Asahi1265

I didn't think the white belts should spar in their first few classes. It just looks like an injury waiting to happen. Most I've seen have no concept of what light contact is.

Thanks for your help and advice...I'm new to the boards. I'll keep you posted.

Good point- I didn't mean to sound as if I was wasting my time...I would think these little guys would be better off sparring other little guys. They can't reach my patch and I usually get kicked in the crotch. I don't wish to spar with the "big boys" full contact at all. I'm 37 years old, I can't keep up with the "young-uns" stamina wise. I've come home with quite a few bruises...the black belt I spar forgets I'm a fogey. My poor knee joints ain't what they used to be!

Well...It's a relatively small school. The training we (my entire family is enrolled at the school) received initially, I felt was excellent. Our forms, stances, kicks (foot position) etc. was closely watched by the instructor. This instructor now cannot teach as often due to work concerns, and the conductor we have now is a bit.....immature. (Think of an ADHD person after 6 or 7 Snickers bars. A regular showboat.) He is not as concerned as our old instructor was about correct forms, stances, etc. As I stated before, the adults and children, upper and lower belts are all together. I've devoted hours to teaching the younger white belts, only to have them come to class for a month, never to show up again. It's almost as if I'm paying to babysit. Besides, I feel a bit foolish sparring a 5 year old white belt. Again, this is my first TKD experience...is this normal?? I've expressed my concerns to our Master Instructor, and was told this is pretty much how it's done in Korea.

American Kenpo. I've watched a few classes, the punches seem to be almost the same. They seemed to do quite a bit more close fighting than TKD, and alot less kicking.

I'm a TKD student of 1 1/2 years. I'm thinking of switching to Kenpo. (I'm just not cut out for sport TKD.) Any info you could give on Kenpo will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

What I have found is I am teaching the new students the skills needed for testing. I don't feel as if I'm learning what I need to progress. Sounds like I need to find a new school...

I'm new to the message boards. I'm currently a blue belt in TKD (WTD.) and I have a question regarding sparring. In my school, the adults and children are together. I've never felt comfortable sparring little kids, and I was curious as to whether this is common practice in TKD schools. Thanks!