sensei8

Kick tricks, like Bo tricks or Nunchaku tricks. Thank you for sharing it; I too, enjoyed the kicks.

Nope! Judo injury to his right knee took care of that when he was much younger.

Yes, very cool! Thanks for sharing that!! The graph spoke to me that over time, the techniques were evolving.

No! No! No! Why? This isn't 1600 Japan/etc!!

I know it's a lifetime journey, but for me time is always a concern !! Imho, it shouldn't be a concern.

See I can see why his CI might be offended. I'm just postulating, but up until recently CredoTe, you were happy to wear the rank he gave you and one presumes wear it with pride? How must your CI feel if another instructor shows up on the scene, begins giving you private lessons, and you suddenly discard your belt? Perhaps he sees it as you saying that the rank he gave you is worthless or of little value and subsequently his teachings too? Might be a little slap in the face for him to suddenly have his student's valuing another instructor's teachings more than his own so much so that they say that his blackbelts are worth as much as whitebelts. I would honestly talk with your CI and explain why you have chosen to train this way. It might even mean taking your private lessons with your Ti instructor elsewhere and off dojo premises. I still stand behind my latest post in this thread. What you do in YOUR dojo is your business. What you do at the CI's dojo is his business. So I can be clear, just where are you wearing the white belt at? If you've not sat down to explain your actions to your CI, then you need to have done that before you started to wear the white belt. Also, you need to , if you haven't already, explain the reasons why to your students so they don't become confused and the like. I respect your reasons to grasp and learn Te from said instructor; it will enrich your MA journey. Loyalty and respect can be shown to both and to all by doing what's right. It's a thin line, but it's not a cloudy one. Still, follow your heart!!

Good points cheesfrysamurai. If they check all those points then (in my book) they'd certainly earn my respect. Is loyalty the same as respect? To the bold type above... They are no more the same as the day is to the night.

Well, it's a mute question now because of what happened to him at the last UFC event: Broke leg. However, White owns UFC, therefore he can force retirement on whomever he feels deserves it. Silva, isn't being too stubborn because I believe that he just want to be active. Still, Silva can't dictate to the owner of UFC, that boat won't float with White.

It's a life time journey; time should never be concerned.

Imho... Your CI has missed the forest because of the trees. One is not the same as the other! Does your CI own you? Does your Ti instructor own you? Is your CI that insecure as a MA instructor? Is your CI not complete in his MA totality? I can see why you were dumbstruck speechless. Imho, your CI has lost his bearings as a MAist as well as a CI. Sheech and good grief Charlie Brown. What wagnerk speaks about is solid, and worthy to consider. Maybe your CI was just having a really bad day...maybe!

In time, anything is possible. Protective instincts must exist!!

Solid post!! I think your questions hit the nail right on its head!! To command loyalty and respect for whatever the reason(s) might exist would be feeble minded of any school and/or instructor.

What has your doctor directed you to do?? His/her advice is above all, especially mine!!

I don't qualify to post here, but, I think it's a GREAT idea/topic!!

Glad that you were to finally solve your insurance problem. Also glad that you Sensei is reaching out to you; sounds promising and this is what I thought that he should've done right off the bat. Things are looking GOOOD!!

Stretch!!

Imho, that's immature of that said instructor! Not cool, and not responsible for said instructor.

Most karate dojo's DO use weapons. They're known as Kobudo!! Btw, welcome to KF!!

The fact that the chief instructor/director teaches most of the classes says something substantial about him/her. In most of the poor dojos I've experienced, the chief instructor (CI) hardly ever teaches (lower ranked "underling" blackbelts/instructors do most of the teaching); mostly just sits in an office and/or behind a desk to observe and collect fees (if present at all). In these kinds of dojos, the CI usually only teaches "special" classes for "high ranking" or "inner circle" students.* From what you've described, your CI is very approachable, teaches often, and involves as many students as possible in activities...marks of a good dojo. Also, in most dojos, it is fairly common for higher ranked students other than the CI to run warmups or the like; they're studying to become instructors, themselves, and need the practice. As for your style, the terminology you're using (i.e. "Heian Shodan") leads me to believe that you are Karate (not Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, etc) from a Japanese style (as opposed to Okinawan), probably Shotokan. The fact that you do a lot of "mixed" or an array of moves doesn't necessarily mean your dojo is a "mixed" art. Most of the "singular" MAs, like Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, have many different types of techniques with different uses (applications). To compare, I study Okinawan Karate known as Shorin-Ryu (Matsubayashi-Ryu). To us, the "Heian" kata are known as "Pinan"; same kata, but differences in language (Okinawa is part of Japan, today, but is culturally/linguistically different). * These types of dojos/CIs misuse (corrupt) cultural concepts from Japan to prop themselves up. In Japan, there are remote and inner students depending on familiarity and trust. The more they know and trust a student, the more they will teach. There are others here on KF that can explain this cultural aspect better than I. I second this. If the chief instructor is actually doing the teaching, it's a great sign especially if it's to the lower ranks. I concur with both KF members!!

A duty? NO!! Like respect, loyalty must be earned!! YES!! I'm pretty sure that most everyone here at KF knows just how loyal I am to my Dai-Soke.

Time to increase your library...COOL!!

Teach them per the syllabus at first so that they begin to understand said technique(s). Then, for those students that might be struggling, spend time with them until their AHA light comes on. You'll be fine, however, believing in your teaching abilities is quite important. Don't underestimate your students abilities to understand and know what's involved in running a dojo. Students know that as the numbers decrease, so might their opportunity of having a place to learn and train in. Well, the kids might not know, but the adults know that they're important to the existence of the dojo. If you're solid, the adults/parents will reciprocate you by showing you their loyalty and devotion by staying. You don't become a McDojo by having an economic stand on your tuition. If you've lowered them, tell your students exactly why you did what you did. That's exactly what I did when the economic downturn began. I dropped the tuition down to its bare essentials because I wanted them to have a place to train, and I wanted that place to still be my dojo. I ended all testing fees, and I told them why. Anyone hates surprises, MA students aren't any different in this regard. You know what a McDojo is, so don't become one!! Imho, everyone should renegotiate their rent every time it's time to sign a new lease contract. If not, an injustice befalls upon the students. If moving will improve things, then move. Just be up front with your students just as soon as you know it's going to happen, not at the last minute. While the lose of your dojo would vex you, a new place can generate positive spirits for everyone, including you. Sometimes, when turning the page offers new joys and expectations, one can't forget that you all must be on the same page, at all times. Hang in there!!

Price sure was doable, huh?!?

Well, that ends it appearing like UFC and the like.

Great start for the season. Congrats Kendall!! Care to share the pic here at KF?