ShotokanKid

Outside the martial arts world: I think most people who make fun of it have taken it when they were little, and hated it because they got bored with it. Then they tell all of their friends how dumb it was and then everybody makes fun of it. Inside the martial arts world: People see Olympic TKD. When they get in close they kind of grab each other. In a real situation, you would get a knee to the groin. Plus, few street fighters use their feet. Also, because of all the TKD McDojos that are springing up around the world. Your TKD school doesn't sound at all like a McDojo, White Belt. There are good schools and bad schools. Sounds like you've picked a good one.

Just wondering what you focus MOST on when training for Kumite.

Gichin Funakoshi says if you take boiling water away from the heat, it stops boiling. If you stop training, you lose it.

Why not just do what they seem to respond to best? If they enjoy it, and it's not just killing time, why not?

My sensei would just say "You're welcome to watch, but please remain quiet." Of course, since he's your elder at church, it wouldn't do to be sarcastic or anything like that (I wouldn't even use the "you're welcome to watch" approach. I think the best thing to do is to use the suggestion made by Aodhan.

I would've handled the situation in the same way. If he gets mad and storms off, then he probably wasn't meant to be in martial arts in the first place.

I was watching videos of Kyokushin Kumite and I was wondering, what exactly is the goal behind the matches? Are they scorred, or is it more like boxing?

Welcome to KF!

Hello Steve, welcome to KF. Nice website by the way.

Welcome to KF, kenpodad!

Welcome to KF and enjoy your stay here.

It's when you get hit in the eye and it gets all swollen and black. By black eyes... I guess BlackBeltAngel has had multiple ones.

Welcome to KF, I love National Treasure

Welcome to KF!

Welcome to KF, good to see another Shotokan person on the forums!

Welcome to KF, Adam.

I'm just curious. I'm making that my summer goal. Any tips?

ditto

I'm not saying that the dojo wasn't a McDojo, I'm just saying that some youth programs are real and not a marketing ploy.

Caution against jumping kicks- especially tobi geri- (double jump kick) DON'T TRY THIS during sparring... I broke a guys arm in... I think 5 places... accidentally of course... He tried to do it, and I hook blocked the first kick, knocking him off balance, causing him to fall and land on his arm.

LOL, I was cracking up for about 5 seconds after reading this.

What a shame that this is your experience. I personally know some great programs that really positively impact children. I know some outstanding martial artists that started in these types of programs 10 or 15 years ago. definitely NOT just a marketing ploy!! -- I agree with you tkdBill. My own dojo has little cubs and little tigers, a program for 3-4 years olds and 5-6 year olds, respectively. These students cannot get karate ranks. Only when they are 7 can they advance. We also have Junior Black belts, or black belts under 16. My dojo has only had 2 Jr. BB, and both have had at least 3 years of perfect attendance (coming to every class.)

Congratulations!

Forgive the double post, my internet kinda acted up.

I can do it