Tiger1962

I've had days like that myself. Actually working out releases all the anger and aggravation inside; but I know how sometimes it is difficult to leave the days worth of anger outside THE MOMENT you walk into the dojang. It usually takes me a while. Likewise, I've had substitute instructors whom you can tell had a bad day at work because of the way they come into the class and how they conduct themselves during.

Welcome! I like your avatar.

I just heard that there was a reduction between rank promotions in the style I used to study. I find that very disappointing because to me, I see it as "just moving the students along" kind of thing so as not to lose them as customers (rather than not promoting students until they are actually READY and capable of knowing their stuff). Who's to say who is really qualified now. What a shame.

Welcome here!

Congratulations !

I agree with you and one reason I suspect may be the answer is because perhaps studio owners are afraid that early in the training, students will get discouraged and quit and so they will end up losing a student (and $$$$). But I agree with you in that early in the training is when it should be more intense and longer spaces between promotions because that is when one is building the foundation of what they learn.

Welcome! Nice to see some peers here!

As someone mentioned, I think it really depends on the relationship you have with your sensei. If its not close and you approach him or her - you could always been told to mind your own business. I used to have a close relationship with one of the former instructors at my old school and whenever they'd act like a jerk (on occasion) in class, I'd wait until after class and let them know about it.

I always like watching the awards but I prefer the old way that they used to run it. I didn't like this new style. Billy Crystal used to crack me up the way he ran the awards. Also, I really wish they would be more strict about time limit in the "thank you" speeches. The acceptance speeches are getting more and more drawn out --- and it annoys me when celebrities use the podium to voice their political preferences. Like, who cares - it's about movies - not politics!

I believe there are several issues concerning this area with the first one being safety. The kids can get hurt. Adult classes are not run as childrens or tots classes are - at least not in my experience. Also, adults classes exist so that adults can train at a level that 8 to 10 year olds can not. Likewise, kids classes exist so kids can train together. I do not think this is a workable thing. I, personally have stopped attending classes that had children in them simply because I want to train with other adults.

Yep - that's it - I forgot the name too. You sit in it and then pull down with the handles until your legs are crunched up against your stomach. I didn't know it happened that way - at first I thought it was my appendix or something else. lol

I've definitely had to modify my training so you're not alone and I'm in the same age range as you. I think after a while folks like us start to really know and listen to our bodies. You know when you can "work through" some minor ache and when you should stop and go home and rest. There are things I can't do that the younger martial artists half my age can, however, I find ways to make up for it - technique-wise, if we're talking about sparring. And so what, if I can't do the "jump-high-spin-around-kick" I'm not going to use it in a real life altercation anyway! LOL

I did this once a long time ago - but it happened before my m.a. training - I pulled my ab muscles at the gym on a machine. I just remember it being SOO painful and I stopped exercising for a couple weeks.

Our rules are non to very light - depending on the class & who is teaching it.

I stopped going a long time ago. We'd have 2 and both of them had a large amount of kids attending so I decided not to attend anymore - they were mixed belt classes also.

I agree with your perception there. Someone can curse you or insult you in the worst possible way in order to provoke or antagonize a fight but if someone is disciplined enough to shrug that off then a fight can "probably" be avoided. That being said, there is still the type of sicko out there who actually WANTS to physically fight and WILL throw the first punch or shove or whatever to get it started. To me, once someone puts their hands on me, then there is no question of whether or not there is going to be a fight.

I feel that a black belt should be third degree (or third dan) before they become a certified teacher. That being said, I also feel that the only ones who should be allowed to assist in teaching or be intern teachers (or whatever the correct word to describe it is) are first dans and up - and only if they proved to know their stuff. (I've had dan(s) or two higher than me, who were teaching stuff incorrectly.

Congratulations JohnC - I enjoy reading your posts.

Hi and welcome !

Welcome to Karate Forums!

Welcome to Karate Forums!

I think you are 100% right on the mark. Times are way too tough now. Good suggestions.

I was wondering the other day how martial arts schools are doing in this economy. Businesses must really be hurting.

Daisho - that's a good deal to have to even things out.

Wow, you handled yourself very well and very calm indeed. I don't know if I would have been able to stay calm as you did. When something like this happens or if someone invades my personal space, I tend to become very defensive --- but then I was held up at gunpoint in the past so that's where that comes from. Good thinking though !