Sensei Unapproachable

[Ih8stupidppl]

I'm a suber n00b kenshin, but I already have a question.

I started training with the UT Kendo Association recently and have been to a few practices so far. I really enjoy it and am extremely excited, but there's a hitch.

I'm not really getting more instruction than a few pointers from more advanced students, and its impossible to talk to my teachers.

The guy who teaches the class on Thursday nights (Not Sensei, he says to call him sir) is almost deaf, I tried to talk to him and half of it was "What" on his part. Furthermore, my sensei, while extremely awesome and good at Kendo, barely speaks English. What he says is usually profound, but I only catch about half of it.

So my question is, is this a problem? I think I'm getting most of my techniques right just by watching and correcting, plus when summer rolls around, I'll move out of the beginner class into a senior class and I imagine I'll recieve better training there, and furthermore at the end of the summer I'll be moving to a completely different dojo. Am I cool for the time being, not being able to discuss anything with my sensei, or am I screwed?

Thanks for your help guys.

[Khabbi]

Aslong as the "older" students help you to get it right you should be fine , just copy the rest ( who do it right ). And ask the older guys questions so you get it right.

Other then that you said your gonna switch Dojo , so dont worry too much.

on another note
You have a Nietzsche quote as sigg , what books should I read from him ?

[Ih8stupidppl]

Thanks, thats what I thought. :)

As for Neitsche, I'm probably the wrong person to ask. I usually have strange taste, so your best bet is to do a library search on his name and rent the book with the most copies. ;)

[Frenchykenshi]

Khabbi, you should get "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"

Ih8stupidppl, if I were you, I'd wait to switch dojo. You're going to learn a lot only by watching your sensei and the older students should help you. Don't hesitate to ask them if you need some explanation. U of T is a very good dojo and others dojos in Toronto are really crowded.

Hope that helps

[Hai_hai]

..? I think I'm getting most of my techniques right just by watching and correcting, plus when summer rolls around, I'll move out of the beginner class into a senior class and I imagine I'll recieve better training there, and furthermore at the end of the summer I'll be moving to a completely different dojo. Am I cool for the time being, not being able to discuss anything with my sensei, or am I screwed?

Thanks for your help guys.

Depending on the size of the dojo, if it is large, then you will probably be taught by someone other than the sensei. This is not a problem. As a beginner, you are only learning beginning stuff that doesn't necessarily need to be taught by the sensei.

If your form has problems, someone will point it out during keiko and it doesn't have to be the sensei. You can always approach sempai (other senior students) if you have questions outside of practice time, like before or after class. Students usually come early to get suited up and warm up or whatever so you can ask them whatever questions you have at that time.

[tyler]

my two cents is stay. UofT is a great dojo that has produced alot of great players. Because of the high rate of attrition (sp?) in university kendo dojo's, its sort of up to you to stick with it, even though it feels awkward and you feel you don't get many pointers. I'm still trying to fix and work on some of the first pointers I ever got, things like posture and footwork, grip etc..
So i'd say try to focus on the pointers and don't worry how much actual instruction you think you're getting. Its up to you to take those few pointers and drill them into your muscle memory for months and months before its even worthwhile putting on bogu. If it feels like you're not getting much attention, its probably because so many people eventually drop out. More will come when you stick around and it becomes apparent that you're serious about it. Stick with it, keep practicing, and eventually you'll get more instruction.
So yeah, i'd say stick with UofT.

Tyler

[Kirin]

Ih8stupidppl,

I see your frustration... but stick with it!
When you start kendo, first 6 months or so will be nothing but repetition of foot work and suburi. Unless you can use proper footwork, your kendo will be very limited when you advance to next level of class.
Right now, it may be very boring, but dont get too head (knowledge) heavy, and let your body learn footwork and suburi first.

UT (assuming its Texas) has very good kendo club.
Great sensei and senior members. I hope you get to know them better soon.

Oh, one more thing, do you have 2nd dojo? (2nd dojo is universal kendo term for beer after practice ^^) This is great place to ask questions to senpai or sensei!

[Ih8stupidppl]

Thanks for all the advice guys!


Don't worry about me quitting, thats not the issue. By what you said it seems like I don't need to worry about direct teaching until later and thats fine with me.

And I'm switching Dojo's because I'm going to college (Not at UT...), not by choice. It'd be rather difficult to keep attending UTKA if I'm in Colorado...
Anyway, thanks again, I appreciate your kindness!

[tyler]

whoops, someone mentioned University of Toronto and I assumed thats what you meant. sorry.

[m_french]

Khabbi, you should get "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"

Hope that helps
or try Ecco Homo