Excoastie

Well dealing with adults, a calm discussion, or demonstration is usually enough to end any arguments. When dealing with kids (especially those around 10-12) there often isn't much that can be done, other than stopping them, and trying to get them to realize that there is a time and place to argue the finer points of a technique. I've told the kids that we could discuss things after class if they still had issues, and I've also gotten either the Kyo Sa Nim or Sah Buh Nim. I'm yet to see a quick conversation with Sah Buh Nim to not end an argument. Exco

I trained in TKD for almost 2 years before life and work interfered with my training. I was able to obtain a green belt, after learning the basics, several forms, and an introduction to sparring. After almost a year absence, I joined a new dojang that was TSD, and I've never been happier. The TKD school was good and the instructors excellent, it just didn't have the "family atmosphere" that the new school has. I know this has nothing to do with the style, but it was a prime motivator in staying with the school. I recently (in April 2012) obtained my 1st Dan in TSD, and I haven't noticed very much difference in the techniques between TSD and TKD. There are a few, such as the chambering for a knife hand, and the position of the foot (vertical vs horizontal) while doing a back pivot/ spinning side kick. The forms/ patters are different, but I think that is probably true for most organizations, as each organization has it's own set of forms/ patterns. I don't think that you and your friend will have any difficulty training together, so long as you both respect the differences in each of your styles. Exco

I would say at least 3-4 years, if you're committed and attend class regularly AND don't miss any scheduled testings. I doubt that you're current skills will provide you any leg up in rank, unless you've been previously ranked in another martial arts style AND you're instructor recognizes it. I do think that the skills that you have will be an asset to what you'll learn. good luck Exco

thanks for the replies. I'm looking to use them mainly while running laps and such during class. I don't foresee a need to wear them while training. We have a well padded mat system in the dojang, so that is not an issue. I've been looking around online this morning, and I've come up with several different possibilities. At this point I'm looking at the Adidas martial arts shoe SM II, the Adidas adi storm shoe, or even the Discipline martial arts shoe, they've all got good reviews. I was just hoping someone had some personal experience with them. I will continue my research. Exco

Does anyone have any experience with martial arts shoes? I've been considering trying a pair, and my master instructor has given his go ahead to use them during class, provided I'm not sparring or kicking the wave masters and such. I've been having a recurring issues with my left ankle/ heel that I believe is a result of an impact injury from running barefoot. I've been to several doctors, including an orthopedic specialist who basically tell me if it hurts, then don't do it. The short answer is that my "injury" is an inflammation of the soft tissue in my ankle joint. I've found that if I run with a shoes on, then the pain isn't there, even when I run the the 2 miles twice a month with my school, or even what ever running I do on my own. It's only when I run barefoot that I begin to have issues. When running in class (barefoot) after a short distance (2 or 3 laps around the school... 24 laps = 1 mile) the ankle begins to ache and hurt. Would a pair of martial arts shoes be worth the investment? Or is this just something that I've got to deal with, and accept the fact that I will not be able to run during class, etc Exco

OK thanks for the responses. I asked mainly because I was curious. I'm fully prepared to do what ever is needed to fulfill the requirements of our organization to earn my black belt. I've also accepted that due to my work schedule that I may not be able to do so during the current testing cycle. I have been training since May of '06 so it's been a long journey so another few months won't hurt me, it'll just give me a little more time to be truly ready. Exco

I have thought of this myself. I haven't actually done it though. I'm scheduled to test for the 1st Dan in March. I have been planning on purchasing a belt display for after I earned my black belt. I have spoken with one of my master instructors, and her response was a sort of chuckle saying that I could purchase any belt that I wanted to, provided I was prepared to defend it when doing so. I had pretty come to the conclusion that I would purchase an additional black belt for display purposes AFTER I had earned a black belt. I had one of our senior instructors tell me that he felt that I would have no trouble defending the belt, I still didn't feel right about buying one. So I'm waiting for my black belt test before I purchase a black belt. At that point I can feel good about the fact that I'm not displaying anything that I didn't earn. just my opinion Exco

I started off in TKD, and achieved my green belt. T switched over to Tang Soo Do about 2 yrs ago,(There are numerous reason why, but here is not the forum for it). I'm scheduled to test for my 1st Dan in March. In our school we do a combination of practical self defense and sport style training. I think the best description would be that it's a mix of both hard and light contact during sparring. The beginner ranks have very light/ no contact up to yellow belt, then dependent upon the student will move on to a little harder contact up through green belt. Once the student has achieved blue belt the level of contact is usually up the individual students (up to a point). Control is stressed at all levels. The realization that some students (usually the teenagers) won't a little harder contact is allowed, provided control is used at all times. When the student moves toward the advanced levels then the focus is more on techniques along with control. Being able to put everything together so that it works for each individual student We realize that one student can successfully pull off a spinning kicks while maintaining control where another is better off with a side kick or back pivot side kick. I have obviously over simplified things, but I believe that you get the general idea. My master instructor is Charles Chapman III, in Bossier City, LA at Pak's Karate (part of the national franchise and United Tang Soo Do Federation) Exco

