bushido_man96

I'd look to see who appears to be getting asked the most questions, who is offering the most feedback or advise, or appears to be the most observant of the bunch. I think someone should stick out, for the most part. If all else fails, I just ask someone later who I talk to about class schedules.

Do Kyokushin stylists tend to get up on the ball of their support leg like Thai kickers do, or do they keep more of a flat, solid sole, like many Karate or TKD stylists?

First off, welcome! When it comes to training, you really just have to dive right in. Don't worry about your current condition, because adding MA training to your days can only bring about improvement! As for answering whether Karate would be right for you or not, its really tough for any of us to answer that. Every school is different, even within styles, and each style has a bit of a different approach. Start with Karate, and see how it grows with you. It may be for you, or, you may grow to the point where you want to seek a different aspect of training. That's what the MA journey is all about. Go and enjoy!

Welcome to KF, Jose!

Welcome aboard, Paul! Glad to have you.

The world can be a much more dangerous place than you realize. And there are probably fewer "good reasons" to fight than you might think. An unfortunate example of these two combined together: the son of a teacher of mine, a high school student at a private school, got into a fight with another student of that private high school. The fight was over a girl both students liked. Hey, just a good old fashioned high school dust up right? Maybe it was, right up until the point where the other student pulled out a knife and stabbed my teacher's son to death. Wow, that's a terrible thing. So senseless.

I'm considering beginning to video some of the coach's teachings in my son's Wrestling club, so I can help him work at home better.

This is how I feel, as well. Most of my character traits come from my parents and faith. There is no doubt, however, that Martial Arts have reinforced those traits for me.

All our classes start with the same basics. I told the class the other day that basics are like the Lego blocks of TKD, because we take he basics and then build them into the forms. Good basics transfer to good forms. If basics are good, then learning the forms is a matter of memorization, and not really learning new move. Its learning moves in different orders. I don't think basics are easy, at first. Anyone teaching a side kick knows this. But, once its learned, like anything, basics require maintenance to keep them up. After a time, basics should appear easy.

I've learned some patience over time in the Martial Arts. More so than actually learning, becoming a teacher, especially of children, has helped me learn more patience. Its also affected the way I approach learning new things. Learning techniques in the Martial Arts requires a break down into component parts, and then getting all those parts right to get the whole technique down, nice and smooth. Whenever I learn something new, MA related or not, I often find myself breaking the process down, and building it in parts, like I would a new kick.

I have to take issue with this point. I was in the ATA, and the ATA has a camouflage belt. I think most people are more irritated that its not one of the "traditional" belt colors out there. The ATA has a 9 belt system before reaching black belt status. Each rank has basics, forms, and one-steps to learn for the test. I don't think a 9 or 10 colored belt system is too out of hand now days, nor do I think that it would necessarily mean the school is a McDojo. Fair enough, Brian. Keep in mind i did say that one or two of these things does not make a McDojo. I would agree that a 9 belt system is not excessive. However, there are ATA dojos that have far more than that. It just depends on the franchise owner. I haven't seen many ATA schools lately, so I don't know what changes have been made. If they've added belt colors, I'm a bit shocked. My old instructor just got his 5th degree in the ATA, so I'll have to ask him a bit about it. If they have, then that's too bad. One of the good things about the ATA is that they aren't afraid to make changes and try different things. One of the bad things is that at times they don't leave well enough alone. I also saw where you mentioned that 1 or 2 of your list wouldn't relegate a school to a McDojo. But, I also know the ATA gets a lot of the McDojo fingers pointed in their direction, too, and I don't know what other associations have a camouflage belt.

1/21/2013 Assisted teaching TKD class: 6:00 - 7:00.

You seem to be pointing to the JKA as a producer of "Martial Sport." However, so is full contact a "Martial Sport." So is MMA. So is Wrestling. Boxing. Thai Boxing. Taekwondo, both point and Olympic. These are all Martial Sports. Its really about picking your rule set and going with it. Now, as for the difference between full-contact and lighter-contact. I believe that its important to train full and light. You can't train full all the time; you'll run out of training partners. However, there can be very beneficial light-contact drills that improve full-contact. MMA fighters, Boxers, etc all do different levels of contact training to work different skills. In the end, both ways are important. Now, there is a whole different argument in regards to sparring in point-style rule sets, and full contact rule sets. I'll leave that for a different thread.

I'm going to have to find a partner willing to do leg kicks to spar with.

We do plenty at home when he isn't Wrestling. Skylanders Giants takes quite a bit of our time. We do work on some things at home, too. After tonight's practice, we've got some things to work on at nights.

That's terrible. They will be in my prayers, as well.

Welcome to KarateForums, Pedro!

Welcome to KF, Jimmy!

Championship Weekend showed great games, too. Harbaugh Bowl I, here we come! Congrats to the Ravens and the 49ers for moving on. My brother is a 49ers fan, so I've a bit of interest in the game.

Thanks to all! I am so blessed!

Absolutely.

I have to take issue with this point. I was in the ATA, and the ATA has a camouflage belt. I think most people are more irritated that its not one of the "traditional" belt colors out there. The ATA has a 9 belt system before reaching black belt status. Each rank has basics, forms, and one-steps to learn for the test. I don't think a 9 or 10 colored belt system is too out of hand now days, nor do I think that it would necessarily mean the school is a McDojo.

Prior to reading any responses, I want to say that I think you have made a very good point, Patrick, and to hold Martial Arts instructors to different standards than other career choices isn't right. Things aren't like they were in the 1600's, no matter where anyone lives, and things change. The evolution of the Martial Arts business of today is no different. If an instructor is a good instructor, then it should be rewarding for that person to teach.

This sounds like one guy, not every Korean stylist to come along. This guy messed up. He just happened to be Korean.

Maybe its a more focused outlet for more experienced TKDers looking for some competition that isn't MMA based. Give it a look. Might be worth checking out.