bushido_man96

I agree with you here, about starting over at white. That was one of the things I liked about my brief stint in Aikido, being a beginner again. The only time I'd have an issue with someone with much experience starting over would be in similar styles when it comes to competition settings. I think at times that can be unfair to a true beginner in the Arts. But other than that, I'm a big fan of the white belt.

Your points here are valid. I also think it is somewhat of a political move, and I can understand it from a business stand point, especially in trying to retain an established student base to keep a business running. I'm not saying I would do it the same way, but I can see why he's trying to do this. Hopefully, he does it the right way, and pulls folks along to establish them in the new style, as well as their current style. I agree with that. I'm of the same opinion that you are here; I'd be looking for the training, and not necessarily the rank (once again, rank doesn't matter, until it does). But, there are lots of egos out there, and they tend to be tender, and this can cloud the vision of some. Yes, many do miss it. I think that's why a lot of black belts quit after attaining it. They assume they've "made it," and there's nothing left. I think there comes a point in the journey where a student has to stop seeking the goals set by instructors and have to start looking into achieving goals they find from inside themselves.

Congrats to all the winners! Your awards are very, very well deserved!

Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do fine.

It might have something to do with the intensity of the practices. My oldest son tends to get headaches during Wrestling practices. I usually try to get him some ibuprofen before hand, and that seems to help.

This is what I hear more and more as being the standard practice. Dynamic stretching during warm-ups, and static stretching at the end of a workout to help improve flexibility, seems to yield the best results.

Sometimes, I will bring it home, depending on how my sons are acting, or the things they are saying. I've done extra Wrestling practices with my sons in the past so they can get some issues cleared up in technique. Usually, I'll let them open the door for that, by complaining about how they can't get it down, or something. Then, I'll offer to do some extra work to clean it up or get better. Sometimes, it works wonders.

Thank you, Luther. I'm sorry if my post came across as though the situation was that personal to you. That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to put forward some thoughts on how to look at and approach the situation. It is definitely not a "traditional" way of doing things, that is for sure. I often think "tradition" becomes the hang-up with many Martial Artists, and it becomes difficult for them to see it any other way. I'm not saying its this way with you, though. But its something that pops up a lot. Its one of those situations where rank doesn't matter, until it does.

Well said Heidi, well said.

Work ethic is important, no matter what you are doing. Whether you are a programmer, or a dishwasher, its important that when one does a job, one works hard and to their best ability. It becomes a habit, and its a good one that transfers to any endeavor.

Like anything, concentration is something to be practiced. As you spend more time focusing on one thing, your concentration will improve, as well.

Its good to train both, and it takes time to get used to fighting with the strong side forward. Bruce Lee was a fan of it. I started out my training sparring orthodox, but then got to a point that when I stepped back, I always stepped back southpaw, and did that for a lot of years. Eventually, it became pretty natural, and I made it a point to switch around when sparring. Now that I've been in law enforcement, I try to make myself step back more orthodox, since I carry my gun on the right side, and its good practice to have the gun side back in LE defensive tactics. That all said, invest the time to make your right hand lead stance, footwork, and combinations as good as your left hand lead. You'll be glad you did.

Kids are a special case. Their interests can change so quickly. I think the main thing is that as long as he is having fun when you do go to class, keep urging him to go when he doesn't want to. I think there is a fine line in pushing a kid too far, and pulling them along when they would rather be lazy. That's kind of where I'm at with my kids, who are 10 and 6. The 10 year old wanted to start weight training to improve his athletic performance, so we did, and have kept at it. Then it got to a point where he wouldn't want to go, but I talk to him about it, saying its not something you do for a season and then stop. You get the benefits of it by making it a part of your lifestyle. So, I keep pulling him along. He saw the dividends it produced in football, and so we hope to see some in Wrestling, too. Kids are tough. Unless he gets to the point that he just absolutely hates it and dreads going AND being there, I'd say keep pulling him along. He'll thank you for it down the road.

