ninjanurse

Happy Holidays to you too! KF is definitely a special place and thank you for making sure it stays that way!

This statement is at the core of what should be the focus of any school claiming to teach "self-defense". There are no rules on the street-and students must be prepared for this through drills that develop adrenalin bathed responses to threats and attacks with "non-compliant" partners. The closer you can get the better off you will be when it comes down to it but knowing where the line is in the dojo takes diligence on the part of the instructor.

I think you hit the nail on the head here! It is all about competition for students these days and the industry drives this through it's affirmation of the almighty dollar as the pinnacle of success. If you take your eyes off yourself and focus on helping others get what they want ( in this case a solid martial arts education) then potential students will seek you out because of the reputation you build, not the one you boast. No one owns a technique or a system for that matter-you can own the rights to a particular song but not the notes or the theory behind music!!!!

Good goals everyone! I have a few myself: 1. Complete my 5th Dan test. 2. Get back into "fighting shape" now that surgeries are all done 3. Medal at Nationals this year 4. Get back into ju jitsu full time 5. Increase the number of community seminars we do 6. Finish my book on Children's Nutrition 7. Increase enrollment at the dojo 8. Revise our Instructors Certification Course 9. Develop a "Parents as Coaches" program for the community

Agreed sensei8...only "fools rush in"!

yamesu has a great point-often overlooked and hard to put into practice at times-slow it down! Technique ALWAYS comes first, then speed, then power. Most of us have experienced both sides of this coin during our training-getting "nipped" by a puppy and being scolded for being too enthusiastic all in the same class!

Many schools use the term KARATE in advertising because it is more recognizable and most people call any martial art "karate" so it is hard to tell from a directory what style they truly are unless they specifically state. This is the case in my area-everything is advertised as "karate" or "martial arts" not TKD, Ju Jitsu, etc.

Welcome to KF!

I agree will tallgeese! Sign up and train...the guys will just have to get over it!

I hope you won't judge all TKD schools by your experience.

Congratulations everyone and thank you for the honor!

You're welcome lots!

It depends on what we are working on....for Olympic style we wear everything and start peeling off stuff from there.

It is a great feeling to put on a white belt again....did it recently when I decided to continue my kali training on a regular basis in a new style. I agree that everyone should do it on occasion.

Welcome!

Perhaps a look at the tenets and values being taught in your dojo and how they are being represented by this teacher is a good place to start. You should hold no loyalty to someone who does not represent what you are seeking in your training. Your school may produce "above average" students but technique is only one piece of the puzzle. The very fact that you are "seeking" lends me to believe you already sense a disconnect between what you know is right. Of course, if it is just a misunderstanding, a private discussion with your teacher may resolve the whole thing.

Congratulations pers!

This says it all right here-great statement! Teachers are to set the example, period.

I don't think that it has anything to do with your teaching skills-or your punching skills. I think that what it comes down to is the image that you portray and how you represent the tenets of self discipline and self control to your students. If you are expecting them exhibit these qualities in their practice then you should too. And, if you are truly teaching self defense then you must not allow your students to be fooled into thinking that one punch is going to end the fight...their life may depend on their fitness and agility.

I keep an on line "album" of pictures for my students to see and encourage them to do the same. Parents can contribute as well by emailing me photos or posting themselves. I include events, gradings, and class time-even post a few videos from time to time. Also, we encourage all students to keep a notebook/scrapbook full of notes, pictures, certificates, whatever is significant to their training and martial arts journey.

Funny, I took up TKD for the same reasons...and I fell in love with it! My sensei however did not bat an eye when I decided to do it-he was all for the sharing of knowledge among martial artists of all styles.

I agree-ego has a lot to do with it. When they feel their position threatened in any way they forbid their students to seek knowledge anywhere but their home dojo-citing loyalty and humility, etc. I'm not saying that students shouldn't have a sense of loyalty to their teachers but it should be earned not demanded or forced.

My usual schedule is: TKD 3 days a week Ju Jitsu 2 days a week Kali 1 day a week Run or Bike 6 days a week I have been off training for 6 weeks due to having surgery on my foot but will be back at it full tilt on December 1st!

I don't completely agree with your plateau theory. Doing the same basics every class does not create a change in metabolism that allows our bodies to put on weight. It may only tone specific muscles but if the intensity is such that the heart rate elevates to age/fitness appropriate levels you will burn fat. Coupled with proper nutrition there is no reason you can't maintain weight or even lose it. It's not what you do it's how you do it.

I agree! Any "master" who cannot learn from his students is not worth learning from-his cup and his head are way too full.