bushido_man96

I don't agree with punishing a whole class for one person's actions. Nor do I think that exercise punishment is necessarily the way to, either. I think sitting the person out for a time may be the better way to go. Or, as Bob mentioned, a suspension may be warranted.

I agree that keeping the talk of fee payment confidential between instructor and student/parent paying the fees. That way, these issues can be avoided.

First of all, since everyone is wired differently, its important to understand your students well enough to know how to effectively motivate them. Some are more intense than others, and like to be motivated and "pumped up" through yelling and the like. Some are more timid, and can be motivated by a bit of constructive critisim in a soft tone, not necessarily heard by everyone else in the room. From there, its a matter of tailoring your approach to each of the students, or groups of students.

10/9/2013 Taught TKD: 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Smaller class tonight. Worked through basics, and forms spent time working new forms for new ranks. One-steps the same way, and then some sparring. Worked on the right blocking tool and angular footwork for sparring.

Here is a brief article from an interview with Demian Maia after a loss to Jake Shields, and some comments about the judging in MMA, and the judges in general: http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/439229/Maia-Judges-need-to-show-up/ Now, to be honest, I'm not totally up on the judging system used by MMA organizations. But, I have heard here and there that some feel the system isn't a very good one. Joe Rogan has been one that has had some complaints about the system, as well. What are your thoughts on the judging system? What would be a better solution?

I think DWx had found a Korean translation program of some kind, I'm not sure if it was book or CD form, or what it was called. But she might have some information that could help you out there. On a personal note (and I always have to throw this out there), I would just prefer to teach English speakers in English. But that's just me.

....could this be 're-quoted' to say its natural tempo perhaps? Yes, that would probably be a better way to put it.

What was that course like? It was a retention and control tactics course for law enforcement officers. I really learned a lot about movement, and some of the really basic stuff in regards to body mechanics and grappling. Tons of fun, to boot!

I just try to keep pushing. Find a little thing, make it right, then add to it. I just try to stay stubborn and keep working at things to get a little better.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope she recovers. As for bad classes, I've had them before. It usually has more to do with my lack of performance than other people in the class. Some days, I just feel off, and it shows. On days like that, its just a grind through, get to the end, and shake it off for the next class.

Thanks for sharing this article. I enjoyed the points discussed and the ideals behind them.

Repeating jump front kick drill: use with target or shield, however you want, may even try a clapper pad: Start in right sparring stance, then do #1 jump front kick, followed by #2 jump front kick (which you land in front, switching the legs), #3 jump front kick, #4 jump front kick (which switches the legs again). Should end up in the same stance they started in, so you might switch after that. Make them bounce quick, and make sure they don't cheat any of the kicks. It should be jump/kick/land/jump and so on. You could go by count, or do it for time, like tabatas, or something like that. Its a TKD related drill, and although you might not do a lot of jump front kicks in sparring, its good for the legs and what not.

Welcome to KF, BlackKnight!

Welcome to KF!

Check into the schools and gyms in your area, and see what is offered. Don't look at them in regards to your weight, but whether or not you like what you see, and if you will enjoy the classes. That is what is important. Perhaps something that offers good self-defense along with fitness training. Once you find something you like, just start going to training. Don't worry about your weight affecting what style you want to study. Study what you want, and let the weight come off through training. And don't worry about doing any particular types of exercises prior to signing up; just got sign up and start training. Best of luck, and welcome to KarateForums.com!

I think the problem lies more in the lower levels of competition, for guys who are getting paid a lot of money, and have to work for a living, and train on the side. They don't get to schedule their days like the pros do, so I think that could be a big factor, as well. Just out of curiosity, does anyone no or have experience with this problem with female competitors?

Absolutely! Let them see how it was before wire work and CGI, when a guy had to do the stuff himself. I'm sure they will appreciate it.

Going to a GRACIE course and learning the small bits of BJJ that I have has really helped me out a lot, and see things a bit differently. I'd love to do some gi grappling sometime, and actually learn some more and earn some rank in it.

Alex, that was a great post. I will never look at doubt the same way again.

Congrats on both accounts!

Congrats!

My issue with the forms in our system is we don't do any kind of applications training with them. Some will say there aren't any there, and othes will say there are some there, descendant from the Shotokan applications. Either way, I'd like to do a bit more with them.

I would love a chance to train with John Clements, who is an authority in Medieval Combat.

Very true! Well, I wouldn't say its nothing. It is what it is, mass, which can be a very valuable attribute to have. Generally speaking, people with or muscle mass can take more abuse than those lacking it. Also, being strong can help make up for a lack of techique in the damage department. I would agree that it would be a better use of mass if one can develop proper technique to apply it. And a strong person can do this as well as a person who is not strong.

We don't do any fitness testing in my school. I know some styles do them, and the ATA has added it to their testings for higher ranks, I believe. I'm kind of mixed on the idea of them, as I don't have a great level of fitness as it is. I've never been great at push-ups, nor sit-ups, and I do not run. I understand why some schools have them, and why some don't.