ninjanurse

Good advice senseimurphy. Discussions about students should take place privately if possible to avoid misconceptions and other problems. I also agree that parents should bring their concerns to the instructors attention as it is difficult to watch all the students all the time and we do miss things.

There should come a point in your training were you no longer look to external gratification, i.e., praise, rank, trophies, etc., but rather internal gratification as you let your ego go and turn to self-actualization, i.e., your own progress measured by others successes.

Super...can't wait Patrick!!!!! Congrats again!!!!!

It is a good idea...I had it once too! Unfortunately I was met with the same thing-no one ever read it or lost it, etc. As it was quite a time and money consuming expense I decided not to continue it this year but instead posted most of the info in our website and prepared a brochure for all new students highlighting the basic expectations of new students. Much cheaper and seems to get the job done!

Welcome! Good luck in your quest for a school. Keep us posted!

Congrats! Keep us posted on your "career'!

I find that ignoring these kinds of behaviors works the best as most kids this age are seeking attention. As long as no one is in danger let them play possum-they will eventually figure out you are not going to bite and join in the fun. Praising their good behavior is also key as they do want to please! Four and five year olds are a funny bunch...you never know what you are going to get day-to-day! They are all capable of learning basic concepts like standing still, waiting turns, raising their hand to speak, following directions-all skills that we wish all our 7-12 year olds have-so why not teach them these "martial skills" so that our job is easier later? There is nothing more satisfying than when they finally get it after all your hard work!

Congratulations!

One might try a circle throw*... he'll let go as his face heads towards the floor. *Circle throw (tomoe nage): Sit down (as fas as is possible with your leg in the air) and grab his collars/neck/shoulders. As his momentum throws him forward plant your other foot in his chest and chuck him over your head.

I have had three so far...the last one almost 1 year ago. I still have pain when I do certain things but that may be the nature of my injury not yours. I suggest following your doctors advice about when to return to training, ice-ice-ice every day after any activity that stresses the knee, and be patient!

Sounds very cool! Makes me miss law enforcement...just a bit!

The "tea ceremony" was about showing the ultimate respect for another person.....that in itself requires that you "empty yourself". This idea is paramount in developing the selflessness needed to become a warrior-even a "modern warrior". The challenge today is teaching our students to take the time needed to cultivate this in themselves, especially in a society that seems to be motivated by selfishness and instant gratification.

Knowing how your techniques and body relate to others in the space around you are most important-not only for offense but for defense too. Thus, knowing your opponent becomes second nature as you master yourself.

My teaching philosophy is based on muscle memory and teaching the students to stop "thinking" their techniques. Mental and physical patterning as well as guided discovery help to achieve this. "Mindless repetition" and muscle memory is developed after many hours and years of training.

1.Whole, unprocessed foods with plenty of complex carbohydrates will keep your muscles fueled with glycogen and increase endurance. 2. Plant based protein sources are easier on the kidneys and reduce your exposure to harmful oxidates that can decrease performance. 3. Supplements are not needed(not to mention a waste of $) if you eat a balanced diet which includes whole grains, fruits and veggies. 4. Good hydration practices are just as important as diet!

I actually started by approaching the community center in town and worked out a deal with them to use their facility. I then expanded to another town by contacting the dance studio there and working out a similar deal. One day the parent of one of my students called me about a storefront that had gone up for rent that day (she saw them hanging the sign as she drove by) and we moved in there a few weeks later. I am presently looking to find a bigger place and my parents and students are once again on the lookout! In the meantime I check the papers everyday and keep saving $ to finance the move when it happens.

I am not afraid of death itself...but the manner of death really scares me. Some can be painful and I definitely am not into that!

I agree and add my 2 cents: For sparring purposes, I teach my students patterning drills which serve to make muscle memory and reaction pathways strong so that they think less and respond more. The actual kick is not as important as the timing and speed in relationship to the actions of their sparring partner and most drills are based on one of 3 kicks-turning kick, push kick, back kick. As they get better, use of other techniques are self-generated based on the flow of the match and how well their brains have been "patterned" to react.

In our association the Chief Instructors test the students for promotion every 4 months. We then recommend them for graduation and they must attend a graduation "test" at the main school where they perform a selected piece of curriculum for the Master Instructor. If they do not perform well they will get a "probationary rank" and must re-test at their home school to be promoted to full rank. This rarely happens as I never recommend a student who is not ready...and since it is usually nerves that get them I try to "put the screws" to them regularly in class and testing so that they learn to deal with pressure as well as how to recover gracefully from their mistakes.

I would definitely have a consent and release form signed by the parents! It should include a liability clause, consent for emergency treatment, and any pertinent contact and/or medical information. It may also be a good idea to have another adult traveling with you and the kids at all times.

1. Experience 2. Goals 3. Physical limitations 4. Questions

Good advice. Find another school and/or system that satisfies you and begin training towards your goal of BB and instructor. This plan does not allow for instant gratification which in my opinion is what McDojo type programs feed. Patience and hard work will get you where you want to be.

Head injury, broken rib, broken thumb. Not bad for 30-yrs of trying!

Welcome!

Just like what was said....avoid people and situations that put you in danger in the first place.