Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Thks 4 the invitation

I'm not on the net as often as I like to. So please be patient with me in responding to what I see. I have a question or two for all.
What made you pick Biwa Ko?
What was your purpose in the beginning to start training and has its focus changed?

2 Comments:

At 2:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi shihan - here are my answers to your questions...

What made you pick Biwa Ko? For me, it started basically with the idea that studying martial arts would be a good thing to do. So I surfed the internet researching different places to study.

I first was attracted to Biwa Ko Dojo by the description of the style on the main website. Then I went to a class taught by Sensei Stephen, it didn't seem pretentious or an overtly "guy" thing. When Sensei Stephen said that there were other women my size in the dojo, I thought I'd give it a try.

And I somtimes try other styles, too. Maybe some think I'm "shopping" for other martial arts, but really, I am just curious. I just don't know what I don't know, and I am trying to figure out this world of martial arts culture, really (I don't watch fighting movies or know the history well. Maybe I should soon.)

And to be honest, nothing compares to the kind of instruction I get at the dojo and the experience of practice - the hi's + lo's.

I told Sempai Zhenya once over email how much I appreciated the senseis. The quality of instruction is extraordinary, even with all its challenge and toughness. Really good teachers can be hard to find. I think the senseis are the best I've ever had.

What was your purpose in the beginning to start training and has its focus changed? My purpose probably was to connect more with other interesting folks and try something new. Something more basic and simple, really.

My focus is probably to stay committed to something I've started. Studying jujitsu reminds me to never give up, it makes me happy, I feel challenged, and so I keep going. And I do try better understand the art, safety and fun of it all.

 
At 11:39 AM, Blogger woodyBatts said...

Hello Shihan.

Here are my answers.

What made you pick Biwa Ko?
The first class I went to watch was with Sempai Zhenya teaching, it was just her and Adi. I had been to a few other schools to watch classes, but I was really impressed that even though there was just 2 of them their focus was remarkable. There was no goofing around, it was disciplined and fun.

As I began classes I was and am still amazed by the lack of ego that our dojo has. I have never felt belittled because I was junior, or that I was slowing someone down. Now that I have spent some time with the dojo, when Sensei asks me to show a new student something I am elated that they trust me to work with a new student.

What was your purpose in the beginning to start training and has its focus changed?

In the beginning I wanted to lose weight, get in shape, and learn an art. Now I want to finish my weight loss goal, but devote myself more to learning the art of jujitsu and add to our school.

Currently I am challenged by more personal confrontations rather than physical, such as becoming frustrated mentally. Sensei Maria said Green Belt is the year of frustration...the challenge I know have is to keep my mind intact, even though I am upset with my performance.

 

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