Caveat emptor (buyer beware)

In trying to stay up to date on my teaching and my art, I subscribe to numerous blogs, websites and Twitter accounts. I read up on news articles and training articles. I recently came across a video of what was reported to be a black belt test in NYC. The representation was so bad, there was debate on whether the video was meant as a joke or was serious. Now it is not for me to question anyone else's training or skill. I did however want to note that if you are signing up for any kind of class, whether it is martial arts or pottery you should gather information before making a decision.  Research your instructors and verify their credentials. Visit more then one school. Ask everyone you know for recommendations. You may save a few bucks initially,  but end up in a school  totally inappropriate for what you want. Know the differences between the different martial arts. Is the school geared toward the art or competition?  Is it ground and pound or all forms?  Who teaches the classes?  Meet them before you start. Watch a class or two. Take an intro lesson. It is your money and your body, make sure you are getting everything you want from your classes.

Back seat driving at TKD?

  In the world of martial arts, we are very lucky for many reasons. We enjoy a great job and it is a unique profession that people cannot just walk in and do. We have the joy of working with children and at the same time, usually do not have to worry about over bearing parents who must live their life through their children. Sports like baseball, football, basketball and even gymnastics suffer hugely from the "expert" parents who know so much... However, they can never put forth the time or effort to actually coach, yet have no problem expounding their expertise to everyone within earshot.  Sometimes, individuals will assume the role of coach with the sole intent of "pushing" their child or ensuring their child will be a starting member of the team.  In martial arts, it takes years of practice before you are allowed anywhere near a beginner. That kind of dedication hopefully weeds out those types.
  If it is all so wonderful why do I bring it up? I do so because while this is the rule, there are always exceptions. If your child had a broken arm, and you were a CPA would you explain to the doctor how to reset the arm? If you had this ability why visit the doctor in the first place? The same goes for martial arts. I am a teacher and still a student.  I love suggestions. I love questions. I live to find new ways to make my students better martial artists, but I am the one who has devoted years of training and practice to do this. Our school has open classes and encourage families to come and watch we do not encourage you to come and coach. Our openness and welcoming nature is not a weakness. It is a strength. It is our confidence in our methods and experience that allow us to invite you to watch. Trust in our instruction.  It is why you came to us in the first place. Help us guide your loved ones to their individual martial arts goals.

Working hard or hardly working.

  Well I have probably brought this up before but becoming a black belt is not easy. Actually getting any belt in martial arts takes time and effort. There are always some people who will work harder then others. Sometimes it may be a factor of age, maturity, injury or schedule conflicts. Nobody can understand how life may interfere with the desire to train more than myself. What I cannot understand is people who choose to follow this path but do not devote a enough amount of time to it.  Sure, everyone has an off-day or may have difficulty with a specific area. People need help all the time. None of this is an issue overall to any instructor, provided you are putting in effort the rest of the time. What can try on an instructors patience is the students who don't put in the minimum until two to three weeks before a test, then want extra help to make sure they meet the requirements and can move on in the process. The study of martial arts is an ongoing process with each step building on the previous steps. When at a lower belt level it may be possible to cram for the test and get away with it. This however will likely come back to haunt you, especially when striving for that black belt.  No matter how many times an instructor may warn students of this impending trouble some people just don't want to believe it will happen to them.

Physical and Mental Health

  Everyday I talk about how great it is to teach and train. I am lucky to do something I enjoy. Not everyone has that luxury. So everyday I see adults coming in after a bad day at home or at work. I know when this was me all I hoped for was a great workout so I could sweat and forget about everything else. As I great all the students coming in and out everyday I hope we give them some kind of escape. I know they definitely get a physical workout but I like to provide a fun place to go where people can escape from the rest of their life if only for an hour. Medical science has taught us that stress is as dangerous to us as anything else. Hopefully we are providing a cure for that.
  Everything we do is not considered a standard social activity by everyone but we try to get everyone involved. A few weeks ago we had a golf outing, this weekend we have a trip to the Great Escape and the black belts have a three hour test coming up in a few weeks. Not all these things match everyone's idea of a fun afternoon. I will have done all three and unless something out of the ordinary happens I will have a great time at all three events. This is not because of what I am doing but because of the people I am with. If you are training make sure you are getting everything you can out of your school. Make sure you not only get physically stronger but mentally stronger and get rid of your stress. Make a new friend, have some fun.

Ups and Downs.

