jaymac

I think that when an individual competes, he/she already knows the risks of injury. It is to be expected. Honestly, I love all sports, and at times many of them can be quite brutal. Boxing, hockey, soccer (heck it is dangerous just to be a fan sitting in the arena of a soccer game ) But seriously, there are different levels of martial arts competition. And most instructors/trainers prepare their student very well for the level of competition they will be a participant of.

In my style, the founder never promoted anyone higher than 6th Dan, but now black belts are obtaining 9th and 10th Dans. I don't know how this practice developed other than there were individuals deserving of promotion. Most organizations have strict guidelines for testing such high ranks, like age, experience, ... My instructor is a 7th Dan and believe he is quite deserving of this rank. I don't believe it was a way for the east to gain advantage of west. As for kyu belts. I think it is the decision of the head instructor. Some instructors like to give extra time to gain experience in kyu level before an individual is ready for Shodan. I have seen some schools who actually have added extra kyu levels just for younger children to try and keep their training interesting.

I love Christmas, but it seems you start getting all worked up for it after Halloween and then after spending all that money, it is here and gone in a second. So on Christmas day, my husband and I go and visit family but we wait until evening to have our Christmas. Usually make dinner and put on the football game. Love having football at all the big holidays. Good times

Just talking forms, we have to know 5 Heian kata, 2 Tekki Kata, 2 Bassai Kata, and 1 Kanku Kata. This however, is only a small part of the test required for Shodan. As a student, I have never approached my instructor on when I believe I am ready to test for any rank. It is always and should always be his decision.

A good endurance drill (also works aggression) is have 2 or 3 students of the same build on one stand up work out bag. Use one belt from one of the students to wrap around his partner. 1 or 2 of the students hold the ends of the belt to try and give the student some resistance while he/she fights to hit the work out bag. We have found that the kids love it and it is a great work out too. Sometimes we use it at the beginning of the class to warm up but mostly use it as an end of the class fun drill.

I was browsing the web site one night at work and came across this awesome forum. It is nice to gather with so many people with different opinions and martial arts backgrounds. I am a nidan in Shotokan karate. I hold a black belt in Kung fu also, but found my passion with Shotokan. It is nice to meet all of you!

I am an assistant instructor in my school, so do not ultimately decide whom should test for black belt; however, I participate in Black Belt testings and have an opinion on this subject. Last year our school promoted a student (who had handicap) to Shodan. Yes, she too made and makes mistakes, but she is giving her 100% everyday and always tries to improve. She went through the very exhausting 4 hour test and the written exam just as everyone else and was not given any special priviledges. I wish everyone had a heart like this student. Can she go out and win a tournament, no probably not, but that isn't why she joined. Can she defend herself if need be. Yes. Remember, belts used to only be white and got darker with experience until colorized by the judo system. Every student has a right to earn a rank and every student should be judged on individual performance and attitude. I have unfortunately seen black belts with great technique but with poor personal skills who do not represent their instructor and dojo the way a BB should.

I would not have pulled the student from the stage. I would have pointed to another student or a group of students who were not jumping around and say, "wow, I like how you are not jumping around and you are focused and being respectful of those around you. Your awesome!" Usually that works. If it did not, I may afterwords ask him/her, did you have to use the restroom, I noticed you were having a tough time standing still.