Patrick

Enjoyed this clip a lot.

Congrats Brenda.

Hey all, Great posts on this topic, interesting to see and read the discussion. I think this is a good point. Your present company means a lot. My brothers might joke around with each other and make fun of each other in such a way, but we all know that it's not a serious remark, and that it isn't something that we would throw around in random company who would take it literally. I think this is a good point, as well. Patrick

http://www.spin.com/gallery/top-10-rocknroll-landmarks Via Cliff.

I think that you handled it well, Bob. I think it's an unfortunate saying that doesn't really have a place in a public setting, such as a martial arts class. Patrick

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/wallpaper/tundra-aurora.html Great photo!

Congrats.

I understand your frustration, Tiger1962... I'm just saying not to take it out on kids, that's all. It's just a part of life. There are an endless list of hobbies that a lot of other people won't get. As long as you love it, that's all that matters. That's why it's your hobby and not theirs. I'm sure that the people you have to explain the martial arts to have their own hobbies that others might consider odd in some way, whether it be knitting or playing bridge or taking computers apart or collecting something. Personally, I collect music released by Bad Boy Entertainment. I've spent quite a bit of money picking up rare vinyl, cassettes, promotional releases, international releases, etc. - even platinum plaques that I have on my wall! Some people may look at me strange, but I love it and it gives me a good feeling. That's all that matters. Patrick

Great to see you back and around, Shawn (cathal)!

Deep breath!

Hello, KarateForums.com recognizes one member every month as the Member of the Month for their positive contributions to this community. The August 2009 selection is... tonydee. Congratulations!

Good luck, Brenda!

Thanks for sharing this, Bob. Generally speaking, if the martial arts interests you - it interests you. If kids doing it discourages you from doing it, you're can't be that deeply interested in it - can you? People who say "the martial arts is something kids do" are people who aren't going to be interested in the martial arts, anyway, for the most part, and that's their choice. It's on par with someone thinking all martial arts are the same or are "Karate." Why does it matter so much? If that's the concern, too, what's the answer to that concern? Prevent children from wearing a gi? Preventing them from taking the martial arts? At the end of the day, it's not the children's fault. I go back to what I said on that thread about young black belts. I would also note that if you have a passionate child who does the martial arts, that person has to be much, much, much more likely to develop into a passionate adult who does the martial arts. As Bob eluded to, you are teaching the adults of the future. Teaching children is a huge responsibility. Setting accurate expectations with parents will go a long way toward preventing confusion over instruction. Having an open door to parents and encouraging them to ask questions, etc. does, too. But, there will always be the odd parents who is concerned and they have to do what they have to do. An instructor has to realize that the kids he or she teaches are not his or her kids - the parents decide what they want their kids to learn and, as an instructor, you have to accurately convey what your lessons contain, so that parents can make that choice. This doesn't mean them dictating your lesson plan - but it does mean being able to tell them what that plan contains. Just my thoughts. Thanks, Patrick

Congrats Alex. Patrick

Belated welcome to you, Chuck. Glad to have you.

Welcome to the site, Patch. Patrick

Welcome to KF, boxingking. Glad to have you.

Cool, yeah, glad to hear. It sounded like you just needed the latest version of the Flash plugin. Compatibility mode is also something to try, as Danielle pointed out. Patrick

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4355045&name=mma

Happy to share.

http://www.reelzchannel.com/article/814/5-real-life-half-blood-prince-locations Via Digg.

Welcome aboard.

Thank you for the submission.

http://designcrave.com/2009-07-08/contemporary-architecture-10-contemporary-homes-of-the-future/ Amazing stuff. Via Digg.

Glad you guys enjoyed that. Kind of an expensive trip to make just to see what's left. I imagine there would be other reasons, like you said.