Tiger1962

Well, speaking for myself, personally, I would not want to be treated differently than the rest of the class - in either direction - be it tougher or more lenient. I would want to be treated as all the other students. I train with my spouse sometimes and although we are not studio owners, when we first joined, we discussed this topic and agreed that when we are in class, we are fellow students and not "husband & wife" - meaning - no partiality or special treatment. Now in regard to rules and regulations within a dojo, such as bowing in, speaking to the instructor in a respectful tone, etc., I have seen a student who is a relative of the head instructor not adhere to the same protocols as the other students are required to. Don't know if they've had a *private* talk about this or not, however I do know that if I or other students did that, we'd get "called on it". ....just an observation....

If you want to be certain, I would see a doctor, get an x-ray.

I was born in 1962 and according to the Chinese calendar that is the year of the tiger. Hey, I couldn't think of anything else.

I haven't had any M.A. dreams in a long time but I do remember that when I was first training, my spouse told me while I was sleeping I was doing karate chops with my hands in the air. LOL

I have seen situations leaning in both directions. Meaning, the instructor being extra tough on their family member or spouse AND being very lenient and lax. Especially when, let's say you are a conscientious student, pay your tuition on time, train and follow protocol, it is extremely disheartening and disappointing to see your instructor, someone whom you look up to, to treat certain others with partiality when they don't deserve it. Would you still continue to train there? How would you handle the situation? Do nothing ?

I'm all for getting an embroidered belt and I have a couple reasons why. 1) On a few occasions, I missed class but left my uniform and belt in the dressing room as other students do. I found out that another student in my school, used my belt on a couple of occasions when I wasn't in class. Of course, I should have just taken my uniform and belt home; that's not the point. And it's not that I'm not charitable enough to lend --- I simply do not like someone else using my belt without my permission & even if I was asked, I would say no. Our instructor keeps a few spare in the closet and he should have asked our instructor instead of just taking mine and using it. It's my own personal preference. If you have an embroidered belt with your name on it, I doubt someone else will use it. 2) You've worked hard and many years to achieve your rank. It's only natural to want something (for yourself) that symbolizes that achievement. You must wear a belt in class anyway so why not have it embroidered with your name and/or rank? I find nothing wrong with this.

I too have heard comments from people I know or meet, about why I still train at my age or when am I going to "give it up". Amusingly, I find that the people who make these comments do not practice any form of physical exercise, for the most part. So, maybe it's envy, jealousy, or the fact that someone their own age who does martial arts "makes them look bad" because they're such a couch potato. LOL In any case, I usually respond to such comments with friendly sarcasm. But then, that's my style.

Good question. I've seen this happen before too & often wondered. What about if the head instructor allows children in the adult class because there are not enough adult students to have a class of their own? How do you deal with that? Probably a similar situation to original question because let's say the circumstances don't always allow you to switch partners....

Have you ever witnessed a student who is related to the instructor/studio owner - be it son/daughter, spouse, brother/sister, etc., get different or special treatment from the instructor? What was it and do you think it was fair ?

Ok, after asking around, I finally found someone to explain it to me. I still can't comprehend the breakdown. But the following is what I was told. Let me know if this makes sense to you - keep in mind its regarding form/kata/hyung not sparring: "You get 5 scores. The highest score and the lowest score get dropped. So in reality you only get 3 scores. After the averages are made they decide who the winner is. If there's a tie that's when the low score and high score get added back in; to break the tie. When he made the mistake, the judges weren't allowed to drop their scores. The judges had to score him as if he didn't make a mistake. The score keeper than averages everything in and deducts 1/10 of a point from the competitor's score. So if he had a 22.2 his score would be 22.1 That's why he got 2nd place. If the judges would've been allowed to drop the scores themselves instead of scoring him the same and just deducting 1/10 of a point, he definitely wouldn't have won. "

Wow, thanks folks, at least you made me realize that I wasn't hallucinating by what I saw. So, I see this happens often at other dojangs/dojos as well.

Have you ever experienced tournament politics? For example, when one of the judges has a student of theirs (or friend) competing in their ring? First of all, I don't believe someone should be allowed to judge someone from their own martial arts school in a tournament setting. Case in point: I was at a tournament observing and due to lack of attendance, there was only 3 competitors in one particular ring - all equal age and gender. One was a higher ranking competitor (normally similar ranks compete together, but on occasion, divisions are combined). The other 2 competitors were of equal rank. The first peer competed and blanked out in the middle of his form. He came to attention, bowed, and the center judge told him to take up where he blanked out. The second peer did his form prior and did it without error. But the competitor who blanked out ended up coming in second place! I saw that he knew the judges and was joking with them prior to the competition and is from the same school. Why didn't the competitor who blanked out, come in third? Isn't that an automatic point deduction ? Do you suspect politics were involved?

I agree with you !

I sometimes wear a tee shirt or sweatshirt with a logo but not to show off or anything. I just like to wear it, just like I like to wear certain other things in my closet. My spouse, on the other hand, does NOT like to wear ANY martial arts logos in public.

Broken toes Torn calf muscles Rotator cuff tendonitis & ugly callouses

I'm sorry this happened to you and I agree with everyone else. I would find a different place to train and before quitting I would certainly "give a piece of my mind" to the instructor and assistant instructor. One of the problems I've encountered in martial arts is that some people lack humility. They train and think that they're larger than life. They forget all about when THEY started training, mistakes they made and whatnot. People clash accidentally when sparring. It happens. I've done it and people I know have done it. When it happens, we are told to stop, bow to each other to show respect and that's a sign of "oops, sorry" and then you continue. I mean, you can tell when a punch is maliciously intended. I was getting mad just reading how that person treated you ! Sounds like this person has an inflated ego - you need to find a school run by professionals and not ego-maniacs. Good luck !

I think I may have found one - Kataaro - just kept Googling and Googling...have to call them though.

I realize someone took a poll on preferred colors but does anyone know the name(s) of a few reputable companies in the U.S. that will do the actual embroidery for your martial arts belt ? Thank you.

I would bite, knee kick to groin, try to poke their eyes out, clap my hands really hard over their ears to burst their ear drums....if I was in a life or death situation like what you describe, this is probably what I would do (as a non-grappler).

Personally I get annoyed when students come to class with a runny nose, coughing and are obviously sick. Since you have contact with your classmates, germs are easily spread. I stay home when I'm sick and I wish / hope others would too.

Hello, I'm new - actually not too new. I was posting a while back and forgot my screen name - so I've set up a new one. Hello to everyone!

I started training late in life and I was really nervous at the beginning. I would say to make sure you take extra time to stretch out your muscles properly. That's one of the things I find most important before I take class because I am prone to strains and pulls. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water before class and eat a very light snack to sustain your energy. Nothing heavy. Other than that, don't underestimate yourself. I've seen people at a tournament sparring who are in their 60's and are pretty tough. Don't get discouraged either! Good luck!

Tell her not to fear the board, but make the board fear HER !

I joined because I found a school that was close to where I live & I was curious to learn about it. Also the tuition at that time was not outrageously priced. I had no prior experience with martial arts.