bushido_man96

It is unfortunate that over time, as the MAs have specialized, delineated, and "evloved" into what many branches are today, that a thought like "MAs can be detrimental to fighting" has found its way into the vernacular. Very sad.

Just like anything, I'd say its something you just have to practice. You are already concious of it. Now, just work on it.

In my org, there was an age requirement for 3rd dan...I don't recall if it was 18 or 21, but I lean toward 21. It was in place until the GM's daughter had the years in to test at age 16 or 18, and then it changed....

I got the most peculiar visual while reading this. That of like some random worker lurking beside the copy machine with a clever in their hands. Now thats funny! not if the clever guy is coming at you! Hey, you never know. But, if my post made you think about this, then you have already become more aware....

Good thoughts, Patrick. As for the thread title: no one should be given a black belt. It must be earned...

World Champ is a pretty ambiguous term. Every major sport in America crowns a "World Champ" at the end of every season. Same with different MA orgs. I know the ATA has their own tournament circuit, with two National tournaments held per year in the U.S., and the Worlds tournament held annually in Little Rock, Arkansas. The ITF and the WTF both have their own national and international competitions, with the WTF culminating in Olympic appearances. I think the WKF holds annual championships, as well. I don't know if the National Black Belt Congress or whatever still goes or not, but they did a similar thing, and I think an instructor here in my town fought and won a title in that league. So, as you can see, it varies from system to system, but that doesn't mean that one isn't legit.

I agree with all comments so far. But, I do think that with MMA coming around, and being more mainstream, people are going to begin to see what fighting is really about, and when they compare what they saw on TV to what they see being done in schools, then in a matter of time, things should start to come around.

It sounds like it may be your only option, especially if you are not willing to pay for training under anyone else. I think if you are going to do it alone, then it is important that you be overly critical of evaluating how you do techniques, and do your best to get it right, since you don't have someone on the outside looking in. Another option is if you have a video camera, you can set it up, and evaluate your technique that way. This, supplemented with some trusted youtube videos, could go a long way to helping you supplement your training. Best of luck to you.

6-16-10 Jogged mile in 10:54, and made 1.37 in 15 minutes. TTA hi orange belt form and one-steps. ATA yellow belt form and one-steps. Streeeeeetched out. Added a side kick stretch to the mix, so I can work on my body alignment for when I kick. 6-17-10 Jogged mile in 10:44, and made 1.37 in the 15. Stretched.

Its going to depend on the training focus. Some schools jump right into self-defense training. Others spend more time developing technique, and then get to the applications. If this is the case, then your learning curve will be larger than if you jump right into self-defense.

Well, let's hear it, Patrick!

The problem is that the lineage becomes more diluted as time goes by. Its natural. I think it is important to find someone who is competent about what they are doing, and learn from them. They may not be in a strong lineage, but that doesn't mean they won't be competent in what they teach.

I guess there are some things I think about with as a Martial Artist. I try to be aware and cautious at work, and in public, I watch the way people look, act, what's in their hands, etc.

The problem I have with these are if they are the same requirements as the "full" shodan or nidan. If that's the case, then what's the point of making them retest when they come "of age?" Hehe, this does happen a lot. But, its ok; its natural for threads to evolve and change throughout the course they run. Topics tend to branch off into subcategories, which then break off into preferences and other subs, and so on. Its ok. Its what makes the discussion nature of the community so great. I just wanted to throw this out there, as well........----Didn't Mushashi win his first duel when he was 14???????

It is a good marketing idea. Word of mouth is good advertising, but it can also be limited advertising. Active advertising is a good way to attract numbers, and become visible to the public. Not all schools have the same goals. Some will take all comers, and some will not. Many schools today also tend to cater toward the child crowd, as kids will have more time to do more things than adults will have, most of the time. So, it makes sense to target that market.

This guy was know as a pretty bulky fellow: http://www.guamkyokushinkai.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Sosai_in_seiza.16720229_std.gif http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/476629748_a6f9316421.jpg

To me, its shows that I have met the requirements of each rank before my current one, in the performance of basics, forms, one-steps, board breaking, and sparring in the testing atmosphere and in class. I've also shown that I can maintain what I have learned before, and can pass on what I know to others.

I started for self-defense purposes. Now its just part of me and what I do.

In our organziation, 3rd dan earns a teaching certification. 4th dan is a Jr. Master status, and 5th dan is Master status. 3rd dan an higher may sit on testing panels, as well. I do recall that in the ATA, master status was not attainable until reaching 6th dan, and then there was an application process, and then an acceptance process to go along with it, usually ending in a physica and mental test of some kind.

I think what it boils down to is how the maturity level of the student is viewed in relation to the rank they are allowed to have. Now, if the common sentiment that floats about the forums here is shared by most of us, and it is the feeling that a shodan "now knows the basics," then I don't see why an age requriment would be necessary. Kids can know the basics. But, if shodan means that one can fight at the top of his game, defend against multiple attackers, and the go 10 rounds with John L. Sullivan, then age requirments might be a bit more important.

Stretch everytime your body is warmed up. You wouldn't have to do full-blown stretching session each time, but stretch a few areas, just so you can take advantage of being warm. You'll hear different things on duration of each stretch. Some say a minute per stretch. Others won't. Do some research and find what works best for you.

For the explosiveness, give plyometrics a try. Find a good trainer, tell them your goals, and have them set you up on a program. It should be only 2 days a week, unless you are breaking up the body into upper and lower work.

That will happen at times, eh? 6-14-10 Aikido: 10:00 am - noon. We worked on some flowing/fluidity drills, and then worked them into some applications. From there, we moved to some transition work. Finished class with some paired jo work. TKD: 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Forms night. Got to review some colored belt forms I had not done in a while, and my 2nd dan black belt form. Did well for not doing them in a while. During the last 10 minutes of class, we did some one-steps, but we actually did a bit of progression with them into some more self-defense related applications. This was very nice to see, and I hope we get into more of it. Aikido in the morning, and TKD in the evening....that's a pretty good day! 6-15-10 Back on the treadmill today. I made my mile in 11:12, and did 1.33 in 15 minutes. It just didn't feel good today, either. TTA hi orange belt form and one-steps. ATA yellow belt form and one-steps. I did two sets of these. Had to dig up The Way, V. III to get a refresher. Stretch. Flexibility is starting to feel good again.

6-10-10 One mile jog, 11:30. Light stretch. Slept too long today. 6-11-10 Made back to Aikido today! Had a good review of some of the basics, and we also worked with the short staff today, which I always enjoy. Good two hours of class...10:00 am - noon.

That's great. I wish you were in my area. I'd come for free, for sure! And I am very interested in learning BJJ.