senseiblackbelt

Sounds to me that Master Mark is not really a "Master" or a "Black Belt". If he were truly a "Master" or "Black Belt" he would not anger so easily and learn to control his temper. I've been dealt some pretty hard blows in the martial arts industry by so-called "Black Belts", and it's sometimes hard to keep composure, but Black Belt is about humility and self-control. If he were in my school he'd be wearing a White Belt.

Hi all - Just wanted your opinion on a subject I'm sure everyone has encountered. We've been opened for 3 years in this area. We are constantly working on upgrading our curriculum and keeping it exciting as well as informative. My husband and I work all the time on keeping our attitudes in check and keeping ourselves education on the cutting edge martial arts training. We're members of NAPMA and MAIA also, so we get plenty of material to help keep the school refreshed, as well as ourselves too. As administrative director, I've recently implemented contracts as part of the commitment to earning black belt. We've not touched any existing students, only new ones signing up. It seems to be working well for our new students with no problems. The problem we are having now is that we see a trend (with students that aren't on contract) when someone has reached a blue/purple belt rank (about 1 year into the program) they decide to quit. We have a really great program here, but it just seems that the "commitment" has not gotten through to them or their parents. We work extensively with our students and they become part of our family. The big problem we are faced with is that they quit without even calling to let us know what is going on. We don't find out until they are called back (only after missing a week or two of classes). This bothers me a whole lot. I take it really personal. It feels very hurtful to know that we have been nothing more than a drop-off location or babysitting convenience. Working with them day in and day out for a year, and everything short of an explanation or a courtesy call. My husband and I have discussed that maybe it's best to just work on getting a whole new crew of students and parents with a new attitude of commitment back up with contracts. I know we'll always have those few students who don't want to achieve their black belt or quit before completing the course, but it has really gotten out of hand, and at least with new students on contract they are less prone to quit because their parents have signed an agreement to continue and the parents have something to fall back on. I also keep wondering if it is something that we are teaching or the way we are teaching and the parents aren't being honest enough to tell us so that we can fix the problem (if in fact there is a problem). I wonder if I'm the only one who feels this way or do other instructors in this forum feel the same way and take it personal. It's hard not to take it personal when this is your livelihood and every student counts. I know there's nothing we can do about the existing non-contract members, but at the same time I feel such a disloyalty and disappointment. Thanks for your time.

Absolutely - charge for belt testing fees. Let the student/parents know up front when they join what to expect when it comes to belt testing. Lay it out at the very beginning so there are no surprises. Belt test fees pay for the belt, certificate and the time it takes to test the student, plus electricity and staff. It's not just a money thing. When you're teaching as a career everything helps keep the building up and running, and helps pay your salary. Especially when you are doing it full-time as the only income generator. If this is your livelihood like it is mine, all activities including rank promotion is considered part of the pie. This is the 21st century. People expect to pay for things. I've found that when things are given for free, it isn't appreciated as much (weird as that sounds - it's true). It's all totally up to you and what you feel is right, but if you are giving the belt testings for free, then you are missing out on a great income opportunity.

Pineapple - Music is great for class (when used appropriately). We call it musical karate. It gives an extra flavor to the everyday mundane practice of martial arts. During warmups we play Oriental music, something that would promote concentration or meditation. During drills we play more upbeat music. We use a Television CD that you can probably pick up anywhere and that has all the old Saturday morning cartoon music. The other day I used "Speed Racer" overage while we were doing a speed drill. It went great with the activity. I've also used "Sesame Street" for younger kids that are doing obstacle courses or "Scooby Doo" for situps and pushups. The kids singalong with the music and actually having something different boosts their love for the classtime. Get creative. It's all about keeping the students excited and coming back for more.

From personal experience being in the industry for years, Markhel Rhulen Insurance is way too expensive and so is K&K Insurance. We're now with F L Dean whose rates are two times less expensive than K & K. FL Dean goes by the number of students you have so that if you grow your insurance coverage can grow with you. Never had to make a claim so wouldn't know about how any of these insurances pay out claims.

From personal experience being in the industry for years, Markhel Rhulen Insurance is way too expensive and so is K&K Insurance. We're now with F L Dean whose rates are two times less expensive than K & K. FL Dean goes by the number of students you have so that if you grow your insurance coverage can grow with you. Never had to make a claim so wouldn't know about how any of these insurances pay out claims.