ninjanurse

Kip up is correct.

Search on the net for XMA schools. There are several out there. XMA is a curriculum separate from the school style that can be taught to students that involves gymnastics. Find one and visit it several times before you decide. You should also check out other styles as suggested, in paticular capoiera and some modern TKD styles.

I was being facitious to make a point as there are schools out there that test in that manner.

I don't disagree with your business approach as running a successful business requires good management techniques, but I prefer the school down the street approach of charging more and eliminating testing fees as this puts the emphasis on quality of instruction and personal effort rather than on paying for your belt. As a student I pay alot of money for classes and work hard for advancement-only to have to shell out a 50 more bucks for a 2 minute test and a 4 dollar belt. Cheapens the whole process to me, and as a consumer makes me feel like a money tree rather than a student. On the philosophical side my position is the same as my previous post-sweat equity is more valuable than dollars.

Sensei's family traditionally kept their style in the family only and it was a great privledge to be allowed into the "family". Since these styles were traditinally developed and practiced in secret one was never allowed to show their skills in public...unless to defend a life. Keeping to these principles was as much a part of the art as the techniques themselves and to violate this family trust would be an insult.

Yes, traditional JJ not BJJ. And the "boards" are exactly that...boards(wooden or tapestry) with the techniques listed on them.

Welcome!

Aloha!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome Khan!

Welcome!

Personally I feel that you shouldn't charge students for testing . Advancement is something that you should pay for in sweat not cash. Monthly fees should be structured to absorb the cost of a 4 dollar belt if money is what motivates you or you can have your students buy their belts from you. In special circumstances any testing fees that are charged they should not be for profit but to cover costs only.

My sensei never allowed his students to publically compete because to do so would be contractictory to the purpose of martial arts and would be an insult to him. My personal opinion is that modern competitions are for those who are still driven by their ego and should not be required for advancement to any rank. However, I will never discourage any student from competing and will give him/her the tools needed to be successful-if that is what they want.

First of all...go to class and get started! Your prior experience has merit and will show in your techniques and efforts. Belt ranking is not the important thing...personal effort and attitude are. Don't get hung up on the color belt you wear. Second, you are just a beginner and are not expected to fight or react like a BB. Sparring has to be learned just like a form or set of basic techniques and it take TIME-lots of it!! You will get better every class so don't sweat it. GOOD LUCK!

Congratulations!!!

Focus-Power-Speed-Control-Flow

Focus-Power-Speed-Control

Presently where I train: 3 months between belt level white through brown (7 belt levels), 4 months to red, and then 6 months between red, senior red, and probationary BB. All black belts test every 6 months for intermediate gradings and it takes 2 years to reach 2nd degree. 3rd degree takes another 2 years, and 4th degree takes 4 (testing every year for intermediate grades).

In some traditional schools there are "boards" which list the techniques required for each level and students work on their "boards" during class. Belt levels do vary by style but I believe most go white blue brown black.

Another 2 cents (can't keep my mouth shut as usual)...TKD fighters that use a sideways stance are usually those that use a lot of back kicks or lead leg side kicks and are just giving it away. They don't practice throwing kicks from a neutral stance and/or their instructors are not correcting a bad habit when it starts. Don't get me wrong here, I still stand by my earlier post that there are good reasons to use a particular stance and good reasons not to...versatility is the key here and fighters can be effective from any stance. I just think that a lot of TKD stylist's telegraph their techniques using this stance. Watch your students (or fellow classmates) when they spar and you'll see what I am talking about.

My school is very traditional and all ceremony is observed even down to who eats first when we all go out to eat. I love it when 20 black belts stand at attention and bow to the master right in the middle of a restaurant! As far as classes go we line up senior to the right, bow to the flags (USA/Korea/Asso.) then the instuctor with a traditional bow and then a chinese salute. We do not sit seiza (thank God as my knees are getting too old for it!) but rather cross-legged, and any time we change direction or move we bow to the instructor first and last. It is a lot of bowing but it's all good-takes lots of self-discipline which in my opinion is lacking in quite a few MA schools out there.

Congratulations!

Hook kick to the head and back kick are my favorite sparring techniques. My favorite overall kick is wheel kick.

...and what exactly did you expect for your FIRST class? The road is long my friend and your first sparring class is just the beginning. Time is a great teacher (of course do is pain but that's beside the point )and you will get better each class. Be patient with yourself and keep your hands up!!!