bushido_man96

I feel that the premises of leaning a martial art should be martial first, and art second. Now, I don't mean to put a high priority on fighting, because I don't. However, being able to defend oneself should be a direct outcome of martial arts training--from the beginning. Leadership type studies should be reserved for the higher ranked students who show interest in being an instructor or class assistant or coach. As for the testing fees you describe, I think they are reasonable, as long as the training matches the price you pay.

You guys must of had a visit from Chuck Norris??

I agree with you here. One thing that I would say is similar to "fighting spirit," but not the same, would be what I call for lack of better terminology the "killer instinct." The ability to fight is trainable. However, the trait that some people have to just to go into a state of mind to totally ahnialate someone is totally different, and in my opinion, much harder to train.

This really depends more on the instructor's personal philosophies, as opposed to the standards of the art itself. It just depends if you get the strictly business type of instructor, or the one who is sociable, or one who is just downright friendly to everyone, and is everyone's friend.

In order to cut down on school violence, I think that more schools should have full time Resource Officers (Police Officers) on duty. My home town has two high schools, and several primary and middle schools, and two officers is not enough, in my opinion.

If you keep looking, you should find a good school somewhere. ITF school are fairly popular, so I would think you could find something. I have paid testing fees similar to $60, and I don't think that is too bad. What you do have hold of is the training...you want it to be good. Try to do an internet search in the area, and see what you can come up with. One question I have is how long do you want the classes to last? I agree that 45 minutes is not enough, unless they are really cranking in that time span. I hope that you can find what you are looking for.

I'd be leary of any master that didn't still consider themself a student. If your no longer learning anything, then your journey is over. I agree. I don't see how I could ever stop learning anything new about MA, or myself!

It sometimes seems that way.

Welcome to the forums, Syphax!

Welcome to the forums, Master Raiden!

All right, a classic old AFL West match up, finishing on a 53 yard field goal by Tynes, 30-27. It seems like one week the Chiefs are rebuilding, and the next they may have an identity. What the Chiefs did well this week: 1. found Tony Gonzalez (and its about time!!). 2. Got Larry Johnson going. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry, and had 161 total yards of offense. He looked like the LJ of last year, and the line appeared to have some success at blocking. If they can keep it going, they may have a chance throughout the season. Trent Green has been cleared to practice this week, but not to play yet. Huard will still get most of the snaps in practice, and will start next week as well. I must say that he has managed the games very well up to this point, and I cannot complain about his ability as a backup. One thing that did irritate me was having the Chargers pinned on 3rd and 20, and a stop would have pinched them good. However, the defense gives up a 21 yard pass play for a first down, getting the Chargers close to field goal range. Those mistakes will come back to bite them if they are not careful. Oh, yeah, and also giving up a 17 point lead....that urks me, too. But, a win is a win, and they don't give style points, so I'll shut up now.

Good luck with that. On a side note, there is a remake of Casino Royale coming out. It looks promising.

Hooray for you, Kez! I don't know about the other, though, but I could ask my wife...she's a clever one. I can understand your excitement. My youngest, a boy, just turned 1. I am so happy!!! I don't about this whole potty training thing, though!

Toss up between quarterstaff and sword/shield combination.

Hmm, interesting. I don't know if I would like one though.

Very much so indeed.

That is a good approach. However, I would maybe say that practitioners remain practitioners. But, I do agree that masters can still be students, but some don't see themselves that way.

You could do alternating rounds. 2-3 minute rounds, with a 1 minute break. Do round one on the bag, round 2 on the ball, then round 3 shadowbox. Then start the routine over, doing 12 or 15 rounds. That should give you a good workout.

Every one claims that reaching black belt is only the beginning, and that it means you have grasped the basics. If this is the case, then why should it take so long to become a beginner? It is absolutely true when someone says, "Earning a Black Belt is just the beginning." However, this is meant to convey the attitude that a student should have about their martial arts progress, not to literally say that until you earn a Black Belt you are not even a beginner. There are two different interpretations here. One is that black belt is the beginning, and one is that a black belt has mastered the basics. I am not confusing the two, I am pointing out one variation. If black belt is considered "just the beginning," then so could 2nd dan, 3rd dan, and so on, because you would never end the journey. However, as with everything, there are first steps, and there are milestones. Honestly, I feel that white belt is the first step, and black belt is a milestone. However, if black belt is just corresponds to learning the basics, then is a long time frame really necessary? I see many talk about taking 4 years to get a black belt. Others 6. Mine, took a little over 2. A boxer, no such thing! In the end, it is based on how the person trains, as opposed to how long it takes to attain a rank, that will benefit them the most.

Training is training, and as long as you are getting good training, then I would say just go with the flow. You will be back up to par before you know it. Welcome to KF, by the way!

One thing I would add is to try to get someone to witness for you. That is one reason it is good to travel in small groups.

That would explain the different spellings.

It sounds to me like things are already pretty escalated. There is only one more step he can take, aside from beating on you. And if he does take that step, then there is no wondering what you should or shouldn't do anymore. I would take the safe road if I were you.

What happens when that show finally ends.....????? Why would you say such a thing? You will give me nightmares!!!!! Sorry!!

That is the one thing about signing contracts. You should know everything about it when you sign it. I have monthly dues drawn out contractually every month, but I go with it because I know that I will be training. I don't have any unexpected things come up, barring serious injury. If you discuss it with the instructor, you may be able to get something worked out. Hopefully, you will.