ninjanurse

Yes, reverse situps. We do them on the floor with someone sitting on our legs.

Well, at least for my current school, the fitness requirement must be completed in under 4.5 minutes-a cumulative effort of 50 each: pushups, situps, leg raises, side crunches (both sides), back extensions. In addition to that we have a timed run.

Yes, congratulations and good luck!

Welcome!

Welcome!

I start my students at the hip/leg area until they are able to react to gross body movement. Then I have them focus on the shoulder/upper chest as this is where most movements are "telegraphed" from-fine body movement. Of course there are always exceptions but in general this strategy seems to give the student somewhere to focus until they figure out other strategies.

Many good ideas akedm. Keeping the class fast and furious is what it is all abut when teaching this age group. You cannot stay on one thing too long or their attention will fade and you will be in trouble! Let me outline a few other points on this age group-hope it helps: First of all, you can never reason with a young child! Developmentally it is nearly impossible and you are setting yourself up to lose control. The better approach is to acknowledge those moments (no matter how small) that they actually exhibit the behavior you want and remind them of the rules when they don't. Two examples: "Mary I love the way you are standing with your hands to yourself!" "Alex, remember our first line rule...no touching." This age group is all about learning to listen and follow directions-nothing more. Gross motor movement is still in development so the majority will not be able to coordinate complex movement (for example turning kick) but will have a lot of fun kicking at xray paper because it makes noise. You are developing the muscles and processes they will use later so you have to be patient-this is only prep school. Have an expectation of good behavior and discipline and never waiver-this goes for your helpers too! Small kids copy everything so if your helper isn't with the program they won't be either. Be excited, patient, consistent, and passionate-it will eventually rub off on the students....and the parents too! This is a tough group but it is certainly doable if you are up to the challenge!

Not all dojos have the luxury of separate classes....When I first trained we were all together, kids and adults. Now that I have my own school I offer 2 family style classes each week-I think it is beneficial for the kids.

Good discussion...moving to "Getting Started" forum to continue there.

Welcome!

I am partial to the naginata...mostly for sentimental reasons. Not practical to carry around...for that I prefer the jitte.

Did somebody say ego....? Men, get over it and spar with us! I choose to enter the ring knowing full well the risks and benefits...and I will take advantage of any hesitation on my opponents part (male or female). I f you get "beat" then back to the drawing board! Thanks for resurrecting this thread akedm...I just had to get this off my chest ! I feel better now!!!

Meatloaf here!!!!!!!! Even if I am a vegan I also like Pillar, Kutlass, Chili Peppers & Floggin Molly (anything fast with a good bass beat) to work out to generally but love Evanescence to do Kung Fu to.

Drills build skills....and confidence. Free sparring is a yardstick by which to measure your progress and give immediate feed back as to which drills you need to revisit...ouch!

Well now....let me tell you! Getting kicked in the groin is not a pleasant experience for a female either-consider that the nerve endings cover quite a large area???? Any way....as so eloquently put Can't get any truer than this....there are no "girls" in my classes only martial artists and a target is a target regardless. However, when sparring in class, any student that strikes to the groin of their opponent has a lot to learn.....

True...Idaho's famous for potatoes but not where I was-it was Jolly Green Giant Land!!!

Welcome! Did a stint in Buhl, Idaho many years ago....ahhh, corn & beans!

This is the wisdom that I have always adhered too...as it should be.

The JuJitsu classes that my hubby teaches last 2-2.5 hours twice weekly. Too much nage... too little time!

We look at the Solutions (bunkai) to all the Taeguek forms when teaching/learning them. I guess it is just up to the school/style as to what they emphasize...or not. Personally I can't imagine skipping this important aspect of any form!

Welcome!

Welcome John.

This is an interesting discussion on martial arts culture and traditions. While we are all passionate about our personal experiences and martial ethics please remember to remain respectful to others. Thanks!

This happens to be one of my favorite combos! The key is in the recoil-you have to open the hips back up rather forcefully by engaging the hamstring quickly- "pull" the heel back to the buttocks while keeping the chambered thigh parallel to the ground and "pull" the hip back to it's starting position. Hope this description is enough to help you visualize it!

Three reasons come to mind: It does not come undone during training. The fabric discourages starching which artificially enhances the "snap" of the uniform. It distinguishes TKD from other arts simply by it's design.