Greetings and salutations, fellow karateka. Here we will provide resources and training in the traditional Goju Ryu system for those who can’t get to the dojo.
And maybe even offer testing for rank one day, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
We’re in the early stages of development, both our online training concepts as well as laying out the necessary material here.
In the meantime, here are some things you should know.
Motivation
Working out at home is a totally different experience than working out in a dojo. There’s no sensei. No classmates or workout partners. No one to spar with. And often no or little training equipment, either.
Having regular practices in the dojo sets a routine. Habit makes it easier to keep going on those days you just don’t feel like it.
All those things are missing at home.
It’s up to YOU to motivate yourself, to set a training schedule that works for you. It’s up to you to decide what to practice, and what not to. It’s up to you whether to do extra conditioning like running or weight training.
To work out at home, YOU have to make the choice that karate practice comes first — maybe not always at the same time or day, but in such regularity that you can depend on it being there for you day after day and week after week.
But motivation isn’t all you need. Because wanting to isn’t enough.
Self-discipline
Assuming you have the motivation to work out by yourself (or even with a family member or friend), you’re half-way there.
The other half is to develop the self-discipline to make sure you do.
Set regular days and times, and try not to miss it. Or if your schedule doesn’t allow for such consistency, set weekly goals and try to do a little bit every day.
You’re going to miss workouts. Have a plan for how you’ll handle it, and when you’ll make it up (if you can). But if you can’t, double down on your intention to make the next scheduled practice time.
AND BE SURE YOU DO.
Hold yourself accountable. Not to beat yourself up if you fall short, but to make sure you stay on track.
The hardest part is when life gets in the way by vacation, injury, illness or other demands.
Resolve to get back on the horse as soon as you can. But during the interruptions, try to fit in smaller, short workouts to keep you in the groove.
Fitness. Kata. Kicks. Combinations. Ido. You know the drill. Pick something to work on and do it.
Have a plan
Go into each workout with a plan. Know what you want to accomplish, and how long and hard you’re prepared to work.
Some days will be better than others, but give each one your best. Do what you can, as best you can.
Even when dealing with injuries, often there are other things you can do. Like focusing on stances and kicking, or kata movements, when rehabbing a shoulder injury.
Trust that just by practicing what you already know, you’ll help to keep it fresh and viable for you.
I always said missing one practice sets you back two. One to get back to where you were, and the other to get the improvement you would have had otherwise.
Don’t think you’re simply trying to stay where you are or keep from slipping too far. You can get better, even working out alone at home.
Find a space to train
Working out at home can be problematic, especially for those in apartments and small spaces.
Don’t be afraid to move furniture around to get room to practice. Or to do kata or other techniques that would cover large spaces without covering such distances.
Just readjust your position and stances accordingly.
You can even do them in the shower, practicing one movement at a time — assuming a non-slip floor and using extra care to avoid falls.
Wherever you are, if you want to continue your training, you have to find a way. And that means a space to do what you need to do.
It doesn’t have to be the same space for everything. You might go outside to kick a bag propped against a tree, or do kata in the yard or on the patio or drive.
You could do blocks and punches one place, and kicks in another. It’s totally up to you.
Try to stay flexible, but don’t quit or give up if you can’t figure out how. Find a way. Just do it.
A word about injuries and health
We all age, and bodies deteriorate. Decades of training can accelerate that. But that doesn’t mean quitting.
Adjust what you do to what you can do.
If you’re concerned about your health, by all means see a doctor before starting.
And if you encounter shortness of breath, heart palpitations or other indications of an underlying condition that might put you at risk, then STOP and seek immediate medical treatment.
You know all this. But keep it in mind. You’re not indestructible, and there’s no harm in adjusting your training to your life, lifestyle and physical/mental capabilities..
Be smart about it. But when health doesn’t stop you, keep going.
Find a way.
Hopefully we’ll see you in the digital dojo soon. God bless you indeed.