sensei8

It might seem to be a silly question but do the instructors teach Kumite ?! How they should teach it because in both dojos I have attended they just say Kumite time get your gloves on and start 1 or 2 min rounds .... that's it, is that how it's supposed to be ?! Yes!! The CI instructs everything, while the instructors support the teachings of the CI!! If the CI isn't physically teaching Kumite, that doesn't mean that that CI isn't teaching Kumite. Observations of a CI are vitally important element of teaching. Sees things, then corrects things; this is the CI teaching Kumite.

The one thing about phone apps for me is that I'm quite thrifty towards these type of things. Because of my being thrifty, I don't want to buy a memory card because, and to be honest, I just want to be able to receive and place phone calls, and nothing beyond that. I've very few phone apps, like the weather, my car insurance company, and my bank. I don't even have games or music. I can blame it on the fact that I'm old school when it comes to a phone...call me or I'll call you, and texting with me is a stretch and so, well, rude.

Sounds like they both did well in that tournament. Hats off to them both!! Next week's tournaments should go without a hitch, and I believe that they'll both do well there also. Are you and/or their coach working with them both on how to engage with a bigger [weight, height, etc.] opponent?? If I may ask, how much does Kenneth weigh??

Is it possible to define my position as a MAist?? Oftentimes, as I grow older, I feel that I'm at a point of neutrality as a MAist; and perhaps, that's where I've been for these past 5 decades...neutral. Not one way or another...not day or night...not up or down...not left or right...neutral. In my own MA life, after 52 years on my MA journey, I feel that I have never done that one thing, that noble thing that defines my MA life. Possibly, I have not been truly tested. As a career MA, what have I done?? What have I truly contributed to the MA, to the betterment of another MA, or to my students?? What have I accomplished when it comes to the SKKA/Hombu; past, present, and future?? I'm unknown in any venue known to a MA; I'm not published...I've not created anything of real value...I've not a website...I've not a blog...I've not a podcast...I've not a LiveStream...I've not a YouTube channel...I've no Twitter...I've no MA Facebook page...I've not traveled away from the Shindokan circle!! Neutral!! I have said “later” to most anything that required true sacrifice. Later...I will merge outside of the security blanket of the SKKA/Hombu. Later...I will spend a weekend teaching Shindokan to those MAists that are not of the SKKA, not just attend one. Later... I will do this or I will do that. Later...later...later...later. It is too easy to say “later” because I believe my MA "work" to be too important to stop, minute to minute, for something that might interfere with the restless and relentless pursuit of forward motion. Neutral!! I'm not bitter, nor am I sorry how my MA life has been; I've had no preconceived notions about my MA journey. It is what it is, and I'm proud of the things that I've accomplished in 52 years...and yet, I'm still searching for that forward motion. But tonight, I could be wrong in my thinking, but there are still things to accomplish. However, medical issues are preventing it, and as hard as this is, and how hard I've fought to avoid the inevitable conclusion, I might have to walk off the floor for good. Even though I swore to an oath that I'd never, ever, walk away from the SKKA and/or my MA journey. Neutral!! I will not be missed in the MA world outside of the SKKA, and to be honest with myself, I won't be missed in the SKKA because I'm not Soke and Dai-Soke, and they were great MAists across the board. Whereas, I'm not!!

Good news that you're enjoying the training after 4 classes; each journey starts with a few steps!! While you say that you can't kick high, I'd like to encourage you to remember this... Muay Thai has several devastating low kicks. For example, their Cut Kick is capable of dropping an opponent to the ground. And I'm sure that you've either seen or have trained on a Muay Thai hanging bag...let me tell you this...I love those bags because of their density. First times you unleash a kick on those hanging bags, you'll swear that you just hit a stone column. Then, as time goes by, those bags are moving and bending with your kicks...you start bending and moving those bags, your opponent will wish they'd moved out of the way. Don't let it discourage you about your inability of kicking high. Instead, become the best friend of those Muay Thai bags; they'll make a difference, as well as making a believer out of you, and out of your opponent. You chop at a tree long enough with resolve, that tree will fall!! Many times I've seen a fight end with one well placed low kick.

Even though you've just only began in training Muay Thai... How many classes have you had?? Are you enjoying the style?? What's the most challenging thing about it that you noticed right away??

