Empty_Hand

I don't agree that schools are safe, but this perhaps is an over-statement. I may not be an expert, but when I went to highschool (just a year ago) the school was not a killing field of any sort. Nobody in my school died, sure maybe a fight here and there but not much. Then you are among the lucky ones. Certainly every city/country varies. Recent and even not so recent news headlines seem to indicate that now a days school violence when it does occur can and often is more deadly than ever. To down play the seriousness or even the threat of school violence is a grave mistake IMO. To re focus here; certainly a martial artist as part of his/her training will want to be aware of potential danger in all walks of life. When the time for combat arrives, feel good policies and social theories won't be much help. Rather an MA's instinct and training could be the difference between life and death or at least serious bodily injury.

Sadly as recent headlines indicate, often it is not students who are a danger to each other. Students are often in fact victimized by adults in authority or even outsiders who don't belong there in the first place. More security and even more unrealistic policies are no solution. Communication between the student and parent is more crucial than ever in these turbulent times. And of course being an adept in a martial art is helpful as well.

With all do respect, if you think schools are not as dangerous as the so called "streets" you might want to think again. One only needs to scan news headlines or have a son/daughter in school to realize that. Many of today's "schools" are as much if not more of a killing field than a dangerous dark alley in the "street". The fact is in a dangerous situation, one can really only count on his/herself. If one expects the calvary to come rushing in to save them they may end up not only disappointed but injured or even dead.

Hello and welcome

Hello and welcome.

Seems to me to be a matter of personal choice. Hopefully moderation will be maintained.

Most definitely anyone who is willing and able should be accepted into MA training/class. However I personally feel that the Dojo is NOT the proper forum for religious, political or discussion of social issues. There is a time and place for everything.

I agree with the first half of this statement but have a bit of trouble with this second part. True, in some cases ego probably does come into play, however hasn't a Sensei earned that title? Is it simply noting more than just a title for the dojo? I say no, if Sensei stops being Sensei after class then is he/she truly a Sensei? I have not run into my Sensei outside of the dojo environment yet but when and if I do I will address him as Sensei unless told other wise. When it comes to Sempai, while in the Dojo I strive to show respect to all Sempai, IMO, they have obviously earned that. This also shows a greater respect to the Sensei as well. Outside of the Dojo, I would not necessarily acknowledge the Sempai in the same way. This is my .02 on it.

We have a monthly or every three month payment plan. Discounts are given for the three month option, additionally a family discount is given. I train with my daughter and right now we pay monthly and get three classes a week. At our level this pays for training in beginner karate, kihon, kata, etc. We do not train in weapons or kumite yet, I know that weapons is an additional cost but not sure what it is. Of course testing fees are extra. I think it's a little pricey overall but I try to consider these two things; Number one, I feel at least at this point we are getting our moneys worth. Secondly, the dojo where I train is a family run business. My Sensei has two kids, wife etc. Being self employed myself I try to remember all the difficulties in running your own business. It's not all glamour like some may think.

I think its a good idea for instructors to have and maintain a basic CPR and First aid certification. Also why not have the dojo sponsor a class for other students who may also have an interest in this. Perhaps other people who would not have other wise received first aid cert. would be more willing to do this. I know I would be willing to give up a night of training to take a CPR class with my dojo family. Regarding the weight issue.. we have a black belt or two at our dojo who are what I would describe as overweight. However they are held to the same if not harder standards of training. Everyone comes to class with different body types, and issues. I say welcome to them all! Focus, and strive to do your absolute best no matter what ones weight, body type or abilities are. Should one wait until all bad attitudes, habits etc are conquered before taking up a martial art.... absolutely not. Comes as you are and take up the warriors path. It has a cumulative effect, time and experience may cause a student to totally transform his/her self both physically, mentally and more importantly, spiritually. Knuckle push ups... everyone does them or at least tries to do them in our class, regardless of age, weight etc. My 10 yr old daughter struggles with these greatly and it's discouraging to her I know it. Again, all that is asked is just try and do your best. We are trying to overcome negative attitudes here, mind over matter etc. Our martial art is building more complete human beings not just in class, more importantly outside of class.

Rei and welcome.

Sure, I can tell you what I know.... this style has its roots in Shito-Ryu. Hayashi Teruo founded the style in 1972, from what I can tell it is a culmination of his life's work covering about 50 years of personal experience. Teruo trained under many different budo masters such as; Kenwa Mabuni, Kosei Kuniba, Nagamine Shoshin and Nakaima Kenko. Just to name a few. My Sensei both knew and trained under Teruo and many of his top sempai, here in the states and Japan as well. In our dojo Hayashi is highly respected. I can tell you I am honored to be training in this style. PS. thanks for the welcome, see you in the forums.

I definitely feel your pain on the side kicks! These are a tough one for me also. Especially doing them with my left leg, I've noticed a definite weakness in my left. Good luck to you!

My story is very similar, except it was my daughter. Now we both take karate!

Gonna have to go with Orion on this one. In other words I haven't advanced to kumite yet. I realize that once this happens injury could very well be a factor. Regardless of the pads or no pads issue, I feel focus, speed, balance and power are essential. Perhaps if both participants in a sparring session/tournament remember this then injury could be minimized. Actually this was just mentioned in my class Saturday; Focus, Speed, Balance, Power and proper kihon. Five things I hope to bring to every battle.