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MCM180
MCM180's picture
White belt - what to focus on during class?

Hi all,

I'm pretty much brand-new with martial arts, starting Shotokan just back in April 2015. (Pretty much brand-new to any exercise at all, I confess.) I've searched the site for "white belt" and "beginning" looking for this topic, but didn't find anything - please forgive me if it's out there and I've missed it.

Being a really white belt, I'd like some thoughts on what to focus on as I begin to study the kata and kihon.

I'm in 100% agreement that self-defense begins with awareness, assessment, avoidance, de-escalation, and understanding of legal issues. But being able to fight & escape alive should those thing fail is a big part of why I began training.

While I'm at class, if I focus too much on application, I distract myself from learning the basics (i.e., if I'm too worried about what I would do with the hiki-te, then I forget to pull it back at all, or mix up my feet, otherwise look like the bumbling fool I am, etc.) But if I stay too deeply "in the moment" and just try to learn inch-perfect basics, I'm worried I'll focus on learning to dance and not to fight.

Is it too early for me to think about this, and should I just focus on basics? And at what point should I actually become somewhat better at defending myself against a physical assault? Six months, a year, 5 years...?

For what it's worth, the instructors at my dojo often make comments like "this turning downblock is really a throw"...so I think the kinds of kata application discussed here are where I'll end up eventually. Maybe I'm just (too) impatient?

Thanks to all in advance, and thanks to Mr. Abernethy Sensei for his very useful info and very helpful attitude.

Wastelander
Wastelander's picture

Personally, I don't believe that applications should be hidden from students of any rank, but early on, you definitely need to focus on learning and developing your basics. The structure, movement, and body mechanics need to be developed to the point where you can do them without thinking, before you can really start visualizing the applications, otherwise you will tend to get confused. There isn't a set timeframe that this occurs, though. I've seen white belts have it in a matter of weeks, and I've seen intermediate ranked students just starting to get it. Everyone develops at a different rate.

All that said, this doesn't mean you can't learn applications--it's just the mental connection between movements in the air and movements on a partner that can be difficult. If your Sensei teaches you a technique on a partner, and then later shows you that it is a technique from a kata, you are less likely to have trouble doing it than if your Sensei does it the other way around, because you won't be thinking about how to do the movements "properly." Instead, you'll just be thinking about doing the application properly.

Marc
Marc's picture

Let's assume that you found a dojo with nice people and good, responsible instructors. Then I think, they should have the experience and expertise to guide you in a way that allows for your optimal development. Therefore, you should focus on what your instructor asks you to focus on at any given moment.

When you do kihon, focus on kihon. Try to properly perform each motion pattern. If your instructor asks you to cross your arms during age-uke, focus on crossing your arms during age-uke.

When you do kata, focus on kata. Try to remember the sequences and directions of the turns. If your instructor counts the steps, listen and don't rush ahead. If your instructor asks you to perform the kata on "hajime", allow yourself the time to plan each technique before executing it, then do the technique in one motion without half-way-hesitation, keep the posture and plan the next, and so on.

When you do kumite (in your case kata-application), focus on kumite. First of all be careful with your partner. If something doesn't work, stop, ask instructor, try again. Never force a technique on your partner, you might hurt or injure them. Try to do exactly what the instructor has shown, nor more, no less. Do not surprise your partner with some fancy idea, and do not resist your partner if they try an application on you (unless you are told to). If possible, try to understand the principle behind an application (e.g. pulling your partners wrist to your hip with hikite breaks their balance and positions them for your strike).

Each form of exercise is designed to develop a certain aspect of your karate. Focus on that aspect. If you don't see what aspect you should focus on, ask your instructor. If they can't answer that, give them a chance to do their own research. Ask them again, when you do that exercise again. If they still can't answer that, maybe try another instructor.

In the beginning it might be difficult to see the whole picture, the connections and cross-references of all the different exercises. That understanding will come with time and practice.

Oh, and one thing you should really try to care about from the beginning is healthy, ergonomic movements and postures. For example, see to it that you don't exert sideways pressure on your knees. If you do zenkutsu-dachi (front leg bent, back leg straight), try to have both feet point more or less forward, especially the back foot. If your back foot points to the side (as we see very often) your knee will point sideways too while your body weight will put downward stress onto your knee joint, effectively trying to bend it in a direction it doesn't like. It might not hurt now, but it will 20 years from now. Find more knee examples at: http://www.karatebyjesse.com/knee-pain-karate-solution/

Try to develop ergonomic movements and postures from day one and look out for advise from your instructor. It's much easier (and healthier) to focus on healthy kihon now when everything is newly learned, than after several years when bad and unhealthy habits have been engrained deeply and will be difficult to un-learn.

