ninjanurse

Although this is not martial arts related it does illustrate this position: I teach snow boarding and have found (almost 100% of the time) that accomplished skiers have the most difficulty learning to snowboard. They not only have to retrain their body but their brain too. Students with almost no athletic experience are the easiest to teach.

Welcome...glad you decided to join us!

Thanks Laurie!

A very good point.

I took my last dan test injured. The intense training I did for it took a toll on my aready injured knee and by the time the test rolled around I was facing a possibly life changing surgery. I chose to test anyway but was allowed to modify my breaks (which were a bust anyway because of the instability no matter which leg did the kicking!) and sparring. The test went well...I even got yelled at for sparring too hard (aahhh the heat of the moment !!!). I am glad that I went through with it and now as I sit here recovering from surgery I know I made the right decision.

Wow! You are really unhappy. Here is my response from the other thread you posted on: "It can be frustrating when this situation exists in your dojang. I feel your pain and fully understand your position. Sometimes all we can do is hold on to what we know is right and try to affect as much change as possible until it either all falls apart or starts to improve. Of course the other choice is to bail but that is not always practical nor the "right" thing to do." If your observations on the character of this instructor are indeed true you may want to consider your options and find a school that meets your expectations-not only for yourself but for your students. The trouble with life is that we can't make anyone accountable for their own actions and behavior-they have to do it themselves. I also understand your feelings of loyalty to the students...leaving them to the wolves so to speak is a difficult decision to make.

It can be frustrating when this situation exists in your dojang. I feel your pain and fully understand your position. Sometimes all we can do is hold on to what we know is right and try to affect as much change as possible until it either all falls apart or starts to improve. Of course the other choice is to bail but that is not always practical nor the "right" thing to do.

My first Shodan test was a surprise. We trained like everyday was a test because you never knew who was going to be watching.

My present style uses "cat" stance as a 70/30 however we also have a few variations of it because of the Chinese influence on the style. One is about 90/10, the other about 80/20.

Sounds like you have a sweet deal there Hajime!

Oh yeah!!! I remember well !!!

Welcome!!

Fingers crossed! BTW, we just came from dropping my son off at his recruiter...he leaves tonight for boot camp!!!

This is true. My Master Instructor recently tested for his 8th dan in Korea at the Kukkiwon.

Welcome to the forum!!

My bad!!! https://www.echotaps.org Laurie, the Marines (or any service) can change a person and turn him/her around but they have to want it. Hopefully he can find a GOOD recruiter that will sit down and talk with him about the realities of military service before he makes a decision. Personally, I think it will do anyone good as long as they are committed.

I am presently trying to get a class such as this going at my school. We need to have a full class devoted to this.

The journey to BB is different for everyone but 1.5 years does seem rather quick. However, you say you are 3 tests away....I'm guessing 6 months per test at this level so that would make another 1.5 years for a total of 3. Still a quick journey but not uncommon. On the flip side, if your school promotes students too quickly and their skills are less than another school of a similar style that could be a sign of danger and you may want to consider you options.

I wear my dobok in class and NEVER outside the school unless instructed to do so by my instructor.

So far it's mostly defense but I think Master Kuek teaches some offense to the Master Club (or whatever it's called?????). How about that bo...don't ya just love switching your balance to bo stance and falling over all the time!!!!!!!! When I teach Special Training (red & black belts) before the tests we go to the park and practice on the gaurd rails around the parking lot....we get a lot of good laughs until they catch on!!!!

This is an interesting subject to say the least and everyone has made good points thus far! Our bodies contain many mysteries- it's our choice how we use them. Intent is everything.

You should take a look at your nutirition and hydration. Often that can be a huge factor in endurance/stamina.

Previous arts: bo, kama, tonfa, naginata, jitte, knife, other Present art: bo, broadsword

https://www.echotaps.com The site gives an overview but not the actual event. It was on CNN lastnight....might be again. The rumor is that they are going to do it again next year!!!! Sweet..I'm there!!!!