ineluki

You could just cut it off...

I wouldn't go that far but I believe you are somewhat overestimating the issue. Both Shotokan and TKD (as trained in most dojos) are primarily striking and kicking arts, and skills like balance, timing etc can be transferred quite nicely. In the end a Ap chagi is just a Mae Geri with a different name.

Are you sure it is real? This wouldn't be the first "MA X is better than MA Y" fake on Youtube...

I think nobody wanted to skip the "be able to do the moves"-part. However, in most arts the "set rate" is meant for real beginners*, applying it to someone who already has experience in other arts is IMHO following the letter, rather than the spirit of a grading system. *perhaps my beginners are just that inept, but for a large part they are busy sorting out basic stuff like balance, left/right, front/back, turning etc

Nice of you, but I'm rather cynical as well. I think there are already enough levels without introducing new ones.

Why not? If they have the abilities for their new rank, why should they be held back at a lower rank? While it's still a rather subjective view, if you didn't know about the skipped belt, would you think "what a crappy orange belt"?

First of all, learn the rules, and how the scoring works.

Mostly ranting, I'm afraid If you know there are points for getting hit, you should just adjust your distance so you don't get hit.

Another late answer... This sounds like an early case of the typical blue belt blues. http://www.karateforums.com/blue-belt-blues-vt12382.html?highlight=blue+belt+blues

I guess that requirement rules out a lot of adults as well...

Accept it. It is a common "error" students to expect to much from themselves. It's your first exam, you just have to fulfil the requirements for your grade. You don't have to be better than higher belts, you don't have to be the best whitebelt (or whatever you wear now) in the world, you don't have to be flawless.

I disagree. Under the circumstances it would be futile to try and teach her.

I third that statement. I fourth it. 1. It's her fault, if she hasn't the abiltiy to protect herself and control her punches, how can she expect it from a yellow belt 2. The main instructor is also at fault. If there are pushups to be done, he should be the one handing them out Appearentely he isn't able to control her

There is a time and place for contact and there is a time and place for non contact. One and three step sparring* is the latter. Basically the attacker is presenting himself as a standing target to the defender, hitting hard serves little purpose. If the exercise asks for control and she can't do it, she doesn't deserve her black belt. *whether you like it or not isn't the issue...

I agree, as long as people aren't deceived into thinking they are doing self defence, od doing something really unhealthy, pretty much every activity is better than sitting at home, watching TV,

This might also be helpful if you actually need to defend yourself. If the other guys threats are on file, it will support your claims of SD.

You could always call and ask. Seriously, I don't think a school would expect a beginner to already have some gear, so you probably won't need anything for the first lesson.

Rely on what you have trained.

I know, getting corrected can be annoying (you'll just have to live with it for some time, don't try to change all at once), but think positve. As long as your instructors are correcting you, they still have hope you will improve.

Actually, I think you are expecting too much. Some Kids just aren't really interested in it, they may be there because their friends are etc. As long as they aren't disturbing others, just let it pass

Short and simple answer, ask your Headmaster. There may be reasons to do to techniques differently (i.e. tournament vs self defence), but but it should be explained and not happen within 5 minutes.

1. Know the rules, what is allowed, how is the winner determined etc 2. Ask your teacher

Your teacher/instructor/sensei does... why not ask him.

Somehow this sound as if he is trying to convince himself, that he made the right choice..

Is it me or are their thumbs really on the side of the fists?