical/still/motionful/etc.
E for energy, that is.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Darn, I think it went into my Deleted Items!
------------------
Glenn
I think I just found that path on my E: drive.
capable/fluid/powerful/lyrical/vertical/still/motionful/etc.
E for energy, that is.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Darn, I think it went into my Deleted Items!
------------------
Glenn
Karate really for me?
What do we develope first, proper mind-set or a black belt?
-
Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Karate really for me?
What an incredible thread!
Van
Hey, that guy had a NICE bike. S&H, or whatever that custom brand is. Heck, I might have joined his side if someone had dissed him.
Point is well taken though.
Sleepmed.md
Many comments here are absolutely right on, and would be things that I would say. It means more though coming from so many different people. I particularly like the comment from
* Hoshin (the real goal here is to make the process FUN or go home),
* Glenn (perpetual brown belt, who will not remain that way BTW), and
* ljr (Been there, done that, yawn, NOW what??).
I'd like to offer a different perspective here. Consider someone like me that wants to produce good black belts, and doesn't need to teach or give out belts to put food on the table. I'm here because I love it. I want to produce blackbelts because I want people of a minimum level of ability that I can play and learn with.
Now...don't you think I'd love to have all those rabbits (great athletes) in a beginners class turn out to be black belts post haste? I'd be maximizing my pleasure that way. The truth is the following. In 24 years of teaching roughly 2000 students, I've yet to figure out a way to predict which ones will stay to black belt, and - better yet - which ones will stay for the really long haul. A few super athletes stay. Many more don't. A few slow people stay. Many more don't. More males stay than females, but I can never figure out which of each will stay. A lot of it has to do with the match of student to teacher, motivations of the student, ability to constantly adapt to life changes and adjust training/goals accordingly, and ability to make it all fun.
As was stated before, the fact that you're being hard on yourself is not necessarily a bad thing. If this isn't a fit for you, that's fine. But if it is, really good students are sometimes very hard on themselves. As an instructor, I try to spot such people and occasionally pat them on the back to encourage them on. Sometimes my own students give me the proverbial kick in the bootie to tell me a certain someone is discouraged or feeling slighted (but is too proud to tell me). Then I act accordingly.
I might add two more comments. First of all, I believe 2 days a week training is bare minimum frequency, and 7 days a week is too often. Train enough to progress, but don't burn out. And finally, you MUST change your training and goals with age and life experiences. If you don't, you'll just be another statistic. This actually is one of the great benefits of martial arts. We learn how to get by in spite of everything around us. Learing how to adapt is a wonderful life skill.
Good luck, keep in touch, and tell us what your profession is (a few of us medicine types are curious
).
- Bill
Van
Hey, that guy had a NICE bike. S&H, or whatever that custom brand is. Heck, I might have joined his side if someone had dissed him.
Point is well taken though.
Sleepmed.md
Many comments here are absolutely right on, and would be things that I would say. It means more though coming from so many different people. I particularly like the comment from
* Hoshin (the real goal here is to make the process FUN or go home),
* Glenn (perpetual brown belt, who will not remain that way BTW), and
* ljr (Been there, done that, yawn, NOW what??).
I'd like to offer a different perspective here. Consider someone like me that wants to produce good black belts, and doesn't need to teach or give out belts to put food on the table. I'm here because I love it. I want to produce blackbelts because I want people of a minimum level of ability that I can play and learn with.
Now...don't you think I'd love to have all those rabbits (great athletes) in a beginners class turn out to be black belts post haste? I'd be maximizing my pleasure that way. The truth is the following. In 24 years of teaching roughly 2000 students, I've yet to figure out a way to predict which ones will stay to black belt, and - better yet - which ones will stay for the really long haul. A few super athletes stay. Many more don't. A few slow people stay. Many more don't. More males stay than females, but I can never figure out which of each will stay. A lot of it has to do with the match of student to teacher, motivations of the student, ability to constantly adapt to life changes and adjust training/goals accordingly, and ability to make it all fun.
As was stated before, the fact that you're being hard on yourself is not necessarily a bad thing. If this isn't a fit for you, that's fine. But if it is, really good students are sometimes very hard on themselves. As an instructor, I try to spot such people and occasionally pat them on the back to encourage them on. Sometimes my own students give me the proverbial kick in the bootie to tell me a certain someone is discouraged or feeling slighted (but is too proud to tell me). Then I act accordingly.
I might add two more comments. First of all, I believe 2 days a week training is bare minimum frequency, and 7 days a week is too often. Train enough to progress, but don't burn out. And finally, you MUST change your training and goals with age and life experiences. If you don't, you'll just be another statistic. This actually is one of the great benefits of martial arts. We learn how to get by in spite of everything around us. Learing how to adapt is a wonderful life skill.
Good luck, keep in touch, and tell us what your profession is (a few of us medicine types are curious
).- Bill
Karate really for me?
