bushido_man96

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.

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.