So stay healthy and most of all have fun and enjoy the company of all the friendly people in the karate community.

Marc  

Tau
Tau's picture

Firstly, thanks for posting.

I think all of us here are very experienced Martial Artists who aren't afraid to put our views forwards and make assumptions at audience understanding. I've been told that this forum can be quite intimidating as a result. Not our intention at all but I can understand that. It's good to get the perspective of someone new as it's too easy to forget what it's like to be new.

To answer your question. As a white belt, focus on stances as they're the root of everything else. And just get the "feel" of Karate. Everything else will come in time.

Zach_MB
Zach_MB's picture

One of the better metaphors I've heard for this situation compares training to learning your ABCs. If you walked in the school at 5 years old and they told you to write an essay you would fail without a doubt. But that's not how it works, you learn letters, then words, then sentences, etc.

When a karate student walks in the door with zero prior knowledge, it is up to the instructor to start them at a level that they can handle without being overwhelmed. That means kihon, front side from back side, stances, and so on. These things are absolutely necessary to be able to functionally apply the applications and to even do the kata effectively. Failing to do so will lead to discouraged students and those are the people that walk away.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with exposing new students to application in a limited fashion. For example, at our school we do basic grab escapes from a very limited 2 move kata. This way they see what we're about but don't get buried under an entire lifetime's worth of study.

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

What is taught and when will depend upon the wider training methodology of the group. What we do at 10th kyu is based on what we do at 9th kyu; which is turn is based on what I want them doing at 8th kyu and so on. Any good group is going to end up doing very similar things eventually; but it’s not possible to do everything all at once.

For our beginners, they learn five striking techniques from “naihanchi dachi”. This position allows them to get the feeling for “punching from the floor”, correct hip motion, and “spiralling”.  It also introduces them to some of the hand positions and basic techniques that they will be using a lot i.e. (in English so practitioners of non-Japanese arts can understand what I’m talking about):

Basic Punch, Vertical Fist Punch, Rising Receipt (“upper block”), Lower Sweep (“lower block”) and Palm Heel Strike.

From a “fighting stance” they also do: Lead Jab and Rear Straight.

Line work also includes (all from front stance): Junzuki (stepping lunge punch), Gakuzuki (stepping reverse punch), Jodan Uke (stepping rising receipt) & Gedan Barai (stepping lower sweep)

Basic kicking techniques for line work includes: Kin Geri (groin kick), Chudan Mae Geri (front kick to body), Chudan Mawashi Geri (round kick to body)

Combinations for the first grading (concentrating on correct use of “double hip” and overlapping transitions): Tobikomizuki, Gakuzuki (lead hand jab, rear hand straight), and Surikomi Kin Geri, Gakuzuki (step up groin kick, rear hand straight)

Pad Work includes the following:

Tobikomizuki, Gakuzuki (lead hand jab, rear hand straight)

Surikomi Kin Geri, Gakuzuki (step up groin kick, rear hand straight)

Gedan Mawashi Geri (round kick to thigh with kick shield)

Dominant Hand Pre-Emptive Power Slap from Fence (with action trigger dialogue)

90 seconds of Lead Hand Jab with movement (both sides)

Again, the focus is on power, hip motion and correct transitions. The 90 seconds of jabbing on the move is to introduce basic distancing, footwork and pad holding.

You can also see how we include pre-emption from day one as a means to facilitate escape.

Kumite (Sparring) for 9th kyu consists of:

2 minutes of lightly feeding Tobikomizuki & Gakuzuki (straight punches) whilst partner blocks

1 minute of forearm and neck grip (change sides half way)

1 minute of back and triceps grip (change sides half way)

1 minute of “playing for grips”

This gets them uses to movement, keeping balance, distancing, blocking and parrying of straight punches, and sensitivity. It’s also not too “full on” and is hence a confidence builder for those new to combative training.

The final thing is the following “knowledge test”:

Candidate will be asked to verbally explain the importance of awareness, Cooper’s Colour Codes (White, Yellow, Orange & Red) and the “Threat Pyramid”.

This is so we establish from the very beginning that true self-protection is way more than just the physical and cannot be divorced from awareness and a healthy attitude to personal security.