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bill Glasheen:
As was stated before, the fact that you're being hard on yourself is not necessarily a bad thing. If this isn't a fit for you, that's fine. But if it is, really good students are sometimes very hard on themselves. As an instructor, I try to spot such people and occasionally pat them on the back to encourage them on. Sometimes my own students give me the proverbial kick in the bootie to tell me a certain someone is discouraged or feeling slighted (but is too proud to tell me). Then I act accordingly.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Bill (and anyone),
Any suggestions for sleepmed on how he/she can tell if it is a good fit or not. Sometimes just the discouragement alone can make it seem like a bad fit when that is not actually the case. Being hard on yourself can definitely be good, as long as you can still tell that you are in an environment that is good for you in the long run...otherwise being hard on yourself may just make you quit. A very fine line...and it's sometimes difficult to know which side you're on.
------------------
Glenn
As was stated before, the fact that you're being hard on yourself is not necessarily a bad thing. If this isn't a fit for you, that's fine. But if it is, really good students are sometimes very hard on themselves. As an instructor, I try to spot such people and occasionally pat them on the back to encourage them on. Sometimes my own students give me the proverbial kick in the bootie to tell me a certain someone is discouraged or feeling slighted (but is too proud to tell me). Then I act accordingly.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Bill (and anyone),
Any suggestions for sleepmed on how he/she can tell if it is a good fit or not. Sometimes just the discouragement alone can make it seem like a bad fit when that is not actually the case. Being hard on yourself can definitely be good, as long as you can still tell that you are in an environment that is good for you in the long run...otherwise being hard on yourself may just make you quit. A very fine line...and it's sometimes difficult to know which side you're on.
------------------
Glenn
Karate really for me?
not to get off the subject, but I found all of this talk about a "Black Belt" interesting. I was one of the lucky ones to test this past Sunday and recieved my Black Belt. A few people who knew I was test had basically the same questions after... 1: What are you going to do with all your free time now that you are a BB? 2: Do you feel any different?
My responses were basically... 1: Well, I am going to training tonight. And then went on with the comment about the BB being the beginning, not the end.
2: Nope, just a little sore.
Cheers.
My responses were basically... 1: Well, I am going to training tonight. And then went on with the comment about the BB being the beginning, not the end.
2: Nope, just a little sore.
Cheers.
Karate really for me?
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by crazycat:
What do we develope first, proper mind-set or a black belt? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Depends on the student, teacher, and how easy it is to make black belt at a particular school. There are certainly plenty of black belts out there who never seem to develop the mindset that you would expect of them.
Conversely there are people out there who have the mindset you'd expect of a black belt but who have never studied the martial arts.
------------------
Glenn
What do we develope first, proper mind-set or a black belt? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Depends on the student, teacher, and how easy it is to make black belt at a particular school. There are certainly plenty of black belts out there who never seem to develop the mindset that you would expect of them.
Conversely there are people out there who have the mindset you'd expect of a black belt but who have never studied the martial arts.
------------------
Glenn
-
Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Karate really for me?
I would answer this question with a few questions. Can (s)he make it fun? Is (s)he getting something out of the time? Are there new friends or new and stimulating experiences?
And when asking those questions, consider whether it makes a difference WHERE (s)he is studying. Sometimes a slight change in venue can make a big difference. And sometimes the fit is right, but the lessons are slow in coming.
In general I think it is worth sticking it through some of these times of doubt to see where things go. There are and will be many. Some people/personalities are more prone to these feelings than others. A person needs to evaluate whether or not (s)he routinely starts new things only to drop them. One needs to focus on a few good things in life and squeeze all the juice out of them. One also should attempt to construct ones life in a manner that allows the various activities to compliment one another. Balance and integration are important.
The many rewards - most totally unanticipated - come when you least expect them. And they often don't come with the specific goal one originally had in mind.
- Bill
And when asking those questions, consider whether it makes a difference WHERE (s)he is studying. Sometimes a slight change in venue can make a big difference. And sometimes the fit is right, but the lessons are slow in coming.
In general I think it is worth sticking it through some of these times of doubt to see where things go. There are and will be many. Some people/personalities are more prone to these feelings than others. A person needs to evaluate whether or not (s)he routinely starts new things only to drop them. One needs to focus on a few good things in life and squeeze all the juice out of them. One also should attempt to construct ones life in a manner that allows the various activities to compliment one another. Balance and integration are important.
The many rewards - most totally unanticipated - come when you least expect them. And they often don't come with the specific goal one originally had in mind.
- Bill
-
turbotort2000
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2002 6:01 am
- Location: Sacramento Calfiornia USA
Karate really for me?
Everyday I run back into this virtual room to look for Sleepmed.md. And everyday I see people chatting though I don't know if it is to sleepmed, other students with frusterations or each other. I wonder if we will ever hear from sleepmed.md again?
Karate really for me?
A quick question for Mr. Glasheen, related I hope to the thread...
Of course twice a week training as a minimum.
But since my Dojo is a bit of a drive, I can only attend once a week for a 2-hour class.
However, I do this EVERY week, all year, year after year, while many twice-a weekers-miss sometimes a month at a time, or vanish for the summer, etc.
