bushido_man96

Not bad ideas at all, mr. obvious.

Its tough, and depends on the students' ranks. Breaking into rank groups, and having an instructor that can help with each, would be a good deal. But, it doesn't always happen that way.

I like to just try to have a really big plate...with sideboards on it, too.

I agree. I don't think it is the norm to see a bunch of high ranks in a school. I think that typically lower ranks will outnumber the higher ranks, just due to the process of elimination. I think there is a 10% factor in those who make it to black belt, and then a 10% factor for every degree thereafter.

For me, it would depend on what was being offered as far as curriculum goes. I'd be willing to check it out, at least. Who knows?

I'd guess its a technique issue. Kicks are a lot more technical than hand strikes are, in my opinion. They have always been more challenging for me, anyways. Having someone with some experience look at what you are doing and guiding you along can go a long ways in helping.

Ours are conducted in front of a panel.

Yeah, it does sound somewhat counter-productive. I have not heard of it. I could see sparring maybe in a limited fashion from like a kicking distance or something, to work on that aspect, though.

I've got some old tourney footage of me laying around somewhere. Its a great training tool to use, especially in slowing down parts of a form so I can break down technique. I think a great idea would be to video tape every white belt's first testing. Then, tape them again when they test for black belt. After promotion, have a gathering with food and beverages, and a TV to show how someone started, and how they look after testing for black belt.

I think its a case of sometimes "actions speak louder than words." I know that there is an old gym axiom, as well: "show me, don't tell me." Sometimes, both of these do have room in the dojo.

Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. Basics, forms, and sparring, in English .

Congrats, GeoGiant!

That sounds like a good idea. I suck at rope skipping, though, and usually end up tossing the things aside. I guess I just need more work at it.

That's a good point. I think that it comes to the point that these higher dan rankings and titles are usually only made by appointment. They come so late in one's life/career that physical assesments aren't going to be as easy to do as they were when one was young. Perhaps the major issue is if the rank is more like a political appointment then something that is really earned through time and devotion.

I think that this is something that all instructors should consider before taking on the challenge of opening their own school. Like at my school, my instructor likes for me to have a class to teach, but I can't do it right now...my schedule just doesn't allow it. Also, my rank "requires" me to be teaching in my organization. But, if I can't, I'm not going to bust my butt over trying to get it done. After all, it is his school, and he is the one making the money off of it. In the end, I see it as his responsibility to cover the classes that he offers, and any help he can get is just a bonus. Maybe I've been putting up with this for so long now that I'm a bit jaded on the subject. Its not my intent to turn this into a rant against you, so please don't take it that way. But, it may be one of those deals where you will have to go it alone until you have someone capable and willing to help you out from within.

I don't know about that. That's a lot of guarantees for 15 hours. I wouldn't be sold, but depending on cost, I would consider checking it out, if in my area, to see what was being offered. Just to see...

I didn't vote, because it is going to be different for every sensei out there. Some like the title outside of the school, and may insist on it. Some will be more lax with it. Personally, I don't like calling anyone "sir" or "sensei" outside of the class, but that is just me.

Good call on keeping the hands up anyways, Joe. Good habit to get into. 5-26-10 One mile jog, just over 11 minutes. Good stretch afterwards. 5-27-10 One mile jog, just over 11 minutes again. Then I went into the activities room at the gym and did some forms and one-steps. Did TTA white belt form then ATA white belt form, followed by TTA and ATA one-steps for each. Then did low orange belt TTA form, and orange belt ATA form, followed by the respective one-steps for each. Enjoyed another good stretch after that.

You will have to look at the time you have to give to each, and if it is enough to meet all your goals. You may be able to switch times around to make things work, too. It will just depend on how much time you have.

First, does the school offer what you are looking for in particular? Self-defense heavy, sport/competition heavy, or a combination of things. Second, what are the instructor's/assitant's credentials. Established organization, or are they from a smaller club? Either one can be good, and either on can be bad. Third, does the instructor's philosophies and ideals line up with yours, or are they close enough that concessions can be made. This is really important, I think. Fourth, price and class availabilty. Class availability should be higher up on the list, but I think that most will offer good availability.

Signing a contract to "earn your black belt," no. Signing a contract for monthly fees collection, I do agree with. That way, the instructor doesn't have to worry about being a bill collector.

I've heard the same. Your mileage will vary, though, so check out the school before thowing in the towel and checkmarking it as the same as every other GKR school.

I do too, and I've noticed the same thing. I don't have the balance board, though, so I don't know how that affects gameplay. It is fun, too.

This may sound kind of bad, but I look at Aikido as Hapkido, made more complicated. Don't get me wrong, because there are some things I enjoy with Aikido, like the Aikitaisos and such, and some of the concepts are good ones. But, I think a lot of things become more complex than they need to be because of the flowing energy they like to use and create. Of course, I am still pretty new at it, too, and have missed practices for the last few months.

I think that about sums it up, TKDKing. In the end, its simple things, done well, and it helps the body out.