Maybe I should start keeping a karate journal and it would help clear my vision, help me see things as they are. I did that some when I first started training, some 20+ years ago. I read through it when I was asked to submit a ‘Karate Training Resume’ for my school’s association. They needed an idea where to place me, rank-wise. It was fun to read.
My kids and I should start this. Something else we can do together.
Archive for the ‘Keep Students Active’ Category
What am I thinking? Hep-me, Hep-me!
Saturday, January 28th, 2006This seems so obvious to me. I just read over this article, “There Is No Substitute For Repetition,” again and it seems stupid obvious. Not necessarily easy, but simple (and obvious.)
I am writing about what I think I see. Could I just be flat-out wrong?
Technorati Tags: martial arts, repetition, basic technique
Is higher rank inversely proportional to open mind?
Thursday, January 26th, 2006The further up the rank ladder people climb the more closed their minds seem to become to constructive criticism. And that’s too bad. [I occasionally catch myself with this problem; I wish I could catch it more often. I know it's there.]
Noticing this is getting easier the more I think about this stuff I’m writing. A week or two ago I led the class for a series of exercises. While counting I motioned for people to place their unused ‘free’ fist on their hip, instead of flailing about. Everybody saw me. The back row picked up on it immediately. The people further to the front half tried. And I was rather surprised to see the front row look me dead in the eyes and completely ignore me.
What I was pointing out wasn’t crucial. But wrap it in the idea of studying basic technique. It then looks like a ‘teaching’ problem. And as far as I’m concerned shows a school’s weak foundation. An open mind is closely tied to some mighty fine characteristics. Have you ever heard a school promoting that martial arts develops discipline? What about humbleness? Leadership skills?
If this hits a nerve, definitely read my latest Sweat Blood! ezine article, “There Is No Substitute For Repetition.”
Here’s the blog entry for that article.
Yes, our highest ranks are in the front, lower ranks to the back.
And no, this isn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened.
Technorati Tags: constructive criticism, basic technique, foundation, discipline, humbleness, Leadership, martial arts
“Sweat Blood!” ezine – January (Repeat. Basics!)
Wednesday, January 25th, 2006I told you before. Basics!
Huge topic, a little of the ‘how’ and ‘why’ this time. There really is no substitute for repeatedly studying basics to be the best you can. After all, we’re learning to control our minds and bodies.
And you have to practice it.
And you have to repeat it. (Read about the consequences for you and your school in the article.)
This new evolved karate I keep reading about; and the boredom complaints I hear – you’re missing it!
You’re just missing it.
[deep breath ..... exhale]
Here’s the link to the archived Sweat Blood! ezine.
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Technorati Tags: Sweat Blood! ezine, martial arts, karate training, karate basics, repetition, discipline
“Your Karate School Search – An Open Letter” for those who ask me about what I do.
Sunday, January 8th, 2006Finally, I wrote a piece that’s a guide to choosing a karate school. It’s offered as a free download on my school’s website home page, so we can easily direct the people who ask about learning karate to it. Link to it on your site, if you want. If you’ll use the complete letter unchanged you can put it anywhere – electronic or print.
Alternatively, go to this website for ezine articles where it is presented in text or ready for a web page, your choice:
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hix
The letter on the school’s website, and the direction to it, is one way to promote our school. This site wasn’t started with the idea of discussing school promotion and I won’t here. But the letter is a good way to get the brain thinking about what you (and your prospects) think a good karate school should be.
What did I leave out? What should a good karate school be to you? Lemme know.
Technorati Tags: karate school, martial arts, karate training
December Issue of “Sweat Blood! E-zine” Is Up!
Friday, December 23rd, 2005I firmly, firmly believe in the importance of basics. I included Tiger’s stats in the article – they’re dramatic – to make the case as to why what he did is so remarkable. I learned while getting the background info that a lot of writers really slammed him for changing his swing. You know, the same writers pulling down their five-figures.
Anyway, a great lesson here for us karate-ka. Tiger’s approach to his basics is tenacious! No matter what we’re studying it’s all about the basics. Sports, academics, music, etc. They all have it.
Yeah, I was a music geek (and loved it!!!) from 2nd grade through college. The basics were key. (Get it?)
Here’s the link to the archived e-zine.
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- once-a-month articles
- you control your email
- no spam (privacy policy.)
(Again, ) If you’re not on the mailing list join here.
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This issue kept writing itself, ended up with two. So next month’s is just about ready; see you Sweat Blood! e-ziners then.
Technorati Tags: martial arts, karate training, Sweat Blood! ezine, karate basics