ninjanurse

Two more cents from me: Leaving as a kyu rank and returning with the expectation of holding the same rank: Kyu ranks are just preliminary steps to your first rank of shodan and are used as a measure of your progress not your ego. If the instructor did his job right the first time then the student shouldn't give it a second thought when told to wear a white belt to class. Leaving as a dan rank: Dan ranks should be honored and students allowed to train until they are up to speed in skills and curriculum. Dan ranks from other systems should be evaluated on an individual basis and the student should be allowed to test-in when ready.

I think the response depends on the dojo. My sensei would have told both students to hit the road and not come back as that kind of behavior sets a very bad example for what he feels a martial artist should be. I also know that he would feel that he had failed as their teacher. I tend to agree-especially at such high ranks.

Hot & Sour Soup (sans the meat of course!)

Good article. Thanks!

Welcome to the forums. It sounds like you bring a wealth of experience to share!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Good Luck-keep us posted!

Nice! You did well in my opinion. Let us know the results soon!

I doubt you could be dehydrated. Sounds like lack of glycogen in the muscles and/or being out of shape. You might want to look at your training diet to make sure you are getting enough carbs to refuel the muscle cells inbetween workouts.

I work in an ER and people are always hacking on me, etc. Good handwashing is a must to keep from getting sick! When I teach class I always wash my hands after each one and do not hesitate to ask coughing students to cover up or sit out. Some people just don't understand common courtesies and/or are uneducated so I include the "germ talk" in my class wrap-ups throughout the cold/flu season.

A good instructor incorporates the philosophy of his art into the physical/technical practice starting from day one-students learn a lot of philosophy from " reverse punch not good-do more". Character is forged through hard work and adversity and as long as these elements are present adding positive re-inforcement is not going to detract from the experience. Choose a school based on the fruit it bears, not on how much $$ it costs.

I second that. Good job Syphax .

Congratulations on returning. I hope your training goes well. 15 years is a long time without training and double gradings may be the best option here as the curriculum has probably changed a bit and your skills may need to get up to par. While not an issue for some, wearing a white belt for a long time can be discouraging to some students....and periodic testing gives you feedback as well as ownership. I think your sensei has your best interests in mind...I would do the same in my school for any kyu/gup returning after a long lay-off.

Nice point. When teaching self-defense we always start with the hands in a natural position. When sparring....hands up.

Very nice! The way it should be.

It can also be said Wu Kung.

I have never wrapped a thumb specifically...but I am sure you can find info on wrapping techniques somewhere out there. Athletic tape is pretty cheap and easily apply-I would wrap to support the thumb and keep it from being hyperextended.

Those who are grounded in their faith have no problems reconciling what they do and say with "secular" experiences.

Congratulations!

Pain is relative to how much fun you are having. One can never have enough tape or ibuprofen in their bag!!!!

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder so is value. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper to find it too.

A family that kicks together, sticks together!!!!

As I get older the more I appreciate good pads!