Martial Artists?

[Alex F]

Be careful who you sign on to train you or your children. Some jerk's wife hit my car two years ago. While I was bending over to look at the fender, he got out of the passenger side, sneaked up on me, and broke my jaw, then ran away. I got the license plate number and the state police tracked him down. According to the police reports and court records, he is some kind of karate instructor in california. The prosecutor let him plea bargain down to third degree aggravated assault instead of second degree. He got away with just a year of probation instead of 7 to 10 years in the state penitentiary.

Before you trust your child or yourself to some potential psychopath, do a criminal check. You can not be too careful. There are too many crazy people out there. This site is a good starting place, but should not be your only reference.

Best regards,
Frank

Sorry what happened to you Frank. I would think that most true professional instructors are to help people and use the skills for self defence only. I have no doubts that there are number of jerks among them, but I'd say the percentage of them much lower.

As for choosing the "right" instructor, I guess there's not a lot we can do. If the first impression is positive, the next is approach "first we try, then we trust".

 

[billandamy]

What if the flapping jaws were aimed at your wife?

Not enough to kick someone. I need to hold back, because once I go, it is hospital time for the receiver. I am not, in all honesty, someone to scrap with. A lifetime of ice hockey, lacrosse and other activities has left me completely numb to pain. I have been punched in the face many many times in my life on and off the ice, and it just really gets me madder.

My wife would laugh anyway, she's a damn tough chick, and knows when someone is being a prick. She would have at it with someone right back before I could say a word anyway :lol:

Always the "quiet girls" :smt001

 

[billandamy]

I didn't say anything to him since I didn't know he was out of the car. Hope you guys meet someone similar. Then you can see how funny it really is.

No, the comment in context was funny, not you getting hit. I do not approve of that at all. ESPECIALLY a blind side. Fight like a man, or dont fight at all. Cheap shots piss me the f off.

 

[vetteboy]

Or carry a gun

 

[ghuskin]

Our school is even more strict, there is a set of requirements for each level, there is a minimum time, and there is also a piece where the instructor determines if the student is "ready" for the next level in maturity and responsibility abililty as well as complete knowledge of all the pieces of their requirements. (there are numerous pieces of history of the art form that's related to that level)

-VtSeaRay

This is what I see from the school that my kids, and I attend. There are some students that have been there much longer than mine, and have not achieved the same level (belt). I often get a chance to watch the students, and it is obvious that some of them "just don't get it".

The instructors care about the tradition of the art. My son will have enough "class time" and knows the form to test for his blue belt in March, but will not until April or May. the instructor likes them to really know thier stuff, and not just "get by".

What I get from them is that this is not just a business, but a lifestyle, for them. They really care about the students (of all ages). they take the time to learn all the students names, as well as the parents. I was pretty impressed.

This is what led me join the ranks.

I thank all for your comments.

Frank, I'm sorry that some a-hole has given you a bad impression of what we learn as martial artists (control, discipline, self-confidence, respect). Don't worry, someday that moron will get some bad karma coming back to him.

Gregg

 

[boatn]

I'm a former black belt TaeKwonDO. I loved it until I came to the realization that there is alway someone meaner, badder, bigger and more willing to fight or just do damage. That's when I quit. But several years after resigning from karate i stumbled on Aikido. It it the best martial art I've ever studied, and I studied several in my karate days. If you have the chance check it out.

 

[Alex F]

I'm a former black belt TaeKwonDO. I loved it until I came to the realization that there is alway someone meaner, badder, bigger and more willing to fight or just do damage. That's when I quit.

Does that mean that all this time you thought you were the biggest and strongest? :lol: I'm only kidding. But on the serious note I think this is wrong theory. What about staying in great shape and feeling great and confident? Sure you can join a gym or equivalent instead, but if you did enough martial arts you know better that those classes is where you get most of the work out. I'm sure that when you were training you felt great and when you got your BB you felt even greater and were in best physical shape. That's good enough reasons to continue training. No need to be a superman who has to save the world. Also, quiting for that reason, what kind of example did it set for your kids (if you have any)?

 

[billandamy]

I'm a former black belt TaeKwonDO. I loved it until I came to the realization that there is alway someone meaner, badder, bigger and more willing to fight or just do damage. That's when I quit. But several years after resigning from karate i stumbled on Aikido. It it the best martial art I've ever studied, and I studied several in my karate days. If you have the chance check it out.

Completely the wrong attitude for martial arts in any way, shape, or form. They should have actually taught you that it is for self defense/preservation and confidence, as well as maintaining the body: the temple.

 

[Woody]

Completely the wrong attitude for martial arts in any way, shape, or form. They should have actually taught you that it is for self defense/preservation and confidence, as well as maintaining the body: the temple.

In recent years my 'temple' has deteriorated and started to crumble. I can't seem to repair as fast as it crumbles. Do what you have to do to keep up with things guys.

 

[billandamy]

In recent years my 'temple' has deteriorated and started to crumble. I can't seem to repair as fast as it crumbles. Do what you have to do to keep up with things guys.

I hear ya. I mean, I am only 40, and I still play full contact competitive ice hockey at least once a week. I can feel the hits up until Saturday morning.

 

[Woody]

I hear ya. I mean, I am only 40, and I still play full contact competitive ice hockey at least once a week. I can feel the hits up until Saturday morning.

I retired early and now see that as a big contributor. Taking it easy has a price. Everyone is different but that's how it worked for me.

 

[timinfla2]

I tried giving my temple interior a few too many coats of new beer-colored paint this weekend and it let me know that it wasn't happy with me this morning...