  Like any job teaching, has its ups and downs and despite all the fun, it is possible to have a bad day. There are some things that can become routine and some things you never get tired of. I know that I look at some things different then other instructors and that is okay as long as everyone is learning what they should and having fun.Today I had one of the moments I love. It was very short and nobody probably even noticed except me and the student involved.
  The background to this moment is last week a student pushed them-self beyond their physical limit even after I said something. No injury occurred but there was a risk. The student was in a zone and was really pushing themselves. I didn't realize how much effort until now. Today the student came to me and explained how due to an issue they have never been able to keep up with the numerous jocks in their family and yet despite these limitations, has done more at TKD then they ever believed possible. The student then asked for me to work out a way to slow the student down as needed for their own good. WOW! What a compliment to me, the other instructors and TKD itself. I feel great the student is getting something out of our classes they were never able to get before. I love to see that kind of fire burning inside a student. It makes every other day very worth while.

The new week begins.

  Well the new week has started where last week left off. Paddle targets and alley drills with paddle targets. A lot of sweat and then some forms practice. Finally finishing with another workout. Adult class was really on the ball and red stripes were given out to pretty much everyone. Very impressive. The kids classes are doing really well. Hopefully everyone who needs help will come in for the extra help that is being offered.
  Saturday was our Black Belt power classes and the class did not disappoint neither did the Black Belts. Hard work was met by perseverance and a great morning workout was had by everyone. The pace is really starting to pick up. There is less then a month to go and we will be having three days of testing. All the color belts and black belts will be testing. We will be having a demonstration at the test and also for the Town of North Greenbush at there Youth Day event on September 7th. Hopefully everyone will participate in the 5k that morning it will be fun.

End of the week, beginning of black belt.

The end of another TKD week approaches. Everyone really put in a good effort. Tonight was the Phase 1 test for all our Bodans and Black Belts moving up to the next level. A great job was done by all. There were some small mistakes made but nothing worrisome. Every time a new class of black belts steps forward I remember the flood of emotions that goes along with all the hard work. Wondering if each move is the right one and the concentration on foot and hand position. You can see the worry in their faces and the thrill and excitement as each task is completed successfully. I hope they all take the time to savor the the experience. So few people who start this adventure make it to black belt and even fewer make it to the advanced levels. This is one of those moments in life that should be held on to forever. Something to be proud of and something that can never be taken away. This is one of the times in a persons life they can look back on no matter what else is going on and feel good about. It supplies confidence, accomplishment and camaraderie.
If there is a TKD soapbox, I am always on it. But I figure if you are reading this, you must be on it as well.

Yes you can! YOU DID!

  The drills this week have been harder then most of the students have been used to in regular class. I have noticed everyone stepped up to the plate and gave more than ever before. Hopefully they all realize how awesome they did and they feel great. Perhaps they may feel tired and great.
  There is nothing better then seeing someone surpass what they thought was their aerobic or anaerobic threshold. Pushing past the pain, fear and self doubt and just going for it. It doesn't matter why you're doing it or what your past best is. It doesn't matter what everybody else in the room is doing. If you do more today then yesterday and plan on doing more tomorrow then you are awesome.

Part II on choosing class workouts.

  Well lets make this part II on training. I added a new drill at least for a good portion of the students today. It is a target sparring exercise "bull in the ring". The idea is to keep kicking and punching despite fatigue. Student build cardio endurance and muscle endurance and learn that they can keep going past whatever fatigue point they previously thought was the end. It also builds confidence and is great for team building. I could tell right away some more experienced students really enjoyed it despite the hard work involved. As I looked around I was not quite sure everyone understood the method and idea behind the exercise. I questioned myself yesterday about training methods and why certain instructors choose some methods over others. I was pleased today to have received a thank you for yesterdays workout and a few positive online comments. This does not mean every class is right for everyone just that some people enjoyed one class.
  This brings me to the point that students need to concentrate on their workouts as much as the instructor does. They need to understand the purpose and goals for each workout and to make sure then can accomplish these without injury. (Note injuries can happen doing anything in class) If a student does not know why they are doing an exercise, drill or even a certain movement they should ask the instructor why. The explanation should be logical and make sense. The instructor should never do anything to intentionally put a student in a position to be hurt. Class should be fun but if you never breathe heavy or work up a good sweat then you are not doing it right.
  On a side note I did make sure at the end of "bull in the ring" tonight that everyone understood why we were doing the exercise we did. I believe everyone understood and hopefully appreciated the workout.

Choosing training methods.

  Every once in a while as I prepare for class I wonder what causes instructors to choose certain exercises over others. I have spent years being trained, watching training videos, reading books about training, training for tournaments and helping others train. I of course have certain favorites and believe certain aspects help long term. I like to cross train in order to build power, speed and stamina. Today I needed to choose some drills with shield targets. I first chose partner drills for some power kicking and then switched to my favorite standby alley drills.I know some people do not look forward to these but I believe these provide the basis to build stamina, power and speed.
  I believe no matter what reason you take TKD or any martial art class if one of your goals is to get in shape or to be able to defend yourself then stamina and endurance are essential. A person who needs to defend themselves does not want to be the first one to run out of energy. You are only as strong as your last punch or kick. I guess in the hopes of making my students better I may sometimes choose the harder exercise but I will always believe the student is better for it.

