ninjanurse

I am currently working on 4th Dan in Kwok Wu Chuen. I also hold a 3rd Dan in TKD, a 2nd Dan in Shotokan, and a 1st Dan in Jujitsu. Cumulatively I have been studying for 32 years and have dabbled a bit in judo and TSD too.

White Orange Yellow Green Purple Blue Brown Red Sr. Red Prob. Black Black Each Black Belt has 3 levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced

I think you said it yourself. Practicing those skills we are less comfortable with is always a challenge but a neccessary evil if we are to conquer them.

I agree...it is about the options for follow up and the intentions of the situation that dictate which to use. Students will get more skilled at determining this as they gain experience but until then set drills and predetermined scenarios give them food for thought.

Welcome Erin!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome Traymond.

I use the one-steps created by the Master Instructor to teach my students distance, timing, speed, footwork, balance, flow, etc. I don't dwell on the practicality of each one as we all know the circumstances of a real fight dictate our response and you never know what you are going to get served.

I agree....I do not even wear my pants though. It's either all or none!

Our Master Instructor insists that a complete uniform be worn at all times in the dojang therefore many students interpret this to mean they must wear it in the door and out the door. I myself never wear it outside the dojang unless at a tournament or official function.

Might I suggest that you have his parents bring him in when there are no classes in session so that he can adjust to the new environment? If possible do it before the Eagle class starts so that he can decide to stay on the mat when it starts or be done for the day. If he still doesn't "bite" you can invite another student to come in early and involve him in your private lesson casually. Once he has a bond with another student in the class he may feel more comfortable to stay for regular class.

Tore a hamstring at the insertion point in the tush once-had trouble sitting for a while.....but the worst was getting kicked in the temple with a spinning hook kick while I was standing in line minding my own business waiting to kick the pads! I still have residual deficits from the concussion-nothing serious but irritating yet strangely amusing at times.

After several more discussions and the suggestions from me that she bow out until they were willing to support her training the parents have decided to "take a break". Oh well....it still boggles the mind but I'm not losing anymore sleep over it!

I am in agreement here...demographics are very important when considering what to charge. I currently charge half of what the main school charges-much to the dismay of the Master Instuctor-but if I raised my prices to meet his I would loose almost all of my students-in fact, I can't think of one who could afford it. I believe that martial arts should be made available for everyone regardless of socio-economic status so I charge accordingly but I do offer two programs...one costs a bit more but allows for unlimited classes and those that can afford it and want to train like a maniac pay it. I don't force "contracts" but because I am in the business of teaching self-discipline and committment I have my students sign an agreement to train for a specified amount of time. Those who agree to a long-term comittment get to "lock in their monthly rate" for that period of time....but if they stop training and then come back they are subject to current tuition rates.

I like that Prostar... !!!!

I agree here...any form can be "boring" to the observer just like like any other thing that is observed- I personally find tennis boring but that does not mean that the players are not skilled and good at what they do. If the form is boring to the performer then they are not looking beneath the surface (due to inexperience or lack of insight, or whatever) and will not learn it's true lessons. Forms are made up of single techniques and any technique, no matter how simple it may seem, takes a lifetime to perfect.

Excellent site-thanks!!!! I will be forwarding it to ALL my students!

Many schools have requirements that include things other than physical skill, i.e., respect, self-discipline, humility, etc.

Had an interesting comment from and adult student whose son is a junior student. "You must agonize sometimes over promoting or not promoting a young student whose technique is not as good". Of course this opened the door to a whole conversation on standards, A/B/C students, etc., but it reminded me of the perspective and expectations parents have for their kids and how important it is to emphasize the personal aspects of martial arts to them so that they feel you are doing the right thing for their kid when you are tough on them or cut them some slack.

Welcome!

It definitely is a parent problem-and the kid is at their mercy. In all my years of teaching I have never come across anything like this!

My school is in a lower income area of Up-state NY and I presently charge $65/month so that almost no-one is excluded. I also make deals on an individual basis for those who really cannot afford it.

I have recently had a situation with a student and her parents who just do not get what the martial arts are all about and have undermined her training to the point that I had asked them to bow out for the time-being due to the impact their behavior is having on other students and parents. When she started with me 3 years ago they were of the mind that martial arts was "Chuck Norris-Texas Ranger" and that I would teach their daughter to be just like him-an idea that I felt I addressed adequately through several conversations early in her training. Through the years she has learned some physical skills and quite frankly was my best student until recently when she was promoted to red belt and things took a turn for the worse. Suddenly, they do not feel that she should have to meet the same requirements as the other red belts because she is too busy to attend regularly due to her studies and their frequent family emergencies (coincidentally all on Special Training days were she is required to run and do conditioning, etc.) should excuse her from the physical portion of testing. On more than one occasion these "emergencies" entailed getting to the yard sale first and shopping at Walmart (I have my spies!). No matter what I say to them or how I try to explain to them the importance of physical ability, integrity, and respect, etc., I get the same response-"It is not fair, you just don't like her". Here is a kid who desperately needs what the martial arts can teach her who has parents who lack the respect and integrity that I am trying to instill, therefore she has become the victim of their own selfishness. They are building an excuse for their daughter to quit-a victim mentality in the making! This is definitely a new one for me! Any body ever had a similar experience?

Welcome!