Type of feel from your school?

[adictd2tkdgirl]

I spoke to a fellow student last night and we were discussing how we felt that something was lacking in our school. Her husband had suggested that he would like to spar at an upcoming tournament and he was discouraged from doing so as we are only Orange belts. We all thought we could come in on an off time and do some further training, but that too was discouraged. They do work a lot of hours and I am sure would like some time off...however...

Her and I feel like it seems that there should be more to the school. A social aspect perhaps? We can't quite put our finger on it. She mentioned that she was speaking to someone from another school that is 30 minutes away and he said that his Master instructor would take them to train in the country etc.

Which school is more common? It seems like we only get our 45 minute instruction time 3x per week, but there is nothing more we can do to enhance our training or get more of a feeling for the art.

What type of feel do you have at your school? Any suggestions on how we can enhance our training?

[jgrimm01]

The feeling/environment at my dojo is one of family. The atmosphere is one of encouragement to learn, and support for the advancement of not only rank but as people. My Professor has said many times we are family, not just a class. People helping people with support and care for much more than how good a student is at doing a roundhouse to the head. My peers/teachers are extended family, and I know for a fact they would go to great lengths for me, as I would for them.

[adictd2tkdgirl]

The feeling/environment at my dojo is one of family. The atmosphere is one of encouragement to learn, and support for the advancement of not only rank but as people. My Professor has said many times we are family, not just a class. People helping people with support and care for much more than how good a student is at doing a roundhouse to the head. My peers/teachers are extended family, and I know for a fact they would go to great lengths for me, as I would for them.

How did you accomplish this? Do you spend additional time there or do you spend time outside of the Dojo? I think that is what we are looking for, a feeling of family, but unsure of how we can achieve it.

[chinto01]

The feeling/environment at my dojo is one of family. The atmosphere is one of encouragement to learn, and support for the advancement of not only rank but as people. My Professor has said many times we are family, not just a class. People helping people with support and care for much more than how good a student is at doing a roundhouse to the head. My peers/teachers are extended family, and I know for a fact they would go to great lengths for me, as I would for them.

This is the same feel for our dojo as well. I wish more dojos would focus both on the person as well as the technique. It is easy to teach someone how to fight but to build their character is the bigger task.

In the spirit of bushido!

Rob

[Flying Crane]

Maybe you can get together with your interested classmates, and meet outside of the school and train together. Go into your yard, or a park, or wherever is convenient and comfortable.

[jgrimm01]

How did you accomplish this? Do you spend additional time there or do you spend time outside of the Dojo? I think that is what we are looking for, a feeling of family, but unsure of how we can achieve it.

All it takes is an owner/instructor/peer to care enough. I don't think there's a blueprint for how to develop that, honestly....they either do or they don't. IMO, this piece is what separates us from the McDojos and belt factories of the world. We do spend time outside of the dojo, have UFC parties and family get togethers and such where all members of the families are welcome, kids included. We're not just teachers and students, we're friends and family.

[adictd2tkdgirl]

Yes..I think you definitely need to do things outside of the Dojo as you mentioned

[Flying Crane]

They do work a lot of hours and I am sure would like some time off...however...

It seems like we only get our 45 minute instruction time 3x per week, but there is nothing more we can do to enhance our training or get more of a feeling for the art.


These comments make me suspect that this school is very business oriented. There is not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it has a different feel from other kinds of school. You could possibly get good instruction in this kind of school, but you can also get good instruction in a school that is less business focused. A school that is less focused on business is more likely to make the students feel like a community, rather than a customer. Personally, I think your opportunity to learn and grow are greater in the latter kind.

I used to train in a capoeira school where classes were held in a dance studio. We had classes four times a week, and class went for about 3 hours at a time. Lots of time to work hard and learn a lot. And there was definitely a strong sense of community.

Now, I train with my kung fu sifu once a week at the YMCA, but the class goes from 9:00 am to noon officially, but I get there about 8:00 to have extra time to train. Of course I train all week long by myself, but my point is, the time slot is very generous, and the people feel like they belong to a community.

