I find myself at a point in my life where I am 1) single, 2) childless, 3) employed with flexible hours and accumulated vacation time, and, 4) not having a ‘home’ dojang. There are studios I do frequent more often due to schedule and location conveniences, but I see myself as fairly dojang agnostic. I am fortunate to be living in the Greater Chicago Area as there are several schools that I can choose to train at and learn from many instructors and masters. I have also had the opportunity to travel to several other states and regions around the country to train and participate in events. Here are some tips that I’ve picked up along the way when visiting other schools and interacting with their students and teachers.
– Clear Communication –
Before stepping foot into another dojang, you should be in communication with your instructor and the instructor you will be visiting, at a minimum. This isn’t merely to tick an item off a list, but it’s so that your instructor understands what influences you are adding to your training. It would also be helpful to get their training schedule, and I would recommend not only what class you would like to train in, but also when their younger/lower rank classes are happening. This is so that you can see how other schools’ instructors teach and, if they are open to it, you can help out during these classes as well. When visiting regional events outside of your own, then be sure to communicate with your (and your visiting) regional director as well.
– Pack multiple belts and uniforms –
Beyond your usual travel preparations, I would definitely recommend packing at least two sets of uniforms and belts. This is not only helpful when you expect to train over more than a couple days, but also when there are any mishaps during your travels (torn fabrics, spilt drinks, etc.). Having multiple sets also gives you redundancy in case you “misplace” your belt or uniform pants elsewhere and won’t leave you in the awkward situation of asking your host dojang for their surplus equipment, which I’m pretty sure we’ve been at one point or another.
– Observe, don’t opine –
When visiting other schools, there may arise the temptation to provide your own thoughts and/or suggestions on your host’s teaching regimen. Despite any good intentions on your end, without their invitation for your opinion this can be incredibly unhelpful (if not harmful) in building relations, especially if it’s your first visit. Instead, if you’re watching class, just observe how the teachers and their assistants teach the class. If you are asked to help out, then dutifully listen and follow their instruction on how they want the class to be run. When taking their class, be the best example you can be as you are representing not just yourself but your instructor as well. Only share your feedback if the instructor asks for it.
– Take pictures! –
Since we live in the age of social media this tip might seem obvious, but there have been many times where I traveled to other dojangs only to forget to take a single picture! I also tend to remember faces better than names, and so having pictures helps in tying people to experiences. Pictures can also help to document the history of your travels and aid in recounting what you learned as well. On the flip side, if you are more old-school, take a notepad with you and write down what you’ve learned instead.
– Be kind –
One of the most common quotes from the late Grandmaster Robert Beaudoin (9th Dan, WTSDA) was to “Be Kind”. This doesn’t just mean to act nice for the sake of it, but it means to create a connection with others and to understand them on a personal level. Be courteous to everyone you meet, because you will never know when you will bump into them again at another event or locale (and trust me, they will remember you!). It doesn’t matter what rank you are, you will leave an impression when you visit, for good or ill. I try to make a point of bringing a gift with me whenever I travel, to show my gratitude for the host instructor’s hospitality.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope it will be helpful in your travels. Happy training!
