Kaizen Karate

Students always want to know whether they should train with shoes on or go barefoot.  For kids classes we always suggest taking off socks and shoes and going barefoot for two main reason:

1. There is less chance for injury going barefoot because students who wear socks during class can potentially slip and suffer a head injury.

2. When no socks or shoes are worn it is easier to position a students foot to the proper kicking position.  Your foot is a weapon and it is important to learn how to use all possible striking surfaces to become an excellent martial artist.

Adult students are welcome to wear shoes during class if they suffer from any foot injuries, however, we do encourage all students to train in the more traditional manner which is without shoes or socks.

Dr. John Maxwell talks about “the rule of 5″ and how it will help you to hit your goals faster than you thought possible.  We all have goals that we want to hit but we often lose focus.  The rule of 5 states that you need to select the 5 MOST important things you need to do to reach your goal and then actually do them EVERY DAY!

If you are interested in being a black belt then you might follow the game plan below on a daily basis:

1. stretch
2. practice kata(s)
3. practice throwing kicks and punches
4. workout – cardio, weights, core work, etc.
5. write down your goals and visualize yourself achieving them

Your rule of 5 might be different from another martial artists so do not hesitate to alter the above points to meet your training needs.  It might take you weeks and even months to discover your rule of 5 that works towards hitting your goals.

Always remember that the most important step you can take towards hitting your goals is staying consistent and focusing on continuous improvement (kaizen).

You can make as many mistakes as you want as long as you do your best to not make the same mistake twice.  This is one of the secrets to becoming a black belt.

-Coach V-

To ensure that a student is ready to take a belt exam the instructor of the class will have at least two “pre-testing” sessions during regular class time. The instructor is checking to see if the student has demonstrated a strong understanding of the material.  Students must have strong attendance, great attitude, and excellent technique in order to test.

A good teacher can never be fixed in a routine… each moment requires a sensitive mind that is constantly changing and constantly adapting.  A teacher must never impose this student to fit his favorite pattern; a good teacher functions as a pointer, exposing his student’s vulnerability (and) causing him to explore both internally and finally integrating himself with his being. Martial art should not be passed out indiscriminately.

-Bruce Lee

“If you are early you are on time, if you are on time you are late, and if you are late you are forgotten.”