Kaze Uta Budo Kai Forum Archive

Kyle was speaking last night and brought up the aspect of playing lower ranks a rank or two above their current level. So for example if my partner is a sankyu, I would play them as if they were a nikyu or ikkyu. For the upper ranks this is very logical, and we are aware of the level of play that is needed.

Now for the lower ranks they may interpret this as we are playing them strong. In return they play physically strong. But there is a difference between the strengths. The yudansha is playing technically strong, thus giving the lower rank problems to figure out. So they are playing at a higher level, forcing the lower rank to develop their skills and become better. To compensate the kyu grade usually ups there intensity. Now we get into a downward spiral.

The downward spiral comes from the yudansha sensing that their partner has upped the intensity, in return the yudansha will up their intensity. Because like we always say, the lower rank sets the pace. So what we have is a system that is ratcheting up the intensity at an outstanding rate. So what started out as a practice with good intentions has now turned into an all out war.

Now I know everyone is saying it is the responsibility of the yudansha to keep everything in check, but if the lower rank continues to go all out, then I'll respond in kind. And of course the lower rank also makes the comment that "I'm just trying to survive." We'll that is pretty much the situation, because you have chosen to play that way.

So in conclusion there is a fine line between the level and intensity in which we play. When the pace and intensity of play increase, the learning will more than likely decrease. Let's keep the level of play high and the intensity level appropriate.

lower rank sets the pace but the upper rank can certainly have opinions about it -- one need not automatically ratchet up in response -- as tempting as it is -- when a fella starts getting a little too juicy and exciting i find it a good time to switch gears entirely and stop "playing" at all by switching to "teaching mode"-- verbally take charge and direct the practice into a useful mode -- talk them down from the ledge so to speak -- works well most of the time

This is the (maybe my) problem

nick lowry wrote:one need not automatically ratchet up in response

Is that it is automatic. I'm still in that phase where if, you want to get after it, let's do it. I have noticed that I'm starting to get away from that lately. I'm finding my self more and more just switching to a purely defensive state and just trying to stay moving or tie the guy up. This is purely to let the other guy gas out, and then we go back to a slower pace. If they guy is fighting for a submission or a throw, I'll give him a little trouble and usually give it up.

I have also come to believe that the lower ranks have the perception that they need to go full tilt with higher ranks just so they don't get got right off the bat. I'm not saying everyone does this, but I have been guilty of it in the past. It seems to be a combination of one of two things; 1) "I'm not going to let this guy get me" and 2) "I'm going to get this higher rank". Now there is no malcious intent in two, but just the notion that it would be nice to get a higher rank every now and then.

Pretty nice piece. I too sometimes feel the urge to smite folks who behave badly or get me riled up. The way I have overcome this urge is to switch to defense, then hand them off to another high rank in such a way they understand their new partner has thoroughly riled me up. Like Nick says, switching into a teaching mode often works well. I have a couple of canned speeches ready to go as well.

You are correct that the sempai (senior student) trains at 1-2 ranks higher than their partner (kohai, or lower ranked student). This fosters growth through problem solving. We must always work from success though. Lack of success breeds frustration, anger and sometimes contempt. I don't want any of those ugly things on the floor. Lots of happy, problem solving folks is awesome.

Under certain circumstances, play will get turned up. While kohai may set the pace, sempai ultimately bears the burden of responsibility to keep the practice safe and enjoyable. It's a tough job, but affecting lives in a positive fashion makes it worthwhile.

sempai ultimately bears the burden of responsibility to keep the practice safe and enjoyable. It's a tough job, but affecting lives in a positive fashion makes it worthwhile.

when a fella starts getting a little too juicy and exciting i find it a good time to switch gears entirely and stop "playing" at all by switching to "teaching mode"-- verbally take charge and direct the practice into a useful mode

Its easy to get baited into a bad situation, Ive done it a few times in my training career. I think these 2 quotes best summarize what ive learned from bad experiences. Like Nick said, verbal cues are a good way to avoid a bad situation all together, if they still dont get it (and lower kyu ranks sometimes dont) then I always immediate stop and say, "lets play something different" and switch to one of my favorite rondori drills. Drills take the competitive edge out of the equation and allow the both people to go back to a state of relaxation where learning can take place.....

I also always try to foster the idea in all my students that if the situation is getting weird or someone is getting strong with you just stop, take a step back, and play again, you can play as many times as you want to, its not a big deal...

Just my 2 cents..