solo training

[stockdoc]

Hi there,as I've been traveling around a lot and trained in lots of clubs and federations I had to start over and over again.The highest belt I achieved is a 2 Kyu although I know 15 kata with bunkai and should probably be a shodan. I also trained in other martial arts but Shotokan is my first love. I'm training at home now using my extensive collection of books,DVD's and you tube of course, to keep improving.The advantage is that every session is tailored to my needs and I decide what I'm doing.I have a room with mirrors which I think is indispensable to improve form. I wondered if others are in the same predicament and if they think you can actually improve without regular training in a good club with a knowledgeable sensei. I train 3 to 4 times a week for about 90minutes. Any tips are more then welcome!

[kensei]

Nov 16, 2011 10:52:06 GMT stockdoc said:

Hi there,as I've been traveling around a lot and trained in lots of clubs and federations I had to start over and over again.The highest belt I achieved is a 2 Kyu although I know 15 kata with bunkai and should probably be a shodan. I also trained in other martial arts but Shotokan is my first love. I'm training at home now using my extensive collection of books,DVD's and you tube of course, to keep improving.The advantage is that every session is tailored to my needs and I decide what I'm doing.I have a room with mirrors which I think is indispensable to improve form. I wondered if others are in the same predicament and if they think you can actually improve without regular training in a good club with a knowledgeable sensei. I train 3 to 4 times a week for about 90minutes. Any tips are more then welcome!

Hey...oh, yah, you did not give your name.....Thats a must here, I would put it in your sig. line man!

Okay, that Aside, seven years ago my daughter came along (read was born...not just walked by and we snatched her up). and she has some pretty interesting special needs (read she has disabilities not she wants a new car and only red M'n'Ms in her candy bowl), so I went from training six to seven days a week in a club, which I had done for near 25 years at that point to ONCE A WEEK with my instructor.

I had to radically rethink my training and what I was going to do to keep fit and also continue to keep the sword sharp as it were. I began jogging in the morning to keep the cardio up and as it was the basement had a play area for my daughter, who could not use it. So, I converted the postage stamp of a room into a training area, complete with Rubber matting and mirrors on the wall. Over the last seven years I have gone from doing all 26 standard kata and kumite each week to focusing more on three Kata and basics. When I do get to the club (1-2 times a week) I find that my Kumite is actually better and my understanding of the three Kata is much better than just being able to do the 26.

I also work on different things when students come over. I have gotten back into Aikido and picked up some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well from students and from other sources. They all seem to improve my shotokan one way or another.

It takes alot more dilligence, determination and self dicipline to keep it going, and I have to admit that since Emma came along their have been a few times when putting her on my lap to watch some TV was much more appealing than squat kicks and push ups in the basement and her wanting her Daddy when she has a sniffle has one out over Kihon reps and stretching!

But over all it can work and as long as you put the time in your Karate will continue to improve.

[malk103]

Its sometimes tricky balancing training at home and work/life etc.

If I were in your situation then I would be looking to video yourself and compare, but I suspect this will only allow you to become a good technician with Karate, it will be hard to practice resistance training or proper Kumite. There are many more aspects that are difficult to learn from a book/DVD.

Are there any semina's or training places you can travel to now and again.

Best of luck with it though - a lot better than stopping.

[stockdoc]

thanks for the replies guys, kensei mentioned that getting your feet wet in other martial arts might actually improve your karate, I have to agree with this.It might sound silly but I'm practising Yang style Tai Chi(and the Qigong) for a year now and I definitely feel that my balance,rootedness in stances and fluidity of movement have improved.I sometimes practice kata at very low speed and get the same refreshing feeling then with the Tai Chi form.(I believe Kanazawa sensei has done Tai Chi as well!). I do realise that there's no substitute for a real opponent in Kumite and I do work out regularly with my stepson who's more of a Taikwondo/Kickboxing man. It feels very real as he's 22 years old and wants to show me what he has.

[tomobrien]

Sounds like you got some good training goin on stockdoc! Keep up the good work. My Sensei always said that consistancy is the hardest part.

Here's what we did tonight -

Grappling tonite! Ukemi waza (break falls), Singles & doubles, defense against takedowns, escapes from the mount & ronduri! Sensei Steve got me with a heel hook! Jack & Miguel rollin! Grapple baby grapple!

Thanks,
Tom

[fujicolt]

Hey stockdoc - please insert your name no need to be shy here. what general area are you located in? Best wishes.

[tomobrien]

Me & Miguel (he's the only guy who showed up tonight)! Taikyoku shodan (H form), judo - ogoshi (hip throw), Deashi harai (advanced foot sweep), throw & be thrown! Arnis (Filipino stick fighting) - Banday-banda & 12 striking areas & sparring! Good work-out!

Thanks,
Tom