Black belt prep.

  Back at work today. Summer camp is packed with kids and energy. It gives us a good chance to get them extra help so they are all ready for the upcoming test. It does however make it difficult to get the day to day work done. The kids get an added bonus this week as it is street clothes week so they can wear what they want. A little extra freedom but it also allows for a little real world feel to the training.
  So far a lot of the black belt candidates seem to be giving a good amount attention to their responsibilities and the parents seem to get it. There will always be some who don't realize that for 4 years of work to culminate in a black belt then effort and serious attention must be given to the process. The black belt exam process is designed to make sure you are mentally and physically prepared to have the black belt and move on to the training that follows. It is not supposed to be an ending it is meant to be a beginning. If it was designed so that all you have to do is show up for class twice a week and go to a test and you receive a black belt everyone would do it. Physical and mental preparation are essential to reach this goal. Hopefully everyone stays on track and November brings nothing but hard work, sweat and success.

Great golf outing and hard work to come

  The golf outing is over but what a great day. It was terrific to have all the different people connected to our school get together and enjoy a beautiful day on the course and be able to share lunch and dinner together. The laughs were non stop and not just because of what I wore. My pants did get noticed however. I can see this golf open quickly becoming an annual event. It is great when we can spend time outside class. It is nice to learn more about the people you train with and more about their families.   We head back to class this week with summer camp starting again. There are some big groups joining us these last three weeks of camp. There is only a few weeks left before tests. Color belts and black belts have important work to do. We have a lot of fun and sweat ahead of us.

Great team, great decisions.

  Once again the demo team stepped up and did an awesome job. They gave the kids at the camp we visited today a great time. Not only did they then put on a great demo some of the members did segments they had never done before. Power kicks, triple kicks,nunchucks, bo staff and flying kicks made for a great show. These kids came in early this morning practiced for nearly an hour then went to the event, came back ate lunch, rested and helped with the evening classes.
  It turned out to be a good night when one of our students brought in free tickets to our local semi-pro baseball team. As each class ended students and instructors slowly slipped out to meet at the ball park. Being the last to arrive I was worried I was going to miss most everything. Luckily I was able to watch the end of the game. I laughed as my son and the other kids retrieved foul balls and gift towels all of which also got autographed at the end of the game. A very well run program.
  My highlight came as one of the families came to me to say thank you. Their daughter a member of our mighty mite program came to me gave me a hug and kiss and gave me a picture she colored. As we were leaving the game I had a chance to talk to an old friend and former student. I asked her if she would be coming back to join us. I told her when I had returned after my previous absence it was the best thing I had ever done. She asked me to explain why it  had been such a good decision. At that same moment the same little girl came running up to say goodbye again and jumped in my arms giving me a big choking hug. I explained to my old friend that this was the reason it was such a good decision.

First day back in class.

  I always wonder what it takes to build confidence in someone. In some students it is board breaking. You see it in their eyes when that first board breaks. Some students it is the first time they compete. They get out on the mat and give everything they have in front of a crowd and after that there is no stopping them.  The same goes for working through the first belt test. Sometimes it is sparring and maybe getting that first head kick. Then there are those students who can't exactly make the connection. Some have immense amounts of talent but just don't see it in themselves. I try very hard to use positive reinforcement over and over with those students who struggle.
  I especially get hung up on people who claim they can't spar or can't spar well. Like anything it is something that takes practice. Perhaps going to an extra sparring class and always listening to your instructor or coach. They can see the big picture as you progress from match to match. For some reason probably because of fear of contact, sparring can take the longest time to build confidence.
  I understand every personality is different and some people just don't like to spar. I just wish I had the magic trick to bring students around quickly and full of confidence. I guess this is why it is called learning and if it was easy everyone would do it.  

Vacation is over.

  Kudos to our demo team. Once again they are volunteering to give up part of their summer vacation to help introduce Tae Kwon Do to other kids. So far this summer our demo team has given introductory lessons and demonstration to hundreds of capital district kids at 4 different summer camps. This Thursday we go to our 5th summer camp. Some of our demo team members do this while also working with students at our own summer camp and also attending regular classes in the evening. It is great to see this kind of healthy dedication and teamwork.
  I unfortunately keep hearing about a rash of serious drug use going on at a couple of our local schools. I can't help but hope that our students when confronted with these choices are strong enough to make the correct ones. The dedication and hard work of these kids makes me confident in their ability to follow the correct path that has been laid out for them.  

