cathal

Davison, my condolenses for your friend. My mother passed away as a result of cancer caused by smoking. The first thing you need to do is realize that you need to stop smoking. Stop for a moment and realize that smoking is bad, and you are addicted. In other words: you have a problem. A problem that needs to be solved. Don't just say it, don't just turn to your best friend and say it...think it and realize it. Next, throw away all of your cigarettes, and do not purchase any more. Whenever you feel the need to purchase cigarettes, take the cash you were going to use for it and put it away in your sock drawer. After a month take a look at how much money you have...you'll be amazed. I have no doubt your original post was cathartic to some extent and you let out some feelings about your own smoking you've perhaps not voiced before. So all I'm going to say is congratulations. Now is a very important day because today is when you've decided to stop smoking and lead a healthier life. All you have to do is get rid of the cigarettes now and everything is downhill from there. PM me if you need a shoulder.

LOL I like that one!

Alright, what about plain old incorrect technique?

Has anyone seen instances where the instructor was hesitant to correct a student?

I think there is, just ask for the assistance of the older, more experienced fighter. I assist whenever I can, but I'm not a full instructor just yet. I think that if it is done with respect the more experienced fighter would accept that, and move forward. I'm interested in hearing what you other instructors out there feel about this.

In tournement-style fighting I tend to go for the eyes, as you'll be surprised at how easily you can psych someone out. Then its just a matter of maintaining that pressure on their eyes to make them error. In sparring and research sparring I tend to watch the chest, or collarbone.

I am going to use that one! LOL

I agree with that, and wanted to say that after watching the video that person doesn't have a good attitude. The opponent got the fight out of him after just a few hits. It was obvious he didn't want to fight anymore, and was definitely psyched out. Yet he made the fight go on. If any good fighter were in that match, he would have accepted the man's desire to stop fighting, and simply declared that a victory.

Italian Guy, 43 is not old. Anyway, I think that while attitude is a major factor here, it is a common story that many of you more experienced practitioners see. Perhaps even more as you train more, and have more younger people join up and train. To me, it seems a natural phenomenon. It is only natural for a young man/woman to attempt to prove themself against the older, more experienced person. It can be seen as a right of passage, or life test. As we get older and stronger we will always attempt to take over from where our parents have been. The challenges in a fight, for example, would be testing the waters to see if it is time to take over. Most of the time, it seems from this very informative thread, that the older generations are still in control. No surprise there.

My dojo has only one minor, but he's 15. All the other members are adults. I've seen kids do very well at martial arts. Flexible, strong, great attitudes, as well.

Indeed, congrats.

I'm not finding a lot for jackets, but here is a link for patches http://www.kamikaze.com/crests.html

It isn't the fact they are merely available online. It is that people may purchase these items in order to betray the trust of others in fake dojos. They may learn just enough to seem professional and experienced, yet be just enough to lure people in and take their money.

I'd like those links.

Oh Snap! Sign me up!

I love it when I'm corrected, it stops me from developing bad habits. If anything, my sensei could be doing more of that.

Yeah the one tonne kick. That's impressive.

Ahh ok, right on.

Welcome to KF my friend.

I have been training in Shotokan for 11 years. I stopped grading between years 2 and 9 1/2. I am back in a dojo affiliated with the ISKF and grading. But its more to train with others, learn more about my art, and have real training from an active sensei.

Me, too.

With sensei in the dojo? I'd say at least 2-3 days. Home training? Every day minimum. When you get the itch you'll start making up days.

I know a lot of universities where they teach such programs, but nothing local. I'd love to get into a program like that. Some universities will offer Martial Art Philosophy minors as well.

I agree, good info