jaymac

I think also you have to keep in mind that what you say to a child may last with them for a lifetime. Just think back to a person who may have insulted you or really hurt your feelings about something. I bet it is still vivid in your mind today exactly what was said. We have to remember that children are so impressionable and that some may have noone whom they can talk to. Practicing with them and then giving them that extra few minutes to talk to them after class might just make their whole day.

You are a very special person. Everyday on CNN and our local news you hear about people abusing the kindness of strangers who are willing to help. Many people have been robbed, injured, or even killed just because they wanted to help a stranger. You were right to be apprehensive. It is not being discriminating, it is being logical. Had it been me laying face down, I too would hope that someone would come to my aid, but would know that many would pass to be safe.

Although my true belief is that I think XMA is only sport and not worth being used for self defense, they do have some pretty awesome flips and kicks. Look up anything XMA and I think you will be pretty impressed.

isn't it funny how adrenaline works? I mean, your training gets you so ready to defend yourself if need be, but you end up still shaking afterwords. I am glad that you were prepared, but even more glad that you did not have to use your self defense against him. Although what a scene it would be, you and your mom kicking this guys butt.

What kind of information are you looking for? I believe you will be able to find all the answers from the head instructor of that dojo.

I do think that everyone is unique in what style they would enjoy most and advise most to "shop around", but since you felt it important to mention a background in dance, I personally think you would love capoeira.

MartialArthur, I have to agree with you. I have never seen a school advertise that they guarentee a black belt in x amount of time. It was only here that I read it. However, I am finding that i read alot here that I have personally never heard of before. Good place to learn things and good place to say in regards to some opinions, "I think I will research that before I believe it to be true."

Practice. Once you get used to learning and practicing kata, it will come easier for you, even the more advanced kata. I remember learning Heian Shodan. It took me three classes to get it. Now I learn a new black belt kata in 45 minutes. It is easier when you are already familiar with the different stances, blocks, and strikes. It won't be long and you will be whipping through all the kata you have learned with ease.

I have both types of gi's, but only prefer the 100% cotton.

Makoto Jim, I personally would not train in an Isshin ryu school just because I need a place to practice. It is not the same as shotokan. Train on your own in your back yard or in a gym. You will be fine until you go back to training in the fall. I believe if you have hang ups about McDojo's, you should not train in another individuals school. All you would do is compare yourself to them. It isn't healthy training when you talk badly about other MA and other Martial Artist.

Sorry, if it isn't online, I don't know how else to locate a school in singapore. You will probably have to actually be there and ask around to find what you are looking for. I would be surprised if there was even a few shotokan school over there. I don't believe they teach alot of Japanese based MA.

I am only a nidan. I feel there is so much more to learn and maybe one day will decide to teach on my own, but for now, I believe running a school with only a nidan rank is too early and not beneficial to other students. I plan on sticking with my instructors school for years to come.

Holland, ours is the same; however, even though my instructor has the red/white Shihan belt, he seems to prefer his black belt that he originally received at shodan.

You are very lucky to train under such a great instructor. His english may not be the best, so watch his movements. Learn that way instead of trying to focus on his words. Also, I wanted to note about the google thing, not all Karate schools are on the web. That does not make them an unworthy training facility. It probably means that they do great business by word of mouth, or they do not care to advertise on line, or maybe they are not computer savvy. Maybe combination of all three.

I think if you are running a dojo, uniformity in kata is a must. Change the interpretation of the kata in timing and speed, but I wouldn't change stances etc... If I teach someone Bassai Dai and he changes something in it and teaches it to someone else and they change something in the kata, and ... you lose the true form of that kata. Yes, I have seen different interpretation of that kata, but the whole school is doing exactly what has been shown to them by their instructor. Who wants to work kata in a class one night and have everyone doing the same kata differently?

This subject comes up too many times. Why does anyone care what another person or style perceives as a black belt. I train very hard and I train everyday of the week. I want to represent my instructer, myself, and my school in a manner that proves that I deserve black belt, but I would do so even if I didn't have a black belt around my waist. We have a lady in our school who has taken a long time to get where she is at. If someone came in off the street and saw her, they may say "She has a brown belt?" Her technique isn't the best, but she tries. She almost also died of breast cancer. She suffered months and into years of chemo, radiation, and drugs that have made her ill. She is still there and trying really hard. So if you "see" all kinds of schools handing out belts, keep in mind YOU do not know their situation. Be glad you have a black belt. If you feel you earned it and represent it well, then good for you. Most of the time, those that I hear brag about their rank, aren't really up to par after all.

Talk to your current instructor. That is the most important thing you can do for your training at this point. It doesn't really matter what any of us think. We are not your sensei. He/She may not appreciate you cross training. Some instructors are sensitive to this because they try to stay true to form in their own teachings. They do not wish to have someone who is training elswhere come to their dojo and inadvertantly ( and yes it DOES happen), teach their students techniques from other schools.

This has happened to me several times. I find that kids are just excited about being there or excited about whatever kids get excited about. Usually, I just tell him that I practicing and would he/ she like to practice with me. Usually works.

I do pay tuition, but it is a very small one. It really wouldn't matter what my instructor charged, I would pay it. He is a fantastic instructor. I believe that I can only truly repay him with my loyalty, respect, and devotion to the dojo. I help out whenever possible because I do not think he makes very much off tuition, but it does keep the lights on and the heat for the winter going.

Too bad, sounds like a cool store, but you think you have a long trip, I would love to see that store, but I live in N.Y.

Just go into google and type in brooklyn dojo's. Anyone that posts their schools on the net will easily be found.

I agree, you have been there 3 years, to leave now would be crazy; however, $900.00 is alot!

I can say I have never seen anyone who was sparring, throw a "karate syle" punch, traditional or non traditional. Guards always up and blocking the face. Use hips to gain power behind strikes.

wow, $900.00, now that is alot. I paid $150.00 and I got an embroidered belt, a new gi, and two t-shirts.

There are actually camps that offer the exercise, diet, and guidance that can assist overweight individuals. I have seen it on t.v. They have the camp for several weeks in the summer and help you get started on a new life. It is not a "boot camp" per say, but a fun, organized camp. Go online, you should be able to find something on it. I don't know how old you are, but the one I saw on T.V. was for younger kids, teens, and early adults.