sensei8

To tell your instructor or not is up to that practitioner. As an instructor, I really don't care one way or another. Tell me...don't tell me. Students come and go for their own personal reason(s), therefore, it's really none of my business. Would I notice whenever a student is no longer on the floor?? Yes, especially the longer a student has been with me. However, I'd lose no sleep over it. Seeing that my dojo is a business, the comings and goings of my students is just a part of any business.

We do just about the same thing as found in the three links you provided, especially the last one. Being that we are mainly a close range proponents, with our main goal is to get behind our opponent, we train religiously with the Wing Chun Wooden Dummy all of the time...from day one. With us, our sensitivity drills are geared with a huge heavy resistance training; you better have your receiving skills wide awake and in-tune. If not, well, you'll know it, and that's for sure.

I don't know the definitive answer to your question because I've never created a Martial Arts style; that I can't speak about with any authority whatsoever. My skill set along these lines is on the Administration side, having been blessed to own/operate my own dojo ever since 1977, and to have been in several Executive positions with the now defunct SKKA ever since 1989, as part of its Hierarchy, and up until December 31, 2018, midnight. In your regards, I would strongly suggest that your newly created MA style must be effective across the board. Anything less than effectiveness will destroy its acceptance, IF acceptance is what you're needing from others, MAists as well as non-MAists. Teach that which is in our heart, and never let any criticism persuade you one way or another, because if you do, the floor will eat you up alive without any mercy whatsoever. Test it or don't test it; that's up to you. Effectiveness can be embraced, but it can be a cold embrace. Whereas, ineffectiveness can't be embraced and/or hidden, especially from the trained eye. A new MA style is akin to a new song; it's either great or it's not. MA styles only have meaningful context within that group, however, to transition outside of that group are oftentimes relegated to a inferior role. If your new MA style is to become effective, you must be effective, and callous to outside influences; nonetheless, imho, any MA style is only effective as that practitioner. Proof is on the floor!!

Sorry, I can't say that I've ever heard of this Master X; doesn't ring a bell. I even tried to Google Master X, and only came up with Master X Master, which is an online video game that was published in 2017.

I completely agree!! Without self-expression, there can be no life; self-expression is as vital to living as breathing. Self-expression isn't made out of some cookie-cutter emotion; hence, as free as the wind is, albeit, change is inevitable. How can a song be written, and then performed effectively without self-expression?? Feelings; emotions give the song an effective life, so that the audience grasp its essence, and even in that, interpretations vary from one audience to another. There's no effectiveness without self-expression. There's no creativity without self-expression. The MA without self-expression is, well, boring as all get-out...well...to me it is.

Welcome to KF, Ethanb42; glad that you're here!! https://shintani.ca/chocodo-online.html https://gumroad.com/shintani https://mapda.ca/students/kata-list https://dynamickarate.ca/karate-belt-levels Doing a casual search for the aforementioned Kata, Chocodo, the links above DO have said Kata listed, in one fashion or another. If the above links aren't of any value and/or you've already found them in your search, Ethanb42, I greatly apologize. By looking at the above links, it would appear that Chocodo isn't that rare/unusual, especially within those styles/systems that regularly train that specific Kata. What's rare in one style/system, is commonplace in others. I, too, have never seen and/or heard of Chocodo whatsoever; I don't recognize it as something I've ever been exposed to. As Noah has stated... Some of the techniques caught me by surprise; I'd like to see the Bunkai/Oyo of the Chocodo Kata. Having been an Okinawan Karate-ka for just over 5 decades, I can't seem to wrap my head around it as something that's Okinawan. Albeit, that doesn't mean that the aforementioned Kata isn't Okinawan based; it's just another way of saying...I sure as fire that I don't recognize it at all. I surely like Wado Heretic's post quite a lot; thanks for that information, Wado Heretic!!

