The Kata Lottery

Jason Stanley 

lotteryAs a student you’ll remember what it was like when you first were asked to make your kata in front of the class.

It’s a nerve-racking ordeal for most.

But as you know it’s one you’ve gotta overcome to progress.

For me I shook like a leaf… I was asked to perform the kata Jiin (which I’d just learned) in front of the entire school. I’ll never forget that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Looking back all these years later, I’m glad our sensei asked us from time to time to perform our kata solo. It’s one of the first steps of conquering unwarranted fear.

So once a week I run a Kata Lottery! It’s just like being audited by the IRS – you never know when it’s gonna happen, but if/when it does you just got to deal with it!

Before class begins I’ll take my students attendance cards, shuffle them and then have another student randomly pick a card. The chosen student must come up and do a kata of their choice for the class. And it might be at any time during class, so nobody has had a chance to prepare.

Muhuhuhahahaha! Evil, right?

I know. =)

But it’s a good thing so long as you are judging to assess and give positive feedback, not to condemn or humiliate in front of the group.

Try it next time in class – tell your students you have a surprise for them. It’s something new that they’ve never done before. Let them know they’ve been entered into the kata lottery and that they might just be the lucky winner!

Jason Stanley

Jason Stanley has been practicing karate for 37 years. He is a 5th dan in Shitoryu/Shukokai, and 3 x stick fighting world champion. Since 2002 Jason has provided karate tips, hints and information to help both students and teachers increase their karate knowledge, deepen their understanding and improve their karate skill sets. His materials, e-books and courses have sold in over 35 countries. If you haven't already done so, please subscribe to the KarateTeaching newsletter and receive free karate teaching tips delivered to your inbox. No spam. No BS. Just helpful info to improve your skills. 100% privacy.

Recommended Posts

Embracing Empathy: The Art of Teaching Martial Arts

Teaching martial arts goes far beyond imparting techniques and movements; it is about shaping character, instilling respect, and promoting continuous growth. Our approach to instruction, therefore, can significantly impact the way our students perceive and engage with karate. One aspect we should reflect on is the tone and method of our instruction. Are we merely […]

Jason Stanley 

How To Keep Students Interested

In a recent survey I asked instructors what their biggest challenge is when it comes to teaching and running a dojo. I received a wide variety of responses from needing new drills and exercises, to keeping helicopter parents from interfering, to managing student data. But one of the more common challenges relates to student retention, […]

Jason Stanley 

How to Develop Fighter Instinct

The tactical landscape of tournament fighting is forever changing. Competitors and coaches are always looking for an edge over their opponents. And with the all-too-frequent changes in rules, there is an arms race to develop the next great strategy, tactic, or method. Thanks to the pursuit of the next nuclear fighting tactic, fundamentals have taken […]

Jason Stanley 

6 thoughts on “The Kata Lottery”

  1. Lorraine

    This a great idea I will give it a go in my classes and see how it goes

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Jason Stanley

      You’re welcome Lorraine! Let me know how it works for you…

      Reply

  2. Joe

    I love this! Thanks for the new post. Was thinking about writing and begging for a new post. this was my fix for now.

    Reply

  3. Tracy

    As it happens we have a tournament coming up and am planning on setting up a ring for kata and kumite practice. We all get nervy at the prospect of others watching us so I love this idea. Thanks.

    Reply

  4. David Diego

    Hey Jason,
    I surely will take this suggestion in getting my students to be able to perform i front of a crowd more oftent. We have a few tournaments coming in Central America namely Guatemala and Salvador. So we will prepare earnestly for these upcoming tournaments. Thanks Jason!

    Reply

  5. Jason Stanley

    You’re welcome David. Good luck!

    Reply

Leave A Comment