jaymac

Unfortunately, cockiness in martial artist is seen everywhere. Even in this forum. How many times do we read that so and so of such an age does not deserve getting a black belt, or there is a black belt in my school... Who are we to judge anyones character in whether or not he or she does or does not deserve a black belt or what school is considered a McDojo, which gets thrown around alot by many. I think anyone who joins the Martial Arts is deserving of 100% respect. It is not an easy journey at times, but the most rewarding journey I have made. I commend anyone who takes up the art and feel that what they have learned will give them a better chance at any rank to defend themselves against an attacker. Will they always win - no - but maybe they have a chance just for training.

I am glad that you had a positive experience. I believe students of any style school will behave as their instructor behaves and teaches. They must have a great instructor who teaches to respect all styles and other martial artists.

Again, everyone's bunkai is going to be a little different. I enjoyed reading the different variations however. We do not practice that kick as a aeriel kick in kanku sho however. Crescent kick to rear and drop. I have seen it performed on some online versions as a flying kick though. Looks nice, but I like our version better.

Well put Makato Jin, I am with you on this one.

I think a mock grading is an excellent idea. If they pass the mock grading, they should receive a stripe or something on their belt that would indicate that they tried hard and are ready for their test. This way, others will see it and maybe try harder next time. By the way Scully, don't feel bad, your instructor is definitely not the only one dealing with this type of problem. Most of the people in here have seen the same thing in their own dojo occuring. The word McDojo gets thrown around too easily by some. There are student who go to train and are serious and do well in representing themselves, their school, and their instructor. There are some, who are not interested in being the best. But don't you think that even those kids who are not the best, have improved themselves in some area?

I didn't say shotokan is effective. I said we (as in my dojo) are not sport karate. I think personally, any style of Martial Art is effective in self defense if the practitioner trains hard. Even the most effective style of MA will be ineffective against an attack if the individual does not train. Just because someone takes the very best defensive style, does not make him/her a master at defending themselves.

IMHO I think you should try taking a few classes in each style. Most schools offer a trial membership. It is hard for any of us to tell you what is right for you. Only you can answer that. I have a black belt rank in both Hun Gar Kung Fu and Shotokan, Karate. I prefer Karate (not Tae Kwon Do) to Kung Fu, but that is me. You will gain what you are looking for in any of those styles, it is just having to figure what style best fits you. Good luck!

Thanks for the cleaning advice. We have a black belt testing coming up soon, and I will have mine dry cleaned this time.

Tiffany, there are not any online Martial Arts training that teaches for free. As said by bushido, you need to have an instructor to guide you in your training. That doesn't mean that you can not find an instructor in your area who teaches for free or at very low cost. I am not sure where you live, but you should ask around. There are many great instructors in every city who teach for next to nothing right in there own home, or at local churches. You could also try going to a local dojo and explaining that you would like to train but have little money, and offer help around the dojo in exchange for training.

Unfortunately we are going to find people in Martial Arts who find themselves better than others. You see this in every school and at any rank. Thankfully, there are people like you, who stick up for the individuals whom you train with. A dojo is like a family in all sense. You care for each other, train together, and grow in your art together. All others ---> KEEP OUT!

Insurance companies and lawyers. I think they would all benefit and be better people if they took martial arts. Maybe develop some loyalty and honesty to something other than money ------> maybe not though. I am glad that it was only a window and not the structure of the building. Enjoy your new mat.

I think as in any type of sport, especially Martial Arts, it can get easy to feel that your training has plateaued. This of course is not true because you can always find several areas that need improvement in your art. What I want to know, how do you find ways to remotivate yourself into fierce training, or how do you motivate those new black belts who are now not receiving new ranks every so many months, but having to wait years to advance to a new dan grade?

dojo patch, shotokan patch, and if I prefer, an american flag (not required though). I do not like to adorn my gi with a multitude of patches. I put on what is required only at our school and that is it. I have several patches that I have been awarded for achievements made, but just keep them at home.

I know I have answered similar to this previously about shotokan and our school. We are not a sport karate. We do not participate as a school in tournaments. My instructor does not discourage those who want to compete, but he does not promote it either. He feels many shotokan schools that are represented at tournaments have been watered down. He explains it that some are under governing bodies and just run that way and some are headed by instructors who have ranked in many styles and are incorporating all into one and calling it shotokan. We are not under any organization. I have competed and done very well, but gave it up when watching unrealistic type hand kata, weapons kata, self defense, and sparring taking place amongst many schools. Even some I am sad to say were "shotokan" but looked more like XMA. Please understand that I am not trying to knock anyone who competes. I would actually love to attend a traditional competition that is not under some national point rated system.

I had a terrible time getting through my front door last week. I was so mad that I couldn't get in, that out of frustration, I threw a palm heel to the door -----> it opened! I knew I loved that strike.

It is all about credibility and nothing else. I agree with bat. With the internet at hand, you can become a freaking black belt without even stepping one foot in an actual dojo. People make alot of money by selling instructional DVD's and ranks to inexperienced individulals just because they can. It is shameful what you can get from the internet sometimes.

Yes, just ask your instructor. I was also wondering how everyone cleans their hakama. I had mine cleaned, and I swear it shrunk in length.

In that being said that your instructor was away, wasn't there another high ranking blackbelt in charge? When my instructor is away, I am in charge and report everything back to him upon his return. I still think you handled the situation the only way you could, but just wondering why the person left in charge did not intervene before you had to take care of it yourself.

I know the month is half over, but congratulation Sohan. You are greatly respected by all in this forum.

Go watch a competition first. See what it is all about and gain ideas on what you will need in order to compete and how to train. Good luck.

I knew a guy who got into a fight. The kid fell backwards and hit his head on a curb and died. I know that he didnt mean for it to happen, but it did and he had to go to jail.

CMON OILERS!!!! Stupid Canes!

Here is a positive! My friend had all four taken out at once. She had ice cream for all meals for 2 days. So you can lay in bed, have people fetch stuff for you, and eat as much ice cream as you want and not feel guilty!

Carrot cake. That sounds good! With cream cheese frosting.

At a tournament years and year ago, I stepped into the space between bleachers (of the same row) and rolled from the top all the way to the bottom head over heels. I took out a competitor at the bottom. I really hurt my leg, but thankfully I didn't hurt the individual who provided the soft landing. My pride----also a little hurt.