ninjanurse

You are right and those that pay it lip service to get what they want are transparent in all areas of their lives...so be it.

Some of your points may be valid in dealing with autism, or something along the autism spectrum, but in this case the child has ADHD and IMO should not be approached in the same manner-I raised 3 children with varying severity of it. Nevertheless, I still will not take away something that is earned (punishment) but will withhold rank (motivation) until I see positive improvement.

I disagree with taking away a students belt-they earned it, they should keep it unless you are dismissing them form the school for a grave violation. In my experience punishment does not motivate....and effort should be rewarded. If you ignore his complaints and excuses...and more importantly his refusals, you will stop giving attention to his negative behaviors-something that i am sure get lots of attention at home. Only reward his positive efforts and be consistent with the rules and expectations and he should start to participate for the positive attention. If he doesn't come around I suggest a sit down with him and his parents to find out the real story and come up with a plan together.

This post was originally published as an article in a dedicated KarateForums.com Articles section, which is no longer online. After the section was closed, this article was most to the most appropriate forum in our community. Several years ago, after leaving my beloved West Coast and moving East, I took up my martial arts studies under a new Master Instructor and system. The system is a blend of Tae Kwon Do and Wu Kung which lends for an interesting blend of etiquette, technique, and culture - the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do and the Precepts of Wu Kung are the basis for the philosophy that drives our development of student’s physically, mentally, and spiritually. Here they are presented in brief: Modesty: There is an art in never making someone else feel that they are less important than you are. We tend to be creatures that are ego driven and putting others before ourselves is a lesson that needs to be visited frequently and worked on often. Integrity: Being able to discern right from wrong - an act of doing what is right even when no one else is looking takes courage to act and courage to accept the consequences of not acting. This involves not only the integrity of our selves but our art as well. Courtesy: A simple kindness goes a long way in making others feel valued. Kind words, kind deeds, and kind thoughts lead to a kind and courteous heart. Etiquette: Manners and traditions are ways in which we maintain the integrity of our art and show loyalty to the paths that we choose in life. Self Control: Being able to control our bodies, minds, and mouths serves to help us develop self-discipline and self defense skills that help us avoid conflict. The person who wins over himself rather than another is the true victor. Perseverance: The ability to finish what we start, no matter the obstacle or hardship, teaches us responsibility and creates self-confidence and respect for ourselves. Indomitable spirit: That which cannot be subdued - the essence of the mind that keeps us coming back for more which is vital for our physical, moral, and spiritual development. Respect: Simply put respect is earned by treating others the way we want to be treated. The more you give away the more that comes back to you - the “pay it forward” principle of character development. It must be earned! Never misuse what you have learned: The art is a gift that should be used to protect yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually - not used for personal gain or revenge. Overcome fear with courage: A strong spirit/mind will help you overcome the challenges and obstacles you face in life and may lead to you discovering new paths and greater successes. Have faith in your teacher and your chosen martial art: Believe in your teacher and what they are teaching you so that you act with conviction in all things. Loyalty to your teacher and an “empty cup” assure continual learning and growth. Revere your ancestors: Honor and respect those who came before you and know your history and the origins of your style so that you never forget where you came from or the people who helped you get where you are. Center you energy: Keep yourself focused on the task at hand and use your energies wisely in the pursuit of your goals. Focus on reality: Learn to focus your thoughts and keep yourself grounded in the moment. Don’t be distracted by fears and irrational thoughts. Quest for higher excellence: Don’t settle for the status quo. Commit to being your best everyday - in all that you do! Covet nothing: Appreciate what you have and value those around you for who and what they are. The grass is not always greener on the other side and misplaced loyalty can lead to disappointment and disaster. Assume nothing: That which you have direct knowledge of is by far more valuable than hearsay, rumor, and imagination. Seek the answers for yourself and make certain you follow through. Act with earnestness: Procrastination leads to unfinished projects and unrealized goals. In addition, hesitation opens the door for doubt and fear. Behave with fortitude: Have the mental and emotional strength to face difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation with courage. Strengthen the will: Be tough and don’t be afraid to work hard to achieve your goals or overcome obstacles and hardships. Learn always: Come to class with an empty cup - ready to learn and grow. There is always something new to learn no matter your experience or position. Subdue the "I": Think of others first and keep your eyes off of yourself - give without remembering and receive without forgetting. Train with your mind: Be smart and train efficiently - think before you do! Teach and grow: The best way to learn and internalize is to teach others and help them along the path you have already trod. Helping others with a pure heart and humility is the path to self-actualization.

