Tiger1962

If he went to teach at another school, perhaps you can follow him, or find out his number and track hi down and join the school where he's at now. If he is too far away or gave up training, that's too bad. Give the new teacher a chance, you might grow to like him as well. Unfortunately, these things sometimes happen in the martial arts world.

Have your doctor check it out. I was getting numbness, tingling and pain a few years ago coincidentally while practicing wrist locks with a fellow student who loved to put the "death grip" on me whenever we were partners. It turned out I had some tendonitis and carpal tunnel.

This is really good info - thanks. I love nunchaku's and we have several pairs. We don't know how to use them just yet but we keep a set under the bed while we sleep. LOL

Just seeing this post now. I had nephews that attended Tiger Schullman's and while they had nothing bad to say about it, in my humble opinion it is viewed as a McDojo. Now, that being said, I do not like to say negative things about other schools or styles but my opinion is based upon the way they promote their school. I see it also geared more towards the very, very young. If you want to zero in on a particular style, it's best to find a school that will cater to that. For example, do you want to learn a more internal martial arts or a more self defense based one?? Read the forums here to get a better understanding and hopefully that will help you to decide what area you'd like to study. Have fun !

If you're trying to improve your stamina, then I'd first concentrate on improving your cardio and in addition to that, add some weight training. For the cardio, start off at 20 minutes on an ellyptical machine. Those are great because its a conbination of a stepper & treadmill so you get the best of both machines. Increase up to 30 minutes and so on, etc. as you become more conditioned. If you've never lifted weights before, start off with light weights with 12 to 15 repetitions. Later on as you become stronger, you can do less reps and heavier weights. Most gyms have personal trainers on staff and if you can afford that, it would be the best route to go. But, it can be done without the help of a trainer if money's an issue. good luck

After reading your post, right off the bat I was saying to myself the "problem is with her instructor and not her". I agree with the others. If you can afford to continue to train, please keep training. I know how hard it is to find something you enjoy AND are good at. You should have a private meeting with your instructor and voice all the concerns you mentioned here. If that doesn't change things or give you some insight as to what the issues are, then you need to change schools. Again, the problem is NOT you, it's your instructor / school. You should not feel like you don't belong because your instructor lacks good communication (and business) skills. I've seen similar situations. Sometimes students idolize their instructor so darn much that they fail to see that they are human and make mistakes (sometimes big ones!) and are not infallible. They don't want to call them on anything they think is wrong. Noticing judgment errors in ones instructor and addressing them does not make one a disloyal student either. Think again, not only are you training, but you are PAYING to train and learn so the business end of it is, if you aren't getting what you are paying for, then its time to discuss the matter. You are paying to be taught and you are not being taught. Personally, I hate the whole concept of not asking about rank advancement. You need to gauge your progress and asking about it doesn't mean you are being egotistical or un-humble. Its more a matter of: "okay, where do I stand, what do I need to work on and what is the timeline." Some martial arts rules are just plain silly. Remember, martial arts is for people from all walks of life: male, female, young, old, disabled or not, of all sizes and shapes and color. That's why it's so enjoyable. Talk to him and then if that don't work then find a new school. Good luck !!

Wow, thank you. I'm not a runner but perhaps I could have flat feet. I will try the ice massage - thanks a lot!

A few months ago I observed a class of Yang style tai chi. It has an interesting lineage.

Music helps me get into meditation mode, unfortunately, it also puts me in such a relaxed state I sometimes fall asleep. LOL I suggest music geared toward meditation and the whole aromatherapy thing - candles, incense, that also helps put me in meditation mode. I also try to use "conscious" meditation when I'm in a stressful situation. I was having dental surgery done and although I was so numb in the jaw you could have hit me with a brick, my nerves were shot and so I just stared at a painting on the wall in front of me and let my mind wander. It helped - not 100% but more half than not. I learned from a yogi that meditating can be what you want it to be --- either repeating a word ("mantra") over and over or staring at a picture or a painting that brings you peace. Pick some object and use that - stare at it and let your mind wander. Get a portable fountain and listen to the water trickle down....that sound can put me at ease so fast!!! Like rain falling on a tin roof.

I am a skeptical person and was always skeptical about Chi; nonetheless still interested in learning about it. So, one day towards the end of a yoga class, I was meditating and got that "feeling" that I heard about that you get when your Chi is present (or whatever the correct terminology is). At first I was actually freaked out about it. I opened my eyes and looked at the palms of my hands and then looked around the room. After class, I quietly asked my teacher about it without even mentioning the word "chi" and he confirmed my suspicions. Second time I noticed it was while doing kata in class. I really would love to develop this into a lot more - I was really amazed by my experience. I would say that (and using myself as an example) you'd have to have an *experience* with it yourself. Like I mentioned, I was skeptical until my experience. I heard about things others can do who have very powerful chi and again I would still have to see it with my own eyes to fully believe in it in spite of the little "buzz" I got. It's hard to put a percentage on it.

