White_Tiger

"Bodies" by The Drowning Pool...that gets me pumped!

Glad you enjoyed the tournament...that is what they are for. There are some inexperienced judges out there, but speaking from experience it is tough judging a point sparring match. You are ONLY supposed to call what you see. There have been matches when someone threw a punch or kick, and I heard it hit, but I didn't see it. I would bet my bottom dollar it was not blocked, but I couldn't call it. I am sure the competitor was wondering if Stevie Wonder was judging!

Just had a major recall. The bands were breaking and injuring people.

Thanks for the heads up! I almost ordered one not long ago. You did a good thing by posting this!

Just like the last response wrote...all I can add is land in a back stance (right foot forward), double knifehand blocks. Good luck!

It is great your overcame your fears! I am glad you did well!

Typically industry wide martial art schools slow down during the summer months. Does anyone run any type of specials or camps to keep enrollment up during the summer months?

I assume you are paying to take lessons. You have every right to ask the owner, head instructor or whomever works there about anything that goes on in the school. If they give you some mystical mumbo jumbo you are in the wrong school. Let us know what they say.

I think it is good. We use boxing gloves occasionally, and the added weight makes for a better workout, and also helps hand speed! Good luck!

HAHAHAHAHA!!! I am just kidding...no way are you too old!! I started when I was 34, and now own my own school. Martial arts are for anyone of any age! START TO TRAINING!!!

I let them have a game at the end of class IF they are good during class. I use them as a reward, and teach martial arts the old fashion way during class time...REPS! Good luck!

I would take it as a compliment, and ignore it. If it comes to it, just tell him you are flattered, but you are taken. Good luck!

I agree with you about the Discovery channel show. It turned out to be a XMA commercial. I think there is room for both the XMA style and the traditional style tournaments...I just don't think they belong together. I have judged many tournaments, and I don't think I could judge an 'Extreme' form and a traditional form in the same ring.

Definitely a free week!

Valdosta, GA TKD/JJJ Black Belt/Green Belt Instructor/Always a student

I agree with you...there is a lot of knowledge in this forum!

I have never heard of it. What part of the SouthEast is it in?

Hello tkdrocks! What part of GA are you from. I have a school in Valdosta, and we are going to have some tournaments coming up here and in Albany. Maybe one in North Florida. Let me know if you are interested.

Just goes to show that the spirit of a true champion is not in the hands and feet, but in the heart! Congratulations to Mr. Hicks!

I had a similar problem. I added a year to the curriculum from White to Black after the original instructor left. What I did is 'grandfather' students in past a certain rank. If they had been in a certain amount of time and were a certain rank, then the old system applied to them. Anyone below time and rank requirements had to adhere to the new system, and of course new students coming in were on the new system. It can be done without upsetting many students if any. I didn't have anyone get upset or quit because of the new requirements. If I can help you I would be glad to. Good Luck!!

Running a school is tough. As a school owner I would have definitely let my students know I was closing. I am sorry for your personal loss, but I can understand the financial & time hardship there is for running a school. Good luck in finding another school!

I own 2 Shureido uniforms, and they are great looking and very good quality. I have never owned a Tokaido, but one of my students bought one, and it looks to be good quality as well. I don't think you will go wrong with either.

I am a beginner, but so far my favorite is Atama Makikomi.

Anyone need a size 7, black heavyweight, karate style uniform top? The brand is Hayashi (made by Tiger Claw). It has never been worn. $15(US) + actual shipping cost. Email me if you are interested. Thanks!

Thanks for everyone's input!