jaymac

I too have my book preordered on Amazon. I can't wait. I am not sure what to think, but I am thinking that Dumbledore will come back using a horcrux. He is too smart to not have had one. I think Voldemort has to die, cause the series should continue if he doesn't. I don't think Harry will die, but I think Hermoine or Ron might. Only little over a month to wait!

I feel that if you are diligently training to earn a black belt in that style, then it would be of no worry, but if he is ranking you just because he needs another adult black belt instructor, then it would be something I may have questioned also. I am sure you are qualified to do such a thing, but I would think in order to rank so quickly in that style, it would take 4 - 5 nights of training with him exclusively in that art. I believe Bill "Superfoot" Wallace earned a black belt in one year, but he trained everyday in order to do so. Good luck in whatever you do. You have great experience behind you to get you to your goal.

My concern was not with the belt testing fee (which I felt was not expensive), but the $200.00 per semester. Wow, that is alot of money. I do have some defense on the side of the training facility and instructor. I feel that someone can pass on their own knowledge of their martial art and teach appropriate and great self defense skills, but it is up to the individual themselves to learn. If the only time they practice is when they are at the dojo, then it is their own fault for their lack of ability. If you are serious about your training, you have to take what you learned and go home and practice it over and over. If the instructor puts you up for testing, then I hope he feels it is because you have proved yourself during classes to earn the next rank and not just because you have put your time in. If you are training hard, giving it 100%, enjoy the class and the instructors, then there should be no problems. If you are in a "McDojo" you will know it deep down.

I am glad that you were able to talk to your instructor. I have a few points to add: 1. how many other adult students are there? 2. how long has he had his school open? 3. what rank is the highest ranking "karate" student he has (that is active)? I ask these questions to help you look at his normal pattern. I agree with someone else who posted earlier, that "life happens", but this is a business which you have mentioned you pay a great deal of money for and you are a customer. When my instructor has to miss - which he almost never does, he leaves his highest ranking black belt in charge with specifics on what he wants taught for that evening class. I have a feeling that if there are not many high ranking Karate black belts in his classes, it means that this has been an ongoing situation for him. Other students have felt the same as you and have probably taken their money and support elsewhere. Give him the rest of your contract, and if things don't improve, go sit in on another class and watch. He isn't the only great instructor there, in fact from what what I have read, he isn't a great instructor at all. He has very little concern for his students. He is making money off of you and others without him having to put much effort into the program. I wish you great luck and success in your training. You deserve better than what you are getting.

The way I see it, women take classes and cant leave their breasts at home. I am sure they wish they could at times, but they are there and altering your training because someone has breasts would not do you or her justice. I do not see a problem with aiming for the breasts and coming close without striking them. That would probably make it less uncomfortable for both participants. I also have a belief in striking the most vital striking point available on a person. Since most men are taller than women, the most available striking area may be the head area. Most women who are serious about their training do not want special treatment because they are women. Treat them like a fellow karateka.

You do have alot of great experience. Just out of curiosity, what is your current rank with this instructor?

I agree to a point about being persistant and not giving up, but if he really doesnt enjoy it, then why force him - just because he is a kid and should do what he is told? I don't think kids should give up easily, but have you guys ever worked with a student who really does not want to be in class and really does not like it. I have and I know you have too. No matter what I did, I could not get that kid motivated to want to love Karate the way I did. He loved soccer. His dad loved Karate. I didnt feel I was wasting my time on this kid, but he wasn't his dad. He did not want to be there or to earn his black belt. Well today his dad is a Shodan, and I read his name in the paper all the time for being an outstanding soccer player for his high school. In fact, he just got a scholarship to play in college.

If you enjoy the training atmosphere you are currently with, why would you want to leave to be in a school just because "Christian" is part of the title. I am not knocking Christian Martial Art classes at all. I have been to a few churches where members of the congregation taught MA. The only difference I saw was that the training atmosphere was in a church and they prayed at the end of the lesson. They did not teach bible study or try to preach during the lesson, and the prayer at the end was optional for those who wanted to participate. If you use God as your guidance in life, you can pray anytime you want - before, after, and even during your lesson if need be. Going to a Christian dojo, church, gathering etc... does not make you a Christian. Living His way does.

