ninjanurse

That was cool!

Amen!

Yes-congratulations!

Me too, me too!!!!

Good article-enjoyed it! Thanks!

Having torn a trapezius once I can say that it is not a pleasant experience and took a long time to heal. The biggest problem is finding ways to let it rest as it engages with almost every movement! In addition to ice and anti-inflammatories, I sought the services of my chiropractor who used massage and light manipulation to control the spasms of the surrounding muscles, etc., until it healed. Bum luck!

Went to a Chin-Na seminar yesterday...got some new stuff regarding wrist and forearm grabs that basically address this same topic. "Grab and seize" goes both ways!

Just because a training method is dated does not mean that it isn't effective. Besides, there is so much more to self-defense and fighting than just physical skills...the Masters knew this long ago.

I am reminded of something my oldest daughter once wore on a t-shirt...."Apathy Kills". It is sad but ever more apparent that we live in a self-serving society and this is becoming more the norm than the exception.

Congratulations on making it thus far and best wishes to you for your test!

Being a good teacher (or black belt for that matter) does not come from age. I know plenty of adult black belts that cannot teach even the most simple of concepts...and I know plenty of low ranking kids and teens that blow many adults out of the water when it comes to understanding and communicating technique. There is no magical ability that comes from tying on a black belt...not everyone can teach, and not everyone has the character it takes to fulfill the requirements of the rank. I would gladly learn from anyone who is able to teach me something and I would never be so arrogant to presume that my rank (or age) makes me a better person than anyone else. It's the product that matters not the delivery system. That being said....I am all for Junior Black Belt Ranks as there are physiological and psychological differences in those under 16-18 that demand prudence in what is taught and expected of the body. But, you can not compare a 12 year old to a 24 year old, only to another 12 year old. In any instance, instructors must use caution when selecting any student, regardless of age, to hold any rank and/or teach.

I would say that there are many factors involved in a situation such as this and one would have to consider all of them in their response. At a minimum, calling for help would be appropriate.

Discipline has many forms. I would love to have the time to learn!

To clear your conscience you may have to speak with your former teacher and tell him how you feel but don't feel obligated to someone who does not have your best interests at heart. There are always schools out there that get involved in dojang politics. Don't take it personally and just train.

Welcome back!!

Welcome!

At the moment I am favoring Taegeuk Chil Jang both in performance and teaching. The concepts and subtleties are challenging both to student and teacher!

Anything in excess is not good for you or those around you but I think that the mental and spiritual aspects of the martial arts changes you in a way that you can never be "away". It becomes you...and the balance comes as you change. As I age, the physical abilities wane but the passion grows....hopefully I find those few students willing to obsess as I do and eventually take my place.

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. We have all heard "It's your destiny!" at sometime in our lives. Parents, teachers, coaches, friends - it seems they are all interested in what life has in store for you at one time or another and they are readily willing to declare this for us whether we believe it or not. Destiny is a funny thing. You can't feel it or try it out before you buy it, nor can you predict what turns and twists your life may take on your journey to get there. And do we ever really know when we have arrived... or do we need to claim it for ourselves when the time feels right? When is it time? Is there more in store for us after we have reached/fulfilled our destinies? When I was a child, I dreamed of being a veterinarian, a sky-diver, even a jet pilot - but I never really thought about how I was going to get there. Childhood games and fantasies seemed enough to satisfy me at the time, but as I got older, reality sunk in. It seemed that all the goals I had set for myself involved taking quite a bit of risk... and I was definitely not ready or willing to step off the cliff and leave my safe life behind. What was I afraid of? After all, what was the worse thing that could happen? Failure was not a word, feeling, or position that I put myself in often as a child. I liked to win... sometimes at all costs. This would, in the long run, end up costing me my self-confidence and drive as I became more and more wrapped up in the consequences of failing. Fear began to take the place of bravado and I settled into a safe, comfortable routine leaving my childhood dreams behind. Too bad it didn't go the other way... or is it? That's the funny thing about destiny... who knows what life has in store for us? Who knows what the right path is? Who knows what mistakes and missteps lead us to better choices and ultimate realization of our dreams? Who knows if fear and isolation will lead a person to emotional struggle or death or start them on a journey to a fulfilled life? Who knows...? My competitive nature was not entirely blocked out by my fears, but I tended to choose those things I knew I could conquer and watched the risk takers from the bench. When I was fifteen, I happened to observe a friend of mine in Judo class and I was very intrigued by the competitiveness of it all - seemingly right up my ally except for that one thing: risk of failure; not to mention the pain of failure! I had several conversations with her and the instructor over the next few weeks and was finally convinced to come off the bench and give it a try. I soon discovered that Judo was a challenge that spoke to my fears quite loudly. But, for some reason, I was drawn to it. It was crazy! Why on earth would I deliberately do something I was terrified of failing at? But, for the first time in a long while, I entertained the thought that I might be able to handle a little bit of risk - as long as there was someone to guide me. Enter Herb Nye. Mr. Nye was a friend of my dad's who just happened to teach Tang Soo Do across the hall from the Judo class. I was intrigued by the style and watched on occasion, but had no plans to leave the "safety" of my fellow Judoka anytime soon. Fortunately for me, my destiny had other plans! Just when I was getting ready to grade for the first time, the instructor announced that she was moving away and Mr. Nye graciously offered to take on any interested students immediately. Still intrigued by the martial arts and seeing that he was a friend of my dad's, I felt obligated to accept his offer and transferred my membership to his class. I had no idea how significant this change of style... and rekindling of fears was! The first few months I revisited old territory. I doubted my decision, I feared failing, I shuddered at the thought of disappointing myself and my instructor who, throughout it all, remained supportive and calm, gentle and caring, positive and enthusiastic. Soon I decided, however, that he had a good thing going and somewhere along the line, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to know what he knew! His passion became my passion and I eventually became addicted to both the physical and mental challenges of martial arts. That said, the fear still remained. No matter how hard I tried, I could not conquer failure! My perfectionist nature was well suited to the technical aspects of the art, but was in constant battle with my emotions when it came to overcoming any challenge. Fear of failure was still in control. But, Mr. Nye was always there to push me off the cliff, my "second" so to speak. His guidance and teaching set in motion an arduous journey and sparked a fire that smoldered for years until it finally burned through the many barriers I had built around my dreams and desires. Years later, through the continuing guidance and influence of other teachers, fear was replaced with anticipation of what could be and passion for helping others "find their destinies". No words could express the gratitude I feel for the "way" they taught me and the path they started me down. Each day as I unlock the doors to my martial arts school, I am reminded of where I started on this crazy journey, those who guided my way, and the lessons that I learned. You will never know what your destiny has in store for you if you don't take a few risks, try new things, learn from your failures... and claim it for your own! Many thanks to Herb Nye, Sensei Clyde Kanekoa, Tora Tanaka, Professor Wally Jay, Jim Callahan, Professor Gary Bower, Tom Callos, and Ernie Reyes, Sr. KWAN ZU!

Airconditioning? Airconditioning? We don't need no stinkin' airconditioning!!!

Please don't leave martial arts! If your old sensei can't (or won't) teach you find another-this is too important to give up on. Keep us posted!!

The trick is to find a balance between old school and modern style. I would not compromise my style to keep a student but I may change my methods of information exchange to impart the "old school" in our "new school" society. Sometimes it is how you say it that matters not what you are saying.

Any student of mine that does not listen to or respect an instructor will no longer be my student...and any instructor of mine that does not listen to and respect a student will no longer be one of my instructors.

Patience and perseverance.

Welcome and conrats on the belt!