koreauechi

5th dan in what? The names of the styles are of little importance, as are the ranking systems (they are not uniform) For example one instructor here that I trained with is 5th degree..and in his 20's! means little.... Go for experience and attitudes in the class. If its what you are looking for than stick to it. The 'American Karate' term to me sounds like a collective system using the karate name as branding power. Not a bad thing really if it fills the classes and the teachers have their stuff together.

I agree with MTKD of the female assistant for working on women's self defense. I use a 'dummy' for illustrations..that is a senior student, sometimes the woman assistant. Too those who quit...well why did they take the course in the first place? They must have felt some need to. If they are uncomfortable with the touchy, grabby....a short prep session explaining what will happen in the training session & what will happen on the street is in order. You can't please everyone though...

I have to agree on all accounts; No one should fear their instructor...if their 'sensei' instills fear, its unlikely a place you want to train. Overcoming fear is important in the pursuit of martial development....but not by being afraid of the teacher. Line up for a that swift kick

I had a look at the first web site mentioned...never seen that stance before; but after looking at the quality of the other photos (kicks, stance, etc.) I wonder if there isn't a better photo of this stance around?

There has to be a balance IMO. I enjoy the blasting conditioning..I am a big guy (frame wise..*ahem* 'big boned') BUT I also have instructors who are mildly crippled from years of slamming hands onto bricks. Their arms get sore when it rains and they walk with a limp...(several guys have similar ailments) Moderation I think is the key to any of it and it can go over board either way. One guy who does nothing in the way of body condition who will likely crumble when hit, to the former 'old school' instructors I have trained with who are on their way to using a cane because they can't walk right anymore. Also is the very real point that as we get older we are not as fast and it takes longer for us to heal when injured. For this the study of timing becomes paramount.

lmao.... I'll take that back then

Uechi-ryu like Kyokushinkai uses body conditioning as a core training element. While is is well enough to say that yes its best to move rather than be hit; it is necessary to develop a level of conditioning to be able to absorb an attack and keep going. This takes away a lot of that initial shock factor *holy smoking Joe he hit me*. Just a question, as Mas Oyama was Korean..do you consider Kyokushinkai a Korean or Japanese art?

flexibility & cardio. TKD is great for fitness. As as experienced competitor I found TKD training to be a great addition to the training schedule. Like all things there are pros and cons...developing ones legs is certainly a plus.

Yip that's the 'zone' all right.... No doubt you did well

I just re-read what I put this morning here...maybe sounded a bit too cynical...regrets for that. Yeah; I like to add new ideas and training methods to workouts..thats how the site idea came to be. It has nothing with commercial vrs. not-for-profit..as many ideas (once the site starts going) surely can be applied to both. I am interested in learning from anyone with something to say..be it an idea, advice, tips etc. As well as adding from my own 14 year experiences. Thats why I am here. I live in a country where training ideas cannot really be shared that well, as the language barrier and the teaching methods are so different.... Anyhow for those who think its too commercial for them, then don't visit my site...its not there for contraversy(sp)

Huh?

Sorry you misunderstand. I am astounded by the level of attitudes here honestly! I started a website in hopes of sharing tips and techniques that work to aid the instructor and the club. It seems that most that responded are picture perfect, have a complete collection of entertaining drills. No need for ideas as everyone is blessed and 'knows what they are doing'. Badmouthing other sports? read it again. That article is focused on how to combat the drop of students during 'peak' seasonal sport times.... But of course no one here suffers from that eh'. As for the 'negative of team sports' - I'll stand by that; only having so many spots open IS a negative..especially for the youngsters all trying to fill what 15 spots or so. I am sure all of you are quality instructors, as a business professional both on and off the mat I tend to look for ways to improve the quality of training. Staying inside my own art has little to do with it, rather the difference between adding some excited variety to classes or the same ole' humbrum rountine. Full time and part time instructors could certainly benefit from this. Perhaps others are not ready for this, you guys certainly seem to have everything under control and never need to look for new ideas.

Its a new site, if you have something worth sharing than by all means share it and enlighten us... If you're nice I might even put a photo on of a paisley TKD uniform..just for the purists!

Such a trivial issue for a martial art forum. I'm sorry I weighed in on the topic. Just so you know the uniform I wear is white with black trim, a host of Korean patches on it and the school name (ETS Younh-ah TKD) in Korean on the back. My forms and attitude would be the same if it was paisley; focused.

I really shouldn't bite at this troll but I gotta. Being professional or looking the part....does one kick better with a uniform on? Does one strike or show a form better if the uniform is on? I didn't think uniforms came with moves installed. I thought they were learned. The sandlot? Without giving in I'll bite my tounge, my domestic and international Martial resume must be playground issue.... 95% sandlot junk in Korea..have you been here? That's one heck of a number to throw out for a ratio. Koreans are extremely nationalistic as they still have memories of foreign occupation. People take MA very seriously here. (As they claim the TKD is so old) Again you mention traditional white uniforms..traditional for whom and for what year? I am all for the discussion of the value and importance of uniforms...lets not get personal with this 'sandlot' routine and stay away from 'amateur' comments shall we?