White_Tiger

A lawyer once told me "If you go beyond the point of defending yourself, then you will be judged different than someone who has never had training. Especially if you are Black Belt."

If you are Korean why not get one of your relatives to show you?

I think most people usually spend some time with one style before taking on another. I say give it a try if you have the time to devote to both. Good Luck!

I disagree ncole_91. I think it is fine to have as much information as possible on a web site. My students use my web site as a tool for form information, testing requirments, etc. I post everything on my web site, prices, class schedules, calendar of events. People are busy these days...if they want information about your school they should be able to get it quickly and easily. If a person wants more information they will call you or stop by your school.

Do any of you own multiple schools? If so, how do you manage both locations? Appoint one of your assistant instructors to run the smaller location, or go back and forth between the two?

Could have strained a ligament. How old are you?

When Tae-bo was big I started teaching at our local YMCA. I did not have an aerobics background, but a martial arts background. I came up with 'real' combinations, and the class was great. It was a big switch from the aerobics teachers who went and got a 'kickboxing' certificate in a weekend. I think you should go for it...it is alot of fun!

Personally I wouldn't want them in my school, but to each his own. They would probably look ok, but if you have a rival school (like we do) they would probably make fun of you.

If you have 250 students you must be doing something right!!! We should be asking your advice!! Hard to say without knowing the rest of your curriculum. Do you practice throws and take downs? My students love those.

Winning my USTL National Championship in forms competition. I won sparring in 2003, and was VERY proud to win in forms. Forms competition is much tougher in my opinion.

I have never seen a tournament where 'the flash' and traditional go head to head. There is room for both in my opinion. Tournaments are for fun. People take them way to seriously (I know I used to). Enjoy them...network with other martial artists. No need to cut down people who don't do what you do. Good luck!

Anywhere there are judges, then it is a sport...regardless of the martial art.

I found a little info at the following site: http://www.maryvillefamilytkd.com/instructors.php

What are your credentials for teaching?

Yes, I have heard of Tunnel Hill...it is about as far away from Valdosta, GA (Where I live) as you can get without leaving the state!

My part time venture quickly became another full time job! If you want it to stay part time have limits on your days and number of students. I love my school, but it can quickly become a time eating monster! Good luck...I hope you do well.

47MartialMan wrote: What is your opnion that qualifies someone as a good MA instructor? As a master? As a good self defense instructor? As a successful Martial Arts entrepeneur? I will try and keep my answers short. Question #1: What is your opnion that qualifies someone as a good MA instructor? Someone who cares about his/her students, and cares about the instruction that is being taught. Integrity of the program is first and foremost. Question #2: As a master? Someone who lives the tenents and stands for the very essense of the art that is being taught. Someone who is willing to listen to the ideas and concerns of a White Belt, and doesn't think they have learned everything there is to know. Question #3: As a good self defense instructor? Someone who understands the complete application of the techniques they are teaching. Is open to questions of why, or why not the techniques may work. Patience! Question #4: As a successful Martial Arts entrepeneur? A person who sells a good product at a good price. Someone who can go to sleep at night knowing they are giving $2 fo service for every $1 they take in. It is not the 'car salesman' (and I mean no disrepect to car salesmen) who can sign an uneducated conumer to an over priced 3 year contract. Let me know what you think 47MartialMan.

Just break down, and get a ring timer. You can get them off ebay for around $100. One of the best investments you will make.

I had a falling out with my old 'Master'. He asked me to lie about a decision he made to kick a student out. I wouldn't, and left. I am now is biggest competition in town. Your comments sound bitter, and it seems that bitterness comes from the hurt of being thrown out after 20 years of loyalty. Let the hurt and bitterness go, and turn that into positive energy. Things happen for a reason...this may be the time for you and your wife to open your own school. You thread was 'How do you start over'. You don't have to start over...take what you know and go with it. You don't need your old instructor to validate whether you are an instructor or not. There are other associations. If you would like to email me I can tell you about the one I am associated with mike@whitetigeracademy.com. Best of luck to you...keep your head up!

It is easy to say lots of advertising, but lots of advertising costs lots of money! I opened my own school a year and a half ago, and would be happy to help out. You, or anyone with questions can email me mike@whitetigeracademy.com I don't know all the answers, but I will be happy to share my experiences. GOOD LUCK!

I have several V-neck style uniforms I will let you have really cheap. Email me if you are interested: mike@whitetigeracademy.com

I spent my first 2 years at an ATA, and earned my 1st Black Belt there. You can learn decent basics at ATA, but not real self defense. During the 2 years of sparring at ATA I never once saw a hand come at my head, because it was not allowed in the sparring. The first time I sparred outside the ATA I ate a backfist like it was my last meal! My problem with them is signing people to long term contracts, and selling tournament style point sparring techniques as self defense.

Take a look at yourself and analyze your class practices. Make sure you are not being cocky, or arrogant. Do you spar others to hard? Maybe he was just trying to teach you a lesson. Sounds like he did! Good luck!

Just curious...how do you discipline your unruly students in class?

A nice yellow page ad helps. Whatever you do you have to have some consistancy. You can't run an ad for a week, and expect results.