sensei8

And it's all about making those changes that betters oneself!!

Thank you, Patrick for your birthday wish, and yes, a fun day is planned to celebrate. I'm 58 The Cowboys need that bye, and I'll take that as my birthday present gladly. I can't believe I'm about to say this....I miss ROMO! GO COWBOYS!! The thanks, for my contributions here at KF, go to the KF members; without them, I'd have nothing to say about anything. And of course, I thank you, Patrick for having created one of the most beneficial forums around, in KF, and your leadership is without an equal...OUTSTANDING; without you, Patrick, none of us would have anything to say about anything of value.

Welcome to KF, Shotoianjkaonly; glad that you're here!! I'm not from Shotokan, and with that being said, I take any and all statements/reports and the like quite lightly because, after having read about this over the years, I'm still not sure with of these is accurate. What I do know is that the MA world either suffered a lot in the splits or the MA world benefitted by the splits, depending on whom one is asking. Politics destroy the betterment of the style. I know, I deal with politics all of the time in the governing body that I'm the President of, and for now being, there's a calming peace...for now.

Well, imho, if anyone here at KF deserves to be recognized with an award, than you do, Patrick. The amazing work that you've done to your brands is an attest to the fortitude that you've put forward in making KF the quality brand that it is!!

Solid post!!

I agree with both Maybetrue and you, Brian. Whenever I have this happen, I make sure that that students not left alone, and that someone interacts, as needed, with that student while I continue teaching the rest of the class. I don't stop everything to tend to one student because it's not fair to the class. I've meeting with staff all of the time, and one of the things that I address is what we're talking about. Once all of the staff know what to do when this happens, I don't have to direct them as to what to do because they already know what to do; it happens automatically so as to not disrupt the class.

Solid post!! Not every instructor can teach 4-5 year olds; it takes a special instructor to do so successfully. And you're right, it is "playing" because that's how they learn, and how they retain, even if it's a miniscule of information...patience is greatly needed to teach that age group. Everyone knows that when it comes to that age group, I'm nothing more than a big kid. That age group responds to that silly instructor who they can play with. If I may ask... What happened that made you make that statement to your wife?? Have you taught that age group? 4 and 5 year olds? Yes, I have! Ever since 1970 when I was a JBB, and even more so when I opened my own dojo in 1977!

I suppose being recognized by ones governing body can be both rewarding and humbling, all at the same time. It's possible that the governing body is pushing the CI label, while Houston just wants to teach!!

Thanks for sharing the link Brian. I always find it interesting how different associations and even countries evolve their own style and flair to sparring even though they share the same base and rulesets. Thanks, Danielle. I do wish we could change things up from time to time, and do some strikes to the head with perhaps some different padding or something. It really changes the strategy, and opens up things for students. I'd agree the strategy does change. Even though we do head shots, we're limited too, no hooks or uppercuts, straight shots only in tournament. Of course we do train them from time to time but when our sport sparring excludes it, we don't tend to focus on it much. For comparison, here's some of me (I'm with red gear): https://youtu.be/qwweN3PR-NE Yeah, you got skills, Danielle! I like how you constantly pressed her; she's a runner...that's for sure!! Because you weren't wearing headgear, I'm thinking that headgear wasn't mandatory!! I noticed your lack of head gear, as well, and it made me jealous. I also noticed that gal ran a lot. Nicely done. I see a different shift in punching strategy with your match; since the head shots are allowed, it appeared that no one bothered with any body shot punches. I didn't see quite as many head kicks, either, but that makes sense, when the closer tool, the hand, is more viable an option. So, we see what the different organizations want to emphasize in their training. In the ATA, and with the WTF, head kicking becomes order of the day. In the ITF, with head punches allowed, less head kicking. But those are just observations from your match here. I'm sure they are not all like that. If I can say this...isn't that the beauty of TKD...the ability to kick to the head; one of the staples of TKD!! Of course, being predominately a proponent of hand strikes and the like, I'm glad to see more punches than kicks. After all, TKD isn't ALL kicks and no Te Waza!! Besides, if one can kick faster than one can punch, then by all means, kick away.

I liked that he'd demonstrate on the Wall Dummy, and then showed possible applications of what was demonstrated; my Oyo eye peaked up wide for that! It took a 2D look into a 3D look; awesome!

