5 Best Practices on Training to take with you after each class.

Ok, you’re working on your technique.  Your ukemi.  Your Test Techniques.  Working on Etiquette.  Working on Centering.  Balance. Zanshin and so on.  Class can become overwhelming sometimes trying to retain a lot of details and points your instructor is making.  Here are some tips on retention:

1.  There is usually a theme during class – try to take that away from a big picture standpoint.  Try not to have tunnel vision here.

2. If you are being instructed on something specific.  Take that with you when you leave the dojo and remember to work on it the very next class. You’ll see the biggest improvements in your practice.

3. If you are working on Tai Sabaki, hand positions, a lot of that can be done out of the dojo in your home on carpet (no falling) or hard wood and/or even outside on your lawn.  The students that progress the most think about their practice
and find time and ways to ‘drill’ off the mat weekly.

4. Repetitions are key.  Focus on that during your practice.  Do not get bogged down with details.  Do not get bogged down with Verbal communication.  There is a time and place for that.  It is not during practice.  Focus on your physical practice with your partner.  Move fast to select and uke.  Bow.  Begin training.  Reduce the amount of time wasted between the switch from uke to nage.  Get in as many techniques as you can at the right pace for your level.  It’s not about fast, sloppy practice but smooth, high repetition practice.

5.  Finally, realize ‘Rome was not built in a day’  If you are wondering why you’re not progressing as quickly as you like, some of these points will apply but the biggest one that applies is your ‘seriousness and commitment’ to getting to class.  80% of success if just showing up.  Serious students that achieve Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) are in the dojo between 3-5 days a week and practice at home.  They also go to a lot of seminars.  It’s all about your desire and ability to make it happen.

About the Author:

Jonathan Weiner Sensei, Senior Instructor/Dojo Cho has been studying Aikido for the past 14 years and currently holds the rank of Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt) as recognized by the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan). Weiner Sensei is also a Fukushidoin (certified instructor) appointed by the USAF and Aikikai World Headquarters and oversees rank promotion and testing at Aikido of Charlotte with Main Sensei. Weiner Sensei has attended over 85 seminars in the past 14 years. In that time he has had the opportunity to learn from many Shihan (Master Teachers) Weiner Sensei teaches the Beginner class on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30PM-7:30PM, and the mixed class on Saturday mornings from 8:30AM-10:00AM. As Dojo Cho, he runs all aspects of the dojo operations and its business. His credentials also include, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Certified Range Safety Officer (RSO) and is a Certified Glock Armorer. Jonathan is the CEO/Partner of Mez Media, a Digital Media company.