ninjanurse

First of all just let me state that I am not trying to be antagonistic here. I just don't feel it is appropriate for my students to have it out in the dojang either. That goes against the tenets and precepts that I want them to learn. Many people act arrogant and bullyish just to get a rise out of people and if they are ignored long enough they will stop behaving that way...they may even learn something about respect along the way (and if they don't then they are not the type of person I want to give my knowledge to). Isn't that a better way than resorting to physical means? Afterall, we are trying to teach them how to behave, not how not to behave. As I have said before, verbal judo goes a long way...and one only learns this art by seeing it in action and observing the results. Physical action should be a last resort in all situations.

Bo

Bo

Can't speak for JKTT of course but tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant (and onions too) belong to the Nightshade family and contain phytochemicals that can be damaging and bad for some people. Certain spices also contain natural substances which can be "bad". I don't know about spinach.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday!

Vegan's eat a lot of whole grains, veggies, beans, fruits, plant based oils, and nuts. Chemicals and animal products are evil and you will die a slow and painful death..... !!!!!!

Fellow Vegan!!!!!!

I agree with TigerClaw and that is what I was taught from my first Sensei-personal glorification was never part of the curriculum. When I switched styles my new school respected my "tradition" and never gave me pressure to enter tournaments. I fight when required to do so for promotion or to defend myself and others and it is not a game to me, however, I do not disrespect those that do and will encourage and support them.

I never wear my dobok or rank outside of class! It is arrogance and will eventually get you in trouble. I will admit that I have less respect for a martial artist when I see him/her "advertising" outside of class.

I do not know that much about kung fu (yet ) but I do know that TKD is very aerobic. Muay thai may get you in shape faster though. You should check it out if you are interested in that kind of style.

And encourage them we should!!!

Sqawman brings up a good point. There are many different learning styles and different ways to teach a technique according to them. What one person doesn't get another one may....experiment with many different ways to explain and demonstrate and you'll be a better, more versatile teacher!

Don't all students regardless of age (or physical ability) work at their own pace? Age is not an issue.

Hello fellow NY'r. Enjoy the forums!

Welcome!

Glad to have you here. WelcomE!!!

Welcome!!

Welcome!

Robert, where did you get your numbers from (99% of this, etc.)? I would be very interested to know what study(s) these numbers came from and what they are basing their claims on. Likewise with the "almost all" comment. What do you base this on?

True, each situation is different and I am not against knocking a well deserving bully on his butt or defending oneself appropriately, however, I don't feel it has a place in the dojang by a senior student. Respect is earned, not demanded because of the color of your belt. Violations of dojang rules or traditions can be handled "administratively" and if the student does not wish to comply they can be asked to find another school to train at.

My thought exactly. You can't define Black Belt in just one way as there are so many ideas,variables, and philosophies that are entwined. You could assign one word to define it but that one word can have many different meanings. My "definition" of Black Belt is summed up in two words:Overcoming Self. Explaining what it means would take many more words and could lead to many discussions, so I leave it up to the reader to take it to heart and come to their own conclusion..a personal journey based on values, ideals, ethics, and experience.

I'm not sure what you're getting at but...I'll offer a few ideas. First of all, in order to get the kick off you do have to switch your weight to the rear leg and use more twist in order to make up fo the power lost -as opposed to a rear leg technique. The key to making it faster is in the footwork and chamber. You have to practice, practice, practice in order to accomplish this. If an opponent is advancing you may have to switch step back and then throw the kick (not optimal but can be effective), or skip step forward to create enough momentum not to get knocked on your butt when you throw it. Lastly, using a 45 degree angle on the kick's path to the target, rather than a 90, makes the kick faster and less identifiable to your opponent and lead leg tehniques can always be used as smoke screens for powerful rear leg kicks.

People get tired of it but egos don't. In a pefect world.........(sigh)!

WELL SAID KATE!!!!!!!!! False humility can be as much of a problem as the "McDojo". Action is what counts!!! "kung yeht" Kate!

Treebranch makes a good point here. And while I have strong feelings about this topic in general I agree that there are times when it is appropriate and times when it is not. Instructors can be self-serving and promote students prematurely thereby giving martial arts a bad rap. Truely having the physical skill level of Black Belt is a whole lot different than having the character and maturity of one, and I am all for Junior Black Belt ranking until the student is truely ready. I also see no reason why a Jr. 1st Degree can't test for a Jr. 2nd Degree, etc.