The Best Class Ever (And Why Every Class is Like This)
Everyone will have a different opinion on what makes the best karate class. Sometimes, this opinion will even change from day to day, but there are always five things that will be achieved in the best class. These five things help martial artists not only learn, but excel in their karate training.
Something Physical
Whether it be punches, kicks, pushups, or exercises, every class at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School will involve something active and physical. An active class is great for exercise as well as burning energy in our younger students. There are many other physical benefits to doing karate, as mentioned earlier in our Karate and Fitness blog post. The physical exercise gives a feeling of catharsis after a long day.
Something Abstract
Martial arts does not focus solely on the body. We teach our students about focus, self control, perseverance, and how they can use these skills outside of the dojo. In addition to their physical control, our students are able to achieve an important discipline of their mind and emotions. This helps students to feel more in control of themselves and the situations they find themselves in outside of the dojo.
Something Practical
It is crucial that our students know how to use their techniques in effective, practical ways. We teach our students not only how to apply their blocks and strikes, but how to analyze and adapt to different body types and different types of attacks. This builds confidence in students, so that they feel like they can take care of themselves in a bad situation. I hope that none of my students will ever be forced to use their karate to defend themselves, but I know that their martial arts training will help them make the best decisions during a dangerous situation.
A Sense of Accomplishment
A sense of accomplishment separates a good class from a great class. At Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, we strive to ensure that each student in class is able to achieve something they were not able to in their last class. Sometimes it may be something small, like being able to keep their hands up to protect themselves while throwing a kick. Other times, it may be something bigger, such as being able to complete a new technique without assistance from the instructor. Whatever the case may be, our students are able to achieve more with each class, and this helps to inspire them to do whatever they set their mind to.
A Sense of Completion
It is important to know that martial arts training is a journey, not a destination. There is no true completion, as there is always more to learn and improve on. When a student goes home, they feel like they have worked hard, had fun, and achieved progress in their training. This brings a feeling of success to the end of each class and has our students looking forward to the next time they can work out at the dojo. This sense of completion is what turns a great class at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School into the best class ever.
Stephanie Rodenhiser is a 4th Degree Black Belt at Buzz Durkin’s Karate School, having trained since she was eight years old. She teaches students of all ages and especially enjoys teaching kids and adults who work hard and develop great outlooks on life.