Tiger Okinawa Karate Training.
Basics under pressure
I wear the belt but the belt does not wear me - I am my martial art, a white belt who never gave up.
- Tony Chapman
Traditional karate training promotes a relaxed mind and body and also teaches the important concept of being centered. Directly referring to balance and posture, being centered also incorporates the idea of being physically, emotionally, and spiritually aligned.
Traditional karate students forge their characters from self-discipline and develop personalities founded on humility and gentleness. Character development and non-violent behavior are values held by both karate students and instructors.
Tony Chapman.
For Many years I studied this traditional system under a very accomplished and capable sensei, Emido Milletti. I am now an independent so can be more flexible and incorporate some more modern strategies and develop without the confines of a syllabus.
In my area I endeavour to network with as many instructors as possible, this allows joint ventures such as first aid courses and seminars to be much more viable and to help keep the costs down. Obviously the understanding between the instructors means we do not try and poach any other club’s students, this along with minimal politics is essential for a good working relationship.
As a member of the British National Martial Arts Associations I have many back up services and access to courses and popular instructors in various martial arts and associated subjects. However I find if I hold a course in Karate the karate people tend to say they already train in Karate, and feel loyalty to their instructor, it is the same for Kung Fu respectively.
Arm Takedown.
If I then suggest a student does another style i.e. Karateka does a Kung Fu course, they simply remark they only want to do the style they chose. I spoke to Paul griffin about this and he suggested doing weapons, unarmed combat and courses that accompany martial arts to increase the range of the target audience.
This means instructors operate within a respected medium and exchange knowledge without discrediting other martial arts. Using the safest option avoids the reference to best technique, let’s face it, not all techniques work on everyone all the time. Techniques are applied the same way but opponents have varied strength, and limbs change in size and flexibility, this is only complicated by higher pain threshold levels from some students.
Groin Strike.
Getting on is a great feeling and it inspires instructors to keep contributing to their clubs. All professions involving teachings mean the teachers are in a continual learning process, even swimming pool guards have to do a course every two years in order to stay qualified and ensure they are up to date with current teaching practices.
Over the last two years I have put on various courses with Tradka, Steve Leak, Jim Reece, Paul Griffin, BNMAA, Mastarr, First Aid, Edged Weapons Etc.
I have been supported well by instructors from other styles and clubs including Simon Smith, Matt Powell, Glen, Robertson, Steve Cannings, Andrew Newman, Brian Rudd, Mick Walker, Paul Griffin and Paul Banbury.
