bushido_man96

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.

That's a nice explanation, Justice. Good advise.

Weight lifting can help with conditioning the body, as well. Building muscle creates a good protective barrier around the body.

First off, I think you could continue with Aikido. What is important is that you work with your instructor on cases like you've mentioned, so you can get used to knowing when you should tap, since in your special situation you can't really rely on pain as feedback. You will have to be more self-conscious about your body.

Hello, chrissyp. We don't normally advertise tournaments, but if you do some checking on-line, you may be able to find some you can attend. What organization are you looking to compete in?

Sparring comfort comes with time and training. Take the opportunity to spar with the higher ranks whenever you can. You'll learn lots there.

We've got some recorded. I'll see if I can get some uploaded to share. Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. We're on a short break now, and probably won't do another meet until February. And I think next year we'll try to take him to some of the bigger tournaments, so he can get some experience with the kids who tend to qualify for state meets. He's also expressed interest in the free-style season coming up after folk style.

"Success is where preparation meets opportunity." "Battle does not favor the righteous or the just. It favors the prepared."

I've had the exact feelings you have listed here, and even the dreams where I couldn't hurt anyone. Those are so frustrating. I just try to use those times to motivate myself through, and every time there is something physical at work, I learn a bit more. I'm still far from getting past those feelings, though.

I knew that early on, Godan was the top rank in Japan. I think as time went on and there were more and more 5th degrees popping up, they saw a "need" to move to higher ranks. Probably for organizational control purposes more than anything.

I think this post just operates on the same flawed logic that Shizentai corrected me on: why not just have 500 ranks? Why not just two? Because length-to-rank-x is the problem, it can't be the solution. Again, thank you all for your excellent input and discussion. I don't think having 500 ranks fixes anything. What and how would you evaluate the difference between a 500th kyu and a 499th kyu? Award a rank after learning to bow? That doesn't fix anything in regards to the rank system. Learn a front kick, and earn a new rank? Why? What makes Martial Arts with rank systems different from those without, in my opinion, is the ability to judge the person achieving their rank in regards to their own past performances, seeing how they have improved within the system, and how they can transmit the system. The rank systems breaks the curriculum down into workable segments, learning blocks, if you will, that each student learns and tests on. Its achieving goals (ranks) through objectives (curriculum). Styles like Wrestling and Boxing don't have rank systems, because they are competition based, and the good ones that succeed in competition go on to do more competition, at higher levels. Other Martial Arts focus more on the development of the person through the system, thus preparing the person to pass on the system. Competition may or may not be a component part of the system, but the important thing is perpetuating the system through those who learn it. Therefore, in my opinion, its important to pay close attention to the ranks the students are learning, and to make sure they are displaying the skills and knowledge appropriate to those ranks, so the system doesn't get filtered into meaninglessness.

The only time you really have to fight is when you are cornered and have not other choice but to fight or suffer sever injury or death. Flight isn't always a bad thing.

I think this is the way to go. Look into what it takes to start your own association, if that's what you want to do. The problem is, if you are the head guy and high rank, you will have to find some way to get yourself ranked if you want to continue ranking up others. Or, you can just top things out at 3rd dan, if you like.

On the weekend of 1/12 and 1/13/2013, we did a double-header. We did an open tournament on Saturday, and it went well. He wrestled 3 matches. The first match, he won by technical fall, against a kid he hadn't competed against yet. Next match was against the same kid from that he had been slammed by previously, and he beat him again, but points. Third match was against the kid in our club, and was a win by points. On Sunday, we competed in the Novice tournament, and he won that one, as well. His first match was against a kid he wrestled in his first tournament, and that kid had improved quite a bit. He was able to be him by tech fall, and then he wrestled the same kid from his club again, winning by points, but it was pretty close. A good weekend, and he is just getting better every week. The coaches have also now pulled him into the advanced group, so his hard work is really paying off! So proud of him.

Any activity is going to be good for you to start with. As you go along, you may want to supplement other activities, like sensei8 mentioned. Time and dedication will help you the most.

Thanks, Harkon!

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Welcome to the Forums, Katileena!

Welcome aboard!