ninjanurse

I teach 2 different axe kicks to my students. One is traditional with a straight leg delivery-either inside or outside; and the other has a bent leg delivery (similar to push kick) for use close in or at sharp angles. When I learned it it was called a semi-axe kick.

Right- but that's one of the reasons why I generally don't think martial arts are for children, or at least that adult and children's classes should be separate. Ahh, but this is why kids should be taught martial arts...especially these kids! Granted, it takes a patient instructor, the right program, and committed parents, but reaching the heart of these kids and making a positive impact in their lives is well worth the frustration.

I teach a blended style of TKD and Wu Gung. I agree with you on the nice person thing too....luckily I have control over whether a student stays or goes!

Welcome!

Welcome back!

Welcome,welcome!!!

Welcome!

I love a student who asks questions! This shows their desire to learn and keeps me on my toes. Throwing "generic techniques" out to a class accomplishes learning of curriculum but when a student chooses to make it their own I get excited!

Congrats to her!!!

I like this answer tori!

Welcome!

Wow..that is a big jump in price! I am thinking of raising my rates (I am the least expensive around) 10% this year and seeing the response. I hate to out-price those who cannot afford even a few more dollars a month but do need to meet my financial commitments. As far as the half-belts go I have no gut reaction that it is a bad thing....in todays society "instant gratification" drives many decisions to stick with something and it may help retention. It can also be good for those students who learn at a slower rate or become easily overwhelmed with curriculum-especially younger kids.

I give the student and parent a belt tying lesson when they first start but I also encourage the student to take responsibility to tie their own belt and/or ask for help. I will re-tie as needed to save time in the beginner classes but I don't get too picky until they reach orange belt when I start having them re-tie themselves before lining up for class. I have been known to spend half a class lining up and bowing in (while students fix belts and seniors do quality control) to make a point about self-discipline and team work... ....but it is all done in a positive, not punitive, manner.

We have a program for 4-6 year olds that teaches the regular white belt curriculum over 18-24 months rather than the usual 4 months. While we do play a lot of "games", they are all based on martial arts skills and teach them to follow directions, learn body awareness and balance, stress etiquette, etc. We do kicking, punching, and forms...and award belts for their accomplishments. When they are ready they transition into the Junior program which includes ages 7-12. I do not baby-sit and expect students to conform to the rules regardless of age using positive feedback and reality discipline, i.e., if you want to participate in dodge ball after class you need to raise your hand before you talk or keep your hands to yourself in line, etc. Very rarely do I have a student sit out and if I do it is only for one or two repetitions of a drill.

Counting on retail sales to make your bills is bad business in my opinion. Retention and new students are your bread and butter....retail is a bonus. I suggest to my students that they buy from me as I can give them a better deal on most equipment but I never make it a requirement nor do I make them feel obligated. They should want to support their school because it is a great place to train and they should develop a sense of loyalty because of the way they are treated as students.

Testing a student can be done in ways other than promoting them to the next belt rank.

I have many thoughts on this...especially after reading all the posts! While I agree with all those who contributed I do have a few comments to add. First, let me say that rank earned should account for something...what that is depends on the individual/situation/dojang/etc. In my opinion, respect is earned too and.....it should not be approached in any different manner than rank. They go hand in hand in my book....rank=respect. This is not to say that one demands respect based on the belt they wear but rather respect for self, others, the art, etc., grows with experience and time and a belt is the outward sign of this. I have senior students who will gladly "bow out" to a junior who is eager to bow class in (not an easy undertaking for many)...help them through their first time...encourage them to step-up to the responsibility...support their desire to grow...build up their confidence. They regularly trade amongst themselves so that all of them can gain experience and confidence. No egos here...just martial artists helping each other achieve their goals. 2 cents....change later!

True...content should keep them coming back. I also agree that the drop in fee is a risk but it is priced to make people see the value of paying monthly...and accommodates those already in an existing program at the school. We will see how it plays out.

We are in the process of developing an adjunct cardio program at our school and plan on charging $40/month or $8 per class as a drop in. No contracts at my school...so far so good!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Being able to get out of bed every morning would be good!

Ahh! The "Circle of Death"...one of my favs!!! My version involves sparring...lots of sparring. One person is in the middle and must must spar EVERYONE in the circle before he can get out. Another version, equally as fun, is the "Gauntlet of Pain" where students line up in two lines and one person must travel the length of the gauntlet by sparring one after another, zigzag down the lines. Lots of fun!!! Great for endurance and reaction skills too!!

Nurse, Martial arts Instructor, Snowboard Instructor, Mom!