Instructors of the MA come and go; that's a sad, but necessary, fact that oftentimes has to occur. The blame stems from certain instructors; not all black belts can teach, nor should they ever try. Teaching is a gift, no matter where it's birthed from. Whether it be from God, parents, mentors, or naturally, teaching is a blessing. That teaching blessing shouldn't ever been taken advantage of in any shape, way, and/or form. Being a teacher doesn't mean that the teacher is better than anybody, especially those of that teachers students. I agree that the MA instructors has more knowledge and experience than that of their students, but that doesn't mean that that instructor is better than his/her students...no way...no how. Just as soon as an instructor...a teacher...of the MA sets themselves above their own students, is the very second that that instructor declares themselves better than their students. As though they were all that, and a bag-of-chips, and that the sun sets and raises because of them alone. The, "I'm better" mindset, is nothing but an illusion. Why?? Nothing is certain until it's certain, and that certainty isn't absolute. Why?? There's not one person that is perfect, and to embrace that absolute certainty one must be perfect. The, "I'm better" mindset, tells that instructor's students that they've nothing else to learn...that they've learned all that there is to learn. That's where the illusion begins. That type of instructor has forgotten one very important fact, that ALL are students ALWAYS. If one's always a student, than how can that instructor be better than anyone else?!?! The faster that instructors who've fallen on the wayside learns that, and accepts that, the better off will that instructor be, and more importantly, the far better his/her students will be. If the "I'm better" mindset is predominant with an MA instructor, perhaps they forgot or had never been taught... **Seek Perfection of character **Be Faithful **Endeavour **Respect Others **Refrain from Violent Behavior No rank is more important than the White Belt because without the White Belt, no other rank can ever be earned. Without humbleness, knowledge bears no fruit whatsoever. Without students, no instructor exists, and without instructors, no school of the MA exits, and without MA schools, the MA becomes extinct. Those MA instructors who've fallen into the dark side through having the "I'm better" mindset have forgotten or no longer care about anyone else but themselves have either chosen that mindset or have been too weak to fight that which was presented to them in their MA past. I've been on the MA floor for over 5 decades, and have been teaching the MA for over 4 decades, and not once, have I ever adopted the "I'm better" mindset in any shape, way, and/or form. My knowledge and experience is more than my students, but I'm NOT better than my students because I too, am a student of the MA; constantly seeking that which I still lack. "Well, I'm a black belt, so I'm better!!" "Because I'm your instructor, I'm better!!" "Seeing that I'm a black belt and your instructor, I'm better!!" Better is an idle measuring stick without substance, but even then, the black belt and/or MA instructor isn't better, just has been practicing/training longer than those who've not been on the floor as long than a black belt and/or a MA instructor. Show me someone who claims to be better, and I'll show someone who's not!! Any thoughts, please!!

LOL!! Great April Fools Day joke; I enjoyed it. Funny video, Radagast; loved the ending.

As much as I try to watch a MA movie like a fan, but I fail time and time again, the Ip Man series was, well, entertaining. They were each quite free with a lot of liberties with imagination. Not all are dubbed where you don't have to read along; I watched them all on Netflix. That's what my plan was. Maybe when the weekend rolls around, I'll view one and see.If I remember right, the first and third Ip Man movies had it where I had to read the closed caption, which I don't do to well because either I get to watch the movie or I get to read the movie. If I got to read the movie, I might as well get a book or transcript.

Congrats, hammer; well deserved!! Now, just think of this, hammer, that that has instant market value...if it ever comes down to it!! I mean, I've seen a $4 can of Lysol go for $40 on the internet!!

Congrats, Danielle on your successful on-line class. How do you think it went overall, and will you continue your in-line classes??

A very nice Belt Rack; you've got carpenter skills, that's for sure!!

As much as I try to watch a MA movie like a fan, but I fail time and time again, the Ip Man series was, well, entertaining. They were each quite free with a lot of liberties with imagination. Not all are dubbed where you don't have to read along; I watched them all on Netflix.

Having been fortunate enough to train with you, Brian at your school, the space in doable with the 6 foot social distancing policy with the 10 person limit. Me, myself, and I, at this moment, wouldn't feel comfortable in reopening any class size, and that's mainly because I've an underlying condition...Afib, and while I've no Covid-19 symptoms, my Afib won't allow me otherwise. Good luck, if your school does move forward in that endeavour. Well, this is nixed now. Our governor issued a "stay at home" order, so we're closed for the time being. Seems to be the responsible thing for a Governor to do in the effort to stave off this pandemic crisis that seems to be in full throttle.

These might help you find the answer(s) you're seeking... http://ufmahamiltoneast.ca/ https://www.thespec.com/directory/hamilton-on/martial-arts-self-defense-instruction/united-family-martial-arts-centres-hamilton-west-22491/ Good luck, brennan the rabbit.

Between my name and my belt I had 4 Ls to deal with - that was a LOT of nukite! The whole thing took my daughter and I about 80 minutes; we definitely weren't rushing. Higher belts could easily swap out some of the doubles for more advanced techniques as well. Instead of just the name which can be a bit unbalanced you could also have a "Word of the day" for exercises. I'm just trying to come up with things to make home practice more interesting and less routine. Please understand, I wasn't implying that you might be rushing, I was implying that I tell my students to never ever rush any technique because the side affects can be difficult to retrain. Your form is a great template for any and all ranks, especially as a starting point. Having fun, while making things with home practicing more interesting and less routine, is important, and necessary.

Great topic; thanks for sharing it as well as the form, Radagast. It does look quite sufficient across the board. Quite a workout, that's for sure, especially for the given rank; yet most doable. For my students, I'd seriously stress that quality of each and every technique be not sacrificed whatsoever; don't rush any technique matrix. And you're quite correct..."it's always good to practice basics!", no matter the ranks. How can one excel in the intermediate and above techniques without excelling in the basic.

