I have seen a lot of classes and taught thousands of students over the years, and in that time i have witnessed many things. One that comes to mind is this; All students spend most of their training lives in the dojo. For example if you were to train 2 sessions per week over the 40 weeks that we train, that would be 80 sessions per year. In addition to this we attend gradings which is only 2 per year and competitions a maximum of say 5 or 6 per year.
Now back to the story. I see students that dont really push themselves in regular classes and then when a grading or competition comes along they go into over drive. The problem is that because in their regular 80 sessions per year they are not working hard, this over exertion does not work. At the gradings and comps they put that much effort into their techniques that their technique breaks down and looks forced. Their bodies are not used to working at high intensity and it is plain to see. I have found that the students that work hard in class week in week out are the ones that perform the best at these events. Not only do they perform better but their karate is better in general as they are always pushing themselves to the limit.

 

 

Oss,

 

Sensei Michael