[adictd2tkdgirl]

These comments make me suspect that this school is very business oriented. There is not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it has a different feel from other kinds of school. You could possibly get good instruction in this kind of school, but you can also get good instruction in a school that is less business focused. A school that is less focused on business is more likely to make the students feel like a community, rather than a customer. Personally, I think your opportunity to learn and grow are greater in the latter kind.

I used to train in a capoeira school where classes were held in a dance studio. We had classes four times a week, and class went for about 3 hours at a time. Lots of time to work hard and learn a lot. And there was definitely a strong sense of community.

Now, I train with my kung fu sifu once a week at the YMCA, but the class goes from 9:00 am to noon officially, but I get there about 8:00 to have extra time to train. Of course I train all week long by myself, but my point is, the time slot is very generous, and the people feel like they belong to a community.

Yes..it is a Business oriented school. That is for sure. I think I may try to find a different type of school in my area.

[fireman00]

there is a great family atmosphere in the dojang I go to, folks are very friendly and usually get together as a group a couple of times a year for parties, dinners.


Personally, I would not want to train at a school were folks were not interested in getting personal.

[HKphooey]

I think each dojo is direct relection of the owner. In my case, my Instructror, the owner and my good friend is very family orientated and it shows in the school. He has surrounded himself with individuals with the same beliefs. Even when he is not at the school - his spirtit is. We all try to convey the same passion he shows for teaching.

Usually (but not all the time) when a school is business orientated, the owner is rarely seen. Most classes are taught by his/her balck belts. The further he/she gets from teaching, the less they know about the students and their needs. But there are some great owners out there that are also great teachers. I do not want to make a blanket statement.

My teacher frequently holds meetings with all the instructors and asks for feedback and suggestions. He also solicits student and parent feedback via surveys. As an instuctor, I try to do the same after each class. I always ask the students if they learned something in class. If they say no, I work with them some more.

The closer you are to your students the quicker you can pick up on unhappiness, thoughts of quitting, or other issues in the dojo.

End game - You are keeping more students.

[still learning]

I spoke to a fellow student last night and we were discussing how we felt that something was lacking in our school. Her husband had suggested that he would like to spar at an upcoming tournament and he was discouraged from doing so as we are only Orange belts. We all thought we could come in on an off time and do some further training, but that too was discouraged. They do work a lot of hours and I am sure would like some time off...however...

Her and I feel like it seems that there should be more to the school. A social aspect perhaps? We can't quite put our finger on it. She mentioned that she was speaking to someone from another school that is 30 minutes away and he said that his Master instructor would take them to train in the country etc.

Which school is more common? It seems like we only get our 45 minute instruction time 3x per week, but there is nothing more we can do to enhance our training or get more of a feeling for the art.

What type of feel do you have at your school? Any suggestions on how we can enhance our training?

Hello, Trust your intincts...one of the first things to learn about in awareness..if it doesn't feel right...most likely it is NOT!

You may want to find other schools that are more to your liking, because this is a life long training. You have to believe in your teachers and what you are learning ,100% of it.

Some of the best places, are very family oriented, a feeling of respect for everyone, students willing to help other students, the Instructors understand your needs and requirements, also has a sense of loyality amoung everyone there.

Learning martial arts is a very personal thing..you will spend hours and hours of your life there...you have to believe 100% to your teachers and to the school itself. ..or what you are learning...will be wasted...just my thoughts...

I have been to other schools/systems...that one finds little respect for others....NOT a good place to train....Aloha

PS: re-evaluate your school..if not happy...why stay..if you like it..make ajustments...?

[beau_safken]

It kind of depends. I mean my old school was one that was very down to business but we always joked around and had good fun. Or when someone would be having a bad day we all worked together to cheer them up by kicking it out of them. I remember one time it was when I came back from taking a little time off due to life issues. I was trying to remember a form and how to do something but I just stood there....I was absolutaly clueless...and started to cry. I looked at my guru and just said "I'm so sorry to have forgotten all you tried so hard to teach me." He just said "It just means you really care, don't worry." I will always remember that...

