By John Christensen, Member until 2010
It is now a summer holiday since Jokokan's instructor's camp got off the ground. Over the years I have participated in many different events in Jokokan, all with great benefit.
For me, it has always been the case that the following days after a training camp or course have been characterized by increased inspiration and a feeling of having gotten better at the techniques that have been taught, this was also the case with this camp.
So what is it that stands out from the previous activities I have participated in? There are several points I would like to talk about.
Development of Jokokan's learning approach. Karate and other Budo are traditionally characterized by "Learning by doing" or so-called master teaching. A specific technique is taught and this technique is subsequently practiced and trained.
The new thing is to observe others and see what they do, and then incorporate the new details into the techniques you already "know".
After this summer's camp, I have personally experienced a kind of epiphany in relation to training old and new techniques. Details and techniques that are first learned to a high degree can now be applied to techniques at a lower level, with the benefit that the old technique becomes better and more efficient.
However, the most fruitful thing only dawned on me after a thorough evaluation and the subsequent start of the season. Being able to start relating to techniques and Kata with, Why and how:
Why is the technique performed as it is? When you automatically ask yourself this every time you practice a technique, mundane details suddenly seem very important.
How to progress in your development now seemed to be the difficult question, and it can be a bit frustrating to have to start training techniques that you thought you could. This is also the motivation to move forward.
I hope and believe that the other instructors have some experiences that are similar to mine and I am sure that the development we have gone through will leave their mark on the season's training at home in the local clubs to the delight of both instructors and students.
