bushido_man96

Hopefully, you don't pay dues at this place. You're not getting instruction if you are reading from a book. Moving on would be a good choice for you.

You handled that situation at the bathroom well. Very much done the right way. As for your motivations for MA training, I'd say you've pointed yourself in the right direction. Its important to re-evaluate your priorities every now and then, especially if you are having doubts about what you're doing and why you're doing it. I think many instructors often forget that it I the student's journey, and its important for instructors to take that into account. Kudos to you!

Rolling and diving without mats would not be my idea of a good time. I understand the idea behind doing it, but still, not fun.

I think when it comes to knife defense, the best defense is a better offense, like distance and a gun that is already drawn. But, this isn't always practical (or I should say rarely is), so other options have to be sought. I'm no expert, but its important to deflect that attacking limb to the best of your ability, and do what is possible to control the wrist of weapon hand. Then you've got to redirect that blade away from you, and get rid of it. Just my thoughts.

Lots of good comments here so far. As mentioned above, I think that if you enjoy the training, then continue to do so. If it were me, I'd look at what the person is teaching, and at how practical what they are doing is. If I think they have something that is sound and effective, then its worth doing. If they don't, then I'd move on. Something that does bother me, though, in situations like this, is why these folks tend to insist on claiming they've created their own style. I get the desire to be recognized as an individual, but if you've done some training in Shotokan and/or Kyokushin, then why not just say that your style is based off Shotokan or Kyokushin with whatever your philosophical or pedagogical approach to teaching is? To me, it would make one sound more credible. But that's just me.

That's awesome. Would you be willing to tell us his name? I'm excited for the post season to get started here. The Royals had just an abysmal season, which I kind of expected, but not this bad. But, they have some things to look forward to. Mondesi really started playing well, and was knocking the crap out of the ball, and O'Hearns looks like a promising young player as well. If Bonifacio can stay out of trouble and play an entire season, then I think KC can have a decent offensive lineup next season. They just have to rebuild their pitching staff. Junis looks good, and Duffy will still be consistent, but the bullpen needs reworked. Who is everyone's WS pick?

The Chiefs pulled off a huge win last night on MNF against division rival Denver, and move to 4-0. Patrick Mahommes is the real deal, and I have to say, I haven't been this high on a player in forever. I think KC has found a true franchise QB that can carry the team for the next decade. They've got a great running back in Kareem Hunt, and Spencer Ware is a fine back, too. Tyreek Hill is a special dude, and Travis Kelce is one of the top TEs in the league. The future is bright for the KC offense, and I feel confident in saying that KC has a window... But that defense is HORRIBLE. It has to be shored up quickly, or the opportunity to really make some noise in the NFL will be squandered. Watching that defense last night was just sickening. They made a few stops when it counted, but teams have been chewing that defense up all season long. They won't be able to outscore everyone. I am excited, though. Its a lot of fun to watch.

Our school has always had good sized kid classes, but the adults have been few and far between. It seems tough to get consistent adult classes going, and several of the adults we have in class is because their kids are in class, and they are doing it as a family. This is a good thing, too, but it would be nice to have a more consistent adult class. But adults tend to be busier, and finding the time to put into the MA is difficult for many of them.

It sounds like you've got lots of good advice in regards to your autistic student. As for the other student, you might look into doing some private, one-on-one classes with the child. He could get nervous in the group setting, and shut down. I'd also get one-on-one with the parent(s) and ask them about it. It could be that they didn't want to say anything initially, and just see if the child would participate. Lastly, and I don't want to say this and make it sound like giving up, but not all five year olds are the same, and it may be that this particular five year old might need to wait another year or two before giving the MA world a go. Try all other options first, but don't rule this one out.

I agree on your take about stances. Although they tend to be practiced statically in many situations, they are actually transitional, and need to be practiced this way in partner work.

It is O.K. Well, it is not a heinous crime to want to transfer to a new dojo but it is highly uncourteous if you do it unless you are moving to somewhere else or just because you don't like the club and say it to the Sensei. All instructors know each other in a city and they wouldn't accept you if you do not follow the procedures properly. Our National Karate Federation is a government agency and every karateka has to be registered to enter the exams, competitions, etc. There is no problem with starting a new style from the beginning as a white belt, but if you wish to continue with your previous style, unfortunately, these are the rules :/ But, as I said, there are no other Shotokan clubs that I can attend and "fit my taste", so I am thinking about trying out Kyokushin a bit. Together with other reasons, I've lost my ability to even touch my opponents in the last few years, because I always pair up with people -how to say- "less tough" than me, like 16-year-old kids or delicate ladies and I am afraid of hurting them in any way. So what country is this that enforces these rules?

