bushido_man96

This question needs to be looked into deeply. I don't like to make generalizations about arts, so perhaps with some digging we can come up with some more subjective information.

If there has been a large gap, then I can see this taking place. If someone wears a green belt, let's say, and a low rank asks them for help, and they can't remember the low rank form, then they need to do some retraining, in my opinion.

I would give them some time, like a few weeks, and then give them a call. Nothing pressing, just to say we have missed so-and-so in class, and was just wanting to see how they were doing. Maybe you can get some info this way. Also, it shows you care.

http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=26365 This thread has the video, 3 posts down on the first page.

What book did you order?

This is how I breath while doing the moves in the forms that don't have a kihap on them.

You make a very good point here. I learned so much when I began teaching. Just a side note from my past experiences. When I was in the Instructor Trainee program in the ATA as a 1st degree, I was required to log 1800 hours of assistance to a Certified Instructor at my school. This, along with several other requirements, had to be met before I could go off to Instructor Certification Camp, which was a week long ordeal of learning various teaching methods and strategies. There are a lot of things that go into being a good instructor, and assisting is a very good way to get some good experience.

Ooooh, double sticks. That would be fun!

This can work, if there is enough room and enough instructors available for both. Otherwise, someone loses out on class time.

I think it would be beneficial to be able to apply defenses against both trained and untrained attackers, and by looking at the various posts here, the bunkai can vary enough to allow one to do this. It is good to try to prepare for as many variables as you can!

I like this thread, guys. As I mentioned before, we don't do bunkai at my school, so I like to get insight on this kind of stuff.

Sounds like a blast!

Take a few days off from class. If you start getting the itch, then you will be back on track.

I don't have anything official, because I refuse to see a doctor about them! Unfortunately, my knees hurt a lot, all of the time. My instructor has miniscus tears, and has had his knee scoped a couple of times. So much kicking impact will tend to do that. As for how common it is, I cannot be certain.

Did you try it yet? Then how do you know I am wrong?

You should be able to find some techniques listed on Wikipedia.org. under just a karate heading. That should help you refresh a little. As far as the formalities go, find out for sure by asking. Most of the time, you will avoid those things outside of the dojo.

I would find another school, if I were you. Even if it means starting over completely, or learning a different style. Also, be careful who you associate with, as the reputation of an instructor may get wrongly passed on to his students.

I think you should sit down and talk about this as well. Maybe you can come up with a compromise. There may also be a method to his madness, so to speak. As far as talking about branching out, I would wait until you are at least a 2nd dan; the experience will be helpful. Also, the higher the rank you are, the more credibility prospective students will attach to you as a teacher. Express your feelings privately first, and then talk about instructor meetings where you can all brainstorm ideas.

That would be great, parkerlineage. I love history!

I agree with you and I'm not to happy about him sparring so young but it's the way the school is run. They need to spar at orange and green but they get tested in sparring at green to move up. He started at 4. That's all I do is encourage him. I'm not one of those crazy karate mothers who think their child should move up the ranks fast. As a matter of fact I had a talk with his master when I knew he would be testing for green and questioned whether he was ready. They assured me he was but personally I'd rather him move at a slower pace and be able to take in what he's learning. But that being said he does seem to absorb what he's being taught and still remembers his 4 katas and all the one steps. I know his school will not move you up unless they know you're ready but that doesn't make me feel much better. It's just hard for me as a mother to see him get in there and spar so I try and spar with him a few times a week to learn about blocking. I noticed your comment about wanting him to take his time, and absorb what he is learning. If you don't want him to test, then don't have him test. Talk to the instructor, and tell him that you maybe want him to stay at the rank a little longer, if you think it will benefit him. There is nothing wrong with waiting until the next testing. Talk to your child about it, too, but ultimately, the decision is yours. My instructor has held his own kids out of testings before, because he felt they needed some more work. Not a big deal.

Street Fighter 2 started it all, so we should give it the props it is due.

When I do an axe kick, I will usually chamber the kick still, but I cut the arc short to bring it down on the target, instead of going through.

Not really a pre-Mortal Kombat game, but a good one none-the-less is Comix Zone for the Genesis. The main character, Sketch, gets pulled into his own comic book, and becomes an awesome fighter. The moves in the game are great. I always enjoyed the game.

You beat me, THIS time!.... Ok, as for the hands down thing, this is what I do in class sometimes, if kids (or adults!) are dropping their hands too much. Have them grab their ears! Yeah, it looks silly, but the hands are up! And, too keep from looking silly, they will think more about keeping them up. You could also have them hold onto the lapels of their uniform as well, but the hands will still be below their head. I prefer ears.