question for instructors

[tkdan]

I have a situation I'm dealing with. A group of us students are testing for our black belt soon. In the group there is one girl that was not supposed to test because she had not been to classes due to other activities for a long time. She has been in the school for as long or longer than the rest of us but she has not been to near as many classes as the rest of us. For the past four months the rest of us have been attending an extra black belt candidate class greared towards preparing us for the test. This girl just started coming to the class. So she will have two months compared to our six months in this class not to mention all of the months of regular classes she has missed. It is aggrivating because I have been working my butt off in preperation for this test. The schools policy has always been if a student is not ready to test (i.e. not enought classes, don't know or can't perform requirements) then they don't test. It is obvious that this girl will not be ready but things are movig forward as though she is going to be allowed to test. Just curious if I'm over reacting or if I have a legitimate gripe?

[pittbullJudoka]

I feel ya on this one. But if I were you I would only worry about myself on this one. This is one of those situations that just rubs you the wrong way. Sounds like you are doing what you need to be well prepared for your test. This otherperson may feel they're ready but when it comes to show time they may not be. Just consintrate on your training because that's what will get you through. And good luck withyou test.

[IcemanSK]

I wasn't sure at first if you were the instructor of this person or a fellow student testing at the same time.

You're asking for an instructor's point of view. As an instructor I'd tell you that it's really none of your concern. Your instructor makes those decisions. You need to focus on working for your test. That should keep you busy enough.

[KarateEd]

As an instructor I would say, as IcemanSK said, that you need to focus on your own preparation for your BB test and not to worry about other students.

Even though it is annoying, thinking about the situation only distracts you from your ultimate goal. As you know, the other student's performance will not determine whether you pass or fail.

Ed

[bushido_man96]

The guys have it right here, I think. Just worry about your test. If you spend energy worrying about what others are up to, then you will side track yourself, and that will cause you more worry than you need. It sounds like you have been working hard, and are ready to go. Just stay focused, and let it fall into place now.

I can understand that you are irritated about this. However, there may be things going on behind the scenes that you are not privy to; perhaps she has been training on her own, and has trouble making classes due to other obligations. Perhaps the instructor has been working with her in private sessions. You really won't know unless you ask, either. Just let things play out. I am sure things will work out well for you either way.

[tkdan]

I wanted to clear something up. I'm not a busybody that goes around stirring up trash about everything I don't agree with. The only reason I bring it up here is nobody will get hurt over me expressing my thoughts.

However, there may be things going on behind the scenes that you are not privy to; perhaps she has been training on her own, and has trouble making classes due to other obligations. Perhaps the instructor has been working with her in private sessions.

Actually I am privy to most everything. My wife and I have been good friends with the owners/instructors (husband and wife) for several years. I'm not faulting the instructors. I realize this is a case where the girl's mom is pushing for it. When we started to develope a relationship outside of the school with the owners I made it a point to let them know that I expect my kids to be held to the same standards as any other student. In fact my youngest had to wait til the next testing when he tested for green because he did not meet his minimal class requirement due to baseball season. As a parent I would not have had it any other way. I guess I expect the same from other parents. This is not something I would even bring up in a social setting with the owners because I have too much respect for them as my instructors. I realize the owners are in a awkward position due to the amont of years this girl has been going to the school. I'm sorry if I came across as bashing my instructors decisions it was not my intent. It is better to vent than let it eat at you. This was my intent just to vent and get it out.

I realize when it is all said and done I will know the I earned the rank and that is all that matters.

[pittbullJudoka]

They may let her test without having the required number of classes because of the social setting with the parent of the girl. And doing this they may also hold her to the same exspectation as the rest of you that are taking the extra training. But I can understand wanting to vent without causing problems within the training hall.

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

I do not blame you for your frusteration at all. I respect it greatly. We have a Black Belt that got relinquished of his Instructing duties because he really did the school in and lost many many students. He is not a good person. He himself does not have his attendance in, and he is testing for his masters in less than a month. It's a shame because when i get my masters rank, i will never feel the same about it again. He has put a black mark on such a great accomplishment. It is a shame, he has lost my respect...he has put me in such a bad position where i have to pretend to respect him so the students don't know who he is and what he has done. I feel your pain sir, i really truly do.

If you are firm in your beliefs, which I am, i would respectfully bring something up to your chief instructor but i suggest you rehearse very carefully, as i'll be doing. I'll keep you updated on how mine goes. It's a shame, It's a shame.

[bushido_man96]

It's a shame because when i get my masters rank, i will never feel the same about it again. He has put a black mark on such a great accomplishment. It is a shame, he has lost my respect...he has put me in such a bad position where i have to pretend to respect him so the students don't know who he is and what he has done. I feel your pain sir, i really truly do.

If I were you, I wouldn't pretend to respect the guy at all. If that is how you feel about it, then I would make sure not to play along with the politics that litter the Martial Arts. I am not saying that you need to go out and disrespect the person to everyone, but if you don't respect him, then don't pretend to.

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

It's a shame because when i get my masters rank, i will never feel the same about it again. He has put a black mark on such a great accomplishment. It is a shame, he has lost my respect...he has put me in such a bad position where i have to pretend to respect him so the students don't know who he is and what he has done. I feel your pain sir, i really truly do.

If I were you, I wouldn't pretend to respect the guy at all. If that is how you feel about it, then I would make sure not to play along with the politics that litter the Martial Arts. I am not saying that you need to go out and disrespect the person to everyone, but if you don't respect him, then don't pretend to.

I would, but i forgot to mention on minor detail. My father has been on my town's fire department for years, he's older now, but he still loves his job as much as when i was a little kid and he first got on. I am very proud of him. This particular person testing for his masters just got on the department two years ago. They are co workers now and often go out for drinks with the rest of the crew. I don't want to ruin things for my father, i did enough of that when i was a stupid kid/teen. I don't want to make things difficult and uncomfortable for my father, family, students, or other co workers/blackbelts.

Of course, my luck.