ninjanurse

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Good points Ikigai. I recently had this conversation with a young student of mine (13) who I decided to hold back from testing (they will now have to wait 6 more months for another shot). In spite of what I hammer into the heads of my students about "after" black belt, etc., she admitted to me that her goal was to only get her Black Belt -therefore she was extremely disappointed that she would have to wait 6 more months for her "prize". After some thoughtful discussion she agreed that maybe she should re-evaluate her goals and look for more out of her training. It makes me think about how different kids really do think especially in today's climate of instant gratification.

All our instructors are required to be CPR certified.

I agree....it's the sensei that matters. Many schools that are considered "chains or McDojo's" have good programs and are not belt factories due to the quality of instruction and the performance standards that are enforced. It is the schools that promote regardless of skills just to keep the students happy that give us all a bad rap.

Welcome!!

I do not mind if a student learns ahead as long as they are proficient in their current curriculum. I also make it clear that it is not a guarantee of faster promotion-their attitude about this dictates how much I will let them do. Of course hard work is always acknowledged and I have found that these students are the ones who are more likely to help other students.

Interesting...I was just discussing this very subject with my class tonight. We practice "full contact" sparring but....one has to remember that class is the time to pattern ourselves to react "fully" to a threat, not beat the stuffing out of each other. Repetition is the key to performance under stress and it takes time. After adequate repetition one should be able to react under stress properly and the skills obtained in the meantime certainly serve to protect us to some extent-better than if we had never had any martial training at all. Keep in mind too that focus mitts, bags, and other targets are used in most systems so that students can practice hitting with full force without damaging their training partners.

Welcome!

I correct my young students all the time when speaking in class! Especially the "I"-"me" thing...it drives me crazy!!!!!

It can be a tough transition for some kids...you just have to be patient and give them lots of positive moments. I tend to continue teaching to them as "ninjas" while introducing them to the new class routine and raise my expectations each class until they get used to it. Some kids need an extra push, others will fall right into the program. Talking about the class before they move up helps too...let them know what is expected and get them excited about it first.

Don't discount everyone due to age! I am in my mid 40's and can still throw these kicks plus a few others. The old knees do not appreciate it so I do not regularly practice some of them but I do demonstrate and teach them to all my students-regardless of age. Small modifications may be necessary for physical limitations until the student progresses but they are expected to practice as taught and most eventually get it.

The direction of the force of the kick is different with the snap kick as opposed to the thrust kick which creates more force. Snap kicks are generally quicker and targets are lower.

I teach my students to bring the knee up as far as possible (perpindicular to the direction of the kick)with the lower leg in line (such that you could balance a plate between them) and point the heel at the target. The goal is a straight thrusting motion. We do not teach side snap kick in our style which sounds like what you are describing your instructor wants.

Passion...says it all!

It's next on my list! When I get through it..."I'll be back!"

I will put in on my list. Currently I am reading Code of the Samurai.

Modern society is in to instant gratification plus many seek to collect as many trophies as possible to prove their worth-moving from one sport/activity to another when they feel they have "conquered it". Martial arts is a breeding ground for those kind of people and hence, they stop when they get "the prize". Too bad for them that they did not learn the lessons their instructor was teaching them and realize that martial arts is a way of life, not a collection of trophies/belts, etc. Then again, shame on their instructor for failing to teach them.

I like your style monk! When in Rome....

Hey! Glad to hear you are returning to Shotakan....it's never too late! BTW, I live in Dundee, NY (named for your city)!!!

The "way" includes body, mind, and spirit so one cannot achieve mastery of himself without all 3 elements. Of course this depends on whether you are studying "-do" or just combat...even then I think Maslow's Heirarchy is in play whether you want to acknowledge it or not. I give the tools to unlock the "way" to all my students and I will help them any way I can but ultimately it is up to them to follow the path and stay the course.

3 years is just a beginning...be patient with your art!

Soda.