Weight = 268lbs Not bad for having not been to the gym last week much. Well, on February 10, 2017, I was in a car accident; totaled my car, a Toyota Camry. Second time in 5 months that I was ran the smooth over. Back in September 18, 2016, I was sideswiped on the Interstate, and that car, 1 2013 Nissan Versa, was a total loss. Shortly thereafter, I purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry; car was a total loss too. I have never seen them on any of the cars that I've recently purchased since moving to Houston, TX...and what I'm speaking about is a BIG TARGET painted all over those cars...which I didn't know that they were on those cars. There must be a reason as to why I keep getting ran over. Both accidents, the driver of the other cars were each ticketed, and each said that they didn't see me. Anyhow... I didn't visit the gym last week much because my efforts were more geared in finding me another car instead of the gym. Visited more dealerships than I ever want to do again...made more phone calls to said dealerships than I ever want to do again...filled out more paperwork, both in person and on-line, than I ever want to do again. So, on February 17, 2017, my wife and I purchased a 2015 Nissan Versa, and yes, we love us a Versa!! Search over...finally...and neither of us saw any BIG TARGET painted on that car...its color is Cobalt Blue...very nice color. Now that we are mobile once again, over this weekend, we caught up on doing things that we were unable to do...like pay some bills, and things like that. Celebrated at Golden Corral, and yes, I eat small portions; healthy that is. Now, starting Monday, February 20, 2017, today, it's time to return to the gym and resume the training, and I might just have to take my training up a notch or two...we'll see...got to get back in the swing of the things, having been away from the gym for most of last week. Train hard...train well!!

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you, Devin, Happy Birthday to you...and many more!!

I prefer MA documentaries over movies and tv shows... Documentaries then... Movies then... TV shows!! Fact or fiction?? Which one?? It depends on the mood of the day I'm in as to which one I'll prefer!! I, too saw the documentary on Fumio Demura, entitled, "The Real Miyagi". MA movies, well, I don't watch MA movies for the entertainment factor. No! I analysis it to death; I'll have already decided that the entertainment factor will not be my priority. TV movies, well, gaudy and the bane of the MA existence, with actors and actresses have the MA skills of a rank beginner, being portrayed to be a Master. That's akin to Robin, from the Batman TV show against Kato, from the Green Hornet TV show. Nope, just give me a good documentary, anytime!!

Mayweather VS McGregor!! One's a boxer and the other is a MMA fighter. Both champions in their respective sport, both have earned their respect, one way or another. Should these two meet, the pay for each of them will be worth millions!! Does anyone here care about their possible fight?? Who do you think will emerge the victor?? However, will it be a boxing match or will it be a MMA match?? And under with governing body?? Imho, McGregor can not stand up toe to toe with Mayweather; uncanny speed!! Albeit, Mayweather can not roll on the ground with McGregor; ground superiority!! How will Mayweather stop the take down skills of McGregor?? Boxing isn't MMA, and MMA isn't boxing, however, MMA fighters know how to box and how to grapple. Toe to toe standing...how is McGregor going to avoid and/or stand up to Mayweather boxing skills and power. Imagine Tyson VS a MMA fighter, in Tyson's peak...well, Tyson would outbox the MMA fighter, however, if Tyson was taken to the ground, Tyson would be in unfamiliar territory, and at a disadvantage. If the fight happens, again, just what is your opinion about this?? Imho, whichever one can dominate their respective sport, the other is through...done with...over and out!! Of course, I can't help thinking about Ronda's latest two fights, in which she lost...against someone with superior boxing skills...and in this case, Mayweather VS McGregor, the boxer might overpower the MMA. Will this fight be an exhibition match, akin to when Rocky fought an exhibition fight against Thunder Lips?!

For the most part, an Instructors Course covers both the Technicality of the style as well as the Administrative side, from 'A' to 'Z', and back. Teaching an instructor how to teach...how to mirror...refining the instructors technicality, to name just a few. How to pass on the fundamentals and techniques they have mastered, ensuring that karate’s highest tradition lives on!! Not all black belts can teach, nor should they!! The instructors are the representatives of the style. So, careful Instructor Training candidate selections are at the core of its success...and its failure. Strict adherence, to even the smallest detail, consists of a complete zero tolerance; graduation from our Instructor Training program, on an average, only has about a 2 out of 10 success ratio on an average...many attend, very few pass. Ever train in a full blown raging fire?? That's what an Instructor Training Program is like!!

Very nice application, quite short, yet right to the point. From that video, a student can seek out the various Oyo applications for that particular sequence. Only thing I didn't like was that there wasn't much of a more detailed breakdown of the Bunkai. Still, excellent Bunkai!! Thanks for sharing it, LeighSimmonsMA!!

Only time students are required to wear gloves is during Kumite. Other than that, the wearing of gloves is left up to the student. It's our practice to not wear gloves for most of the time, because, the wearing of them become more of a hindrance than an aid while we're engaging in our brand of Tuite.

