Sunrunner

As an instructor I would personally be overjoyed that a parent would be so passionate about their child learning the culture and etiquette of and through a martial arts class. It may get to any annoying stage, but I would welcome it as a change from the usual parents that drop off their child and don't ask questions about what it is that their child is doing for an hour two to three times a week.

What is the difference between ju-jutsu and aikiju-jutsu? Is it simply a matter of philosophy and how it applies to the technique or is there a greater physical difference between the two?

I have to be honest....16 years of hard work and dedication were totally brought on by the Karate Kid movie series...Hey, don't blame me too much, 7 is a young and impressionalbe age. To this day they are still some of my favorite movies. Very cool Topic monkeymagic.

If you can manage to get the training, summer lifeguarding is a good bet. Its good training and keeps you in shape for the martial arts as well

A few questions, mostly directed to owners of academies: I've heard various things about getting insurance coverage...what is your take on this? What do insurance companies offer? What kind of financial protection does one need when one owns a martial arts academy? Is it necessary? Is it required by laws in some places or is it just good business and good customer care? Do places that hire martial arts teachers cover them under their own insurance or liability?

I may have one other idea as well to throw into the mix. I've worked with students that had Autistic Spectrum Disorder both on the mats and in my job as a residential counselor. In both places, the greatest success stories had at least this one thing in common...getting the parents engaged and interested in their son's/daughter's learning. If having his parents there did not work, maybe try a regular update session...have his parents in after class and talk with them about his strengths and his weaknesses and try to bring them on board in possibly getting him to model some of the positive behavior at home as well as in class. That way he may learn it quicker, and as his family is probably his primary support group...maybe after a while of his parents modeling and getting him to show the proper behavior, he will be able to show it in class. We have a saying in our residence among the staff..."wait till the last minute" It means hold out on your patience until the very last before deciding that you cannot teach this student, because at the very last moment, they may really show that they've learned what you've been teaching them. But you may have to let him go, and if you do, know that you tried, and that you've learned some new things for when another student like him comes to take classes. I know its hard. Good luck.

Hells yeah Aodhan...that was exactly what I was looking for. Not looking for fight stats, just general participation, but thanks.

Does anyone know of a good site or other source in which I may find general statistics about martial arts/sports? Does anyone know any statistics about martial arts participation in their country and able to share? I'm looking mostly for beakdowns in age and sex. Specific arts are not really necessary, just general stats. Thanks all.

I have a pair of chrome sai that, though I've kept stored in a dry place, in a sai case, are showing signs of rust and wear. How do I clean up what is there and prevent it from happening again? Anyone know?

"Warriorship" - What does it mean to you? Can it be a spiritual path equal to an organized religion? Do you think it can it be found in non-martial artists? How does one cultivate it? Practice it? How is it taught? How is it learned? How is it realized? Is it practical in today's societies? Do you feel it is neccessary or too idealistic in the "modern world"?

Though my family is catholic and I was raised in its traditions, it never took hold with me...even at an early age. Rather, in answer to your question Muaythai, studying the martial arts have affected my sense of spirituality and have aided me in the choosing of a spiritual path. Kev: for some people it may make a difference, for others it may not. I would recommend reading many of the other threads on this concept for an idea of what others have said, or wait, maybe an interesting discussion will be sparked here in this thread...I certainly hope so. Good question Muaythaiboxer....

I do not think that any martial arts system can constitute what could be called a religion in and of itself, but, as many posters have pointed out at this point, in some situations they have become closely linked. Separately, Martial Traditions and Religious Traditions I think have shown themselves to be almost equally powerful in inspiring people to live up to a fairly demanding standard as far as maintaining one's personal honor and courtesy to others. That for me is the most important distiction (i learned this from my own parents). My parents raised me in a Christian household, and though I no longer follow that path, it matters to them that I live life in a good way, as a good person, no matter where I find that inspiration.

I'm not sure about the last two questions, but in realation to the bo, check out this site: https://www.woodenswords.com I believe they have a purpleheart staff and many other wooden weapons as well. They are all mostly hickory, which is also a good wood for a weapon and they are handmade. A bit expensive, but they will last with good care...I don't think I'll ever order a $20 red oak weapon ever again after ordering from this place.

Go to one of your instructors and tell them, "I eventually want to teach, how can I meet this goal?" Sit down with your instructor(s) and talk about your specific goals, get feedback, advise, suggestions. Good luck in your journey.

As an outdoor educator there is an area of programming called Universal Adventure Programming...it refers to working with groups and individuals who have physical and mental disabilities in the outdoors and making things like high ropes courses accessable to them. As a martial artist and instructor I've encountered one person who had a physical disability in my 15 years, she was deaf. Have any of the instuctors that post here ever worked with a disabled individual? Has anyone worked with disabled groups at all? I want to believe that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it doesn't mean that they can't be a good martial artist. How would one open their martial arts school to disabled people? If anyone would like to converse with me more about this, feel free to send an email. btw: when I say disabled, I mean anything from long-term, short-term, born with it, illness related, mental and physical. Thanks