CDraper

Sounds pretty similar to the tests I have taken (only 2 so far). I've seen some of the upper ranks have todo written work as well.

I think as a student the best thing we can do is try to greet new students and try to make them feel welcome. Also we can try extra hard to be good partners if we are paired with a new student. Beyond that support our instructors by participating in activities outside of class such as bring a friend day and stuff like that. My humble opinion as some one restarting their martial arts training. ChuckD

There is Apex Martial arts in Charlotte as well. I've not meet them but they look like they might be in the right area.

I think it certainly comes down to the person as stated before. You can put the average Joe into a race car and have that person get beat by a professional race car driver on a course. Same goes for martial arts... Train someone in the "ultimate" system who is not dedicated and put them against a dedicated individual in an "inferior" system and I'm sure the dedicated individual will win 9/10 times. Take care ChuckD

If it is a new kata I will go through it slow so I can work on remembering it and building some sort of muscle memory. If it is one I'm pretty familiar with I will work on making the technique more crisp and adding power/timing. Another thing I do is do it in different orientations in the room I practice in so you don't get used to using land marks. ChuckD

Tournaments are the closest I get to a public display of MA.

oh my goodness that looks like knee torture too!

I'm afraid to ask... 30min squat challenge? Sounds like torture :/

Thanks posting these up I'm working on improving my sparring and sometimes it is good to read as well as hear what your instructor is telling you. Sometimes in the heat of the ring things don't sink in. ChuckD

nice link. That guy really committed to some of those 1st kicks:) thanks for sharing.

I've started to use my basement. Thinking about getting a heavy bag or free standing bag to hit on. I'm much to shy to train in public outside of the dojo.

Basically what muttley said. I recently restarted training and struggle with timing as well. I believe it is natural since we are learning something new and it takes time to learn the timing and fluidity. stick with it

Just keep going and practice. I had previous experience and it still took a while for my mind to process what I was learning. It felt like I couldn't remember anything the 1st week training again

I started my daughter about 2 months before she turned 7. Everything seems well so far and I've certainly noticed a positive impact on her behavior outside of class. Chuck

~20 minutes one way.

One word... Sore I took a shot to the shin. I cried on the inside. :/

Thanks everyone... wagnerk: Honestly the class times lined up well with me getting off of work and picking up my daughter. However I'm pleased with the school, they seem pretty traditional and the instructors are great. I actually trained some with the senei when I was in grade school(~28 years ago), we were in the same TKD school for a while. Chuck

Hello, I've been lurking around the forum a bit and decided to say hello. My daughter and I just started taking Isshin Ryu about 2 months ago. So far it has been great and she has really enjoyed the classes (so have I). I took Tae Kwon Do when I was a little older than her so it is neat to start training again (It's been like 20 years :/ ). She is 7 and I took TKD when I was around 9 for 5-6 years. See you around the forum. Chuck