sensei8

One's not ever forced to train traditionally and/or non-traditionally within any MA style; it's a personal choice. In that, there's a plethora of MA schools that steer away from the traditional methodology/ideology, and stress more on what they might believe to be the meat-and-potatoes of what they teach. On the other hand, traditional schools are there as well. Albeit, there's a smorgasbord of traditionally geared MA schools, if that's what's ones desire. However, there's 2 old adages that says... "When in Rome, do as the Roman's do." And/or... "If you want tomatoes, you have to go to the tomato vendor." If someone wants to learn Shindokan from me, that prospective student will be succumbed to traditional training; I believe in the value of it wholeheartedly. Whether it be traditional or non-traditional, the meat-and-potatoes of it all well be greatly dependent upon the quality teaching of the CI.

I believe that what you're teaching your son with the regards to rank does justice across the board. With students, and very much so with children, the ranking structure can not only be overwhelming to understand, but the ranking structure, can frustrate to no end. Rank can be all over the spectrum from style to style, etc., for no reasons whatsoever, but what's a child to do?! Focusing on anything except rank for students under age can be far much easier said than done...adults are not much better in this regards.

Isn't it all about movement, and the understanding of it!?! In conjunction, the movements of Tai Sabaki along with Ashi Sabaki along with Te Sabaki, bring an understanding, slowy, one by one. Nothing found in any Kata and/or in any Bunkai is achieved without having the effective said understanding of movement. Why?? One can't effectively move in any shape, way, and/or form without understanding that one must move, and in that, how to move, and in that, in which way to move, and in that, why to move in any given direction. What good are any of the techniques found and/or discovered in and out of Kata and/or Bunkai, no matter which one, if one can't effective move. Posture and balance are everything to any technique if ones to be effective, and these are tangible proponents of movement. This, and all that surrounds movement, is where I start, and continue to teach Kata/Bunkai, because if I don't start there, then the student is only mimicking, in which, nothing of effective value is ever learnt by just mimicking; there must be solidity of the highest order. Imho!!

There's always a definitive between speaking with the CI and/or arguing with the CI; approach is very critical, even though the final decision are two fold: you decide to leave/stay or the CI enforces rules he/she has established. There's also another definitive between knowing how to teach and not knowing how to teach; not every black belt can teach, nor should they ever attempt to because the MA betterment of the student is lessened drastically. Even if the black belt does know how to teach, including how to manage to floor, but lacks the social aptitude in which to do so, that black belt shouldn't teach, nor attempt to. MA betterment is paramount for the student. Without having a clue pertaining to the floor, the students MA betterment is at risk. Imho!!

Black Belts that train on their own is a oxymoron to us because black belts are still learning and developing through many Shu Ha Ri stages; they need to be nurtured just as much as any other students, if at times, even more so. With that, where's the challenges that feed ones Shu Ha Ri of ones MA betterment?! In the dojo, and not engaging in the Student and CI relationship, while on the floor, and not assisting the CI from time to time, which is part of the teaching models of most MA schools around the world, limits the black belt student. Students are there to learn, and the CI is there to teach everyone who's part of the Student Body, without exceptions. Black belts aren't decorations for the MA school, and neither are the Kyu ranked!! Imho!!

Thank you, Danielle; I had a real fun and great birthday!!

Welcome to KF, OhioShodan85; glad that you're here!! Sounds to me that your MA betterment would do far much better if you separated yourself from that dojo for cause. After all, you've answered your own question(s) by saying this... Your MA betterment deserves to be treated with the utmost respect because this is your MA journey, and yours alone, and you must be accountable for your MA betterment across the board. The comings and the goings of the dojo, as you spelled them out quite distinctly in your OP, interfere with learning; the focus should be on training and not really anything else. If you're not being challenged whatsoever, then you're learning has been kicked to the curb. Yes, talk to the CI about your concerns respectfully, and if afterwards you still feel the same way, then it appears to me that your directions are quite clear. Loyalty is a two-way street, therefore, if the CI's loyalty as the CI, and as to what and why he's there for is wained, then your loyalty should be towards your MA betterment. If the fun is gone, then so should you!! You're not asking for anything unreasonable, after all, you're just wanting to be trained in a challenging and effective way, and not to participate in anything the interferes with your improving your MA betterment...in which, that is quite reasonable!!