You can respect them. Did they work hard to earn their rank? Are they good students? Does the teacher do a good job? If so, you can respect them. You don't have to like this instructor's decision here, but that doesn't mean you can't respect the instructor or his students. I'll just throw a few ideas out here to stimulate the conversation a little bit. I think the main reason the instructor is doing this is to retain students and keep his school open. Its a good strategy to keep the students that have already invested the time they have at the school, and it would hopefully prevent him from having to start over, which would be financially tough. Here's another aspect to look at. He may allow them to keep their current rank, but that doesn't mean that he won't make them "catch up" to their current rank in his teaching material. It could be that he lets them retain their current rank, and recognize it, but will only grant them appropriate rank in his system as they accrue it. Lastly, its a situation that looks hinky from the outside looking in, but do you know what his plans are, or just assume? If in doubt, heck, go talk to the guy, and determine his motivation if you really want to. But until you really know what he's about, what he's up to, and what his goals are, you really just end up making assumptions and judging him based on the assumptions you are making. When in doubt, try to gather as much information on a situation as possible and then make an informed decision. Jumping to conclusions is never helpful. Now, I'm playing a bit of the devil's advocate here, and I admit that. But, what is known about the instructor? Maybe he's really good at what he does. Maybe he's not. Maybe it is just a business ploy, and he could be more businessman than Martial Artist. Who knows? In the end, I wouldn't trouble yourself too much over circumstances you can't control. If the guy is a bad instructor, then things will probably rectify themselves after some time. Now, with all that said, you may still not respect the action he's taken. But, get to know the person more before passing a judgement of whether or not you can respect him. Who knows? You might end up making friends with a good instructor that could start the beginning of some interschool relationships, workouts, etc.

Awesome!

I've tried to do some work like this with cable machines in our gym, and have found some success in doing them. I haven't done them for some time, though, and just prefer lifting. You are taking the right approach in your technique, though, especially in not going too fast. Sounds like you have a good system going!

I think some massage and stretching would help alleviate the stiffness. Perhaps a heating pad when lying down for a time would help, as well.

Welcome to KF! Glad to have you on board!

If you can't find it with suppliers, would it be possible to purchase the trim and have a tailor sew it on?

I thought so, too, Bob. When my kids grumble and get down, and make excuses, I'd want to show them a picture of this woman. Then ask them what is their excuse?

I agree. If really is that boring, then by all means, if going to class is not fun and enjoyable, then you shouldn't go. But, what I would encourage you to look into is whether or not the system is effective, as opposed to repetitive and boring. If its effective, then I'd urge you to stay with it, as you will reap the benefits of this in the future.

Congrats, and please, continue to check in!

I see the points he is trying to make. I'm not locked into the Karate world, so I don't know how much of what he states takes place or doesn't. But, everyone has a different take on things, too. Thanks for sharing the article.

This is something that will get better with time. Now that you realize that you are too tense most of the time, you will start actively trying to relax. But, I would also say not to stress over it too much, as it will get better with time. When practicing techniques, try to stay as relaxed as possible until the moment of impact, or of stopping a technique, and then tense everything at that moment of impact or stoppage. But once you tense, release it, and relax a bit again. To help with breathing, inhale upon preparation of the technique, and exhale sharply on the point of impact or stopping; this will help you tense at impact. Then, relax a bit before moving into the next technique. It may sound like a lot, but the important thing to do is just keep practicing. Rome wasn't built in a day, and you won't be either. It will come with time. Enjoy your training, and glad to have you here at KarateForums.com!

I heard about this individual on a radio show I was listening to, and thought it had a place here. Her name is Jessica Cox, and she is a 1st degree black belt in the ATA. She is also a licensed pilot. She was a tap dancer in her youth. And, she was born without arms. She travels and gives motivational talks. Here I her Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Cox I thought it was a great story of perseverance and determination.