This is the first step we take, and it is based on knowledge of all the other steps. In short, we are guiding them through their first step, so they are in a position to take the second one. It’s an ideal first step for us, but it may not be for others based on their wider methodology and syllabus structure.

MCM180 wrote:
I'm in 100% agreement that self-defense begins with awareness, assessment, avoidance, de-escalation, and understanding of legal issues. But being able to fight & escape alive should those thing fail is a big part of why I began training.

In that first sentence you’ve expressed an understanding of self-protection that most black belts don’t have. Martial artists are normally really bad for reducing self-protection to “martial arts in jeans” and hence overlooking the more effective and more important components. Having the physical skills as a back-up is important, but they should be fully understood to be exactly that (which is why I have my 10th kyus answer questions on awareness etc. if they are to progress to 9th kyu).

MCM180 wrote:
While I'm at class, if I focus too much on application, I distract myself from learning the basics (i.e., if I'm too worried about what I would do with the hiki-te, then I forget to pull it back at all, or mix up my feet, otherwise look like the bumbling fool I am, etc.) But if I stay too deeply "in the moment" and just try to learn inch-perfect basics, I'm worried I'll focus on learning to dance and not to fight.

I’d try to shift your thinking here. Good basics and effectiveness go hand in hand. They mutually support and depend upon one another. The motion is that way it is because of the application is has. Understanding why your hitkite needs to act as it does in application will improve both technique and application. You are actually less likely to use hitike incorrectly if you understand what it is doing. Poor technique will be less effective in application due to mechanical inefficiencies. It’s all related and it seems you may be trying to separate them in your thinking?

You may also be trying to “run before you can walk”? Your technique is not going to be perfect instantly. Nor is it going to be the most effective it can be from the instant you learn it. As a white belt, your aim is to get your technique to a level where it is worthy of the first grade (yellow belt for most). So, if I were your instructor, I’d be telling you to focus on getting your stuff “yellow belt good” and not overreach.

Zach's post expresses this really well and is worth rereading. Indeed, everyone has expressed this sentiment, so that’s definitely something you should take away from the thread.

MCM180 wrote:
Is it too early for me to think about this, and should I just focus on basics? And at what point should I actually become somewhat better at defending myself against a physical assault? Six months, a year, 5 years...?

You should be better after your first class (and the same goes for every single class after that) and you should be focusing on defending myself against a physical assault from the very first class too. Again, that does not mean you’ll have everything down perfect from day one. It takes time.

High level application is not something that comes quickly. Patience and understanding that the “journey of 100,000 miles” is made up of lots of little steps is needed. Enjoy the journey and avoid asking “are we there yet?” too often :-)

MCM180 wrote:
For what it's worth, the instructors at my dojo often make comments like "this turning downblock is really a throw"...so I think the kinds of kata application discussed here are where I'll end up eventually. Maybe I'm just (too) impatient?

That’s a very good sign and would suggest that they are focusing on getting you to learn to control your own body such that you will be better able to apply things later on. Personally, I teach technique and application side by side. But I know plenty that have the view that “you need to learn to control your own body before you stand any chance of controlling someone else’s” and so long as that’s a view over weeks or months (not years or decades) then that’s totally fine.

To be sure, have a look at how the higher grades are training and performing. Are they doing lots of application work? Do they look able to protect themselves? If they do, then there is no reason why the training methods that led them there won’t lead you there too.

I’d advise any new starter to check out the standard of the higher grades in the group. There is no point spending decades climbing the grading ladder only to find the ladder was against the wrong wall.

From what you describe – a strong emphasis on the quality of technique, and many references to application – is sounds like you’ve good a good group. A watch of the seniors to get an idea of where you are headed may therefore help you to put into context where you are at the moment.

MCM180 wrote:
Thanks to all in advance, and thanks to Mr. Abernethy Sensei for his very useful info and very helpful attitude.

You’re welcome!

All the best,

Iain

JWT
JWT's picture

Great thread! I find the different approaches and commonalities very interesting.

I teach white belts differently in my DART Karate and Shotokan Karate but there are points of commonality. Shotokan Karate

Theory

Students are provided with a written brief of awareness and threat avoidance and a short article on the nature of flinches and their implications for training. Aspects such as the legal framework for self defence are covered verbally.

Kihon / Basics

Students practice basic techniques, predominantly against thai pads, focus mitts and kick shields. The emphasis is on developing and understanding solid biomechanics for stability and power generation and a consistent guard while striking. Most striking is done from musubi dachi or fudo dachi.