[Laeticia]

We (me and a few friends) have an ongoing project to drag the guys of our dojo to do other stuff together too, be it a after-training-beer (or soda) or christmas parties. We've gone together to a shooting range and talked about rock climbing and golf...

After a huge amount of begging, threats and tears from the organisers (usually me) we've had some great parties like christmas 2004 and a crayfish-party (like a bbq-party, but you eat crayfish, a finnish tradition) last autumn. We also help organize a local "Japan Day" each year, and afterwards go grab some beers and food and talk. I think knowing the guys you train with gives a more "human" atmosphere to the dojo and a feeling of friendship. It also gives the new members a possibility to get to know the "old ones" as we try to get all the beginners to a beer after their beginner's course is ended and they come to train with the rest of us.

As there's no time to talk with people during the training it's fun to meet them afterwards and talk, about the training and other stuff. In short: it's more fun to train with friends than strangers. :)

Cheers,
Laeticia

[Ceicei]

At my current studio, when I walked in for the first time, the head instructor went up to me to shake my hand and made good eye contact with a real smile. You could see he really likes people. He asked questions about me and my thoughts of martial arts. Essentially, he made me feel comfortable being there. There was no question in my mind that I found "home".

He does this with everyone else too. He takes the time to talk with each student as well as the parents of the young students. He is genuinely interested in each person. He always asks for feedback and thoughts. He is very aware when a person comes in sad, confused, or angry; so he pays close attention.

No wonder he is the head instructor. The other instructors try hard to follow his example. As a result, there is generally a strong family feel at the studio and people like being there at the place. We have several activities throughout the year when families can gather together to socialize. We also have school demos to showcase the progress and achievements of the students.

- Ceicei

[Mcura]

After every training session in my school, it's common to kick back and have a drink or two on the premises. Since it's defined as a private party, everyone feels free to contribute a case of beer or donations for the next case. One of our members is also a talented home brewer, so a keg of fresh beer is mighty tasty. Of course, for those of us that can't handle alcohol :idunno: we have to bring in the coca-colas and so forth.

Every New Years', or thereabouts, we hold an open house and invite friends and family to share in festivities like demonstrations, food, drink, and test cutting with sharp swords (with all safety measures taken). This past Open House also saw some folks doing target shooting with Airsoft Pistols. Throughout the year, there will also be dinners, camping weekends, and trips to large seminars held in other cities.

As for the training, well this is where the individual gets as much help as they want. Say you can't quite get the hang of a certain technique. Well, you can ask one of the more experienced folks to help you, and you can find a whole class time with this person working with you on this technique.

One of my instructors can be very flexible with the curriculum in class. "What do you all feel like doing tonight?" Or say for example, you've just told a story about how a friend of yours was mugged. My instructor will take a tale like that and devote an entire class to dealing with just that situation, from awareness to worst-case-scenario. And if you haven't quite gotten it that night, he'll revisit the idea in the next class. And the next. And so on.

Here's the biggest impression I get of the feel of my school. From time to time, we all get taken away from our hobbies by real life. Job, school, relationships, whatever - you may not be seen for days, or years. But the day you come back, it's "Hey, it's great to see you! We missed you. Is everything okay with that thing you were doing? Do you need any help? Glad to see you here again."

[bydand]

Where I have had the honor to train on a regular basis have been real "family" feeling places. The Dojo I got my start in Ninjutsu in was the most warm feeling places I had ever stepped into. Everyohne was friendly and after every class almost everyone met at the local Burger King for a soda and fries and another 2 hours of just relaxing together. The place I am at now has the same feel to it, and regular meeting outside of training happen all the time. Everyone goes to each others important events happening in their lives. Go fishing together, camping, or just out for a relaxing meal and a drink or two.

I think the key is just letting your guard down and having fun with the people you are with during training afterward. Start out by dropping by a pizza place, or burger joint after training and just talk about training in general or what you just covered.

Small steps can evolve into a walk with great friends.

