At what point do you take control of your own training?

[Foo Dog]

I was just wondered what the general opinion was on this subject. I don’t mean that a person should leave to train on there own. I just mean directing your training towards the ends you wish to meet. In the beginning we need our instructors to teach us the basics and hold us in the right direction. But doesn’t there come a time when we must choose our own path. In the beginning there is a very structured form to most schools. We all (with in each school) learn the same punches and kicks, do the same drills, and fight people of the same style. At some point there might be some adjustment because of physical limitations or natural strengths, but at what point should we as an individual develop our own personal style.

[Satori]

I train "on my own" as soon as I leave the dojo. In my spare time I focus strength or technique training in areas that I feel I need it the most. I work through ideas and concepts at my own pace and in my own direction. I try things that we don't try in the dojo.

I may have a different perspective on what my weaknesses are compared to what my Sensei thinks, and we're both right. You should know yourself whether your technique is perfect and if it's not then do something about it. Dojo training provides the whole picture while individual training allows me to focus on the details.

[supergroup7]

I think that we all enter Martial arts with goals of our own. As we progress in knowledge, and understanding we assimilate those things which help us achieve our goals. The more we gain in wisdom, the better we are at directing our training. Our Sensei helps us to work towards a better understanding of the basics so that we can adapt.

[sonofkanga]

Naturally your personal style develops from your first training session.Your Sensei,Sempai, fellow students.The people you meet on the road,all influence your own personal style.
Training in the Dojo(ipan keiko) should be supplemented from day one with extra self training.


But consciously developing your on personal style is part of the process of being a Yudansha.

[kakatootoshi]

I think if you are a beginner, the most important thing is too focus 100% on good Kihon and not to worry to much about "how to improve your physical abilities". By that I mean I have seen too many beginners focus too much on running, pad training and other excercises. While you see the smile on their faces that today he or she is able to hit harder or run faster, when you look at their Kihon or even Kumite, you know their is not much future for them if they continue to ignore "what they think is boring and useless" in Kyokushin training.

As you progess, supplement your training with excercises which help you achieve your goals in Karate. You do not go to the dojo for the sake of going to the dojo. You go to the dojo and train for a purpose.

When you become a Yudansha one day, you need to take care of things which affect your own and maybe other people's training and these things do not necessarily happen inside the dojo.

OSU!

[Foo Dog]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I guess after all of these years of training, my instructor and I, are not seeing eye to eye. I have never been one to stand up against his wishes but I believe there does come a time when you have to choose what is right for you. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between being respectful and being subservient.

[Spirit]

I would say right away ...
Once you start training you should be setting your solo training up and working on it after your first month.
Solo training is the core to being around for the long run and starting it right away is the key .
Yes you need the dojo, in fact you always need the dojo in some form or another. But you will always have you, and you need to focus on you right from the start.

Suggestions on things one can do,
If possible start doing this training with friends from the dojo and focus ONLY on things you know you can do (some what) correctly and work to improve on them. Discuss with each other things that you see was done wrong and suggest ways to improve. focus on the group growing together and not see who is best etc. Then you may ask one of the senpai's to watch what you are doing at home training and see if they will give you monthly up dates on what you should be working on as they see you train in the dojo.
Don't get caught up in trying to do advanced techniques and spinning this and that. The basic are the core of your train today as a kyu rank and years from now as a high dan... so focus on the core!

If you can't find anyone to train with then, do all above on your own with this twist. In the beginning it will mainly focus on improving, be it kata, or waza etc, either way the more you train the stronger and more knowledgeable one becomes.
Now, yes bad habits can occur training this way , but only "if" you jump ahead of your dojo training.

*Example, I learn a kata and can't complete the kata on my own at the dojo without being corrected by instructor. At home I should do up to the point of doing it wrong, don't focus on trying to figure the forgotten part, focus on what you can do correctly.As you improve on the understood part of the kata and improve on it, the un-understood part will come faster and then you will be able to do the whole kata at home.

That format can be used for everything you learn...

Kicking, punching and blocking in the mirror is also excellent beginners home training trick.
The mirror can't lie and you can see if something is done incorrect or not.
I would say that the mirror is one of the best training tools bare none.

As you advance in the dojo your training will to at home. You know more and you start to understand the things (or direction) you'd like to go in.
At this point Your question I think jumps in...
And I believe that taking the steps at a earlier date will have you already set-up at this point to train in the direction you wish to.
You would have already been focused on training solo and understand that one must do things correctly or bad habits will happen, you will already be focused... and now you can start (slowly and methodical) to train the way you wish to "take the bull by the horns" if you wish!
By adding in other training, or seeking a different dojo, instructor, style of career as a competitor or dojo owner or just training. Their are so many direction to take and each direction will change based on your life and what is happening in it or to it at the time as well as you grow older too.

So Yes it is very important to take control of your training... early in to it. But doing it in baby steps (can be or may be) the correct way to do it.
Set goals that you wish to attain and when, also set goals if main goal(s) don't happen or when they have ended.
Good luck and follow your heart not your dojo's or your instructor, since you and he/she are different and the goals maybe the same but you are not them and they are not you.
Be respectful and courteous, but be more respectful to yourself...

[Foo Dog]

Originally Posted by jap man

Be respectful and courteous, but be more respectful to yourself...

Thank you Sensei Mark,
Your response really hit the mark. I will always follow orders (with in reason) in class, but I know where I need to be and I plan to get there. My new motto is " It is his school, and I respect that, but it is still my training.

Thank You Agian Sir

Humbly
Shane

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by Foo Dog

Thank you Sensei Mark,
Your response really hit the mark. I will always follow orders (with in reason) in class, but I know where I need to be and I plan to get there. My new motto is " It is his school, and I respect that, but it is still my training.

Thank You Agian Sir

Humbly
Shane

Good skill to you!!!

[vapor]

That seems like a good code to follow, and one that will allow you to absorb the years and skills of your instructor, while moving you along to meet your personal goals.

vapor