Zaine

First thing is first, I understand where the head master is coming from. He's upset and sees it as an afront for the other student to do what he did. That being said, it drives me a little crazy when things like this happen. As a (former) instructor I loved loyal students but I did not feel then need to put any thoughts of loyalty in my students. I was there to teach and they were there to learn. I find it ridiculous that some instructors can't separate a student's personal life, such as the student who got kicked out, from loyalty to this or that club. For me, I would leave (possibly for your friend's school if you want to continue with the style) because it doesn't seem like a healthy place to be. I absolutely understand if you are conflicted about leaving because you've been here awhile and you obviously love the club enough to have legitimate concerns about it but you deserve to train in a place that you feel comfortable in.

I agree with this. I tend not to worry about whether or not what I am learning or teaching is traditional or not. To be honest if it works and is interesting then it is enough for me and if anyone disagrees then let them.

I would give it one more go but it might mess with your Isshinryu a little bit. You never know they, you may be able to separate it enough in your mind to do both effectively.

Then don't. You shouldn't have to train in a place that you feel uncomfortable training in. That being said, as a new student in the dojo it probably wasn't the best idea to remind (or correct) the sensei on bunkai. It doesn't come across as helpful from a new student and not a lot of sensei (or people) know how to take it in stride without feeling like it was an affront. Again, if you feel uncomfortable then just find another dojo. We learn better in a place where we feel comfortable with our surroundings and you will end up enjoying your training more.

My favorite "AHA!" moment was during my Shodan test. Part of the test was bare knuckle fighting and I was fighting my instructor and at one point I miss stepped and paid for it with a punch to the sternum. Needless to say it hurt and it made me realize that I still had a lot to learn.

I'd go for the brass if it looks better. Aesthetically pleasing is always more enjoyable than the easy fix. I like projects though so the harder brass ferrule fix speaks to me a little more. You will be prouder of the Cue in the long run too, I think.

My uncle wanted my parents to name me Zaine. It kind of just stuck as a sometimes internet handle.

Awesome! Feels good to be in that first Dan class!

Congrats!

I want to see it but I think it will be after it releases to DVD. I'm just not much of a movie goer.

Hands down my favorite quote from the whole video. It really says it all for me.

Congrats! Let us know how everything went!

Welcome to KF!

Congrats!

Congrats Harkon72! Well deserved!

I remember my 9th kyu test very well. I remember being so nervous that I felt nauseous. I remember being scared about messing up and praying that I didn't mess up. Then I did it, and while doing it I didn't feel nervous at all, I knew what to do and I did it. Then we finished and the nervousness set back in until he announced that I had passed. You'll nail your test, don't worry. Be sure to let us how it goes.

During my Shodan test I was asked to do a Nunchaku kata. This particular for was a kata that no one liked, especially my instructor. Because of this it was not impressed upon me that it was something that I had to spend a lot of time doing. However, it was still in the system and I still had to do it. So I get up to the testing board which consisted of my instructor and 2 other people from another system that my instructor was friends with. I start this kata and probably did the first 5 moves correctly and after that did moves that I knew were in the system while adding some foot work that I knew was in the kata. I finished the kata and awaited the critique. I look at my instructor, who has an incredibly amused look on his face but says nothing. The main guest on the board, a grandmaster of his system, complimented me on my great technique and told me that my kata looked great and the other member agreed. The grandmaster asked my instructor what he thought and my instructor agreed, I had done very well, but he wasn't sure where I learned the kata because it wasn't what he taught me. He then asked if I could repeat it move for move and of course I could not.The point of the story is that if you make a mistake in a form the best thing is to make it seem like you didn't. It shows our ability to improvise in a situation that we may not be familiar with. In your case the people on the testing board knew the kata and immediately saw the mistake because they knew what to look for but in a situation like mine, the only person on my testing board who knew the kata was impressed enough with my ability to make up something that would look like it went in the system.

What do you mean by this?

New year; new goals. Being that my life is exponentially busier at the start of this new year than it was at the start of the last one. 1: Advance in the current system (I'm pretty sure they do advancements. If they don't it doesn't matter much as it's a lot of fun). 2: Get in better shape (running my first (half?) marathon in March. I can't remember what I agreed to as I agreed to it the day after my wife gave birth and I was very tired). 3: I'd like to start teaching again (Shorin Ryu). I think that will do me for now. I'm looking forward to an awesome year!

1. Nailed it. 2. Didn't get that one but I'm not so much worried about that goal. 3. I am more or less in the same shape that I was in which isn't bad so no complaints. 4. Nailed it. 2 out of 2! I can be happy with that.

I think you're on point here. When you use a makiwara you train yourself on the proper way to punch and increase your skill exponentially. I constantly recommend this tool to any body who identifies themselves as Martial Artists. It does more than just help us with proper technique, but when we hit a solid object we help our joint health. Punching the air is great but as you do it you wear down you joints from the extension. Punching something solid reduces the damage that you do to your body by throwing punches.

My Shorin Ryu instructor was 300+ and over 6 feet tall. I was 6 feet and lanky and young and stupid and all the good things that make for an uncoordinated teen. Because of this, a lot of my training was against a bigger guy so I agree about the weight divisions. A good Martial Artist trains for people of all sizes, not just the people in their same weight class. I stopped watching UFC a long time ago and can cite that as a reason. I don't think that an person (man or woman) should limit themselves to learning to fight a certain weight class.

The annoying thing is that i've have only taught the junior classes a handful of times. so i am not really all that acquainted with the students there. But those times i have taught them they know how tight (instead of using a word associated with our butts and could have had this post removed) i am about doing things. I'll let everyone know how it goes and how many students were there. the biggest grading i've helped out at was 16 students and that was an adults grading If they know you're expectations they will fall in line if they want to progress. If they are disrespectful then it wasn't their time to move up. The important thing, though, is that they know what you expect.

This.I remember the first time I sat on a testing board (much more ran one) and I remember how nervous I was (both with being on the board and being in charge). It's surprising how easy it will come. Just relax and do what you do.

No, definitely not. I should have clarified, rather than ending my comment with what I did. No disparage intended regarding community centers... I feel you! Anywhere is awesome for training as long as you can do it! When my school finally moved into a gym though it was because we had a partnership with a couple other schools. If your school is close to a couple of other schools a way to keep the space you have (or find a bigger space) is to share space with other schools.