Now, I supplement my training with nightly at-home Kata practice, and Hojo Undos.
In the long run, do you think this is as productive as being an intermittent twice-a-weeker? (My Green Belt took three years, although my first year was twice a week until the Dojo closed.)
Of course twice a week training as a minimum.
But since my Dojo is a bit of a drive, I can only attend once a week for a 2-hour class.
However, I do this EVERY week, all year, year after year, while many twice-a weekers-miss sometimes a month at a time, or vanish for the summer, etc.
Now, I supplement my training with nightly at-home Kata practice, and Hojo Undos.
In the long run, do you think this is as productive as being an intermittent twice-a-weeker? (My Green Belt took three years, although my first year was twice a week until the Dojo closed.)
-
Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Karate really for me?
2Green
In essence you are practicing more than once a week. Just because you aren't going to a formal class with instructor doesn't mean you aren't practicing. This sounds fine.
When I was a yondan in Uechi ryu, I would travel once a week from Charlottesville to Richmond to train with Steven King - a former protege of Kimo Wall (Goju ryu), former green beret, etc. We had very fine 2-hour workouts with a classroom of people, many of whom had black belts in other systems. I would then go home and train the Goju with the folks I traveled with at least two other times a week. I got an HONEST shodan in Goju ryu in a year. Dr. King sent a tape of our test to Scott Lindsey, and he was more than satisfied with our performance (we did EVERYTHING) at the test.
It works if you do.
- Bill
In essence you are practicing more than once a week. Just because you aren't going to a formal class with instructor doesn't mean you aren't practicing. This sounds fine.
When I was a yondan in Uechi ryu, I would travel once a week from Charlottesville to Richmond to train with Steven King - a former protege of Kimo Wall (Goju ryu), former green beret, etc. We had very fine 2-hour workouts with a classroom of people, many of whom had black belts in other systems. I would then go home and train the Goju with the folks I traveled with at least two other times a week. I got an HONEST shodan in Goju ryu in a year. Dr. King sent a tape of our test to Scott Lindsey, and he was more than satisfied with our performance (we did EVERYTHING) at the test.
It works if you do.
- Bill
Karate really for me?
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sleepmed.md:
I joined a uechi karate school back in October. Even though I am enjoying learning this style of karate, I am finding it very difficult. I have come to the conclusion that just like everything else, talent is the attribute that matters most. A person can practice one or two hours a day but still not have "it". My instructor says anyone can be a black belt if he wants to be. Is he telling the truth or is that just the owner of a business talking? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
If you practice 2 hours a day in my Late Master's school then you would be amazed by what you could do afer only a few weeks. I am not saying that you would be Bruce Lee after a few weeks but that you would already have new reflexes that would surprise you, changes in the way you understand and use your body and see the opponent. If you don't see or experience these things in a short amount of time where you are then you may want to consider training elsewhere, not because there is anything 'wrong' with your school, but because there may be better schools, of all kinds, out there. In my opinion most martial arts schools you pass on the street are best passed on the street. There is no way a beginner can tell what's good or what's bad so if it seems like it's missing something you may very well be right.
In my Master's school students learn how very quickly to make their seniors work to land their techniques. In Wing Chun, rapid development of sensitivity skills and therefore other skills, is the norm rather than the exception for most students. This is so because 90% of the training is done with a live partner and uses sensitivity in conjunction with all exercises.
------------------
Moy Yat Ving Tsun
Rest in peace dear teacher, dear friend, dear brother, and dear father: Moy Yat Sifu
[This message has been edited by Shaolin (edited March 24, 2002).]
I joined a uechi karate school back in October. Even though I am enjoying learning this style of karate, I am finding it very difficult. I have come to the conclusion that just like everything else, talent is the attribute that matters most. A person can practice one or two hours a day but still not have "it". My instructor says anyone can be a black belt if he wants to be. Is he telling the truth or is that just the owner of a business talking? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
If you practice 2 hours a day in my Late Master's school then you would be amazed by what you could do afer only a few weeks. I am not saying that you would be Bruce Lee after a few weeks but that you would already have new reflexes that would surprise you, changes in the way you understand and use your body and see the opponent. If you don't see or experience these things in a short amount of time where you are then you may want to consider training elsewhere, not because there is anything 'wrong' with your school, but because there may be better schools, of all kinds, out there. In my opinion most martial arts schools you pass on the street are best passed on the street. There is no way a beginner can tell what's good or what's bad so if it seems like it's missing something you may very well be right.
In my Master's school students learn how very quickly to make their seniors work to land their techniques. In Wing Chun, rapid development of sensitivity skills and therefore other skills, is the norm rather than the exception for most students. This is so because 90% of the training is done with a live partner and uses sensitivity in conjunction with all exercises.
------------------
Moy Yat Ving Tsun
Rest in peace dear teacher, dear friend, dear brother, and dear father: Moy Yat Sifu
[This message has been edited by Shaolin (edited March 24, 2002).]
