Nidan Melbourne

9th Jan 2023 9 - 12 Taught a Monster Class of 30 People (they stay for the entire duration). We in depth reviewed absolutely everything from 9th Kyu (White Belt) to Nidan (2nd Dan). Could easily have spent the whole day reviewing things. Many of our students had a "Oh yeah" moment, which as an instructor is awesome.

Speak to your Healthcare team. Doctors majority of the time may recommend plenty of exercise and healthy diet. Also best advice look after your mental health. because that can have a large impact on everything else.

There will always be a debate on the use of the Blade or Heel for this kick. For me both have their uses depending on your intent and usage of it. Potentially you may have a preference for the Heel as it was more comfortable for you to execute it that way instead of using the blade. I teach both methods, depending on the persons mobility and functionality of their body. But at the same time, I provide mobility exercises to assist if I know how to help.

Congrats Zaine!

If in a Gym, Punching bag is a great option.

I have two routines; one I will do throughout the day that helps with my Mobility then the other is my technical approach. Mobility is to "wake up" my body and get it moving, along with stretching out any tired/sore/inactive muscle. Then the technical is me focusing on each biomechial action of the technique

well deserved Alex

Hi All, Out of curiosity who uses Ali Baba for buying uniforms, belts, equipment etc? if so, what was the quality like or even worthwhile? I'm looking at purchasing at a few items through it, but don't want to waste money if it produces some questionable products.

I don't mind the idea of Pockets in Gi Pants, especially as an Instructor. As it would make life easier to hold a few key items whilst teaching.

thanks for letting me know. i'll check both out

congrats on the promotion

I agree, i've heard from several former students who quit after participating in their first grading and bought an expensive Gi then complained that they should never have bought it in the first place. Which is funny as they passed on the uniform that we generally give to students as part of their introductory program. Which we also sell at the price we purchase them at. hmmmmm $200 Gi over a $50 one that is still pretty good quality.

I have only seen a handful of White Belts go out and buy an expensive Gi over the years. Although i've trained for 20 years, and i've only bought 1 expensive Gi (Seishin) over the years. But can't bear to go buy another any time soon. That might just be my hip pocket talking and not wanting to dish out over $200 on a uniform that i'd have to get customised anyway.

Thanks Nidan, one thing is, I checked and different companies are offering different rate. What is the average monthly cost for insurance and public liability? Obviously it will vary country to country, but from what i've seen some are on the cheaper end of the scale (approx $50-60/month) to some being several hundred dollars. But at the end of the day the amount that your requesting and the excess will impact the cost. At the moment all my private sessions are being covered by my senseis club, which I am quite fortunate. But I am only covered if my sessions are run out of his club.

Hey everyone, I am looking at ordering a few uniforms for some students, who wouldn't fit into the largest size I can get (To fit 220cm tall). I am not looking at spending an arm and leg to purchase these uniforms and Belts.ssss

For Insurance typically you need Public Liability and a Comprehensive Insurance. And all you need to is google the different companies that offer those and covers Martial Arts specifically.

I heard about his passing also, but no details were released.

Firstly as an Instructor, we shouldn't be afraid to tell a Child 'No' or when something is inappropriate. As we reinforce this in our classes, and that there are consequences to actions. Like Bushido_man96 suggested maybe have the mum not attend class. If you start "begging" then that reduces the level of authority you have, and allows him to keep doing his own thing.

Like Zaine and Wastelander said, bet bet is Ebay. Although as a Sandan you are more than proficient in the curriculum of your club up to Sandan. Teaching is another beast in itselt, but that also becomes an amazing teacher to the teacher itself. Like I wouldn't be the Nidan I am today without having taught thousands of students. But even then I also value seeing how open minded other instructors like Wastelander or Sensei8 are with how they teach.

Havent heard Anything about it. If they did they would probably keep it private. But otherwise i dont think it is common practice across the japanese/okinawan people

To me if you were to do a Student of the Month, you have to be clear on how base your choices and what criteria. In which Sensei8 phrased it perfectly. If it were my dojo, and there were 2 students that exemplified what I was looking for. I’d give to both as it shows that more than 1 person is worthy of getting it each month

It is probably due to the fact that you are attending more demanding sessions. Your body will adapt the more you attend, and the better it will respond to such stressors. So you will still sweat, but not nearly as much.

Thanks for sharing Patrick, I'll share what I can considering i'm currently not working due to my own health concerns. But to the community, we all know the value of Bob and his contribution to this community and to the Martial Arts Community in his region. I have had many conversations with him over the years, and would be devistating to lose such a soul to Prostate Cancer.

My day to day friends aren't really into MA, but I am good friends with my fellow instructors that I spend a fai chunk of time with

This is what I was looking for a friendly discussion, and how often little things can pop up in our training that can be translated so differently. Just like languages! Australian English, British English, American English. So close but so different.