Being defensive is tough. Action is faster than reaction, so if you spar defensively all the time, then you constantly put yourself behind the eight-ball. Work on some offensive set-ups to get yourself started. Find what works for you and what doesn't. Use mid-level attacks to set up high attacks, and visa-versa. Experiment and see what works for you.

This is fitting. Many MAs spend lots of time learning complex movements and applications, and in the end, it all filters down to this. Reminds me of Bruce Lee's "...a punch is just a punch, a kick is just a kick..." quote.

While I'm still on reasonable terms with the departed instructor I wouldn't expect to be able to hedge my bets and then switch once everything is established and there's no risk involved. I've made my decision but it's tinged with a little regret. I would have liked to support the new club from it's inception but things are just too messy and, in spite of myself, I've always been a little risk averse. I understand your dilemma. I would proffer to try to stay connected with the departed instructor as much as possible, and you could possibly even arrange some training times with him at some point. Perhaps some interschool training or other interactions could be feasible in the future.

I'd say that much of the ceremony that we follow in the more "traditional" MA styles is probably not as important at its made out to be. Those traditions tend to be cultural I nature, and a small percentage of those actually practicing MA outside of the country of origin are of that culture. In most cases, the bulk of these ceremonial actions could be done without.

I think each instructor has his/her own wheelhouse, specialties that they can pass along. An instructor should strive to improve in the other areas of their training, like all students should, but if an instructor has a special knack for something, then they need to run with it.

Like has been mentioned, train it on both sides. Furthermore, everything should be able to work lefty to lefty, righty to righty, lefty to righty, and all the way around.

Thanks for sharing the update. At least for now, you have a plan. If you ever decide to switch, though, will the fact that you stayed where you have affect where you can go?

I think these things tend to ebb and flow. Yes, UFC is popular, and I don't think that will change anytime soon. But I think that after some more years of UFC exposure, I think it might actually help the growth of other more traditional styles. There have been quite a few UFC competitors over the course of its history that have had roots in traditional styles, and I some are still that way. I think this will help. I also think that as popular as MMA is, its not for everyone. Many that watch it really have no desire to compete. Those that do want to train, will try it out. Of those, some will learn its not for them, but that the Martial Arts are, and I think they will seek out other methods of training. The numbers may be lower, but I think many traditional stylists agree that they want to be selective about their student body, anyway.

You bring up some very valid points here. You have to assess what it is the instructor has to teach you, and just what the instructor's rank is. You want to get the most you can out of the instructor, and you want it to be what you want the most. To the bold underlined above. Rank does not equal good instruction. I have known very high grades that could not teach effectively and conversely I have know lower Yudansha grades that were exceptional teachers. I would agree that, "in theory", the higher the grade the better the teacher however this is not always true. Grade really has nothing to do with teaching ability. Grade translates to knowledge. This is important in teaching but what makes a good teacher is the ability to convey their message in an efficient way that translates to their students. Knowing the entire syllabus and being able to teach it in a way that your students understand it are truly two separate things. Sorry all, I had a mis-typing error here that has totally misconstrued what I was trying to say.What I meant was, NOT just consider the instructor's rank. Hope that clears things up.

I think BJJ seminars tend to fill up. I think it has more to do with what's in favor at the time. When Karate was hot, those we know like Norris and Wallace commanded hundreds at seminars. Gracies are the same way now. I think what changes are people's interests.

Congrats, Chunmonchek!

Well that's the point. While its most desirable to have regular good instruction from a good instructor it isn't always possible for everybody, depending on the person and their situation. If you're not fortunate enough to have a good regular instructor than you've got to be resourceful and use what you've got to the best of your ability. Yes, true. But not all success stories are created equal. Its nice to hear the stories of guys who started their own business in their basement bedroom and went on to make millions, but they are few and far between compared to the vast majority of more generic success stories. They just aren't as much fun to listen to.

You bring up some very valid points here. You have to assess what it is the instructor has to teach you, and just what the instructor's rank is. You want to get the most you can out of the instructor, and you want it to be what you want the most.

I'm sorry to hear this, Bob. I know you'll rebound through this. What does this mean for you now? Does this mean that governing body will basically be able to keep you removed from any kind of decision making when it comes to Shindokan?