  First day back at class. Kids all had a pretty good day. Needed to work on forms. I know it is summer but a little practice at home goes a long way. The adult class got a welcome back workout with plenty of cardio. We worked up a good sweat, worked on our forms and finished up with a nice stretch.
  Sometimes I wonder if it is better when students come in totally motivated and ready to go or when they come in a little slow and we can draw that never quit attitude out. I suppose as long as everyone works hard and learns something new then it's a good day.

Vacation is over but Shark Week is here. Back to the world of kicks to the head tomorrow. It has only been a week but I really miss all the students and our team. There is a lot going on this month so we really need to hit the ground running. Before the end of the month everyone (color belts and black belts) has to be ready for Septembers tests. We have Black Belt prep classes and Black Belt power classes. The golf outing on the 10th and Great Escape trip on the 23rd.

It's a bad week to be a seal but a good week to be a golfer.

  The continuing saga of one sport assisting with the performance of another continued tonight. We enjoyed a trip to the bowling alley. Like golf I am definitely not a great bowler. Our third game started off with me getting 3 strikes in a row. I know it is not exactly winning the Super Bowl but it is good for me. I am not sure if years of TKD helped me but it was another fun day. 

  We started the day with a visit to the USS Slater in Albany. If you are in the Albany area and have not visited this ship you don't know what you are missing. It is an amazing piece of history. The restoration done on the ship is incredible. Not only have they found original radio equipment but pieces such as original time period magazines, books and crew pictures. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can answer almost any questions even those from 11 year old boys who want to know how everything works. The ship is named for a sailor killed in action. He stayed at his gun during a kamikaze attack and took a direct hit from a kamikaze. A great experience learning about the sacrifice and conditions our navy members worked under during WWII. Also a great memorial to the sailor it is named after and all those that served.

Golf outing is 9 days away and I only have one member of my foursome. This is going to be a great day. The plans that are being made do not allow me to have just anyone join the foursome. The need for a good sense of humor is a must. I guess it is just in my nature to not just go and hit a little white ball around without bringing a little amusement with me. The outing is best ball and since Roy and I have no real shot, having a ringer with us would be great to completely remove any pressure to win.

  Went to the Berkshire Bird Paradise today. The array of birds is amazing. Everything from Turkeys and Pigeons to Owls and Eagles. Some birds come from zoos and some are born there but some come due to tragedy. Some have accidents like hitting power lines or get hit by vehicles while feeding on road kill. The real sadness is that some show up after having been shot. I saw two of these birds today. One was shot in Afghanistan by an Afghan soldier. A Navy SEAL came to this Golden Eagles aid and saved its life. The SEAL got enough publicity to have the bird shipped back to the United States and safety at the sanctuary.
  The second Eagle was found on the side of the road in Moab, Utah having been shot. The bird had 3 shotgun pellets in its head and more in its body. Most likely shot for its feathers. This bird was rescued around 1991 and is still strong, vibrant and beautiful.
  I took a couple of things away from this trip. While disgusted that people would shoot Eagles for no good reason I was made to feel better by the lengths others would go through to save these majestic animals.    
  There were a lot of good lessons for my son as well. Including an appreciation for nature. A great example of what we can go through and not only survive but flourish. All in all another nice day on vacation.

I have now figured out that TKD will not assist with my golf game. Decided to take a few swings at the range since our dojang has its golf outing coming up in two weeks. I believe my original idea of a hockey stick and a pool cue might work out better. It doesn't matter, it is going to be a great day regardless of golfing performance. Lunch, then golf and finally dinner to finish off the day.
It is funny how training in martial arts and even cross training in different sports gives you NO advantage in another sport like golf. I wish I could round house kick that little white ball.

  Researched injuries in martial arts this afternoon. Surprisingly there is very little accurate data out there. I found data relating to head injuries but nothing significant on Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). I am sure they can and have occurred but am encouraged to believe it is a very minimal amount.
  The most thorough study I found was a nine year retrospective Canadian study. It analyzed 9 years of 58 individual competitions including 904 injuries.The most common locations for injury were the head, foot, and thigh. Injuries were most common among color belts and and the most common injury is bruises or contusions. This is possibly due to more aggressive tactics and lack of control. Younger athletes were more likely to be injured then older ones. Presumably for the same reason.
  Not a lot of surprises in the results of the study. I believe an active caring teacher/coach working with athletes who are properly trained and wearing all the correct safety gear is the best way to keep young martial artists safe.  

Really strange not being in class now for two days. I guess a run in the rain will help. The weather is not exactly helping with vacation or the run.

Did some reading in ESPN magazine on football and concussions. Wondering what studies have been done on injuries in martial arts. "Knock on wood" we have had very good luck when it has come to injuries over the last twenty years.

First day of vacation! Slept until 10am, caught a little tv and then went for a run. Awesome.

Today is Friday and the last day of Summer Camp for the little TKDers.  Vacation after this!  No matter how much I LOVE teaching taekwondo, I am really looking forward to some R & R.