Watch!!!! That's the optimum word...WATCH ONLY...without any ambiguity whatsoever. I didn't ask nor did I insist nor did I encourage nor did I employ any parent to do anything other than to watch nor did I do anything to give or hint or nudge or whisper or directly or indirectly allow them to do anything except to WATCH. A parents opinion(s) have no bearing nor am I ever interested in a parents interjection(s) about anything that might be pertaining to the on-goings of anything on the floor. Even more so, should a parent be a student as well...well...that said parent had better know their role nor should they ever assume a position that they've no right to ever assume in any shape, way, and/or form because they're part of the Student Body. I've instructors assisting me, and they are authorized to conduct many of things, and the safety of everyone in the dojo is paramount. Having said that, the floor is holy ground...the floor's sacred...the floor's my domain...and if truth be known, the entire dojo is MY domain...wall to wall...door to door...ceiling to floor...corner to corner...and ESPECIALLY...the floor is no parents land...UNLESS invited by me, myself, and I, and that's a rarity. Parents can ask all the questions they want just as long as they are respectful at all times, and there are no exceptions. I wholeheartedly encourage parents, guardians, and/or whomever else to WATCH, nothing else, the comings and goings. Nonetheless, I am the operator/owner/CI, and it's my way or the highway, and if they don't like it or anything else, they're more than welcome to seek a more friendly skies somewhere else. In closing, my mom came unto the floor without permission, at the Hombu once, while Dai-Soke was running the class, I was just a kid, and she was kindly put in her place with cause, and never ever did that again. After all, I do have an office, and I've an open door policy, in my office, and I can discuss anything they want to. However, the sanctity of the floor covers my office as well; be respectful, or find yourself having a very lonely discussion by yourself...outside!!

How'd YOUR team do last week?? The Cowboys hosted the 3-2 Jaguars; 40-7. If it hadn't been for the one and only TD by the Jaguars midway in the 3rd quarter, you'd not even know that they were in attendance at the AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys took the Jaguars to the task as though the Cowboys actually believed in the old adage that rings out loud and true - "It's not over until the fat lady sings" by scoring almost at will. 10-14-6-10...no, these aren't my gym locker combo, but how many points that the Cowboys scored each quarter against their bewildered opponent. Interceptions can turn a game from a hopeful possibility win to a down spiral loss. ALbeit, Jacksonville's QB, Blake Bortles, only threw 1 of those against triple coverage, and 1 turnover. However, the Jaguars couldn't find a positive foothold on the gridiron if their life depended on it that Sunday. Stats don't lie, even though they can sway opinions: Total yards Jaguars...204 Cowboys...378 Turnovers Jaguars...2 Cowboys...0 Possessions Jaguars...23:10 Cowboys...38:50 1st Downs Jaguars...10 Cowboys...23 Or...maybe stats DO tell the story much more than one might realize...as it might be in this case!! This win brings the Cowboys record to 3-3, and the Jaguars loss dropped them to 3-3. Next week, the Jaguars host the 3-3 Texans, and the Cowboys fly to the 3-2 Washington. GO COWBOYS!!

Thank you JR and singularity6 for your happy birthday wishes!!

That MA horse is something like many other things in ones life; once you get back on it, things come back to you in short time as the cobwebs fall away. Welcome back to your training, and to your journey.

Thank you all for your happy birthday wishes, and yes, I had a great birthday!! I'm now 61 years old, and 54 years in Shindokan; I started training in Shindokan on my 7th birthday, thanks to my mom.

