So today, I came across a quote by a former well-known Japanese Kata World Champion who stated something along the lines of “Students should never come to class late as it disturbs the flow of lessons and distracts other students lah di dahh”. Personally speaking, I have absolutely no problem with students arriving late - 10 minutes, 1 hour, even 2 hours late, all fine and dandy with me. What matters most is the fact that they actually attempt to come and train. With work, family and other commitments in life, making it to the dojo at a specific time every time can be difficult for some. The fact my students actually turn up and not make excuses for not turning up I think is commendable. They are all aware that the dojo is always open even if I am busy. In addition, understand if they are the ones busy, are always welcome to train whenever they arrive even after everyone else has finished.
I think it was due to Toshimitsu Sensei from our dojo in Okinawa, who really opened my eyes to the fact that if you wanted to train, time had no real bearing. Never was there a training night where he wouldn't be tardy. The class would be over and everyone onto their second or third alcoholic beverage. Time simply didn't matter. Rocking up to the dojo around 9:00pm directly from work cracking out his angry face and going through junbi undo followed by kata was and I assume still is, Toshimitsu Sensei.
All that regimented drop and gimme 20 push-ups hoo-ha should one turn up late or for other reasons you often hear – Jesus Christ, give me a break! A KitKat maybe… Even if one gets to the dojo late and only has enough time to practice one kata 2 or 3 times, isn’t that better than not doing anything at all? Ok time for a KitKat...