I really do not buy into franchise curriculums. I feel that teaching the classes without franchise guidance or influence makes for a better training atmosphere. My instructor can run his school the way he wants and teach how he wants without the permission of anyone else. You should investigate both sides of this though.

In our school, a person (teenager and older) begins learning how to teach at blue belt. We put these individuals through a series of training periods, written exams and then let them begin working one on one with lower ranked students. This gives them a chance to review their own material and teach some basics to new students. However, let me say that we do not allow anyone but black belts instruct an entire class. I do feel the best way to learn is to teach, but when it comes to paying customers, they deserve to have a black belt teaching their classes.

When I see kids start to really fidget and begin looking around, I change up what I am doing. If I am teaching a self defense technique, I will continue with it, but have them switch partners, have a race with it "Who can do it the fastest, Who has the loudest kiai" and then we do some inline drills, while still working on the same technique I had been showing. Always works.

Good advice Bushido. That is exactly how it should be done. I also, when first reading this post thought the problem was a hernia, but I am thinking it may just really be muscle now.

I am an emergency room nurse, but I would like to be a police officer.

Then just invite them to be part of your Martial Arts training. As for the writing, if it is some kind of Steven King type style, well they may not understand, but when you get your first book published ----> then they will see how serious you are!

You know, I wonder then if true Okinawan instructors find it disrespectful when coming from Westerners?

I enjoyed the music halfway through, what was that all about? Good clean fight by the way. It is tough to be judged.

When responding to our instructor in class, we use "Hai" and his title. He explained that OSU has become so overused and in fact may be deemed disrespectful if used when training with true japanese instructors. He learned this at a seminar that was being taught (forgive me for forgetting the name of the instructor), by a high ranking japanese instructor from Okinawa. Many of the students at this seminar were using OSU and he stopped the seminar and said that he no longer wanted to hear this during his time there. He said it was disrespectful and to just "be quiet and learn."

I second that! Very poor web site - great title!

The notebook idea is great! One thing you can do with your notebook, is let your parents read some of your material. They may not even know how dedicated you are in your writing and even how talented you have become. As for your martial arts, do they come with you and watch your classes? If all they see is "rough housing" at home with your brothers, then they may be getting the wrong idea about what you are learning. Invite them to classes and even a tournament. Maybe they just want to be a part of your life and feel that your isolated time on the computer and time away from the house training is taking you away from them. I bet if they could take part in your hobbies, they would be more open to them and also be able to show you how proud they actually are of you. Good luck.

I agree with most on this. I wouldn't force him to do something he doesnt enjoy. Later on, he may realize that he liked it and want to come back to it, but he won't if he is made to feel guilty about leaving. I don't believe that a year of your money was wastefully invested. I bet he learned some great things while taking classes. As for you, keep up the good work on your journey to black belt and beyond.

You should absolutely do both. I always try to encourage kids your age to explore. You will find that MA will compliment your other sport and football will aid in your MA. You never know what school sport could lead you to a college scholarship one day. Give both your 100% You can do it, and at 15 years of age, it is the perfect time to try. Good luck!

Years ago, when sparring gear was not required at tournaments, I took a few bare knuckle shots to the face. Surprisingly, I do not think it hurts as much as two people smacking their shins together.

I always think asking good questions is part of wanting to be your best. However, if questioning when you can be shown something more advanced before really learning what you have been shown, may give your instructor the idea that you are rank hungry, (which you might not be at all.) I know i was, until purple belt when had I decided to video tape my kata and techniques I had learned. I was shocked and embarrassed when I watched the tape. I was lacking true technique and knowledge of even the basics. I then decided to relearn and retrain from white belt and no longer care about rank. Learn everything you can about what you have been shown. Be patient for what you will be given by your instructor. It is worth the wait!

I love the dojo atmosphere, but I can enjoy practicing anyplace quiet and private.

35. I agree with you on that one Sensei Rick Now off for my slippers.