Here is a list of 9 tips that every beginner should know when starting karate lessons. If you know these tips, you will be more knowledgeable than 95% of all beginners. When people begin their martial arts training, they have preconceived thoughts about what they will do in a typical karate class. Although the tips I mention may vary slightly between schools, if you know this information ahead of time, you can’t go wrong!
1. It is a common courtesy to address instructors as sir, madam, or sensei. By doing this, you show that you have respect for the instructor and understand the disciplinary side of martial arts. Karate lessons will help you learn discipline and respect as you gain experience as a martial artist.
2. A karate school is often referred to as a Dojo, Dojang, school, or training hall. Dojo is short for dojang and simply means a place where people gather to train in martial arts.
3. Bowing down is a sign of mutual respect for another person. Many Americans associate “bowing down” with bowing to authority or that someone is better than them. This is not the case at all in martial arts, it is a sign of mutual respect. Depending on how traditional the school is, you should bow when entering and leaving the training room, when you start and end the class, and when you speak with your instructor. This will vary by school, so don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Always be courteous and respectful to others. This should be a mantra that you live with anyway; however, in a martial arts training room it is a rule. Lose your ego, treat others how you want them to treat you, you know, the basics. Once you walk through the door and enter the dojo, you are no longer a doctor, mom, dad, lawyer, cashier, etc., you are a student.
5. Watch a class before you sign up to see what the school is teaching. This is a common mistake made by beginners, they sign up at the first place they visit only to find that this was not the type of training they were looking for. If the instructor is extremely aggressive and won’t let you watch a class or try one for free, this should be a sign. I realize that schools have to make money, all businesses do! If your program is great, you won’t have to pressure people to sign up!
6. Have the right attitude: Martial arts is not about “kicking someone’s butt”! Karate lessons will build confidence and help build self-esteem. It’s great exercise and it will help you lose weight and get in shape, this is all true! The goal is to learn to be a strong martial artist, and if you have to defend yourself, you have to be good at it. Protecting yourself and your family, absolutely! Training to start fights and kick butt, not at all! Now don’t get me wrong, fighting in the ring is not only a great experience, it allows you to put your skills to the test in the right forum, not on the street for fun.
7. You must be open to learning. If you already know everything, why are you there? Many younger students come in with the attitude that they already know a lot based on practicing what they see on television. You may know a few things based on research and that’s great; however, to improve you must be open to learning. The day will soon come when you will test your next rank and have plenty of time to prove your skills.
8. Work hard and always do your best! Martial arts will help you push your limits and do things you never thought were possible. By working hard and exerting yourself safely, you will expand your mind and body and grow as a martial artist. The more you give, the more you will get in return!
9. Help others as you grow and develop as a martial artist. Part of learning and improving your life is giving back to others as well. I don’t mean that you should walk around and correct everyone and know everything, that’s not the point. But I mean helping others achieve their goals, improve techniques, and become better martial artists.