Training in between classes

[WadoAJ]

You know Majin,

there is no such thing as practicing too much. Wether it be at home or in the dojo. It is a matter of finding your own balance. It is not always about perfect stances as well as it is not only about fighting. There needs to be a balance in what you do. Training emcompasses a lot of things, not only standing in line and doing junzuki.

It doesn't matter whether it is budo or something else. When you teach you need to guide. Spoonfeeding is not teaching. Think. Listen. Re-evaluate. Make mistakes. Practice. -edit: and experiment!- The answers you find with your own body are the best lessons- . It is a process and there is nothing wrong with practicing something that is incorrect (to an extent) for a while. Who did a perfect junzuki at kyu grade level. And who did on Dan grade level? It matters that the direction you are going is correct and that you have an intention to keep polishing and honing technique.

as for incorrect practice I will mention one example.
kime.

Would you prefer to start with a power punch and learn to relax more as the process goes to refine your kime.
Or would you like to perform an empty punch for years and then try to find the correct amount and timing of tension.

Both are incorrect in the beginning but might go the right way.

AJ

[majin29]

Once again, great suggestions. I always try to practice with power but, as you mention, I'm struggling to find when I'm to use power and when to relax. I know it's just time and practice. I have never approached MA with a carefree "hobby" type mentality. To me, if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do the best I possibly can to get the most out of it. Others in my class approach it differently and that's perfectly fine. To them, it just might be a little exercise once a week and a nice thing to do with their kids. I can't fault them for that. Everyone is the architect of their own path in life.