Well, what do I mean by, ‘choose the right karate dojo for you’.
Quite often there are karateka who are completely out of place in their dojo, they are as good as every other karateka in the dojo, but they look uncomfortable, unhappy and uneasy. This is normally down to differences in their mind make up when it comes to karate practice.
The sensei (teacher) has their way of training, a way that has developed over many years, they may be more interested in kumite (sparring), than Kihon (basics) and Kata (forms). Because of this they practice everything, but the majority of their training steers towards kumite training, this is only natural for sensei who have been training many years.
Everybody should find a karate dojo that fits their martial arts mind set. If you like kata, find a dojo where kata is the main theme. If you like kumite, find a dojo where kumite is the main theme. If you like competition karate, find a dojo that competes often. If you like a mix, find a dojo where they do just that, etc, etc, etc.
If you really not happy at your present dojo, look around, there are karate dojo everywhere. Keep trying different dojo until you find the one for you.
Whenever a karateka moves on from my dojo for that reason, I’m happy and I wish them well. You must be happy at your dojo, or what’s the point?
I know this article is about choosing the right dojo for you, but a little advice for the sensei reading this. If you try and please everyone at your dojo, you’ll end up pleasing no one.
If someone isn’t happy, the sensei or senpai should go have a chat and maybe recommend another karate school.
Well, if you’re happy at your present dojo, I’m happy. If you’re not happy at your dojo, I hope you soon find the perfect karate dojo for you!
Ossu