Understood and I agree that in some respects it is too late to start over or make a huge change without loosing some or most of our students. I was certainly not suggesting that I would go through with this but I do in fact think that going back to the two belt system would improve the competency of our students and produce better martial artists. To me belts are the goal for most students due to ego. Again when I was coming up the goal was to perfect and absorb everything that was learned. Rather than concentrating just on the level you are in, you concentrated on all of what had been and was being taught. I just feel that it made better all around students and IMHO I feel that students actually progressed with more skill and knowledge than they do today. This I believe is why instructors have to harp on students to return to the basics. It is human nature in some to be lazy, if you will, any only concentrate on what they are being taught rather than to go back and practice what had been taught. Some feel this is a waste of time or they feel that they should not need to practice something that a test told them they had some degree of competency in. I see it every day even though I only use four belts. Once the next level is achieved the previous level is almost all but forgotten. "How fast can I climb to the top" or "Now I want to have that" is the normal mentality today. If belts were not in the picture the student would strive to perfect the techniques and applications taught rather than racing to the next belt so they can look cool or show off to their friends. Again just my 2 cents on the subject. To the bold type above... That, right there, that's the billion dollar nail being hit by the trillion dollar hammer; right on point!!

Private lessons have been around as far as I can remember. When I started training back in 1964, our Hombu offered private lessons, and in fact, our Hombu still offers private lesson. In my own dojo's, I've offered private lessons ever since I opened its doors. I'd say that privates lessons are a normal staple at a MA school. Just as in anything, some class structures, like private lessons, are much more suitable for some, but not suitable for others. Some want the privacy, while others crave the group setting. Oftentimes, the venue is the benefit!! Students of the MA have desires, as any individual, and these desires must be meet, and if these desires aren't meet by the school, then, they'll search for a school that will cater to their wants and needs. Benefits fit like a shoe! Either it's a comfortable fit or it's not!! There are as many benefits for and against private lessons, just like there are many styles and types of shoes to try on. Therefore, I will say that, and for the most, a private lesson is a one on one environment, with an occasional 2 on one. In a private lesson, the student has the CI's undivided attention across the board. That can be invaluable beyond what one could ever hope for or dream for!! Private lessons, are crucial if a student is seeking that much needed privacy. A well known celebrity who seeks that much important anonymity for what ever those reason(s) might be, would greatly benefit from private lessons. Hard to train when everyone's constantly gawking at them; tends to make the learning experience much more unpleasant. Do you need private lessons if you're going to or wanting to compete? No!! I do think that private lessons in this case would be more of a hindrance than a benefit because the more students you can Kumite with, the better. Variety is vital to train competitively!! Is it worth the costs? That answer can only be answered by the individual. Cost are higher than group lessons, but that's understandable because a student gets the CI all by him/herself. That undivided attention from the CI costs!! Think about it this way...1 student for an hour, three days a week at $300 per month = $300 VS 20 students for an hour, three days a week at $100 per month = $2,000, and a CI would need about 7 students for private lessons to equal what 20 students bring; it has the P&L screaming for attention. Most MA schools don't have a flip flop ratio where there are more private lessons than there are group lessons. Prices can deter most students, and those prices do play a major factor in a students decision. I've had many student actually think that if they took private lessons over group lessons, that they'd earn Shodan much faster. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Ranks are earned, not given. Promotions depend highly on the student as to how fast, or slow, a student receives. No, private lessons do not speed up the rank earning capabilities. No, you weren't asking this, I've just dealt with this very same question in 8 out of 10 interviews with prospective students over these many, many years.

Welcome to KF, Mandarin; glad that you're here!!

This is TERRIBLE!! This is one of the reasons why we have a No Vote of Confidence. Just ONE vote is enough to table a vote in the hopes of removing said board member!! I'm speaking about the member that was rude and demanding and dictating; I would've done the NVC so fast that heads would spin. Imho, NO GOVERNING BODY should dictate ANYTHING at a dojo that's not theirs!! That, for me, is enough to separate myself from the terror that lays before me!! Our SKKA/Hombu has NO AUTHORITY of any shape, way, and/or form over any dojo within the SKKA network...NONE!! I do as I please in MY DOJO, whether they like it or not!! And because our By-Laws were specifically written the way they were, NO VOTES ARE ALLOWED TO AMEND THAT RULE...NONE!! I don't even have to allow someone from the SKKA/Hombu in my dojo if I don't want to, and there's not a thing that they can do, except whine about it to a deafened ear. The SKKA can't just pull the Shindokan Shield off my door/window/etc. just because. The reasons are few, and there has to be a unanimous vote; this is one of the most difficult votes to pass, almost unheard of!! The Governing Body better know their role, and they better know it better than the Student Body, but the Governing Body IS NOT AN ELECTED KING; there are unquestionable By-Laws, backed up by the scrolls and the like, plus one heck of a Legal Team!! You're not a McDojo UNLESS you want to be one!! They threaten you by pulling your seal off your dojo, and the like, LET THEM!! I'd not succumb to threats and/or orders that involve my dojo because that's MINE, AND MINE ALONE!! Besides, I don't need the SKKA/Hombu because I'm complete in my totality across the board; can't strip that which they don't control...not now...not ever!!

