Patrick

Please vote for the Member of the Year in the KarateForums.com Awards 2011. Award Description: This award is intended to acknowledge the non-staff member who you feel best exemplifies the qualities that KarateForums.com puts a premium on. Knowledge is valuable, but most valuable is a kind and helpful nature. You don't need to be a martial arts expert to win this award - you need to be someone who is kind and who shares what they know in a productive fashion that helps others. Here are the nominees: sensei8 MasterPain JusticeZero Groinstrike Voting will be closed on December 4, 2011 at 8 PM ET. Please do not respond to this thread. Thank you for voting.

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judobrah, since it appears that you are a minor (under 18 years of age), I would recommend informing an adult. That would be a very responsible thing for you to do. Thanks, Patrick

Haha. Thanks MasterPain. That means a lot to me. Of course, I have never and will never try to offer anything in a discussion that demands martial arts expertise or proficiency, but I find that this issue is really one that is shared by people from all walks of life, in many different pursuits. Thanks again, Patrick

Sorry to hear that. I apologize if this sounds harsh at all, but as I read your post, it seemed to me that you and your wife may be taking it a little hard. "Help her work through this"? It was one test. If you and your family are healthy, you have jobs or a job, a roof over your head and food to eat, then you are fortunate and perspective is needed. In the grand scheme, it's not huge, it's one test and life is full of this. People do something good and not get recognized for it all the time. At work, at home, in their hobbies and day to day life. You either continue to do your best (for yourself, as much as for recognition), give up or something in between. So, the way to work through it is just to keep trying hard and try to learn from past experiences. There is no dispute process, but have you reached out to the instructors who graded her, and in a very pleasant manner, asked for their thoughts on what they saw or didn't see? If this one experience has put her off of the martial arts as a whole and she's asking why continue, then maybe the martial arts aren't a big passion for her, which is totally fine. As many veterans of this community will know, I am not a martial artist, but I do have things that I am passionate about. I am a professional speaker and I speak at conferences and events around the country. When you are a professional speaker, you step on stage and essentially say "here is what I know - judge me." It is an interesting experience. I have a great deal of experience in my field, so I feel confident in my knowledge and my ability to draw from that experience. That doesn't mean that every time I speak, I deliver the best talk ever or that, even if I feel I did, everyone in the room loved it or found value in it. I mean, I once had a lady come up to me RIGHT AFTER I LEFT THE STAGE and tell me that she didn't know what she was supposed to get out of my talk. I listen to all feedback, but to say it right after I left the stage... that's harsh. I'd never do that to someone. But, she did. I apologized and encouraged her to, next time, ask questions to get the answers she sought. Still, I didn't stop speaking because of that because I find it rewarding and like to share what I know. So, in all, my opinion would be to keep it in perspective and, if you are passionate about the martial arts, to continue to work hard and learn. Best of luck! Patrick

Thanks for the replies, all. Patrick

Congrats Dimorte. Patrick

Welcome aboard, shudokaratemomma. Glad to have you. Patrick

Sorry about that. For whatever reason, we had a break out game. And no we're up to 2 wins. So, it looks like we're going to be bad, but just good enough not to get a top 5 pick. We're tied for the 2nd worst record in football, but it's a 4 way tie. Not that I want us to lose. It's good to win. Even with the back to back losses, the Chiefs are only 1 game back in the West, in a three way tie for second. Could be back in first quickly. Patrick

Hello, KarateForums.com recognizes one member every month as the Member of the Month for their positive contributions to this community. The November 2011 selection is... xo-karate. Congratulations! Thanks, Patrick

Nominations are now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit them. It is greatly appreciated. The full ballots, with nominees, will be announced soon. Thanks again, Patrick

Congrats datguy! Patrick

Welcome to KF, Dimorte! Patrick

Welcome aboard, judobrah. Glad to have you. Patrick

Yeah, the Chiefs definitely flipped the switch at the right time! 4-3 now, nice. Things look good for them this week, as well, facing the 0-7 Dolphins. Heh.

Congrats to the Cardinals and their fans! Patrick

Hey all, Thanks again to everyone who has nominated thus far. We have 6 more days until nominations close. If you haven't already, please take a moment and do so! Thanks, Patrick

Welcome back, Lupin1. Patrick

Good luck, datguy! Patrick

Welcome Scott. Patrick