By all means, Patrick, thank you for taking the time to post these interesting stats; humbles one, as I'm humbled in this. I'm sure that Brian can agree with me when I say that I don't contribute to KF with the KF Awards in mind, but for the fact that I enjoy our many conversations with some outstanding KF members. Whether one has garnered 31 nominations or only 1 nomination, all KF members are one thing...compassionate about KF and its outstanding members. The MA aside, its the conversations that I enjoy the most, and if I can help someone, well, that's the reward!

Seems to me that the MA are as interchangeable as socks are for human consumption; just the methodology and ideology differs.

Wherever the art of breaking, Tamishiwara, came from, I'm thankful for it; an intricate part of the style of Karate that I've trained in for over 5 decades. Again, wilberbear, I'm very thankful for the links as well as the information that you've supplied here at KF. Great find!!

Thank you, Noah, for the video; really enjoyed it!! I have to admit it though, I've not ever seen the Wall Dummy, and I want one NOW because it would so much compliment the WC Dummy. The WC Dummy is a very important training tool for Shindokan's brand of close range techniques which depend on many varied transitions. Also, I've not ever seen and/or heard of Guru Maul Mornie. Noah, you say you're not fond of the design, and I can appreciate that. Have you ever trained with a WC Dummy on a regular basis? If not, I can appreciate it even more because of the unfamiliarity that would surround that type of apparatus. Again, thanks Noah!!

Shindokan is my core style, and I'd describe myself as a mutt; having more than one brand within me due to the amount of cross training that I've done these past many, many years while on my MA journey.

Solid post; thank you for sharing it, as well as the links!!

Both videos, excellent tutorials, Alex. Thank you for sharing them. I'll not comment and/or answer your questions proposed because I want other KF members to respond instead, although I want to right now.

Solid post!!

Thanks for sharing the link Brian. I always find it interesting how different associations and even countries evolve their own style and flair to sparring even though they share the same base and rulesets. Thanks, Danielle. I do wish we could change things up from time to time, and do some strikes to the head with perhaps some different padding or something. It really changes the strategy, and opens up things for students. I'd agree the strategy does change. Even though we do head shots, we're limited too, no hooks or uppercuts, straight shots only in tournament. Of course we do train them from time to time but when our sport sparring excludes it, we don't tend to focus on it much. For comparison, here's some of me (I'm with red gear): https://youtu.be/qwweN3PR-NE Yeah, you got skills, Danielle! I like how you constantly pressed her; she's a runner...that's for sure!! Because you weren't wearing headgear, I'm thinking that headgear wasn't mandatory!!

Yeah, I think a rope, a pulley, and some hardware to mount the pulley, is much cheaper, even with that, performing the old fashion stretches will be even cheaper than the rope and pulley method.

Ummm, well, sounds fine, but I STILL have no idea, and I've tried with no success, to download off my new camcorder. I'm teachable, but this fangled technology makes me feel super stupid. For me to challenge someone, and by the way, I think this is a good thread and idea, won't the person/people I challenge have to be a KF member first, and active for them to respond?!? If I challenge someone, and that person is not a KF member, how are they going to see the challenge. Is Iain Abernathy a KF member?