Hello everyone: I've recently received my "black belt handbook" which has included in it all the requirements for testing for 1st Dan, as well as all of the additional requirements for testing up through 4th Dan. The plan is to test for 1st Dan during the middle of March, provided my work schedule allows me to complete the many requirements. I've been told by my senior instructor that even though the handbook says that certain parts can not be waived (assisting with a color belt testing at another federation school), it may be possible in my case due to my schedule One of the requirements for 1st Dan is the writing of a 5 page thesis. This is to be autobiographical in nature, and detail what you've received through taking martial arts, how martial arts have changed your life, future goals, etc. I had never heard of this requirement before, and I was stressing about it until I actually sat down to write it. With a little bit of thought, and a couple of hours effort I was able to knock out my first draft with very little trouble. I still need to "tweak" it to improve on what I'm trying to say, and of course fix my many spelling and grammatical errors. Did anyone else have this requirement? Do you currently have a similar requirement? What's your take on the reasoning behind this requirement? Thanks. I'm just curious Exco

first off I plan on earning my 1st Dan... scheduled to test for it in March. There are some requirements that I'm not sure I'll be able to satisfy this testing cycle, so I may have to push it off until June. I need to get off of my butt and start some sort of routine where I regularly do some sit ups. I've always struggled with sit ups, and I know I need to put forth a lot more effort in order to get to a point where I can pump out 75+ like I want to be. I also want to continue my training, so that I'm not feeling quite as lost as I have been of late. My forms I know can stand some real improvement, as well as many of my basic techniques Exco

I agree with everyone else. It's time to find a new place to train. It's unfortunate that you were treated that way, especially when you had some trying times at home. I got a phone call from my school the other day. I hadn't been to class in the better part of two weeks. They were calling to make sure every thing was OK, even though they're aware of my wacky schedule AND my son had told 'em that I was at work a lot. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a new "home" good luck Exco

I agree with most everyone else. I don't think there is a "set in stone" age for these techniques. Perhaps a general guideline age requirement would work, but then again perhaps not. I believe that as part of any training, there is a discussion that goes along with it. What is appropriate for a given situation. That being said, I feel that regardless of the age, a child should learn what ever techniques are required for their skill level/ rank. If lil Joey decides to pick a fight with one of your students, then you're student should know what steps he must use to try and avoid the fight, if that doesn't work, then your student should know what level of force is acceptable to defend himself. I had an instructor tell me once that once you've reached the rank of around green belt (though it does vary a little with different students) you've achieved a skill level in martial arts where it is possible for you to truly hurt someone quite badly. He said that if you ever find yourself in a fight, you must be able to instantly ask yourself two questions, and be able to answer "yes" to both. If you can't, then you've gone too far, and could end up paying the consequences for your actions, regardless of who started the fight. "Am I legally right?" "Am I morally right?" If lil Joey comes up and tries to punch lil Billy in the face, but lil Billy blocks the punch, and instead punches lil Joey in the stomach, but then walks away, then lil Billy did the right thing. Now if lil Joey comes up and tries to punch lil Billy in the face, but lil Billy blocks the punch, then punches lil Joey in the nose (breaking said nose) then kicks in the side of head to knock him down. Then once il Joey is down on the ground lil Billy proceed to punch and pound on lil Joey until someone pulls him off. Lil Billy started off correctly, but he went too far, and will most likely have consequences to face. I myself would most likely have "blocked and countered" then tried to walk away. If that didn't work, then I'd have "reevaluate" and see how things went. just my opinion Exco

thanks for all the responses. Lots of good info here, and even more stuff to think about, much of which never even entered my mind. This is the benefit of experience that I myself lack, and there often isn't the time to get one on one time with the instructor for a long discussion. thanks again Exco

I started out about 5 or so years ago. I had heard from my (then about 6) son that he "wanted to do karate". I kept putting him off, as I knew it to be quite expensive, and neither his mother or I really had the time to be taking him to classes several times a week. Fast forward a bit. One of the local TKD schools was on a recruiting drive. One of the instructors was friends with the owner of my son's day care. They did a demo, and we went to the school for a hands on "seminar" on the ABCs of TKD. Afterwards we signed up for classes. We attended classes 2 or 3 times a week for about a year or so, signed the contract for 3 yrs, the whole 9 yrds. I then started working even more than I had, my wife was having trouble getting my son to class, and add to the fact that he was quickly losing interest. About this time they started morning classes twice a week. These morning classes for ideal for me, as I am often at home during the days, where when I'm not working my evening are usually pretty full. My son decided he wanted to quit, though I was livid my wife and I allowed him to quit, as it was too much of a fight to get him to go to class, and when he was there, he wasn't putting in any effort. Talking with our instructor did very little good, though he tried his best. Fast forward about another year. I had received my green belt, and my son had been away from it for awhile. Our instructor sold out, and joined the army. I didn't much care for the new instructor, though I tried for several more months before I also lost interest. I had never realized just how important the instructor and his/ her style of teaching was until this point. Fast forward another year. This is about the time where my contract with the old school was about to expire. I had tried to get out of it, but there was no way. My son started showing interest in getting back into MA, though at a different school where several of his friends trained. I was highly resistive, and put him off for several months, as I didn't wish to go through what I had gone through at the other school again. My neighbor convinced me to stop by the school. Her son had been going for almost 9 yrs (he's currently almost 16 and a 2nd Dan), her husband for almost 3 yrs (he's now a 1st Dan), and she's been attending classes for about 2 yrs now. I immediately liked the instructors, and my son was showing a level of enthusiasm I'd never seen outside of video games. We've been attending that school for almost 2 yrs now. We've both just received our red/ white stripe and are about a year away from our 1 Dan. I completed the instructor certification course about this time last year. That has been our journey, full of it's many ups and downs. Exco

I think it's a natural inclination to drop the elbow to help protect the ribs. I think it would take years and years of consciously making yourself not do so to overcome this inclination. Exco