2022-12-15
Subbing for ISKF Tempe at the Tempe Family YMCA.
This dojo includes a family consisting of a father and three children who all take class together. The father sometimes has to miss class because of work obligations, or to care for two younger children. As a result, he sometimes falls a bit behind when it comes to things like memorizing kata. Last week, when all of them were training together, I gave the kids a bit of a good-natured hard time about this.
The dad was having a hard time getting through Heian Godan, so I pointed at each of the kids in turn: “You can get through this kata by yourself, right?” Each of the kids, in turn, yelled, “Osu!” Then, I asked, “But you guys all live in the same house, right?” They all yelled, “Osu!” I continued, “So how come none of you are helping your dad memorize this kata?” The kids all looked around at each other for a minute before looking back at me.
I said, “If your dad has to miss class so he can work to pay for your lessons, or take care of your brother and sister, the least you can do is help him practice at home, right?” They all nodded, so I continued, “Okay then … your dad better be able to get through this kata next time, or all you kids are doing push-ups!” Dad thought this was hilarious and laughed, which was fine, but then the kids laughed too so I assured them, “I’m serious.” All of this took place last week, but today was the day …
We all did kata together, and when it came time for Heian Godan I asked the kids, “So, did you guys help your dad learn Heian Godan yet, or will you be doing push-ups?” There was a palpably awkward pause before the dad said, “Probably push-ups.” As it happened, he was right. 😈
Having said all of this, we all got a good laugh out of this, and these kids were all capable of knocking out 10 push-ups without breaking a sweat, so it wasn’t really “punishment” so much as it was just a good-natured reminder. I generally don’t give students physical punishment like push-ups. Push-ups are part of regular training, necessary for building arm and wrist strength, so I don’t want students to think of them negatively. I joke that push-ups and leg-lifts are the “broccoli” of karate training. You don’t have to like them, but they’re a necessary part of training.