Exactly what our Legal Team was wondering!!

That's fine!! Sometimes CI's have some serious personal issues that affect the Student Body, or the few, or the one, it does happen...I've seen it with my own eyes. I agree, not everyone is cut out for the MA, and then, and still, the decision to leave the MA is up to the student, imho, and not me. I'll never give up on my students; that's not within me!! "The needs of the few, or the one, out weigh the needs of the many" ~Spock of Star Trek

All students sign a waiver before they're allowed on the floor because my insurance requires it; risks are always at a MA school, no matter what steps are taking to minimize them. Now, if a student tells me of a medical/physical issue, then I'll refer make to my insurance company. If the insurance company insists on it, a doctors approval, than I'll require it as well. One thing I learned was, DO NOT NOT EVER FOLLOW A DOCTORS INSTRUCTIONS!! Fastest way to close your doors, and more importantly, the fastest way to seriously injure a student. Once I've the doctors approval, and the insurances thumbs up, it's up to me from there. That's one of the reasons, while it's a small reason, I don't use contracts. If I've a uneasy feeling in my gut, no, that student will not be allowed to train. Protect the student...protect the dojo!!

Yes, I/we allow new students to spar their first session; it's a norm. I would've let him be because sparring is intimidating enough for a beginner, and even more so when it's your first time and you're 13 years old. I would've let him just cry, he's not really bothering anything, and I would've allowed him to sit with his parent(s). I would've pulled him and his parents in my office for a comforting conversation. Letting them know how proud I was of him, and that he choice to spar, even though he didn't have to. Explaining to them that contact is very possible, no matter how much safety we've on the floor; things happen. Expect to be hit while sparring!! Answer all of their questions, and address all of their concerns truthful. After that, there's not much more I can do. I'd also have one of my instructors and/or myself shadow him for the time being to ease his anxieties, which will be there, even more so!! My job is to teach as well as to ensure that the Student Body is protected at all times!!

Thanks Mo and Brian; means everything to me!!

Great topic, Danielle; thanks for starting it. Both!! At the Hombu...Both, even though there's more traditional methods for obvious reasons...Soke and Dai-Soke; both born and raised and trained in the MA from yesteryear in Okinawa. At my dojo's...Both, and even mixture due to the fact that one way is never enough, and too much clouds up the knowledge/experience base. My brother is a Master Mechanic in and out of ASE certifications; he's been a mechanic for almost as long as I've been training in the MA. By default, he owns more tools and gadgets than anyone mechanic could ever hope for, or needs. He buys the newest tool just as soon as it comes out, whether he needs it or not...he'd rather have the tool than not have it because you just never know when you'll need it, and when you do need it, you'll be so glad that you do have it. I'm the same way with my MA training, whether its a MA gadget or a weapon or what have you, I'll buy it for the same reason as my brother. I'm one of the few that have a 500lb AND a 1,000lb handing bag. Why? Why not?! Whatever the gadget and/or the weapon, and if I really find it beneficial, I'll get several for the dojo; I'll buy one, work it out, and then decide if it's beneficial. At home...Both, again, yet it's at the smallest intent due to two things...my wife said so and space. In my space, I've the traditional as well as the modern because there's always another way to skin a cat.

Always feels good to be back in the dojo; a feeling of being renewed, and with a purpose. I join everyone here to say...welcome back to the dojo!! Train hard, and train well!!

You train in it because that's the methodology, as well as, the ideology of the style. It's better to train in it, than to have not ever trained in it!! Pose your question to your CI for a more clearer explanation per the style. Movements, at times, are trained in the manner that they are because a student has to learn how to properly execute said technique(s) as to the mechanical aspects of it. Techniques seems stiff, however, over time, that robot like movements are replaced into a more smooth and effective technique(s). Can't rush the outcome; allow it to mature.