bushido_man96

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.

I think this tends to be a common reaction to those who train in MMA. There are plenty of bad eggs who have trained in traditional arts, as well. They just don't get to go into a cage and fight, and then talk to the press about it afterwards. I don't think that MMA is just about the fighting, either. Its a big point of it, because its a competition in which one fighter faces another in a proving ground of the same rules. Not unlike Wrestling, Boxing, Sumo, etc. If you talk to the fighters, and talk really in-depth with them, I think far and away we'd learn that they are just fighters looking to fight. They have so much more to them than that. Its important to not be fooled by the few minutes of air time they get pre and post fight.

Great post, Patrick. Sometimes, being MAists ourselves, we are too close to the subject to step back and look at it like this. Thanks for your analysis here.

We live in a town of about 15,000 to 20,000, depending on when college is in session. Our town is about 4 miles across in each direction. In this small area, we have our TKD school, a Karate school, an Aikido school that also has a BJJ club sponsored by the college and a fellow that teaches what he calls 3-in-1, a blend of TKD and BJJ and Hapkido. That school is around the corner from ours. The college also has a Defensive Tactics club, which I am a part of. All are within a few minutes drive of each other.

Welcome to the Forums!

Word of mouth is great, as it speaks to the school's reputation. So, its important that the instructor makes sure that the students are carrying out good news when they spread the word. This keeps the instructors accountable.

Sounds like an awesome vacation, Alex! And I hear you on getting in to update...been a touch stretch. 9/4/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3, 275x1; work sets: 312x5, 312x5, 312x5. Push Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 95x5, 115x5; work sets: 137x5, 137x5, 137x5. Jump Chins: 6, 6, 6 (supersetted with push press). Lat Pull-downs: 120x10x3 (supersetted with push press). 45 degree Back Ext: BW+10x10x3 (supersetted with push press). 9/7/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3, 275x1; work sets: 314x5, 314x5, 314x5. Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 75x5, 95x5; work sets: 123x5, 123x5, 123x5. Lat Pull-downs: 120x10x5 (supersetted with press). Power Cleans: 108x3, 108x3, 108x3, 108x3, 108x3.

In my opinion, I think an intermediate level or dan level student should have correct technique, and should be working more on application at those levels, but that is my thought on the matter. Perfecting things is a nice thought, but one shouldn't let perfect become the enemy of the good.