[tshadowchaser]

I do not socialise with my students outside of the class However i Do encouage them to get togeather and get to know each other better. Once a year I may have a cookout or something but I want to keep a instructor/student relationship not a "I'm your friend".
As far as the sparring and tournaments getting togeather with other class mates i always a good idea. Now I will make time to give my students a litle extra aining for tournaments if they want but thats just me

[Eternal Beginner]

I have to say I'm incredibly lucky with both of my clubs. My karate club is very friendly and even though we can't train more than the two days a week in the winter because it is in a borrowed space, all summer our sensei invites us to his home to train outside so we can get extra training in. There is also a large group of us that meet in a warehouse space to work on kata together and this is fully encouraged and supported by our sensei's.

With my BJJ club it is a great atmosphere. Lots of guys get together in off hours to roll, watch instructionals or MMA events. Our instructor is very open to letting guys train when the mats aren't in use and putting on additional sessions when fights or tournaments are coming up. We also travel together on a regular basis, so a great esprit de corps has developed.

Very friendly atmosphere where kids are often hanging around and a lot of wives and girlfriends also hang out and get to know everyone. In fact we had one member move away recently who has trained at quite a few clubs over the last decade and in his final words to us reminded us that we are incredibly lucky to train in such an environment where everyone is so supportive and having a higher rank belt on doesn't make you a target like it does at so many other clubs.

[stickarts]

Our environment is family oriented. The atmosphere is positive, supportive, and all about learning and helping each other. Those that are not there for the right reasons or have ill intentions usually end up leaving on their own as they don't fit in or else I end up having a private chat with them and then take action if there is no improvement in behavior.
Learning the punching and kicking is only half the job, code of conduct has to be there too.
This has worked for us. You need to feel that your school is a good fit for you. There are many different kinds of schools. When I sense that we are not right for a student I have actually referred them to other schools. One of the luxuries I have since i do not rely on my school income to make a living! :)

[songe-d-automne]

Some days are more formal, some are chaos. I like the feeling of the place for the most part because the overall atmosphere is friendly (when you goof off though, God help you!).

I really like the instructors and I get a kick out of some of the other students (yes, sometimes literally). The students range in age from 9 (a very hyper but very flexible boy) to 43 (my ex-husband).

When it gets serious and formal you sure know it but those are generally the days when more gets accomplished - with some of the students (my daughter) anyway.

Myself, I have a hard time learning things when there are more than one or two steps involved (ADHD). If there are more steps I have to learn things sequentially and slowly, and sometimes during class things are just not slow enough for me, not my instructors fault, they have other students they need to focus on besides me, but they are willing to help you outside of normal classes.

To give an example:
A few months ago I was having a he!! of a time learning this form (to most ppl this is a simple form but between ADHD and social anxiety I was flubbing it every time) and my daughter was at the library which is right near the dojo and I left her there and went to see if one of the instructors was at the dojo because I knew he went down early to turn up the heater. He was there. He dropped everything and nearly froze himself to death teaching me Tae Ke Oko #1 for the next 45 minutes and I FINALLY got it.

I really appreciate things like that. Damn, that was long.

[adictd2tkdgirl]

We (me and a few friends) have an ongoing project to drag the guys of our dojo to do other stuff together too, be it a after-training-beer (or soda) or christmas parties. We've gone together to a shooting range and talked about rock climbing and golf...

After a huge amount of begging, threats and tears from the organisers (usually me) we've had some great parties like christmas 2004 and a crayfish-party (like a bbq-party, but you eat crayfish, a finnish tradition) last autumn. We also help organize a local "Japan Day" each year, and afterwards go grab some beers and food and talk. I think knowing the guys you train with gives a more "human" atmosphere to the dojo and a feeling of friendship. It also gives the new members a possibility to get to know the "old ones" as we try to get all the beginners to a beer after their beginner's course is ended and they come to train with the rest of us.

As there's no time to talk with people during the training it's fun to meet them afterwards and talk, about the training and other stuff. In short: it's more fun to train with friends than strangers. :)

Cheers,
Laeticia


Hi Laeticia,

Sounds like you are really trying your best to gain a social aspect to your training. Good for you! Maybe we can try something like that and see how it goes...

