A Parent's Guide to Karate

[@detlefwulker7425]

So true. My father died when I was 13 1/2 years old. I absolute ran out of control after that. The only person at school I still respected was my teacher, a good friend of my father. He gave me the advice to start boxing in order to get rid of my aggression and anger. I started karate instead. Though I had to vomit after the first 4 or 5 training units and my sensei asked me whether I was sure to do the right thing, it was definitely the right thing for me. Karate put me back on track, calmed me down and cured me mentally. It’s not all about belting (after 5 years I still had white) I was definitely not interested in belt ranking. What I admired most and what I really loved were katas. Perfection, body control, technique. It was always fun to practice with a brown belt from another dojo 😂 Your doing a great job, kind regards from Germany, Detlef

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

Ah, you wrote such a thoughtful and beautiful comment, and it has been waiting so patiently for a reply. I am so glad you found karate at the right time of your life - so many people don't (usually too soon.) I am sure your sensei is still so proud of you, and it is our honour to have someone like you watching our channel 🙇 Apologies for the appallingly late response - working through the backlog of comments now.

[@Ratenef]

I love the comment that grading isn't fair. Every black belt journey is unique. I personally don't get angry when people pass me in grading/belting. I congratulate them and use it as motivation for me to work harder and improve. I am a 52 year old man with arthritis in both knees and I cannot compare myself to the teenagers I train with. I can, and should, only compare myself of today to myself of yesterday.

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

Ah, we love to hear it when someone understands how intensely personal this journey is, and that everyone must be graded on their merit, rather than a general curve. Our adults are so special because we know that they have so many demands on their time, that they have existing injuries, and that we are truly lucky to have them for any amount of time, never mind a long time :) Thank you so much for commenting and watching!

[@terrysanders2817]

Managed to miss viewing this when it was published. Excellent analysis!

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

Ah, thank you so much, Sensei Terry! I hope it will be useful to many parents over time :)

[@williamyoung2517]

Great to see you back on the screen!

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

Ah, yay! William! So nice to see you too! As usual, my video bombed, but it's still nice to be back 🤣

[@davinaerwee2349]

Slowing down the belt system is so important. I stayed 6 years on brown before I was invited for black. Maybe too young or maybe ability. It was a long wait but karate for me was just absolute happiness when I was growing up. Sometimes it would be a bit sad that older people would come in the dojo and get shodan while I was still waiting. I may have been forgotten about by my instructor at the time. 🤔There were so many incredible karateka at the time.

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

The belt system can be such a boon, but it can also break hearts and spirits when not correctly applied. It is a testament to your character that you didn't quit, when so many would have when told to wait for so long. I know I probably would have! - Zoë

[@nickyjohnson3618]

Absolutely brilliant video, Sensei Zoë! It totally resonates with me. I love the Vygotsky's theory explanation. It's the best model for kids to learn humility and confidence in my opinion. Your content is always on point and so relevant. Thank you 👏

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

Ah, thank you so much, Sensei Nicky! I'm a bit sad that the video bombed so hard, but as long as it is useful to someone, then it is worth all the effort 💛

[@davinaerwee2349]

I tell my little students in regards to making a fist, "Piggies in the pen." We can't have them piggies running around where I live 😄

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@berlin80s]

that was interesting for me, thank you.

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and found my small video helpful! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment 🤗

[@berlin80s]

@@GojuRyuKarateCentre Thank you for the well thought out videos and best wishes from Germany. 🙂

[@NefaraVFX]

Why is it that some Goju-Ryu schools have reddish Logo and you have the different one

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

Great question! The most commonly seen one is the black and red IOGKF logo, which goes back decades, and is one of the largest Goju Ryu organizations in the world. The one I'm wearing is the gold and black logo of OGKK, the Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Kyokai. But there are dozens, if not hundreds of organizations, ranging in size and geography. It is important to ask, when joining a dojo, which federation they belong to. A good federation helps provide oversight, ensures that there is insurance and first aid qualifications and that there is regular updates and improvements in the syllabus. Hope this helps!

[@NefaraVFX]

@@GojuRyuKarateCentre Thank you I didn't knew that Are there any differences in Katas?

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

@@NefaraVFX There are some small differences between the kata (and some federations have more or less kata in their syllabus) so it is important for students to confirm with their instructor what the kata should look like for grading. But it is also important to know how other styles to it, as each difference is often a different interpretation of the bunkai :)

[@arshkoutabhdhiman2682]

why you have made this video too late nice content of this video.😃

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

You're right - I've been meaning to make it for months and months! And I still have so much to say 🙈

[@jonasjpm1989]

Legal

[@GojuRyuKarateCentre]

Arigato gozaimasu 🙇🏻‍♀️