ninjanurse

It won't..it only gets worse!

I give my students 4 months to make 30 classes. At 2 per week that is easily do-able. They are allowed to make up classes misses for special events, etc. but must notify me beforehand that they will not be in attendance. Of course, 30 classes does not guarantee promotion and I try to keep the parents apprised of their child's triumphs and deficiencies at all times so their are no surprises. I talk about home practice all the time...especially at the end of class when most parents are waiting and with-in earshot. I also stress not comparing your child to the others in class...I evaluate based on the child's strengths and learning styles not their ability to "kick higher than Joe".

My Master Instructor charges well over $100/month for classes, I charge $50...my philosophy is one of inclusion not exclusion.

Every days clothes: jeans, t-shirt, sneakers

I would have to say I teach my students a sort of boxing style stance with the weight centered, body turned sideways, back foot up on the ball. I am more for quick response and efficiency of energy.

Agreed Bushido. This is just food for thought as to whether or not one is ready to take on additional material before becoming proficient in what one already has to work on...as ego does tend to flare its ugly little head when one wraps a Black Belt around their waste for the first time.

Why be a jack of all trades and a master of none? It makes no sense to learn additional material until you are at least good at the ones you already know.

I doubt he is "demanding" a different level of respect from the different age groups. There are subtleties of teaching that require a different approach and level of expectation for each type of learner based on their cognitive and emotional development. Some students may see this as you do and are not expected to understand the process until they "mature" (so to speak). Being argumentative is not respectful by any means but can be tolerated temporarily as the teacher guides the student to discovering where their knowledge ends and the teachers begins. Those that fail to come to this conclusion will eventually be weeded out, either by their own egos or dismissal from the dojo. Your journey has just begun so give it some time....

Ah, you have discovered the secret!

Welcome!

My arts chose me. Funny how opportunities arise and things fall into place.

You are correct about instructors-good technique does not make a good teacher. As far as selecting a style goes, that depends on your needs, preferences, and goals. Making an educated decision by visiting other schools and trying other styles certainly helps in the decision making process. If your family is enjoying themselves go with it! There is plenty of lifetime left to explore other arts-the journey may make many turns along the way.

Speaking of screaming kids....Tuesday we had a graduation (at the Master Instructors school) and one of my students-a 4 year old-screamed and cried for the first 20 minutes until the "test" actually started. His dad was so embarrassed and I felt bad because I encouraged them to let him graduate due to his progress in classes (this kid has attention problems BIGTIME-not your usual 4 year old kind either!). Well, once we got going he stopped crying and made a good (not great) effort in front of about 100 people and....was one of the better behaved of the 4-6 year old set the whole time!!! His dad could not believe it...he has never seen his kid sit still for so long!

Congrats!

Hmmm, an interesting thought! Technique wise I might have to say ax-kick here. Speed, flexibility, agility, power,determination, courage, many concepts of physics....not to mention the many medals won using it.

I went from Shotokan to TKD for similar reasons: speed and kicking. My Shotokan base has been an advantage to my TKD training which I have stuck with ever since. I say try it, you might like it!

I agree here too. Comparison for the sake of self-improvement should be done otherwise the ego takes over. We must always keep in mind that there is someone better, faster, more powerful, etc., and constantly train to improve ourselves....and our students.

Excellent article! Kata is the perfect way to teach and improve on all these areas. When I teach I don't necessarily explain the "why" to students but rather lead them through guided discovery and let them come to their own conclusions. Another aspect of kata training-discovery of one's own strengths and weaknesses.

psst...It's a test.

Ah, this brings back memories!!!!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome fellow Upstater!

Welcome!

Welcome!