There's always going to be some fool who wants to put someone down. They're just jealous, envious or ignorant. Sometimes all three. I don't advertise to people that I train, however at my job, if they don't think you have a life after work, then they'll expect you to stay there all night. I wish I would have said I volunteer at a shelter or something, because every once in a while somebody at work will make some stupid remark to me. So I just downplay it constantly....

Agreed. The head instructor / school owner needs to address this situation and resolve immediately or risk losing students. Good luck!

Here it is: punching bag speed bag targets mits long staff short staff nunchakus foot protectors chest protectors groin protectors arm protectors mouth piece helmets ...and I hope to add more!! LOL

I agree. My weapon training is also limited at my school, however, I plan to pursue in the future somewhere... That being said, my thoughts would be to attempt to control the weapon through whatever means (distance, redirecting, etc.) & use it against the attacker.

Its tough to pick one. I despise guns yet somehow I feel they'd be most effective. Knives can be thrown effectively if you're adept at that.... I can't answer!!

I believe we do need instructors and our instructors need instructors to stay fresh and to keep up to snuff with what they know.

I believe there certainly IS such a thing as dirty fighting. 1) Fighting on the street or for self defense, no holds barred - you are fighting for your life, you do what you have to, to stay ALIVE. 2) Tournament fighting: dirty fighting not normally allowed however you might have some corrupt judges and judges who are related to one of the fighters in the ring, they could *overlook* or *not see* the dirty fighting or cheaps shots taken.

Every style is different I suppose. Mine was roughly 4 hours. Longest 4 hours of my life !! I couldn't wait until it was over to run to the bathroom!!

Asking how long the period is between belt/rank advancement. If it seems rather fast, - that's a dead giveaway it's a McDojo. Some other things you could ask: When you test for rank, what are the requirements for testing? Who teaches the class? The actual instructor, studio owner, student teaching, etc... If there are student teachers, what classes do they teach and how often? If I was about to join a karate school, I'd want to be taught by the senior instructor and not a brand new blackbelt or an "on-my way-to-be-a-teacher kind of student" How often can you attend class? Are there specific classes for specific things? A weapons only class, a sparring only class, or is everything lumped into one?

I hear ya. I often have shooting pains throughout my shins & ankles after class. I don't know if its weak ankles and feet or the lousy floor I train on.

Protein keeps you full longer --- carbs are for quick energy. Chicken, fish, protein shakes, nuts, avocado's (healthy fats). Fruits and veggies. I keep hearing A LOT about how healthy nuts are. I was always under the impression they were just another fattening fast food like potato chips but I was wrong. Don't overdo it on steaks and eggs - a lot of people think that is the best thing to eat when training for an intense event but an Atkins-ish type of menu plan is loaded with cholesterol & bad for your heart.

When I was younger, I got held up at gunpoint on two separate occasions & both times I just froze. That's not to say now I would fight off someone with a gun. Hell no! Growing up I've always hated feeling intimidated by people and "not in control" of certain situations. Even something simple like someone cutting a line in front of me or being pushed in a train station. That, plus, I've attempted several different sports growing up and man, I was awkward at all of them. When I saw a martial arts school open up where I live, I thought, why not...I can always quit if I don't like it. And every week I'd say to myself, I'm going to quit at the end of this week.....8 years later.....I'm still there !! LOL So I guess my main reasons are: mental empowerment & physical fitness.

this is true.

You say, "no hope for elite level"? Not all of the older martial artists are training for the rank advancement, status or prestige like some of the younger ones are. Some just like to train and learn - period. That being said, as a matter of fact, 99% of the masters who train in the style I do happen to be older / middle aged and AT that "elite" (as you call it) level. Younger doesn't necessarily mean, faster, smarter or bettter. With years and age in training comes wisdom. Personally, I have witnessed some older martial artists sparring the younger ones in schools and and the younger ones (20s-30s) could not keep up --- got their "butts whipped". I saw this 50+ guy at a tournament once, he beat the daylights out of his opponent who was younger. Heck, I'm sure there are white belt adults who could make a young (20-something) master cry. LOL So, yeah, I'd never judge a person's abilities by their age.

I have gone to class and been taught by instructors that seemed like they were bored or didn't want to be there; spoke in a monotone voice. That made me want to go home and not be there at all. On the flip side, I've come out of work after having a bad day and not really wanting to go to class and I dragged myself there anyway and the instructor that night was lively, fun, enthusiastic (without being annoyingly so) and my mood changed and I ended up glad I went to class. I had fun! So, yeah, passion, enthusiasm (without the annoying part) and an interesting lesson plan will motivate students both young & old.