Training Tips
Keeping a Notebook
An excellent tool that will help you remember your katas and techniques is the karate notebook. Start by obtaining a 3-ring binder and plenty of notepaper (subject dividers are also a good idea). Carry your notebook with you whenever you attend class or training camps. Start by writing, in your own words, your basic patterns and Tiger Cub. Adults should also write in your self-defense techniques. Whenever you learn something new, try to get it written into your as soon as you can. The proper name for each technique or move is not important as long as you can understand what your notes mean (later on, you will become more familiar with the names of the techniques). Try to keep your notebook up to date.
Now try the following exercise: Another fun thing to do with your notebook is to put fliers for all the tournaments and seminars you attend. This makes a great "scrapbook" of memories for the future!
Why do Tournaments?
Competition is a very healthy way for people of all ages and walks of life to better themselves. Unfortunately, many people in our society today seem overly concerned with WINNING, an attitude that sometimes undermines the very spirit of competition. Of course to win is one goal, but it should not overshadow other important goals such as self-improvement. In Traditional American Karate, we believe you can be a winner in a competition no matter how you place. Anyone who competes and tries their very best is considered a WINNER. Why? Because doing your best (which involves the effort of practice and preparation) helps you to improve your karate skills.
Now try the following exercise: Think of another way you can be a winner at a karate tournament (besides winning an award or doing your very best).
Preparing for a Tournament
Getting ready to compete is a very important part of the tournament experience. There are several things you should do when getting ready to do a competition.
Now try the following exercise: Rehearse what you will say when you get up to present your kata: your name, your dojo, your instructor's name, and the name of your kata. Say the words as many times as you have to in order to feel comfortable.
The Clock System
When learning kata, you may find it useful to utilize the "clock system." Imagine you are in the middle of a round clock. Straight in front of you is 12:00. Directly behind you is 6:00. To your right is 3:00, and to your left is 9:00. Think of Tiger Cub. You move towards 12:00 o'clock during the first 5 moves. Then you turn around and move towards 6:00 o'clock. When you bow & finish you are once again facing 12:00. Got the idea?
Now try the following exercise: Using the clock system, figure out which direction you go for each move of Tiger One.
Keeping a Notebook
An excellent tool that will help you remember your katas and techniques is the karate notebook. Start by obtaining a 3-ring binder and plenty of notepaper (subject dividers are also a good idea). Carry your notebook with you whenever you attend class or training camps. Start by writing, in your own words, your basic patterns and Tiger Cub. Adults should also write in your self-defense techniques. Whenever you learn something new, try to get it written into your as soon as you can. The proper name for each technique or move is not important as long as you can understand what your notes mean (later on, you will become more familiar with the names of the techniques). Try to keep your notebook up to date.
Now try the following exercise: Another fun thing to do with your notebook is to put fliers for all the tournaments and seminars you attend. This makes a great "scrapbook" of memories for the future!
Why do Tournaments?
Competition is a very healthy way for people of all ages and walks of life to better themselves. Unfortunately, many people in our society today seem overly concerned with WINNING, an attitude that sometimes undermines the very spirit of competition. Of course to win is one goal, but it should not overshadow other important goals such as self-improvement. In Traditional American Karate, we believe you can be a winner in a competition no matter how you place. Anyone who competes and tries their very best is considered a WINNER. Why? Because doing your best (which involves the effort of practice and preparation) helps you to improve your karate skills.
Now try the following exercise: Think of another way you can be a winner at a karate tournament (besides winning an award or doing your very best).
Preparing for a Tournament
Getting ready to compete is a very important part of the tournament experience. There are several things you should do when getting ready to do a competition.
- Decide what event(s) you want to do.
- Pick your kata ahead of time. Choose your kata and/or weapons kata a few weeks before the tournament. (higher ranks should select your kata a month or more in advance) and practice it over and over and over!
- Make sure your uniform is ready...clean and wrinkle-free with all your patches sewn on! Pants should be hemmed and gi jacket sleeves hemmed or rolled up. If you will be participating in sparring, make sure you have a mouthpiece and all the necessary gear.
Now try the following exercise: Rehearse what you will say when you get up to present your kata: your name, your dojo, your instructor's name, and the name of your kata. Say the words as many times as you have to in order to feel comfortable.
The Clock System
When learning kata, you may find it useful to utilize the "clock system." Imagine you are in the middle of a round clock. Straight in front of you is 12:00. Directly behind you is 6:00. To your right is 3:00, and to your left is 9:00. Think of Tiger Cub. You move towards 12:00 o'clock during the first 5 moves. Then you turn around and move towards 6:00 o'clock. When you bow & finish you are once again facing 12:00. Got the idea?
Now try the following exercise: Using the clock system, figure out which direction you go for each move of Tiger One.
Santee Dojo
Trad Am Karate
8955 Carlton Hills Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071
GTM Shopping Center
(619) 596-7838
Trad Am Karate
8955 Carlton Hills Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071
GTM Shopping Center
(619) 596-7838