ninjanurse

welcome-have fun!

welcome!

Hello and welcome!

The more the merrier!!! Welcome

Shogun...one of the best books I ever read-and the movie wasn't half bad either!!!! WELCOME!

Howdy!

Snowboard, Snowboard, Snowboard, and Snowboard. Any more questions?

We too had STORM (kids) and SWAT (adults) as part of our instructor/leadership training program. Students were selected based on character and performance in class. Role models in the lower rank classes was a tremendous help to students and instructors alike!

In my old school, all brown and red belts were required to keep a daily journal in order to test. You would include notes about your daily training and how you were feeling about martial arts and the journey you were on, etc. At the tests the Black Belts would review the journals and make positive notes of encouragement in them and give them tips on how to improve training etc. Recently my daughter found one of her old journals and we spent time reminiscing about her BB test. She was amazed at how she was feeling and the things she thought about at the time. She had forgotten some of the special times she had and the people she shared it with. Thank you Kwan Jang Nim Ernie!!!!

Wax on....Wax off....

I have a very large, very hot-tempered 18 year old son who received his Black Belt in TKD when he was 10. For many reasons (mostly football, wrestling, etc.) he did not continue to train, however recently he attended a new "dojo" in town that is training kids to full-contact fight (a questionable "new" style and situation I might add). He fought (and "beat"-mind you he is only a shodan and hasn't trained in years) nearly all the students and attended a few times before he figured out what the message they were teaching was and left . One of my proudest moments as a mom was when he came to me and told me that since he left, these same students (who all go to the same small HS with him) have been challenging him to fight their "instructor" to show the world who is best, etc. etc. etc. (Kinda reminds me of a certain Karate Kid movie)....and he politely declines daily because he knows that he would only be confirming what they have never been taught-respect. Finally. after all these years, the martial arts training that he had has paid off!!!

Andrew, I think you put it very well!!!!! Thanks !

If you're looking for something different try Titanic theme song (or other such style). Musical Kata doesn't always have to be fast and loud.

Welcome and have fun!

I have arthritis in my knees, wrists, ankles, and lower back from years of training and heavy bag work. Recently I had to have my wrist screwed together because the bones were falling apart. It has been a long road...but I am back to training again (with some minor limitations). I have also had your usual sprains, breaks, bruises and even a few concussions over the years...but risk is inherent in our chosen arts isn't it?

I only wash my belt once-when new so it the color doesn't wash off. Tips inside in seiza. It touches the floor during sweeps and throws so....? NEVER wear my belt or uniform outside of class (unless at a demo,etc.) Here's a tradition my sensei passed on: When attaining a new belt, the old one is folded in half twice and tied in a knot. The knot must never be untied as this would represent a return to the old you.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING OPINION MAY INFLAME SOME READERS BUT IS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO OFFEND ANY ONE PERSON OR ANY ONE STYLE OR SYSTEM OF MARTIAL ARTS. IT IS MERELY PRESENTED AS FOOD FOR THOUGHT. Each style has it's own traditions and each master has his own traditions...a variation in technique that can be minimal or drastic (by some definitions). I have been giving this subject quite a bit of thought these days as I have recently changed from a more progressive style of TKD to a more traditional style. I agree that some arts should "keep up with the times" and evolve but I think it depends on the focus of the art-take Tai Ji for example: why should it change and evolve, what would be the point? I think that some of the "issues" that people have today with traditional styles have to do with their perceptions of society and the tendancy to want "more bang for the buck".( No intentions to offend anyone here...just an observation and opinion based on my experiences with people at their best and worst.) American society (in general) wants a quick cure for disease, a miracle weight loss pill, faster cars, more MB hard drives, etc. I think the same can apply to martial arts. People are not satisfied with learning the basics(traditionally a Black Belt is just a master of the basics). They want to learn advanced techniques and kicks before they are black belts....and then expect more after that. When they do not get what they want they shop around for something that satisfies them....until they find something better and move on again. For example: If a school charges $xxx for a BB and teaches traditional arts, and the schools next door charges less $xxx but teaches a hybrid full of advanced techniques for colored belts...those people will choose the later and brand the former a "McDojo". Unfortunately, in our capitalistic society, the reality of economics forces some traditional schools to change to satisfy these people and the traditional art becomes lost in the process. Basic techniques are the building blocks of advanced techniques. One must practice a lifetime to be good at the basics...never attaining perfection. What happens to the quality of the art over time? Now, this is not to say that there are not valid progressive systems that are very substantial and credible but people that choose them should not knock martial artists that choose to preserve tradition. And neither should traditionalist's knock those that seek to change and evolve. Small mindedness creates limits and boundaries that can be difficult to overcome. I realize this is a bit off topic but I just couldn't help myself ! Thank's for listening...don't get too mad.

Chop sticks are great to eat with ...and if someone bugs you while you're eating you can kill 'em!

Basic: supporting foot approx. 45, striking target at 45

Karate_Woman I agree with you. Comparisons of the arts here to tend to be ego driven at times. I am reminded of story once told by Gichin Funakoski which talks about the humility that one attains through the journey of martial arts. (Condensed and paraphrased version): When a man obtains his 1st degree black belt he shouts it out so that everyone will see how proud he is; When he attains his second degree bb he drives through the streets telling everyone he sees of his accomplishments; When he attains his 3rd degree, he walks quietly along the back wall of the training hall so that no one will take notice.

An art can remain "traditional" yet adapt to the changing society around it. Afterall some arts were born out of adaptation of the enviroment for self preservation. The original form or way of the art does not have to be lost as things are added to curriculum or changes made to make it more effective. And, even if ideas change, traditions don't have to.

Hey Valn, I agree with the others...sounds like a McDojo. If it were any other place I would say your Sensei made you wait to check out your character and committment, then would let you advance at your pace. At this point I would be questioning HIS character and committment!

In all things, you only get out of it what you put into it.

Welcome!

Favorite sports movie? Rudy Favorite Martial Arts Movie? Serious-Only The Strong Funny- Surf Ninjas