ninjanurse

Thanks Titanium!

Welcome!

Congratulations!

Perhaps their hips are farther forward....a preferred position and defense against an upa.

Agreed.

After 50 it comes down to proper diet and listening to your body...one joint at a time-lol!!! Through careful nutrition (including hydration) and proper rest I am able to run 3-4 miles daily, train BJJ for 4-6 hours a week, kickbox twice a week, and actively teach 25 hours of classes each week. Granted, I am no longer the fastest nor as agile as I used to be but I am holding my own. It comes down to your training AND lifesyle goals...and sometimes changes need to be made in all areas of your life-nutrition being the hardest for many. Oh, and BTW, I am 53.

Exactly. "Guided Dsicovery" is the best way to go.

We teach a blended style of shotokan and JJ and teach only the following kata based on the importance of the basics: Taikyoku Shodan Heian Nidan Heian Godan Tekki Shodan Kanku Dai

I have been a student of Small Circle for many years and have been the recipient of one of Professor Jays personal "finger manipulations"-they are quite effective provided you practice them just as you would any techinque from any art as repitition is always the key. Small Circle theory can be applied to any martial technique-it's no mystery-and Professor Jay was able to articulate and design specific techniques using this theory that when applied allows a much smaller person to effect a larger person with relative ease-much like aikido, bjj, etc. I agree with Wado on the current direction of some SCJJ "schools"....we strive to preserve Professor Jay's teachings as he taught them to us.

Heard a new one yesterday: "Drillers make killers".

Welcome back!

I was tested for Shodan many years ago without being told. My Sensei always said "Every class is a test"....and I tell my students the same. I evaluate them every class and only invite those who are ready for promotion to the formal "test". I have, however, failed students at the "test" for breaking under the pressure or coming with their cup full.

Welcome!

Welcome to KF!!!!

Woot, woot!! COngrats!

I separate age groups for curriculum classes but have several "open" classes each week for families to train together. However, the expectation is made clear that the kids must be disciplined and able to work independantly or they will not be allowed to attend.

Rank is arbitrary-skill is definite. Don't let the color of your belt define you and don't let your past keep you from enjoying the ride.

Solid. The pricinples of Shu-ha-ri make it an inevitablility. Those who take a seminar and add stuff to make themselves more marketable are in it for the money. Those who take what they have practiced for years and organize it into a different sequence/order/system are not reinventing the wheel...it is what it is regardless.

Welcome!!!

Welcome to KF!!!

I have strict eligibility requirements plus a pre-test before students are invited to attend a promotional exam. If they fail the final I condsider it a shortcoming on my end as obviously they were not ready to move up-either physically or mentally.

A piece of paper nor the color of a belt makes someone a good teacher.

4-7 year olds are capable but the curriculum needs to be simple and based on their cognitive development-hence a lot of gross motor skill activities, teamwork activities, competition based drills, and rule following excercises...in a fast paced, frequently changing environment to match their attention spans. Technique will develop slowly over time so parents must be patient and look for the small victories. If done right, a solid foundation will be laid and skills will accelerate once the student matures.

These days-on top of my daily TKD schedule- I run 5 days a week, train BJJ 3 days a week, and kickbox 2 days a week....getting my second wind!!!!

My husband and I have trained martial arts "together" for the past 30 years, and yes, it is as challenging (if not more) as teaching your own children!!! Hence, we now study different arts-each having our own niche yet sharing what we know with each other and our students.