Rest is about the best. Sounds like a possible groin injury or some type of muscle strain/tear. But of course, see a doctor, if at all possible, to make sure about the injury and its cure. In my youth I was of the mindset that all I need is a bandaid or duct tape; I was so wrong on my diagnosis and cure more times than I care to remember. I hope he'll be ok!!

sensei8, this is excellent and I agree. It can also be called "stuffing." This is the approach many grapplers and wrestlers use as well...close the range quickly so that a striker can be neutralized...and Tuite is grappling at close range, so it works. Also, I agree with a lot of you as well...a good punch is a good technique. The exclamation of our brand of Tuite is that our goal is to get behind our opponent through angles and space management transitions; not many move effectively when their opponent, you/me, are behind them...and all the while jamming them to the nth degree with one set-up/checks after another. Shindokan is quite adamant about many things, but right at the top of the list is...If you can't get behind them, then get out; you've no business being there in the first place. The game of chess is at foot...or hands, as per our case. Interesting...the Tuite we do does not have us getting behind the opponent, however we do move laterally and angularly to get on the flank of the opponent, and out of their center line. As we do as well, prior to transitioning behind our attacker because that is necessary to do on the way to getting behind my attacker. However, if the opportunity allows, then getting behind our attacker isn't necessary, even though that is our ultimate goal. However, just what good is our ultimate goal of getting behind our opponent/attacker is I've not the effectiveness understanding of movement?! Getting behind an opponent/attacker isn't all that simple because my opponent/attacker doesn't want me behind her/him. Albeit, it can be just that simple once one understands the effectiveness of movement.

Solid post!! Only thing I'd add to singularity6 excellent post is to make sure that you DO NOT sacrifice form and posture whatsoever. If you notice that you are sacrificing form and posture, then you might becoming fatigued, and if so, well, take a break.

I'm still a long time customer with Century MA Supplies (CMA), however, when it comes to belts, I go with Eosin Panther (EP) strictly. Both CMA and EP have excellent customer service, had they not, I would've dropped them like a hot potato because customer service is paramount, imho. Both have high quality in their products for the most part. However, when I compare the belts with CMA and EP, EP has the higher quality in their belts than CMA...CMA has good belts, but not to our specific parameters.

I like that idea, Patrick...a lot!!

Congrats, P.A.L.; well deserved!!

Eosin Panther Personal preference; they supply what I/we need. When we eliminated outward rank identifiers, Eosin products exceeded our required parameters. I left Century MA Supplies after being with them ever since they opened. Between these two companies, I've only purchased from Eosin Panther. N/A

Red Sox's...ROFLMBO ...ah...NO!!!! Not in this lifetime!!!! I'm an old Dodger fan from a time past...from yesteryear...from days gone by...from a time forgotten...from where memories still bring a smile, from...ahem...sorry...what was I saying?!...oh yeah...so, should they reach the WS, I'll be rooting for the Dodgers all the way, like I did last year against the Astros, even though Houston won The Commissioner's Trophy over the Dodgers; 4-3 games. GO YANKEES...I know...the Yankees were eliminated...again...but can't a guy wish, hope, and pray...if not just for one more time!?

If KC doesn't stumble, I'll be cheering them on and on and on; my Cowboys are stumbling already!!

I suppose so because the opening credits read... "9th Degree Black Belt Testing" And when they were introducing CM G.K. Lee, the announcer said... "Testing for 9th Degree Black Belt..." I do not doubt for even a second that this wasn't a test!! Nonetheless, if it wasn't a formal Testing Cycle, then it might have only been a token representation of some minute segments of the actual formal Testing Cycle. I noted that many here used the words "most" and "many" when speaking towards Senior Dan's not participating in any formal Testing Cycles for one reason or another; while that's true, it's NOT true within the SKKA...Testing Cycles for ALL ranks are formally conducted up to, and including Hachidan...my Kudan was a formally conducted Testing Cycle...Pass or Fail!!

Business or pleasure?? Will you be visiting any MA related sites/dojo's?? Japan's nightlife is like no other, imho!! As a suggestion, if this is your first time to Japan, try to stay in groups; don't go alone, if you possibly can. Have fun and be safe!! I dread the flights because they're so long.