Items taught: Gedan Barai (down sweep), Oi Zuki (stepping thrust), Gizami Zuki (jab), Gyaku Zuki (cross), Age Empi (upward forearm strike), Maewashi Empi (round elbow strike), Open handed strike (inside of the knuckles not the heel of the palm), Fudo Dachi (rooted stance), Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance), Musubi Dachi (attention stance), Heisoku Dachi (informal attention stance), Kokutsu Dachi (back stance), knee strikes. Turning is taught independantly but stepping is generally worked through kata and kumite).

Warm ups are always training orientated (no star jumps or jogging for me). As such they are either games such as forearm or thigh slapping (usually free for all to encourage movement, head turning and peripheral awareness) - the face is slapped if the guard is back or dropped, or stepping and turning exercises exploring the mechanics of good movement by varying stances, angles etc.

Kata / Form

Heian Shodan

Kumite / Grappling hands Drills from my Pinan Flow System Volume One text. Attacks are predominantly HAOV but they do get work with attacks such as jabs.

 

DART Karate

Theory

Students are provided with a syllabus that contains a wealth of information on the underlying principles that make up the techniques and tactics of the system (a lot of whcih can be found in my books and articles). The legal framework for self defence is covered verbally in addition to the written text and is regularly brought up in training.

Kihon / Basics

Students practice basic techniques, predominantly against thai pads, focus mitts and kick shields. The emphasis is on developing and understanding solid biomechanics for stability and power generation and a consistent guard while striking. Most striking is done from a natural satnce or from a rooted stance.

Items taught: ‘Comb’ forearm strike, Round forearm strike, Knee strikes, Open handed  strikes, Natural Stance, Rooted Stance, Front Stance, Cross guard.

Warm ups are always training orientated (no star jumps or jogging for me). As such they are either games such as forearm or thigh slapping (usually free for all to encourage movement, head turning and peripheral awareness) - the face is slapped if the guard is back or dropped, or stepping and turning exercises exploring the mechanics of good movement by varying stances, angles etc.

Kata / Form

Initiative. 

Kumite / Grappling hands Drills vary between the juniors (under 14) and the seniors according to the more likely things to happen to them. The main emphasis with the juniors is on 'playground' type positions such as headlocks or being grabbed and lifted. The seniors cover some headlocks as well but they have a far greater focus on pre-emptive striking (and we do games striking mid conversation, moving to visual, tactile or audio stimuli). Both sets (though the seniors weighted more) practise accessing escape and striking positions from flinches against HAOV such as haymakers as at their level they are more likley to miss telegraphs, be startled and flinch.

Hope that's of interest John Titchen

MCM180
MCM180's picture

Thanks, everyone. Very helpful. I'll read and re-read and work it all into what I try to do.

Iain Abernethy Sensei wrote: "Poor technique will be less effective in application due to mechanical inefficiencies. It’s all related and it seems you may be trying to separate them in your thinking? You may also be trying to “run before you can walk”? "

I think it's more the second (running before I can walk). I'm probably trying to jump to the application before I even have the basic technique. I want to know where I'm headed, but I also need to be patient and do the work to get there.

Frustrating though it can be, it does give me sympathy for my own students. In my day job I teach accounting. That's certainly a skill that many people find doesn't come naturally. So I have a keen sense of their frustration. Also, when the black belts chuckle at my feeble attempts, any ego I might have brought into the dojo just sort of evaporates...and it all keeps me (a little) humbler than I'd otherwise be. Which I need desperately.

Thanks again, y'all! No intimidation at all, just helpful people.

Kim
Kim's picture

Some great information up here.  And it's wonderful to see beginners so enthusiastic about training and about understanding!  I just wanted to briefly add some other thoughts, as I've recently switched a lot of how I've been teaching beginners.  First, I wanted to address one of the metaphors mentioned by Zach_MB:

Zach_MB wrote:

One of the better metaphors I've heard for this situation compares training to learning your ABCs. If you walked in the school at 5 years old and they told you to write an essay you would fail without a doubt. But that's not how it works, you learn letters, then words, then sentences, etc.

I think you need to keep in context what you're asking people to do.  So if the goal is writing, then that might be the approach to take.  But if you want people to be able to converse with each other, you might not need such a rigid progression.  Sticking with a language analogy, when you're first teaching children how to talk, you don't start them being able to say their letters - they start by imitating simple words or words they hear often.  Young children can often hold a conversation (though admittedly not necessarily entirely coherent) before they ever start learning the alphabet.  In that way, you might equate kihon/kata with writing and kumite with conversation.  I think in language (and in karate), it works best if you can teach both in parallel. 

