ninjanurse

I also feel the 2 are separate. The combat aspect of the art (-su) is separate from "the way" aspect of the art (-do)...and the -do aspect does not necessarily involve religion. Just my opinion here as I am by no means an expert on any subject.

Distance can always be a factor and with kicking it may be directly related to the differences in flexibility and speed of each leg. Good point!

It takes as long as it takes! Everyone is different and develops at a different rate so I don't think you can place a minimum or maximum on it. Even if you present to your students a plan to get them to BB in "x" amount of time it is still up to them to make the journey.

Unless you can identify an acute injury that would make you have pain it is most likely that you have overworked some muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are not used to it. Take a hot bath/shower, stretch, and then work out as usual....the soreness will eventually go away.

No. Sensei always put more emphasis on leg strength, balance, and hip movement for a reason!

To achieve balance you may need to practice more on the weaker side until it is equal.

Thanks Aodhan!!

Plyometric exercises that work your jumping muscles (calves, hams, quads, etc). There are several good resources on the internet. Good luck!

As Laurie already said, we have a thought of the week posted at the school that we discuss after class. When I teach class, however, I take the thought of the week and design my class around it-using drills, stories, activities, questions, etc., to highlight the thought so that by the end of class everyone has not only heard it but has experienced it.

I use this combo frequently (oops...Laurie don't read this !) only I refer to it as an uprising kick. It is good for distracting them and getting their guard down.

Don't know the details but if I was in your shoes I would probably do it. Factors to consider would be demographics and possibilty of raising tuition.

I am nothing like the person I was before starting martial arts. Not even close!!! Too many things have changed to list....but I think what most changed was my attitude about myself!

Excited as you. I remember well testing for my yellow belt...taikyoku shodan, heian shodan, one-step sparring, lots of basics and kicks! Good luck!

And a fine opinion it is!

I wear whatever I am told to wear to class....makes no difference to me. If left to myself though I would wear plain white.

Sounds like you were "In the zone"! Definitely a great feeling.

Good luck!

I drive 45-50 minutes to get to the main school. My school is 20-25 minutes. As with everything in NY, it all depends on the weather!

See a doctor...especially if it has been 3 days with no improvement. The fact that you reinjured it may mean that it is unstable too. It may cost some time and cash but trust me, you don't want to be messing with the health of your knees! (I know these things... ) Until then: REST=this means no training! ICE=20 minutes every 1-2 hours until all the swelling is gone COMPRESS=ace wrap or brace until pain free ELEVATE=keep it up as this helps the swelling and helps you REST

Hi!

You don't forget, you just learn a different way to do each technique....and somehow you just keep them separate.

Nice article. Brings back many memeories of the good old days!

Sweet! I figure by next year my knee will be rehabed enough that I can pick up the training and plan on going for it! I have also implemented many of the requirements myself....and it's just the tip of the iceberg! Keep up the good work at your school...and keep me updated. It will truly be an "ultimate" Experience!

A Black Belt means something totally different to each person that wears it.

I understand your dilema but I still see no problem in starting at a lower rank...it would be disrespectful to your new sensei. Disrespect is disrespect....no matter who you give it to...so your only choice is to accept the rank or find another school to train at. Remember, different sensei's have different style even if they have the same grandmaster.If you are this concerned about it contact your grandmaster and get his opinion, although there is nothing you can do about the politics between your sensei's, etc. Personally, I think my grandmaster would welcome a student that was willing to humble themselves in such a way...not feel disrespected. But that is just my opinion.