Wasn't in the cards for the Yankees attempt to advance to the ALCS with the Astros. Efforts weren't for naught with the Yankees who sang that unfortunate familiar song...ALMOST. Yankees almost brought tonights game 4 into extra innings against their arch nemesis, the Red Sox...the Yankees almost came 1 series closer to returning to the place of hallowed ground, where they've won 27 World Series...the Yankees almost brought their WS drought to a merciful end...the Yankees almost cooled down the Red Sox bats...the Yankees almost chased that monkey off their backs...the Yankees almost...almost...almost... Almost is becoming quite of a Swan Song for them these past 9 years of priming their WS aspirations, then to fall short to the better team. Yes, I did say "...to fall short to the better team", and the score board witnesses that undeniable fact. Back to the drawing board in the hopes that the Yankees front office will plug its sinking ship. Red Sox 4 Yankees 3 For a team that lead home runs the entire season, they couldn't seem to find one, or enough, to close game 4 with a very much needed 'W'... Both teams were Scoreless through innings 1 and 2, then innings 3 and 4, respectfully, the Red Sox scored 3 runs AND scored 1, with 8 hits, which is all the Red Sox needed to defeat the Yankees, who scored 1 in the 5th, and a hope and pray charge of 2 in the 9th, with 5 hits and 1 error. Congrats to the Red Sox!! Maybe next year the Yankees will return to the WS, once again, I hope!! GO YANKEES!!

Can anyone say...BLOWOUT!?!?!!! Someone call the police to report an assault occurred of epic proportions upon my beloved Yankees last night by the Red Sox in New York, please, pretty please. Red Sox 16 Yankees 1 And no, that's not a typo of the final score between the Red Sox and the Yankees for the ALDS, game 3 of the best of 5 in front of the sold out and stunned Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox handed the Yankees on through unmerciful whopping as though the Yankees had talked bad about someones mamma. One ball after another after another went yard. Yankees one and only score came in on the 4th Inning. The show of raining balls yard began in the 2nd inning with 1 run, then the 3rd inning with 2 runs, then storm came in the way of a 7 run 4th inning. Rain subsided in the 5th and the 6th inning, but the rain began once again with a 1 run in the 7th, then 2 runs in the 8th, and then 2 runs in the 9th. By then, the Yankees were drenched with the raining of balls, and the bottom of the 9th was only a requirement. The Red Sox amassed 16 runs with 18 Hits...18 hits; smoldering bats. However, the Yankees 5 hits, only provided 1 run; cold freezing bats. It didn't matter to the Red Sox who the Yankees had on the mound because they were ineffective against the Red Sox inning after an inning. It's as though the first inning was the calm before the storm, and the 4th inning was a monsoon, and the 5th and 6th inning was a temporary break in the storm before the rain began, once again; Mother Nature was raining Red Sox hailstorms all over Yankee Stadium. I don't know why game 3 was lopsided as it was, but I do know this one thing, the Yankees better tighten us their belts and play as though they're possessed by the baseball devil himself because they Yankees can't lose these next two games, they have to win them all from here on out. Hopefully, the Red Sox got all of that frustration out, and that their bats are dead cold. One more game, game 4 in New York, and game 5, I PRAY, in Boston. Yankees better wake the heck up now...either put up or shut up!! Btw, the Dodgers defeated the Braves 3-1 in their NLDS series; they now face the Brewers, who swept the Rockies in that ALDS series 3-0, in the NLCS starting this Friday for their best of 7. Astros swept the Indians 4-0 in their NLDS series, and they now await for either the Red Sox or the Yankees. I hope it's the Yankees, because Houston eliminated the Red Sox in last years ALDS 3-1, and Houston eliminated the Yankees from the ALCS, and a trip back to the WS 4-3; both the Red Sox and the Yankees want revenge on the defending WS Champion Astros. GO YANKEES!!!!