[adictd2tkdgirl]

After every training session in my school, it's common to kick back and have a drink or two on the premises. Since it's defined as a private party, everyone feels free to contribute a case of beer or donations for the next case. One of our members is also a talented home brewer, so a keg of fresh beer is mighty tasty. Of course, for those of us that can't handle alcohol :idunno: we have to bring in the coca-colas and so forth.

Every New Years', or thereabouts, we hold an open house and invite friends and family to share in festivities like demonstrations, food, drink, and test cutting with sharp swords (with all safety measures taken). This past Open House also saw some folks doing target shooting with Airsoft Pistols. Throughout the year, there will also be dinners, camping weekends, and trips to large seminars held in other cities.

As for the training, well this is where the individual gets as much help as they want. Say you can't quite get the hang of a certain technique. Well, you can ask one of the more experienced folks to help you, and you can find a whole class time with this person working with you on this technique.

One of my instructors can be very flexible with the curriculum in class. "What do you all feel like doing tonight?" Or say for example, you've just told a story about how a friend of yours was mugged. My instructor will take a tale like that and devote an entire class to dealing with just that situation, from awareness to worst-case-scenario. And if you haven't quite gotten it that night, he'll revisit the idea in the next class. And the next. And so on.

Here's the biggest impression I get of the feel of my school. From time to time, we all get taken away from our hobbies by real life. Job, school, relationships, whatever - you may not be seen for days, or years. But the day you come back, it's "Hey, it's great to see you! We missed you. Is everything okay with that thing you were doing? Do you need any help? Glad to see you here again."

Your comments about the camping trips and going to seminars in other cities is kind of what I am looking for...it just seems like it would be nice to feel like you 'belong'. Not just go to your class 2-3 times a week...

Thanks for your input!

[still learning]

Our environment is family oriented. The atmosphere is positive, supportive, and all about learning and helping each other. Those that are not there for the right reasons or have ill intentions usually end up leaving on their own as they don't fit in or else I end up having a private chat with them and then take action if there is no improvement in behavior.
Learning the punching and kicking is only half the job, code of conduct has to be there too.
This has worked for us. You need to feel that your school is a good fit for you. There are many different kinds of schools. When I sense that we are not right for a student I have actually referred them to other schools. One of the luxuries I have since i do not rely on my school income to make a living! :)

Hello, You mention a very good point here :" Code of conduct" We have one by our Professor for his Instructors and Students to follow.

Do you other schools have one posted? ....Aloha

[adictd2tkdgirl]

Some days are more formal, some are chaos. I like the feeling of the place for the most part because the overall atmosphere is friendly (when you goof off though, God help you!).

I really like the instructors and I get a kick out of some of the other students (yes, sometimes literally). The students range in age from 9 (a very hyper but very flexible boy) to 43 (my ex-husband).

When it gets serious and formal you sure know it but those are generally the days when more gets accomplished - with some of the students (my daughter) anyway.

Myself, I have a hard time learning things when there are more than one or two steps involved (ADHD). If there are more steps I have to learn things sequentially and slowly, and sometimes during class things are just not slow enough for me, not my instructors fault, they have other students they need to focus on besides me, but they are willing to help you outside of normal classes.

To give an example:
A few months ago I was having a he!! of a time learning this form (to most ppl this is a simple form but between ADHD and social anxiety I was flubbing it every time) and my daughter was at the library which is right near the dojo and I left her there and went to see if one of the instructors was at the dojo because I knew he went down early to turn up the heater. He was there. He dropped everything and nearly froze himself to death teaching me Tae Ke Oko #1 for the next 45 minutes and I FINALLY got it.

I really appreciate things like that. Damn, that was long.

Thanks for your input. I am glad you found a school that helps with some of the difficulties you experience

[stickarts]

Hello, You mention a very good point here :" Code of conduct" We have one by our Professor for his Instructors and Students to follow.

Do you other schools have one posted? ....Aloha

We have creeds posted. Expectations are also spelled out in our student handbook. It is a relaxed atmosphere, however, to keep it safe, organized, and respectful, etiquette does need to be followed.

