Serious v Recreational

I had an interesting conversation with the parents of a relatively new student today. During the conversation we discussed the students progress in our classes. While interested in the student continuing with training towards a Black Belt they asked about the difference between adult and children's curriculum. They were worried that in the future their child would have difficulty moving from child Black Belt into adult Black Belt. I explained that while the classes for children are kinder and gentler they learn everything the adults learn. Children learn the same forms, kicks, sparring techniques and protocols as the adults. They also have the same 6 month preparation process prior to the final test.
I have begun to think about my answers and how they actually relate to my students. While my answers were definitely truthful my question is more about curriculum. While at the USAT Nationals I attended a full day coaches conference. Everyone concurred that children could learn everything and do everything adults learn. Children will adapt, classes and drills should be less brutal and there should be more recovery time between drills but there is no reason they cannot learn the same techniques. If we hold them to the same standard should we really spend so much time playing games and making sure they are always having fun. If the average student is only in class two to three hours a week wouldn't they be better served working on curriculum then playing games. There are ways to make traditional TKD drills fun. Should we, for the lack of a better description be "dumbing the classes down" to keep everyone happy or should we not worry about losing the recreational student who won't put forth the effort but likes the social aspects? Do we raise the bar and expect more of all the other students and go for quality over quantity? Will this ultimately bring more students in to the school? Or do we risk becoming elitist and losing our student count?

Steven Lopez....continue?

While the Pan American games are still going on a debate continues to come up. How long should Steven Lopez continue to fight and represent the United States. While I continue to fight and no one loves a competitors attitude and warrior heart more then me. Steve represents a Team and a Country.
Below are the competitions Mr. Lopez has medaled at since 2009.
2009 at Worlds - Gold
2010 Team Trials - Gold
2011 Pan Am Qualifier - Silver
2012 Olympic Trials - Gold
2013 National Team Trials - Gold
2014 US Open - Gold
2014 Team Trials - Gold
2015 Pan Am Team Trials - Gold
2015 Pan Am - Bronze
While he dominates his division in the US, when fighting in International matches he has not done as well. Being 36 years old this list is impressive but one would have to ask if his long time dominance has actually reduced the field of those who would have normally attempted to move up through the ranks and if this is hurting the US chances at International Gold Medals.

Been a While

There has definitely been a lot going on and a while since I posted. Let's start catching up. The new school is up and running in Albany. We have a great group of kids and adults. Hopefully the school will continue to grow both in quantity and quality. It is truly a great feeling to be on the ground floor of a new school. So different when there is no parent network and all the kids are making new friends. Gives me a lot of fresh topics to discuss and allows for a lot of input...so feel free!