I thought I;d cut and paste this from another thread...here's how yesterday's class went....
For six years I've been dying to go and study Jeet Kun Do and this eveninig I had my first class. The instructor was old, overweight, didnt know how to count (1...2...3...7....3....7...) and though no one was looking, we were all pretty sure he had a stiffy. I couldnt help but be a little disgusted. Within 20 minutes everyone was chatting, messing around and not even listening to the instructor who introduced himself with "fuck it...I burp, I swear, I fart, if you dont like it get out". (BTW this wasnt Steve Powell who apparently 'had the shits'). .
I wonder if Bruce is looking down on these guys and thinking 'wait till your up here lads, I'll show what JKD really means'
Don't blame the art mate, blame the club!!
I'd absolutely agree - and it might not even be the club, just a wanker stand-in instructor.
However, I'd point out that "didn't know how to count" is a surprisingly common fault and indeed one I have. If I'm concentrating on watching someone's technique and thinking how I can get them to improve it (and how to frame that instruction to them so they understand it), counting really does become a lower priority so I often confuse what number I'm up to. The students don't seem to mind though as they get good hints they can see immediate results with.
Give the club another shot when the regular instructor is back, but if it's still crap, look elsewhere immediately (I'd even make an excuse and leave part way through the lesson if it seems to be going the same way).
I did consider it could be the instructor, but any decent instructor wouldn't let a waste of space stand-in teach at his club.
However you are right, no harm in giving the normal guy a go, what will you loose other than about £5!!
I thought I;d cut and paste this from another thread...here's how yesterday's class went....
For six years I've been dying to go and study Jeet Kun Do and this eveninig I had my first class. The instructor was old, overweight, didnt know how to count (1...2...3...7....3....7...) and though no one was looking, we were all pretty sure he had a stiffy. I couldnt help but be a little disgusted. Within 20 minutes everyone was chatting, messing around and not even listening to the instructor who introduced himself with "fuck it...I burp, I swear, I fart, if you dont like it get out". (BTW this wasnt Steve Powell who apparently 'had the shits'). .
I wonder if Bruce is looking down on these guys and thinking 'wait till your up here lads, I'll show what JKD really means'
Don't blame the art mate, blame the club!!
I'd absolutely agree - and it might not even be the club, just a wanker stand-in instructor.
However, I'd point out that "didn't know how to count" is a surprisingly common fault and indeed one I have. If I'm concentrating on watching someone's technique and thinking how I can get them to improve it (and how to frame that instruction to them so they understand it), counting really does become a lower priority so I often confuse what number I'm up to. The students don't seem to mind though as they get good hints they can see immediate results with.
Give the club another shot when the regular instructor is back, but if it's still crap, look elsewhere immediately (I'd even make an excuse and leave part way through the lesson if it seems to be going the same way).
i'm going back on wednesday, like you guys said i'm not blaming to club, just the instructor.
I thought I;d cut and paste this from another thread...here's how yesterday's class went....
For six years I've been dying to go and study Jeet Kun Do and this eveninig I had my first class. The instructor was old, overweight, didnt know how to count (1...2...3...7....3....7...) and though no one was looking, we were all pretty sure he had a stiffy. I couldnt help but be a little disgusted. Within 20 minutes everyone was chatting, messing around and not even listening to the instructor who introduced himself with "fuck it...I burp, I swear, I fart, if you dont like it get out". (BTW this wasnt Steve Powell who apparently 'had the shits').
I couldnt help but compare to my kyokushin class where no one was allowed to talk unless given permission, the instructor beat our legs with baseball bats and punched us in the gut as we did sit ups. I know it sounds insane but our sensei was the shit. This guy was a joke - really dissapointing.
In every form of Martial Art there is good and bad. it looks like you picked a bad one Ender. First impressions are often true, and I would honestly suggest that you now look for another club.
It is often the case that people go to their nearest club, rather than look at a few that are all within striking distance. This may mean a slightly longer journey, but if the club and the instructor are good, then it will be worth your trouble.
Have a look round. Any instructor who swears during a lesson is not a good instructor, especially if he says "if you dont like it, get out".
Dont waste your money or your time with this guy, there are some great JKD instructors out there.
thanks for the update. i decided not to go back, it really shocked me, in part because of preconceptions i took in with me but also due to the sheer lack of respect. Other noob were lapping it up, laughing and joking around with the instructor who desperately wanted to be liked. I dont mean there should be a decorum, every teacher is different but i think respect, for the place you work in, the students, the teachers and yourself is a given, especially in karate.
I wanted to go there 6 years ago before I left the country and its been on my mind all this time, i guess i just built it up too much.
Ah well, I'm still looking around for other stuff to do, to be honest I dont care what, it mostly depends on the teacher.
A good decision in my view Ender. Where are you based? I may be able to suggest one or two places to visit. In any case travel around and just sit and watch a class at various venues. It is easy to see and appreciate a well run club and a skilled instructor.
Martial Arts are the same as any other trade - there are 'cowboys' out there. Watch carefully its easy to pick them out.
If you see a good class, a reputable instructor will offer you a free 'taster' lesson. You can then take it from there.
