Daryl

I attended a couple schools for a very short time. Then I started watching Craigslist under community ads and found classes at the local YMCA. The instructor sucked big time. I kept looking at the ads and found an awesome school just starting in my area. The instructor is as good as I would ever hope to find. If your in SE Michigan try... http://tangsoodomartialartssociety.com/default.aspx

Thanks for your replies.

Ok, I guess.

There are dojos in schools, churchs, ymcas, mass production studios and who knows where all else. Is there any relationship (as a general observation) between the type of dojo and the quality of the schooling? What kind of environment is your dojo in?

From what I see of your apparent experience, from what you've read, do you have any opinions?

Can anyone tell me anything about him from a personal point of view?

My instructor insists that when I exectute a move I should shout, "Kiai" or "Kia". I prefer to just make a forced, "HUH!" or "HA!" or some other forced exhale of air. To me it seems that "Kia" is a two syllable word which feels awkward when executing a move that should end with a one syllable expulsion of air. I have never seen a martial artist on tv shout, "KIA". Why is this particular word so important? What do you prefer?

I just started TaeKwon Do classes this week. I had a short brush with TaeKwon Do about 6 years ago but had to give it up at that time. Something that really perplexes me is that for patterns, my current instructor uses the term "kata" which, as for as I can learn is a Japanese word used in Karate. TaeKwon Do uses the term "hyeong". I have searched high and low on the web and I do not see evidence that this varies. My instructor says that "kata" is used in TaeKwon Do. He also stated that Cheon-Ji, which I learned long ago, has been phased out. Can anyone explain these things to me?