wierd, a jump spinning back kick is one of my better kicks, i enjoy it a lot, on the other hand, i have all kinds of problems with spinning hooks and wheel kicks, i can throw them but not quickly and they look incredibly ugly.
This is a video of a fellow coastie getting pepper sprayed... while humorous, this does demonstrate how effective such a simple, commonly carried weapon can be... Each Law Enforcement qualified coastie has to get pepper sprayed once, resist for 20 seconds without drawing their weapon and finally draw their weapon and retain control of it. Enjoy! Tang Soo! http://www.compfused.com/downloads/11yuiqc/pepperspray.wmv
i agree, i think you're being ripped off, but then it depends on what you think is important to you... i've heard of schools charging large 1st dan test fees to compensate a master's flight from Korea, that sort of thing. Is your fee going towards travel costs so other instructors can participate? even so, i wouldn't pay $500 for a test.
My eldest son was getting picked on and beaten in our own backyard (housing development type living where 10 houses shared a common backyard area) on a daily basis so I took him in to a local Tang Soo Do school. I watched for about a month, it looked like fun so I gave it a whirl. 4 years later, my son no longer trains (wanted to do other things, stopped after he attained 2nd gup) but i'm hooked. Tang Soo!
I currently only have one, names of wife and children done in a frog and lillypad type scene on my left bicep. no idea what i want next, just know that i'm itching for something new....
why? listen, you want a good empty hand foundation in your art prior to learning weapon handling of any type. i'm just not sure why you would want to step outside your art, whatever it is and try and learn something else.... more details might help me understand what you're trying to do but i can't imagine anyone would be willing to train you exclusively on a specific weapon without any experience and your continued participation in another martial art. I wouldn't even bother trying anything via tape. I suggest you relax, learn well what you're being taught in your style right now and wait... good things come to those who wait...
along with TangSooDo guy, i highly recommend WTSDA schools, although i'm no longer affiliated with them, Grandmaster Shin has a real quality organization and Philly's a great area for Tang Soo Do.
whether or not you wear head gear is up to you... if you're not sure, its better to err on the side of caution. if you don't feel comfortable without, put it on.