I always tell my students to wash their new belt ONCE-before they wear it. Gets the extra dye out so it does not stain the white uniform when they sweat.

This is just an opinion...I have seen many dojo relationships, and experienced one myself. All relationships have their issues regardless of their origin. Martial Arts students/instructors need to be careful when treading here due to the student/teacher relationship. As a mentor, motivator, and sometimes counselor the senior/master should make it his business to know what is going on in his/her instructors lives and have a good enough relationship with them to advise and guide if needed. Student/student relationships can be approached in the same manner however the level of interaction will depend on the instructor's relationship with the students(s). I think it IS my business to make sure my students and instructors find balance in their lives.

I see that my sarcasm is lost in translation on occasion...oh well!!!

I'm not even referring to "students", but, I'm referring to black belts. Black belts that should know better, but, for some unknown reason(s) they freely choose to raise the supporting foot's heel up. In my experience, Black Belts are students too-whether they think so or not! And....knowing better and doing better are two different things....one is easy, the other takes practice!

Many students erroneously think that standing on their "tip toes" helps them kick higher but in actuality their technique suffers in the process. Instability and contraction of the hamstring of the base leg cause loss of balance and decreased kicking height-among other things. You should also not be "flat footed" but have more weight on the ball of the foot WITHOUT raising the heel as when flat footed you risk knee injuries and the tendency is to hyper extend the knee at the apex of the kick which can cause other injury and loss of balance.

I picked Bassai Sho...along with many others.

Congratulations!

Montana, I use a similar drill but instead of a broomstick I have them kick over a partner who is on "all fours"-as they get better the target gets "taller". I use this for all the basic kicks-front, side, round, back. Instant feed back from a live partner is somehow more effective-especially the kids, because they don't want to get kicked when it's their turn to be down.

The Olympics did not "ruin" TKD"-it merely took the art down two different paths-Sport or Traditional. There are those that choose only the sport aspect without regard to the traditions of the art and those that choose the traditional art without regard to the sport. Either path is fraught with belt factories, just as are ALL styles of martial arts-it is not limited to TKD schools by all means. Karate will be no different-there will be two paths to choose and life will go on.

Well, IMO: The kicking foot should be flexed with toes back to get maximum tension on the hamstring. This puts the heel/foot in proper position to strike and gives the kick more power. The foot of the base leg should not rotate 90 degrees-this changes the hip position too much and you end up engaging muscles that do not need to work thus wasting energy and decreasing the velocity of the kick. A small rotation is Ok-less than 45 degrees (the same as front kick). The hands should not go out but rather should stay up as the motion of the arms and upper body change your center of mass and waste energy-this affects balance and power. Also-bringing the arms back in to your body during the kick alters the flow of energy-kick goes down, hands go up/or in...the opposing motions "cancel" each other out. The torso should remain erect on the up swing-this allows for more hieght and maximum stretch of the hamstring. On the downswing a slight lean back does open the hip up more giving the kick more "snap"-but too much learn will direct the energy in the wrong direction.

All the kids are wearing white belts....my guess is that they are not. Puts them all on equal ground as far as judging technique.

I gave up running due to knee problems and took up cycling. Running is a better short-term workout IMO but cycling can be a butt-kicker if you find the right terrain.

Simple is better.....mastery comes from doing a few things a thousand times, not by doing 1000 things a few times.

I guess it really is up to the school who they give Black Belts out to....each has it's own standard. Unfortunately, schools that give Black Belts to 6 & 7 years olds who can barely kick present an image to the public that affects us all.

Congratulations!

It is society's responsibility but often not the reality. Anything that I can do to affect young lives is all good-even if it's just one person. Taking it "out of the dojo and into the world" is the philosophy that I encourage at my school . Of course there are those who could care less about philosophy and there are schools out there for them.

Mine is simply a philosophy my sensei passed on to me...something that I am and always will be as we never stop learning.

My dojo signified Shodan with white stitching on the belt and Nidan and up with Gold stitching-no stripes only name and system in kanji.

We use a similar 3 stripe system...I use this guideline: Stripe 1=knowledge of new curriculum Stripe 2=Proficiency of new curriculum Stripe 3=Proficiency of all previous curriculum learned.

Welcome!!

Sweet!