Solid post!! Not every instructor can teach 4-5 year olds; it takes a special instructor to do so successfully. And you're right, it is "playing" because that's how they learn, and how they retain, even if it's a miniscule of information...patience is greatly needed to teach that age group. Everyone knows that when it comes to that age group, I'm nothing more than a big kid. That age group responds to that silly instructor who they can play with. If I may ask... What happened that made you make that statement to your wife?? Well your right about how they learn. I am still learning how to be more fun because Im more rigid in a lot of ways. As to what happened it really wasnt a big deal, I always converse with my wife after class, she helps put as needed every night, BUT what happened was I had a new student, 2nd day in and he was crying. He was crying to the point he wouldnt talk to me. I was doing a relay race with 2 lines of kids 3 in each line. My 2 daughters also help me in class and were holding pads. The goal was to run to the front wall of the gym, and run back and perform the chosen technuiqe such as jump front kick and so on. I stopped to try and get the new kid into class and he wouldnt so I said ok and went on with the races. So, what i did wrong is what my instructor who taught me how to teach taught me... "dont ever let a kid stand around". Why would a parent pay for their kid to stand there? What i should have done is get one of my helpers to go work with him, or get a helper to take over the races so I could work with this kid. I had the help, so I had no excuse. Sounds so simple but to me I was so aggravated that I let him fall by the wayside. Its little things like that, that I work at every class to get better. When i taught for somebody else I always taught the 8yr oldand up classes the best. So when we debate a good instructor, I think its important to look at many things, because theres many different facets to what we do. The important thing is to get better. Sorry, I feel like im venting now lol. I get a strong sense deep in my gut that you're an excellent instructor; one I could learn a lot from, and not because I'm an adult!! I learned that kids that age can't, and shouldn't be forced to go to class. By that I mean, if the kid, being that young, is crying, it's best to let that kid return to one of the parents for some comforting. Let that student watch from the sidelines by whomever, including if that person is YOU, and before you know it, that student will be in class, to your surprise. Kids watching other kids having a blast make them want to join in because they don't want to miss all of the fun, nor do they want the other kids having all of the fun without them. It's like a fly drawn into the light...they can't help themselves. Could be that that kid is scared for some reason(s), and usually, it's the new environment and the activity that the MA requires; can be very intimidating, as well as horrific for them. With one of the parents encouragement, IN TIME, the kid will or will not join class. Parents will pay, but only for so long before the parent says enough is enough. Formality and etiquette is important, but, for the moment, that's for another day and time!! Remember, the CI sets the tone!! Had it been me, in your shoes, I would've had one or both of your daughter(s) buddy-up with this student. Why? One, your daughters are female, and not a man. To a child, a female is less intimidating than the big scary barking man. A female instructor is more nurturing, and if I may say, more mothering than we male instructors can be. Your daughter(s) playing with this student, in any way to earn trust and security and comfort, will go quite along way. Also, this will show the parent(s) that a genuine concern and interest is being given. The parent(s) will not think that their wasting any of their hard earned money. In time, I'd slowly ease myself in with the daughter(s) as a joined play mate. Easing MA activities, but not until that student starts relaxing and trusting and not experiencing parent separation anxiety. After all, who does a child that old want to be with? MOM...maybe Dad, but for certain, MOM!! You've two daughters! Both in the MA! Both were once that young! Your a dad! Your a male! The way that you taught your daughters, teach that very young student the same way!! The way you played with your daughter when they were that very young, play with that very young student the same way. It takes a special instructor to teach students that young; not all great instructors can. You're a great instructor; TEACH!! Don't give up on that student and/or parent(s) as of yet. Time heals all wounds and this little one needs some healing from you, your daughters, and the parent(s). Hang in there...you got this!!

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

Great posts, ALL!! Thank you!! Keep them coming!!

In short... 1) Business Knowledge 2) Money Management These are the two areas that I struggled with the most when I first opened up my Kyuodan Dojo back in 1977. Business Knowledge: Well, having a black belt, and I was a Sandan in 1977, doesn't mean that I had the Business Knowledge at all. To manage and operate a dojo requires the nuts and bolts of Business 101. I can teach...but I didn't have the required knowledge to do all that's required to manage and operate a business. Yes, a dojo/school, IS A BUSINESS. If you've overhead, like rent, utilities, supplies, etc., then your dojo/school IS A BUSINESS! How did I overcome that? I went to two schools! School #1: Los Angeles Valley College where I majored in Business Management. The sad thing is that I only went 1 year...dojo scheduling and raising a family ended that. School #2: The school of hard knocks; d.b.a., the school of trials and tribulations. I made my share of dunderhead mistakes, and then I learned from them. Money Management: I'm not referring to knowing how to manage private finances, even though that goes hand in hand. Can't manage personal finances, then one can't manage business finances. No, I'm referring to business...the dojo! Have to have a student body to reach weekly and monthly and quarterly and annual budgets. That is important, unless you're a millionaire. How did I handle this? I had to learn the difference between needs and wants. I need to pay rent! I want to buy a motorcycle! I need to pay utilities! I want to go to Six Flags! The dojo can't take care of itself; it needs an owner/staff to care for it!! I did demos and passed out flyers to get the word out about my dojo. Being in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California in the late 1970's did make it possible because the San Fernando Valley isn't a tiny town, and in that, it's population back then was hundreds of thousands. Word of mouth was, and still is, a vitally important way to increase the student body. I'm a firm believe that is I take care of my family; I'm taken care of too. If I take care of my students; I'm taken care of too. If I take care of my dojo; I'm taken care of too. I had to learn to put EVERYTHING BEFORE ME!! To do these two struggles any justice will take more explaining; it's not a short answer!!