One missed class can easily become three. Three classes becomes a month. Then six. Then a year. And then there’s a day when you open your cupboard and there is your gi, hanging up and gathering dust. Waiting. (And silently judging you.)
The Dojo, Photos, and Sharenting
I get it, I really do. I have two adorable sons of my own. I want all those I know to witness their cuteness, their cleverness, their obnoxiously adorable outfits and quirks. I get it. If they did karate, I would probably love to post every move they make.
But here’s the thing: it’s just not safe to do so.
Dear Dojo Parents
We see you in the driveway, laptop out as you work by the cabin light of your car. Another kid doing homework in the back while waiting for their class. We know that you’re worried about so much, and we don’t want to add to it.
Here’s how we see it, and you, and all of this.
Why Kids Quit Karate
The path to black belt is littered with tens of thousands of kids who started karate and quit. Most of them in the first six months, but some make it all the way to brown belt, just to abandon ship just when the coveted black belt is so close.
This article is going to cover the reasons why kids quit, and look at how we can keep kids in the dojo, and some of the advice applies to adult students as well.
Rest in Peace, Bev Thorn
She never, ever rolled her eyes because I had put my hand up (again, and again and again), and always knew when to take me aside and ask if I was okay. She only ever despaired at my abysmal handwriting (which finally got better when I started hand-lettering karate certificates – I’m sorry she never got to see it).
Karate and Chores Go Together
Karate tries to teach discipline, respect for self and others, humility and compassion – chores overlap beautifully with this. And so I decided to see if the kind of parents who sign up their kids for karate are also the kind that make them do chores. I think you will find the results fascinating.
How NOT to join a dojo
At least this is a quick way to find out if they will even be decent students: if they cannot exercise basic courtesy on whatsapp, then they absolutely won’t do it in the dojo. I have a message that automatically pops up saying something along the lines of “I am enjoying family time, I will get back to you during business hours” and yet there is the audacity again to send me voice note after voice note, or worse, the passive-aggressive “???”when I don’t answer.
How you can make a difference during the SA riots: a citizen’s guide
Action helps us feel more in control. Doing good things creates a ripple effect. I’ve seen a couple of images of people helping, but I also wanted to compile a guide for how citizens can make a difference.
What Black Belt Means To Me
So what makes a good black belt? Talent? Time? Effort? The ability to fight off multiple attackers while wearing sunglasses? There should absolutely be a level of technical ability, and especially maturity. The black belt is cheapened when it is given to seven year olds in American dojos.
Video: Geki Sai Dai Ichi in a Straight Line
Does what it says on the tin – how to do Geki Sai Dai Ichi in a straight line! This… Read more Video: Geki Sai Dai Ichi in a Straight Line
Video: How to teach Tensho to beginners
Tensho, the great balancing kata that pairs beautifully with Sanchin kata. In this video, we give a brief overview of… Read more Video: How to teach Tensho to beginners
Zojo Dojo 