bushido_man96

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.

Nice descriptions. Thanks for sharing the video, Noah! In our form, Hwa Rang, we have a similar starting position. Its nice to see this application of the move. I've also seen some other two-handed applications, as well.

You may just have to be very forward with them. Tell them you are fine, in good health, and they have nothing to worry about. It may be a bit forward, but hopefully it stops the concerns.

I agree with DWx, speed is going to be paramount (that's why I always hated that style of sparring). Another issue to consider is that the technique may not have to be "clean" to get a point. If you parry a punch or backfist well enough to lighten the blow, but it still grazes you, it may still count as a point. So be sure your blocks and movements are good enough to keep you from getting grazed.

8/24/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3, 275x1; work sets: 304x5, 304x5, 304x5. Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 75x5, 95x5; work sets: 120x5, 120x5, 120x5. Jump Pull-ups: 5, 5, 5 (supersetted with press). Barbell Curls: 47x10x3 (supersetted with press). Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 225x5; work set: 315x5. Had to back it off. Lying Triceps Ext: 30x10x3 Defensive Tactics Club: 1:30 - 3:00 8/26/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3, 275x1; work sets: 306x5, 306x5, 306x5. Push Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 95x5, 115x5; work sets: 135x5, 135x5, 135x5 Jump Chins: 5, 5, 5 (supersetted with push press). 45 degree Back Ext: BW 3x11 (supersetted with push press). 8/28/2015 Strength Training Squats: warm-ups: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3, 275x1; work sets: 308x5, 308x5, 308x5. Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 75x5, 95x5; work sets: 121x5, 121x5, 121x5. Power Snatch: 80x2, 80x2, 80x2, 80x2, 80x2. 8/31/2015 Strength Training Squats: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3, 275x1; work sets: 310x5, 310x5, 310x5. Push Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 95x5, 115x5; work sets: 136x5, 136x5, 136x5. Jump Chins: 6, 6, 6 (supersetted with push press). 45 degree Back Ext: BW+10x3x10 (supersetted with press). 9/2/2015 Strength Training Squats: 45x5x2, 135x5, 185x5, 205x5, 225x3, 275x1; work sets: 263.5x5, 263.5x5, 263.5x5. I have been really excited about the progress I've bee making, especially squatting, but I fealt like I needed some more recovery. I took some advise from a book titled Practical Programming for Strength Training, and decided to make the middle day of the week a light day for squats, working off 80% of Monday's work weight, and then doing another heavy day on Friday. Press: warm-ups: 45x5x3, 75x5, 95x5; work sets: 122x5, 122x5, 122x5. Lat Pull-downs: 110x10x5 (supersetted with press). Deadlifts: warm-ups: 135x5, 225x5; work set: 320x5. Defensive Tactics Club: 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Worked on the self-defense curriculum. 9/3/2015 Defensive Tactics Club: 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Choke defenses.

I like to do the power versions of the clean and snatch. I've learned to do them pretty well without a strength coach. I really favor the snatch over the clean, though, but I do both, along with some of the "slow lifts," squat, press, and deadlift.

I don't see anything wrong with really breaking down techniques and working on the details. Its a great way to fine tune technique. Where I'm at now, though, I'd much rather be doing some form of partner training to fine tune those same basic techniques in an application setting. For me, that's where its at. Pretty technique is nice, but applicable technique is better.