MasterH

ATA is just not set up for MMA. That's no secret. It use to be Traditional TKD, controlled point sparring. No wepons, just good solid SD (and thanks for the clarification) TKD. When EGM (eternal Grand Master) H. U. Lee passed away the more commercial ellement took control of the org and there went the block. Granted I left long before EGM Lee passed on, but up to that point, there was still some life left to the traditional political movement. Now it's about money. As for the ITF fellas, the General died. And he died in North Korea of all places. And that just plain sucks! because now we have a groop out of NK that claims to be in charge of the ITF, the original groop out of Canada says they are in charge, and I believe there is a groop out of Europe who says they are in charge. Would the real Sparticus please stand up! It is so bad that my uncle Master Gerry Brown, 7th Degree, out of Littlton, CO (once the ITF stronghold of the US) broke off with his groop the USTF. And the WTF. In my opinion, as corrupt as any organized groop can be. They claim to be the rulers of the TKD kingdom, and if it was up to the South Korean government, they would be. Do you know the guy who signs the KKW certificates has not even earned his black belt? But I could be wrong, they just replaced the main guy out there. He coudn't do his job from his jail cell. Racketeering charges! As you see I have fond memories of the ATA, still even have some friends with them. I don't like the direction they went. The ITF will never be the same, as a mater of fact, it should dissband all together. Leaving, of course, the "sporty spice" WTF to mop up. Excuse me while I cry.

WOW! I had this same problem in high school. I marched as center snare for three years and kept training. Deff. do not quit either, or take a break. I was able to keep training, march with my high school band and march a couple summers with the Seattle Cascades Drum Corp (DCI) and still recieve my 3rd degree by the end of my Sr. year. It works, and makes for a well rounded person. I do miss band. Watch the grades, that was my soft spot.

TKDBill, Understood, and I tend to agree with you. But if there was a line to draw in the sand (so to say) 16 would be a good place to start. Why? Who knows? Some could say at 16 they may need that extra bit of attention and self worth a Chodan "1st deagee" would bestow. I still like the idea of junior or recomended black belts untill whatever age is required.

I feel welcomed!

You have valid points, but not all TKD schools are WTF affiliated. Meaning not all TKD schools are "sport." I practice hands to the head and sweeps. And so do my students whom are ready. Forgive me, but what do you mean "SD TKD?"

What's you thoughts on a 6 y/o running around with a junior black belt, or some type of chodan?

I definitely do not dissagree with you about TKD, we have work to do. Judo has not lost a rep? They use to kick, take down an opponite and follow up, not just walk away. Sport Judo has changed Judo in it's entirety. As for wrestling and boxing, I can not comment. I really don't know much about the history of either only in wrestling the competitors would grapple naked, good change. Look, I know there are some issues. Some of us are working on it, in our own little corner. It took me 20 years to get my Master button. So some of us "old timers" are still out there fighting the good fight. As for the McDojo's, there is nothing anyone can do about them. The ATA that I used to love has been taken over by them. For some people it's about the money. What can I say?

I agree, no they don't. But you can put people in a general category, how people recieve them and their knowlege, our self worth, what we stand for and who we are. For example, I'm a TKD Master Instructor, what does that say? I'm a high kicker and do not have street cred, generaly true. But it's the small technical aspects you don't see with labels. I'm also a good ground fighter. Something you wouldn't see with my TKD label. So we can use the general category to a point.

How bout' this you get the money (yes - taxed) then you get to kick dewbarry's butt! Only kidding..come on! He did annoy me a bit though.

I am neither. I am a Martial Artist. And I do not train warriors, I train Martial Artists, there is a difference.

Bloke Rocks!

My God! I can hear your Irish accent in the words you type. Bloke is a cool name.

Thanks. My ego grows ever bigger!

You want to mend the TKD "rep" Take it out of the olimpics. That's whare the sport of TKD is. Also, schools need to fallow some type of age requirement for black belts. my two cents.....

Well, I married one of my students. As a mater of fact I would not marry her untill she earned her black belt, I'm a member of a family with 9 seperate black belts ranging from 1st degree (wife, ATA TKD & HTF TKD) to 7th degree (uncle USTF & ITF) Well after her test I was able to present her with her black belt with my last name on it. For the most part dating in the school is not a good idea. It creates to many problems in the long run. I'm such a hypocrite.

YO!

I'm the production lead for a laser company in Mulkiteo, WA USA called Synrad. https://www.synrad.com I also teach TKD on the side.

All big names.....Well that just to bad for NAPMA. thanks for the info!

It's 5th Degree for us, so someone can become a master at 23, a year after you rercieve your 5th degree, but it has not happened, yet. And I hope it never does.

Step forward reverse side, sometimes my step forward jump reverse side has more power. Matters on the mood lighting.

You need more space, plan for at least 50 students. You do need to pay the bills.

"Grades" including all color belts are at $50-$75, Black belts are at a sliding scale starting at $250 for 1st degree and $100 thru 4th degree, 5th degree is $1000. That's as far as I've got.

You don't recieve all that (CD, tips ect...) with NAPMA?

Which is better? One, the other or both? I'm looking at both and can't decide with out signing up for both and comparing. Before I do that, I thought I'd ask.

I know I'm late into this discussion, but some food for thought. Some TKD orgs have what we call an 8 week testing cycle. That means they test about every two months. Now with only 9 gups (grades) the student will achieve the Chodan level in less than 2 years. With the younger the students get younger the Chodan's become and up the ladder they go to higher rank. 1 year between 1 & 2 dans, 2 years between 2 & 3 dans and on to whare we now have a few at 18 years of age ready for 4th dan. I know we are not the only org dealing with this, but whare did it start? Under age Black Belts, and a system that rushes the student thru the ranks. Slow down people!