[Slihn]

Which school is more common? It seems like we only get our 45 minute instruction time 3x per week, but there is nothing more we can do to enhance our training or get more of a feeling for the art.

What type of feel do you have at your school? Any suggestions on how we can enhance our training?[/quote]

Hi.I too have faced in the same dilemma.My gym only trains three days a week.I wish that I could train in the gym 6 days a week but I cannot.So I use it to my advantage.We usually spar every training day,so on the days that I am off I meditate on different strageties on fighting other students.I mentally study every move they make,their strengths and weakness then I contomplate on where I excel and where I need to improve.I spend countless hours comtoplating on counter-techniques,angles of(offense)attack,and other suitable tatics based on the individual's size strenght,speed,aggression,passivness,generally,the ir way of fighting.That is the mental aspects that enchance my(personal) training)

The physical aspect,I do alot weight lifting and weighted cardio on my own.I also do I LOT of bag work on my own.In the gym,our training is balanced between punches,kicks,knees,eblow,clinch fighting and sparring. At home I practice various techniques that we learn in class on the heavy bag.The Thai style round kick is my favortie so, that is the one the I practice the most.After 45 mins of weighted cardio ,I usually do 4 sets and 35 kicks(straight) on the heavy bag.Then I practice various combonations.If you practice the teachniques of your art on your own it will definity enchance the feeling of your art.

Take your favorite technique and practice it over and over and over and over again.Think about it,meditate on it daily.Think of it and only it.Practice it until you perfect it and when you think that you have mastered it, practice it more and more and more,daily,until you become the technqiue,until it is done with great ease.You must do this daily though;dedication is a must.In training alone,you can exploit your weakness and better understand your body and your own personal method of fighting); you will definitly get more of a feeling for the art!

Well,
Good training!

[OnlyAnEgg]

The feel in my dojo is one of relaxed comfort; very familial. Sensei is much like benificent uncle we all wish we had. He refers to us all as his family.

Last two nights, he has spent extra time with the little ones, teaching them techniques for resisting abductors, raising an alarm and causing them discomfort.

He is a good man. There is respect for him among students and the families of students.

It's like home.

[adictd2tkdgirl]

Which school is more common? It seems like we only get our 45 minute instruction time 3x per week, but there is nothing more we can do to enhance our training or get more of a feeling for the art.

What type of feel do you have at your school? Any suggestions on how we can enhance our training?

Hi.I too have faced in the same dilemma.My gym only trains three days a week.I wish that I could train in the gym 6 days a week but I cannot.So I use it to my advantage.We usually spar every training day,so on the days that I am off I meditate on different strageties on fighting other students.I mentally study every move they make,their strengths and weakness then I contomplate on where I excel and where I need to improve.I spend countless hours comtoplating on counter-techniques,angles of(offense)attack,and other suitable tatics based on the individual's size strenght,speed,aggression,passivness,generally,the ir way of fighting.That is the mental aspects that enchance my(personal) training)

The physical aspect,I do alot weight lifting and weighted cardio on my own.I also do I LOT of bag work on my own.In the gym,our training is balanced between punches,kicks,knees,eblow,clinch fighting and sparring. At home I practice various techniques that we learn in class on the heavy bag.The Thai style round kick is my favortie so, that is the one the I practice the most.After 45 mins of weighted cardio ,I usually do 4 sets and 35 kicks(straight) on the heavy bag.Then I practice various combonations.If you practice the teachniques of your art on your own it will definity enchance the feeling of your art.

Take your favorite technique and practice it over and over and over and over again.Think about it,meditate on it daily.Think of it and only it.Practice it until you perfect it and when you think that you have mastered it, practice it more and more and more,daily,until you become the technqiue,until it is done with great ease.You must do this daily though;dedication is a must.In training alone,you can exploit your weakness and better understand your body and your own personal method of fighting); you will definitly get more of a feeling for the art!

Well,
Good training![/quote]

Great post..thanks for the suggestions!