bushido_man96

I think that some sport-fighting types of training have a better set up going for training for self-defense than some more "traditional" schools would have you believe. Take Judo and Wrestling, for example. They both go at full resistance, full speed. You learn what you can and cannot do when someone is trying to do the same things to you. Boxing and Kickboxing have advantages because you learn what it is like to be hit, and how to hit back. These sports all have the advantage of training at full speed, with resistance from an opponent. No one is pulling the other fist to the hip, or striking perfect stances, or doing forms. All of the application is right there.

This is a good point, as well. Turnabout is fair play.

There will come a time when you have been doing things long enough to know if you need to try something different to make it work. Don't confuse this with being inexperienced, though. Obviously, if you haven't had any experience with something, it will feel unnatural to you. Just because this is so, doesn't mean you should start doing things "your way" right away. You have to give it time.

That sounds great, then. If I had a place around here like that, I would call it....home!!!

That does make good sense, Zanshin. In the past, I had usually thought of clubs as part-time workout schools, like for 2 days a week, or something like that. However, the club referring to the group makes more sense.

Our school had one at one time, but a my buddy that I do the CQC with bought it. It wasn't of that design, however. It was the bigger, full upperbody design. I like them, and think they offer a realistic target, as long as you are working the upper body (aside from the lack of arms...). It is great for targeting the brachials, eyes, nose, etc. However, when I want a good endurance workout, I prefer to use a regular Wavemaster bag.

Yes, this one is quite good. The Black Belt version has the WTF black belt forms, as well, along with ideas behind opening up a school.

This is quite good. Something to think about.

I agree with NightOwl. Now, if you were living under his roof, and training with him night and day, etc., then it may be a different story. This doesn't appear to be the case, though. This seems like an extreme case to me, and I think you may have a legitimate arguement, from what I can tell. However, if the first thing you should consider is the quality of training that you are receiving, before considering leaving just to push along the rank awards. If you are happy with the training, then I would say not mess with anything. Perhaps approach the Sensei about your concerns, and see what you can come up with together. Perhaps he is willing to work with you. Also, perhaps he is testing you as well. There are a lot of things to keep in mind.

Great points.

It sounds like things worked out in the end.

I recommend the burpee exercise! I can't do it too well, with my knees (although my knees have been better lately...) but it would help you, I think.

Cross training can be iffy in the Martial Arts community. Some instructors think it is great, and some detest it. Here is a thread you can read to get some different opinions on that subject: http://www.karateforums.com/do-we-need-to-ask-permission-vt29499.html With that said, I have heard that training in both Judo and BJJ can be beneficial, because with Judo, you start from a standing position, and in BJJ you work from the ground more. Both are good ranges to be familiar with. Therefore, if you can swing it, I would recommend cross-training in the two.

Montana speaks the truth. If you are ever confused as to how to do a technique properly, ask your sensei. Personally, I don't think that in shotokan, a blue belt is really qualified to "teach".Yes, when in doubt, ask the sensei. This is one of the downfalls of allowing others to teach that may not have a lot of experience. I think that it is important for instructors to spend time with their assistants doing forms and evaluating how each of the moves are done, so that when this kind of circumstance arises, then everyone can expect to be on the same page. Another thing to consider, playing devil's advocate here, is that when you ask someone else how to perform a technique, they may do it differently because the different way works better for them. Martial Artists will adjust techniques all of the time to better suit their body style. Just something to consider. They may not be wrong. In the end, however, talk to your sensei to avoid all confusion.

Perhaps doing some plyometric leg exercises would help to build your quickness for takedowns.

It takes time to accomplish this. As the moves become more natural for you to do, you will be able to relax more easily. The more repetitions you do (correctly), then the more familiar you become, and then the more relaxed.

You are never too old to learn something new. Do it, and you will be glad you did.

Hey there, A-Train. I actually lent my book to a co-worker, because I got him a tad interested in it. So, when he gets done with it, I will be back on the ball.

If you don't have solid proof, then prosecution may be tough...but not impossible. Even if you don't prosecute, I would still remove him from the school.

Hello, and welcome to the Forums, and to the Martial Arts! I think that BJJ or Judo would be a good choice for you. You said that you are leaning toward BJJ, and I don't see any reason why you shouldn't go with it. From watching instructional videos online, BJJ seems extremely interesting but watching some UFC and Pride however, the fights seems unnecessarily brutal, putting me off a bit. This is the MMA rendition that you are seeing, I am guessing. BJJ in itself will not involve any striking, really. BJJ itself is all grappling, so it will be like Wrestling, but just with different rules and goals. I don't expect you to do much striking. The reality here is that NO Martial Art is effective against multiple opponents. When you are outnumbered, it is always bad. I wouldn't lean away from BJJ or Judo because of this. I think you would learn lots and enjoy it. Best of luck to you!

Our college here actually has an Aikido club now, with around 22 students active in it right now, according to one member. I asked about his class set-up: 30 minutes of breathing, followed by 30 minutes of stretching, then 1 hour of working technique. At the early stages they work on falling a lot, then into technique. It sounds ok, but I am not into the 30 minutes of breathing. I'd take 30 more minutes of application any day.

That is quite the run of bad luck, NightOwl! I feel for you!

In my eyes, there is only one option; immediate termination and explusion, followed by criminal prosecution. If you let the guy get away with it, and keep him on, what kind of message does that send to the rest of the students?

Perhaps having some fruit on hand, like bananas and apples, would be more in your direction. Perhaps some granola bars or power bars, and drinks like Gatorade and Powerade would be good, too. I understand your dilema; serving junk at an athletic event does seem contrary to the purpose of the event.

Talk with the college first about the priorities involved in running a club at their college. Safety issues will definitely be a concern. Any information after that would probably be whatever you think necessary.