I am wanting to enroll my daughter into karate and I am finding such a hard time looking for a good school and a good teacher. Every Shihan I see my mind automatically compares them to you, and others at Kyokushin…You set the bar too high 🙃
An old student of mine messaged this to me today. I used to teach her in 1997, and yes, she was one of the best – also a champion in her days.
Today, as she looks to recreate that experience for her children, unfortunately, she finds out that the world has changed since. And I wouldn’t dare say for the better.
I have seen a few Karate schools around here as well. I wouldn’t call them dojos, for they are not. They are karate nurseries and day cares. The instructor is a ‘dear friend’ of his students, common baby, good girl, let’s try a punch – oh wow! You did it, yayyyy! Now let’s try the other hand..aha…nice, great job!
All she did was attempt a rudimentary half-hearted attempt at moving her hand ever so slightly.
These are belt factories, doling out certificates like there is no tomorrow. The art has been watered down to make it palatable to the parents (oh that kick is so difficult, can you please try something else?) and the martial has effectively been thrown out of the window – you cannot raise your voice, be tough, have to be accommodating, Montessori type trainings…don’t get me started.
Karate is a discipline. An approach towards life. One that requires immense commitment, dedication and an ability to fight against adversity in order to emerge victorious – and not just in a tournament. Victory doesn’t mean getting a prize here, victory means stepping onto the mat and giving it your all. If you get knocked down, so be it, as long as you threw a punch while falling. It isn’t for the faint hearted, but then, so isn’t life.
I refuse to teach nowadays. Not until I find the right student. Without the parents breathing down my neck. And that includes my own, because…Keshav’s father is also a bit too protective of him. Need to have a talk!
See you tomorrow:)