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Are you coachable?

How to be a better student of Kyokushin Karate

 

How coachable do you think you are?

Most like the idea of a coach, someone who helps you grow stronger, improve your technique, earn your next belt, and prepare you for tournamants or gradings. However liking the idea of a Senpai or Sensei isn't the same as being coachable. So, ask yourself honestly: Are you truly coachable in the dojo? 

 

Do you respond well to correction or instruction? When your Sensei gives you feedback, do you listen, reflect, and then make an effort to change? Or do you osu, nod politely, but then go back to doing things your way - because it feels more comfortable, familiar, or easier? 

 

In Kyokushin karate, coachability is a key to progress and breakthrough. Whether you're a beginner working on your stances, a kyu grade learning combinations, or a senior preparing for a full-contact tournament, how open you are to learning determines how far you can go. Coachability is a key to performance breakthrough for individuals. The one essential requirement is the willingness to listen and utilise external input and influences. The extent of this openness to learning determines four levels of coachability. 

1. Not coachable - already knows everything, not open, listens only to their own voice.

2. Selectively coachable - does what's asked but only when he or she feels like it, mostly goes own way.

3. Reluctantlly coachable - does everything that is asked but doubts it, never fully committed.

4. Completely coachable - does everything asked, surrenders own voice, trusts and empowers the coach. 

 

Which one are you right now?

 

Coachability in Kyokushin isn't just about obedience. It's about trust, humility, and a genuine desire to improve. You're not just learning punches, kicks, and katas. You're building a mindset and when you're coachable, your Sensei can help unlock your potential. If you're not, it doesn't matter how skilled or experienced your instructor is, you're holding yourself back. 

 

What makes someone coachable?

 

• A strong motivation to grow. 

• A desire to achieve goals. Whether it's earning a black belt, competing, or simply becoming more disciplined. 

• A respectful and honest relationship with your Sensei or instructor. 

 

Coachability isn't about being perfect. It's about being open, willing, and committed. You don't have to get everything right, but you do have to be ready to learn. Becoming coachable is different for everyone, however the results are you become self-managing and take responsibility for your intentions and associated actions. Here are 12 simple steps to improve your coachability:

1. Take responsibility - no excuses.

2. Set personal training goals - even small ones such as the ones set out in the grading skills.

3. Have clear daily targets (e.g. "Today I'll master mawashi geri")

4. Stick to a routine - come to class prepared and focused.

5. Manage your time and energy - don't waste time during warmups or pair work.

6. Ask for feedback - and really listen. Is your sensei repeating themselves?

7. Understand your feedback - don't just hear it, think about it, write it down.

8. Thank your instructor - they care more than you might realise. 

9. Welcome tough or unexpected feedback - they mean someone believes you can improve.

10. Trust your Sensei - they've walked the path you're on.

11. Accept accountability - your progress is in your hands.

12. Never give up - the spirit of osu means pushing forward even when it's hard. 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Your coachability allows your Sensei to truly instruct you. That's how trust is built and once it is, they'll always have your back. You'll become stronger, more disciplined, and more confident, not just in karate, but in life. So next time you bow in, ask yourself: Am I here just to train.... or am I here to grow? 

Osu!