bushido_man96

Imho, this is an inappropriate way for any black belt and/or any instructor to act/react to that type of situation, especially during class. What did that really teach the entire class? One who isn't the instructor has no business taking corrective actions on their own. Matter of fact, the instructor has no business taking corrective actions, and that's what that was imho, in class because instructors have, or should have, other professional methods of disciplining their students. To cause a student, especially a minor student, to cry isn't how we're suppose to help our fellow martial artists. To bully a bully in class would've led me to tell that black belt to go home for that day because this isn't how these type of situations should be dealt with in class; not by any black belt or any rank, and not by the instructor. How would I have handled that situation? It's simple. I would've quitely instructed that bullying student as well as the parent into my office immediately, and then I would've suspended that student for a week minimum for bullying and I would've explained to that student and parent why bullying isn't allowed in my dojo. In that, I would've also explained why bullying isn't an appropriate action for anybody to display, especially for a martial artist. Bullying and the martial arts are a oxymoron, and therefore, they should be treat as such. This is a great example. Getting the parents involed is always the best way to go. I can see both sides of this arguement. One, is handling things diplomaticly. This is usually a good idea, but what can end up happening is the bully gets even angrier, and will attempt to exact revenge when authority figures aren't around, which can end up worse for the person being bullied. I've been in sparring schools before where we have the problem students who get carried away with pounding on lower ranks or younger students, and after warnings, still do it anyway. The instructors I had at that time would often "send a signal" through sparring, and the address the matter later on. Both can work. In this case above, it wasn't so much a bullying matter, but a control matter. But, if it were me, I'd probably be for taking care of my problems on my own, and see if I could give as good as I got.

I went with "should be marketable." My TKD instructor was the running sparring champ in his weightclass at an area "national" tournament for 10 years in a row, and that gets printed in school flyers and such. He has lined some of the walls at the gym with tourney trophies. So, I think it can be a good tool to use when seeking students. If/when Steven Lopez decides not to compete at the international level any longer, then I am sure he will become a sought-after instructor for future TKDers seeking Olympic and international glory. They'd be on the right track, too. Now, whether or not he can coach, who knows yet. I'm not sure if he coaches yet or not, but I think he probably has some ideas to get someone heading in the right direction. Forms champs could draw the same kind of attention. Mike Chat draws in students seeking coaching on creative forms competitions and the like. Guys like Iain Abernethy draw in people for bunkai and training methods. The fact that these individuals have success in fighting, forms competition, and have written books on their subjects, respectively, all contribute to the fact that their "accomplishments" are marketable, and will have an impact on the student draw they have, and thus, the talent level they will draw to work with. One quick question....can anyone tell me the name of Muhammed Ali's trainer?

Some people like to test, and like the feeling of grading and earning new rank. In my mind, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. I think at times it can be taken to extremes, especially in the ideas that higher ranks have of themselves, and then there are those who don't let it go to their heads at all. I think it is important to balance what it means, and how one portrays themselves after attain it.

To add stability would be my guess, as well. Not everyone is blessed with thick wrists, and it could also help to keep the fist in a good position, for a punch, perhaps. Not as good as a Boxer's wrap, but still, it would help.

Yeah, me too. All the good stuff I've missed out on...

Psychology relating to the MAs...is what I was reading it as. I guess maturity is one way to describe it; I'm sure there are others. But, my opinion still stands on the matter.

Welcome!

Pretty cool. I enjoy our Wii, and the boxing games are great fun!

And in the end, that is what a fight is about.

I would like to get to one of his seminars some day, too, although it might be tough, not knowing any Shotokan or Wado forms. I've read a few of his books, and I think he's got a good system of teaching.

Well, not in the U.S. On job apps and such, it does become an issue. However, this is not a job app being discussed here, and so I don't see how it can be a legal problem.

I disagree here. I don't think that psychological maturity in the MAs necessarily comes along with rank, or vise versa. I think it is something that can be developed independently of physical training, if one seeks to do that.

I wouldn't be ashamed of your rank at all. I don't ever hear you blustering about how you are so much better than any 2nd dan, or any 3rd dan, or so on, so I wouldn't lump you into there.

Yes, that is correct. The ITF forms, Chon-ji, Dan-Gun, etc, are not copyrighted. You could teach them, as far as I know. The ATA has copyrighted their own forms, so you could not teach them independent of an ATA school.

This is one of those points that I have come not to believe in when it comes to MA experience through training. I think that most 2nd dans have a pretty good understanding of what their style is about. It comes to a point where dan ranks become a crutch that higher ranks use to keep them around, because they "don't understand" yet.

It is not illegal to ask about religion. It is illegal to discriminate because of religion. Two very different things. It could be that the org is just wanting to get a feel for the demographics that make it up. All kinds of businesses do this. Now, if you feel uncomfortable about filling it out, then ask questions as to why they are doing it. If you don't like it, just don't do it. Now, if they have a problem with that, then leave. Simple solutions all around.

"Give me a choice between pleasure and pain, I choose.... pain..." Dio, R.I.P. Now, didn't we just discuss this in another thread??? j/k

I was tuned into to what you are saying, Bob, and I think it is a good point. Its like any physical contact endeavor....football players understand, professional fighters understand...its those little pains that we have to fight through in training that make it worth while.

I was bullyed as a child, and it flat sucks. It eventually went away, but I can think of several times where if I could go back, I'd take a bat with me... Now, its something that I consider seriously with my kids. I don't want my kids to cause trouble, but if trouble comes looking for them, I want them to be able to stand their ground, and, if need be, to fight. I've told my oldest that if she gets in trouble for "standing up for herself" in school, then she should let me know, and I'll address the teachers/principles myself.

I'm not sure there is fault in too much of your thinking here. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get just a black belt. You do mention, though, about "loss of face" and citing that as a reason not to advance. I don't think that is a reason to consider it at all. People of different ranks will exhibit different skills, and it isn't always equal. Age and experience can play a lot into it. If remaining a 1st dan to save face to higher ranked losses, or, better yet, to make you look really good when you beat a higher rank, is more of an ego-soothing idea to me, but that is just how it strikes me.

I don't know. Maybe Survivor's Eye of the Tiger. I just like the song. I don't train to music too much.

Everyone will have a different answer here. Some will feel that they have a "duty" to teach for their instructor, or a "responibility" brought on by rank to do the same, without pay. Others will feel that their time is worth money, and will want to be paid for doing it. I don't think there is anything wrong with either option. Nothing really. What you want to consider, though, are what your credentials will be. Nothing really stopping you at all. But, when you look at those who have done it, look at what they had to offer, brought to the table, and the credentials that they had when they did it.

Woo Hoo!!!!! Awesome, Patrick.

5-21-10 1 mile run, under 11:30, then a good stretch. The legs are quite so tight, now. Then, I took the dog for a 1 mile bike ride/run.

Nice vid Tzu Logic. I've always been intrigued by Escrima, but have nowhere around to partake. 5-17-2010 Back to class that evening. Good workout with basics and forms, but no sparring. One hour class, 6:00 to 7:00. Sore the next day. After being away for so long, I notice how much the training really does for me. 5-19-10 Mile jog in under 12 minutes. Stretch. Legs tight from class on Monday. 5-20-10 Mile jog in under 12 minutes again, and a funny thing happened....it started to feel kind of...good? It was weird, so I upped my speed and added another quarter mile. Then had another really good stretch out.