Brian

I'm a goju guy. 15yrs and running. I think everyone has covered the bases quite well. Enjoy!

If you had the knowledge you have now when you started ma training what would you do different? Would you choose the same style? Would you choose the same school? Would you go for a different reason such as art over self defense? Me? I have enjoyed the journey so far. Even when I was in TKD it was fun. I still use high kicks when the opportunity presents itself.(psst,goju guys aren't used to this and you can catch them off guard sometimes,hehee) I'd have to say I'd do it the same,but I'd try and spend more time with it.

The chances of being hurt in a self defense situation are good. I would be least concerned with pulling a muscle and more concerned about ending the threaat or getting away from it. Most likely you aren't going to be doing anything that requires a great deal of stretching anyhow.

I'm not following. A slight chance of what? Are you saying it is mostly physical? Should you promote someone who does not progress despite their efforts?

I think ten non interrupted years in the same system isn't too short at all. I see alot of schools promoting to shodan in less than half the time.

https://www.ianabernethy.com some of the best.

Thanks for all the replies so far. In forums like these any question has probably been asked in one form or another many times. Inevitably,it will come up again. Some of you talked of worthiness,but who is worthy and for what reason? I think the blackbelt test comes in the many years of training beforehand and the 'test' is just a formality. How important is physical ability compared to mentality?

Hello everyone! nice forums. I'd prefer something different than just subsilver,but...on with the question. If you had a student that had been around for several years,but really hadn't progressed past a 6th kyu level would you award them a higher rank or even black belt? Would not trying or just plain inability make a difference? Or if they come and do what they say go ahead and award them with the rank? What does the quality of your students say about your school if anything?? Your replies are appreciated.

LOL!

I think you should tell him exactly what you told us. -owari-