Balrog

What goes around, comes around. You were sparring according to the rules. They chose to ignore the rules and you gave them fair warning. When they persisted, it was quite correct of you to match their intensity level, because at that point, they were obviously out to hurt you and you needed to defend yourself. I've had it happen to me a couple of times. You deal with it and move on.

Well stated. I have a phrase that I use (and probably overuse): You don't earn the rank, the rank earns you. Being a Black Belt is a lot more than punching or kicking. It's internalizing the life skills that come with training and making them so much a part of you that you don't think about them any more, you just do them. And it's learning that there is so much more to learn. And it's a committment to others to be a leader by example in a very positive manner. ILoveTKD, congratulations on making First Degree. But if you haven't found it out yet, you will quickly discover that making First Degree is like graduating from high school. You've spent all this time learning the basics of Taekwondo. Now you're gonna go to college, amigo, and start learning the art of Taekwondo, and it will take you the rest of your life. Have fun on the journey!

Agreed. Standardization within the style is highly desireable. I've visited non-ATA schools and watch them do forms. What is called Chon-ji or To-san in one school bore little resemblence to what was being taught in another.

Well no. As mentioned it is actually what ultimately became the WTF and is still the official designation for the governing bodyof Taekwondo in Korea, while the WTF is the global body intrusted for promoting and teaching Taekwondo world wide. RFB My misunderstanding. I know that Songahm Taekwondo has a rapidly growing base in Korea, and somehow I got it in my head that we were there as the KTA. In reality, I guess it's the WTTU (international division of ATA) working in conjuction with KTA that confused me.

What he said. Being a Black Belt is more than just punching and kicking and memorizing forms. It's learning and internalizing life skills as well. In the developmental process with kids, there is a very real argument that can be made that, in general, kids do not start exhibiting rational mental behaviour until about age 6 when they have their first real mental growth spurt. Given that, awarding a Black Belt to someone 8 or less is just wrong. The kid hasn't been rational long enough to have internalized the life skills. Age 9 is pushing it, but you can make the argument that at 9, at least 1/3 of their life has been in a rational mindset where the concepts actually make sense. I'd personally like to see a minimum age for First Degree of no less than 10 - 12 years old.

Actually, the only accurate answer is: as long as it does take. As an example: suppose I have two students, both with comparable physical skills. One of them is in the school every night and works out on weekends, etc. The other, due to prior committments, can only attend two classes per week and gets in some occasional weekend workout time. Both of them have an excellent attitude and are dedicated to the concept of Black Belt Excellence. One would think that student #1 would achieve his rank first, and he probably would. However, he wouldn't get it too terribly much before the other student, because becoming a Black Belt is not just about punching and kicking and doing forms and sparring and breaking boards. There is an internal growth that needs to happen and until I see that growth within the student, I won't promote him. As I have said many times: you don't earn the rank. The rank earns you. When you are ready to be a Black Belt of any degree, you'll be one and not before.

KTA is the Korean branch of the ATA.

Perhaps not to that level of intensity, as I like to think I have my students sweating and screaming long before then. However, I always tell my beginning students that First Degree Black Belt is a wonderful goal to set, but it's like setting a goal that says you're going to graduate from high school - you don't stop there. From White Belt to First Degree, you're learning the basics of Taekwondo. From First Degree onward, you're learning the art of Taekwondo.

5th degree? Look to the left, Mr. Balrog, sir. You are a white belt!! ::drops for more pushups:: Aodhan We all have to start somewhere!

Watch for a movie called Legend of Dirty Bum. It's being shot right now. It's a martial arts comedy, poking fun at all the cheezy chop-socky movies of the 1970s and has been described as Jackie Chan meets Revenge of the Nerds. I'm in it. I not only have a role, I'm the fight choreographer, and I'm having an absolute blast. (edited to fix typo)

From Sun Tzu: The superior martial artist is one who defeats his enemy without fighting him. From Grand Master H. U. Lee: Don't block with your face.

I'll be glad to answer any questions about ATA that I can, as well. I'm a 5th Degree with ATA, certified instructor and school owner.