Creativity

[Emmet]

Re: Creativity

My inkin bell as it was:



My inkin bell with a turned white oak handle:



Aside from the aesthetics, the new handle tucks into my obi quite well.

[Yugen]

Re: Creativity

Martial Arts are ultimately about energy, and how to manage it. Physical energy is a manifestation of emotional and spiritual energy. I am reminded of the teacher who was approached by a new student seeking to be taught in martial arts:

Student: I would like to learn self defense...
Teacher: Which self is it that you wish to defend?

My Sensei, a tough old Marine Gunny who kickboxed full contact/bare knuckle way before MMA became all the rage, taught us "if you want to learn self defense go buy a pistol."

Yamaoka Tesshu, the 19th Century sword master, was asked what school or ryu he belonged to - and he responded "I belong to the school of eyes horizontal and nose vertical" - reflecting his study of Dogen! My own martial arts practice these days is mostly spent on the cushion - and I do still periodically practice sword kata with a Bokken outside - the trees keep me company.

There is no question that martial arts practice (and other bodywork disciplines) lend all sort of physical, mental, and even spiritual benefits. There are many beneficial practices that allow us to enter the way of harmonization of body and mind - all of them worthy - aikido, judo, kyuki-do, karate, pilates, yoga, tai chi, too many to name.

Amelia, I hope you find a good teacher! Sometimes the quality of the teacher is more important than the discipline you select!

Gassho,
Yugen

[Amelia]

Re: Creativity

Yugen,

I hope I do find a good teacher. I have a particular feeling about a little Tai Kwon Do place nearby. I feel like avoiding the larger studios that teach mainly little kids and seem to be more like a daycare.

Gassho,

Amelia

[Yugen]

Re: Creativity

Amelia,
Follow your intuition.... if you have a good feeling about it check it out. Visit some classes. In some dojos senior students teach classes or assist the Sensei in class. The quality of their practice, and attitude, will be a reflection of their teacher, and the attitude she/he establishes in the school. Look for this - it will give you important clues as to the atmosphere of the school.

Good luck!

Gassho,
Yugen

[Ekai]

Re: Creativity

Yugen,

I hope I do find a good teacher. I have a particular feeling about a little Tai Kwon Do place nearby. I feel like avoiding the larger studios that teach mainly little kids and seem to be more like a daycare.

Gassho,

Amelia

Here are the essential qualities to look for in a martial arts instructor:

1. Knowledge: Knowledge in the area of instruction is a must. An instructor needs to be informative; however, the class is only as good as the instructor’s attitude on that given day.
2. Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is a must. Enthusiasm is not taught, it’s caught. Good teachers are dynamic and show passion for their martial art, their school and teaching students.
3. Patience: Patience is an instructor’s best friend. It takes time and repetition for students to learn the techniques and it varies from student to student.
4. Love: Instructor must really care for their students.
5. Understanding: They should view things from the student’s viewpoint.
6. Compassion: Instructors help their students through frustrating moments.
7. Punctuality: Punctuality is a sign of dependability and is a required for all instructors.
8. Cleanliness: An instructor’s uniform should be clean and pressed. Personal grooming should never be neglected.

An instructor should always be an EXAMPLE of the benefits of martial arts training, not only in the school, but also in society.

I hope this helps.

Gassho,
Jodi

[Yugen]

Re: Creativity

Jodi,
Well said!

As I read this and your other posts/thoughts on the martial arts, I think your students are very fortunate to have you as a teacher.

Gassho,
Yugen

[Ekai]

Re: Creativity

Jodi,
Well said!

As I read this and your other posts/thoughts on the martial arts, I think your students are very fortunate to have you as a teacher.

Gassho,
Yugen

Thank you! I hope the students like me anyway. Teaching is so much fun and the kids are so cute!

Gassho,
Jodi