So, with my students, I've been working on allowing white belts to do a lot more than what I thought they "should" be allowed to do.  So we allow white belts to do free sparring drills, and kata bunkai drills, and more advanced kihon combinations, etc. along with the advanced students.  They move more slowly, but I think it helps to keep them interested, give them motivation, and improve their coordination and mental flexibility.  Don't get me wrong, I certainly still drill the basics into the students, but I want them to see application alongside technique.  To use the language analogy... I don't want them focusing so much on getting their handwriting perfect that they don't learn how to talk to each other.

But lots of great ideas here - and it's absolutely wonderful to see beginners so excited about learning and getting out and searching for information.  I wish all of my students were more like you!

Marc
Marc's picture

Kim wrote:

Sticking with a language analogy, when you're first teaching children how to talk, you don't start them being able to say their letters - they start by imitating simple words or words they hear often.  Young children can often hold a conversation (though admittedly not necessarily entirely coherent) before they ever start learning the alphabet.  In that way, you might equate kihon/kata with writing and kumite with conversation.  I think in language (and in karate), it works best if you can teach both in parallel.

I like it.

Your first conversation skills as a newborn are simple cries and smiles to express feelings (hunger, anger, happiness, etc) . - That is your instinctive fighting skills (flinching, haymaker).

Next you begin to imitate those around you. You learn the most important words, speach patterns and phrases and how to use them in live conversations. Usually your parents repeat what you try to say but with a more coherent wording ("Bread!" "Oh, would you like more bread, here you go." - That's basic kihon, guided by instructors, or sparring with more experienced higher grades who help you get better.

Then you learn to read and write, you read books. By reading books you aquire more sophisticated language skills as well as knowledge. Then you can use those skills and knowledge in conversations. You will get better at arguing. You could even develop your skills as an art: rethoric or poetry. - That's kata. Katas are like books of knowledge written in elaborate language. You can practice them (and their applications obviously) to develop more sophisticated fighting skills. You can even become a martial artist. :)

First your parents/instructors will read the books/katas to you. Later you will be able to read them yourself, maybe even write your own books/develop your own approach to karate. For most people learning to speak requires time and a lot of trial and error. For most people learning to read and write requires effort a lot of repetition.

In the end physical altercation is a form of conversation.

Take care

Marc  

Ian H
Ian H's picture

I'd say focus on ... what your sensei wants you to focus on.  

I don't mean this in a cheeky way.  What I mean is, your sensei, unlike the rest of us, gets to see you actually training.  He (or she) sees what you do well, and what most "needs work".  He also gets to see you on a regular basis, and presumably has some sort of plan for you to get "from A to B" in terms of karate.  

That said, I echo the sentiments of others that focusing on basics at the beginning is the best way to lay a solid foundation upon which to build something substantial.  Of course you need to do both, but ... foundations come first!

MCM180 wrote:

Is it too early for me to think about this, and should I just focus on basics? And at what point should I actually become somewhat better at defending myself against a physical assault? Six months, a year, 5 years...?

I am reminded of the quote from Anko Itosu ...

  1. Karate cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand miles. If one trains diligently every day, then in three or four years one will come to understand karate. Those who train in this fashion will discover karate.
Michael Rust
Michael Rust's picture

Who would like to share what they do for Black Belts ? I'm curious and want compare my curriculum and make some improvements ? I'm interested in what people are doing for NeWaza training ? Strking and Kicking I cover all the basics ones and work them on the pads.

I try and keep my training effective, but also some what simple so for  throwing we go over Funakoshi's 9 throws with some variations because I think that's enough. But how about chokes, strangles and other submissions does anyone have a specific curriculum for that ?

Thanks,

Mike

Marc
Marc's picture

Michael Rust wrote:

Who would like to share what they do for Black Belts ? I'm curious and want compare my curriculum and make some improvements ? I'm interested in what people are doing for NeWaza training ? Strking and Kicking I cover all the basics ones and work them on the pads.

I try and keep my training effective, but also some what simple so for  throwing we go over Funakoshi's 9 throws with some variations because I think that's enough. But how about chokes, strangles and other submissions does anyone have a specific curriculum for that ?

Interesting topic, Mike. I would suggest you open a new thread for that. Because it digresses from the original question of this thread, which was what a white belt should focus on during their training. Yours is about what an instructor includes in his training for black belts. That's a very different thing in my humble opinion. I suppose you'll get a lot of response.

Have a good day

Marc