Having been fortunate enough to train with you, Brian at your school, the space in doable with the 6 foot social distancing policy with the 10 person limit. Me, myself, and I, at this moment, wouldn't feel comfortable in reopening any class size, and that's mainly because I've an underlying condition...Afib, and while I've no Covid-19 symptoms, my Afib won't allow me otherwise. Good luck, if your school does move forward in that endeavour.

I would think that a online class could cover Kata(s)/Form(s). Slow...regular speed...different angles. No Bunkai, that can be saved for when the school reopens. However, Kata/Form classes would greatly benefit the students who might be having any difficulties remembering EXACTLY HOW THE KATA(S)/FORMS(S) should be. These classes online could cover segments/blocks of said Kata(s)/Form(s), possibly zooming in on a misunderstood and hard to grasp certain movement(s) found in said Kata(s)/Form(s) with, maybe, a wrist or foot movement(s). One Kata/Form could cover a few days to a week, with reviews of what's been covered thus far; a highlight reel, for a lack of a better word. In my dojo library, I've the complete video's of each and every Kata ever found/taught in Shindokan; students can check them out, but only Kata of their current rank, plus one. The only bad thing is that they have to be checked out and that they're at the dojo; I need to make them accessible online...however that is done. Even though the dojo is closed for the time being, I still receive phone calls from students if they've any questions/concerns about anything. Surprising enough, I get a lot of technical questions from all ages and ranks, about anything Shindokan related, including Kata(s). I'll breakdown the technique(s) and its like so they can understand it, which I believe any good instructor should be able to do, and not just at the dojo/dojang, and if a instructor can't do that, well, not all black belts can teach...I know you, Danielle, most assuredly CAN!!

Great topic, Brian!! Now, just recently, last Saturday, I viewed, not watched, Good Guys Wear Black, starring Chuck Norris, made back in 1978. I say viewed, and not watched, because I was in-the-room while my son was watching it in the living room. Just as soon as he started watching it, I groaned audibly disdainfully at his choice, but kept my big fat mouth shut so he could enjoy it. My eyes would dart to the movie from time to time, especially at action scenes. The plot is the good VS evil; however, it does have a underlying theme that speaks toward, and for, the MA itself by noting that the MA isn't, and shouldn't be, a vehicle of violence, especially of the layperson. That the MA, is a vehicle of peace, and not war, but a means of defending oneself whenever there's no other choice but to defend oneself with whatever MA skills one possess. Well, anyone who's been here for any length of time know I've an severe detestation of any and all MA movies; it's just not my cup of tea; I'm cursed to the Nth degree. I just can't bring myself to sit down and enjoy a MA movie, like everyone else on planet earth can. Why?? Each and every time that I try to watch, AND enjoy, a MA movie, I start treating it as though I'm conducting a Testing Cycle; picking it apart. I even do that to Enter The Dragon; I just can't help myself because that's just how much the teaching of the MA is ingrained in me. Yeah, I need therapy of some type to overcome the chains and shackles of it all.

I've tried virtual classes through Skype in the past, as more of an experiment, but for some reason(s) the network would crash quite often, which interferes with the continuity of the class. Screen freezes just literally drove me CRAZY. So much, that I trashed that experiment faster than I could say "NEVER MIND". I admit I am not computer smart when it comes to things like that. I tried every single suggestions that can down the pipe to correct my concerns with Skype. Students were enjoying the virtual classes, even though they were short lived. Well, at least I tried to do something different.

A parents work is never ever done; wouldn't have it any other way. Is the Chromebook full of Kenneth's lesson plans or what??

In Texas, in the USA, Dallas just ordered a lock down/shelter-in-place order. For the time being, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has decided that he'll hold off making the decision of an entire state order. The Texas Tribune reports this... https://www.texastribune.org/2020/03/22/texas-shelter-in-place-coronavirus-cases/ Quote: In Dallas, TX, there's an approximate 300+ MA schools that are affected one way or another presently. The precautions, imho, are practical as well as mature. As Spock one's said, of Star Trek lore... “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Captain Kirk answers, “Or the one. Harris County, where I live, in Houston, TX ordered a Stay-At-Home Tuesday afternoon, effective midnight, through April 3rd.

In Shindokan, the only ranks that aren't technical graded are Kudan and Judan; all other ranks are with no exceptions!! I'd have it no other way, imho.

I've even gone as far as restricting anyone who's access to my dojo from going inside for any reason(s), like, conducting any type of training; this is to ensure the integrity of our last extremely deep disinfecting remains intact. They can practice, which I highly encourage, but anywhere but inside of my dojo. I've camera's inside my dojo, that I've had installed a long time ago so I can view anytime from my cellphone and the like. That's how serious I am during this crisis; to leave no stone unturned.