From: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com To: the_dojang-digest@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Subject: The_Dojang-Digest V7 #208 Reply-To: the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Errors-To: the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com Precedence: The_Dojang-Digest Thur, 30 March 2000 Vol 07 : Num 208 In this issue: the_dojang: WTF Sparring the_dojang: questions of masters. the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V7 #207 the_dojang: report card thread the_dojang: The WAY of ... Korean MAs? the_dojang: Women in Martial Arts the_dojang: Re: Kids, report cards, and why? [none] ========================================================================= The_Dojang, serving the Internet since June 1994. 800 members strong! Copyright 1994-2000: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Replying to this message will NOT unsubscribe you. To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe the_dojang-digest" (no quotes) in the body (top line, left justified) of a plain text e-mail addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com. To send e-mail to this list use the_dojang@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com See the Korean Martial Arts (KMA) FAQ and online search the last four years worth of digest issues at http://www.MartialArtsResource.com Pil Seung! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Gregg London Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 23:55:22 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: WTF Sparring Good Day, In regards to question about WTF Sparring and the Sparring Rules, I invite you to review: http://www.glondon.com/sparring.html for reference purposes. Best wishes, Gregg London - -- Gregg London Digital Engineer http://www.glondon.com ------------------------------ From: Oregfightingarts@aol.com Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 01:39:28 EST Subject: the_dojang: questions of masters. These questions are to the masters on the list. I see that many of you use the title of MASTER in front of your name. In the past, I have seen 1st dans 'create' new systems (yah right), high ranking 'masters' who definetely are not, and rank given out very freely without merit (but due to deep pocketbooks). Those of you on this list using the title seem to be very well respected by others in the know, which means you attained the rank by hard work. Here's my problem. I feel that my knowledge of the arts, skill level, understanding, dedication to improvement, teaching ability, and overall experience is on par with that of a master, but feel that I am nowhere near mastery, and that there is still so much to experience and learn. Currently, I do not name my rank, and don't completely agree with using it because of the number of undeserving 'masters' and blackbelts out there (we've all seen some). I ask this because I feel that in a short while, the rank will be bestowed upon me. It will be an honor to be viewed by my peers and mentors as such, but I'm wrestling with some issues I ask these questions of the Masters. How did you feel about your qualifications of the rank/title when you received it? When did you start using the title, and did you feel uncomfortable about using it? Am I reading too much into this, or am I just being a worrywort? Sincerely, Mark C. Gajdostik ------------------------------ From: MissIllona@aol.com Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 02:43:18 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: The_Dojang-Digest V7 #207 In a message dated 3/29/00 8:51:26 PM Pacific Standard Time, the_dojang-owner@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com writes: << Thank you all for your kind welcome! Tonight I have my second tip test. Sheesh, one of these days I'll be a yellow belt! LOL Take care all, >> Congratulations Mary !! Illona ------------------------------ From: Joan Bostic Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 06:23:10 -0600 Subject: the_dojang: report card thread I am rather glad that my son's instructor (who is also my instructor) doesn't use report cards to determine whether he can test. I have a kid who is a great citizen, a general all-around-nice-person, but he's also a right-brained person, and he is slightly AD (although not HD, thankfully). School is a very left-brained environment, so it's foreign to his learning processes; and with the AD, he fights to keep his focus and his concentration on what is being taught. While, at the 3rd grade level, he doesn't see report cards with letter grades (that starts next year), I expect that C's, with the occasional B, might represent his best work. Should that limitation prevent him from succeeding in Tang Soo Do? On the other hand, the students have such respect and admiration for our instructor, that he has the potential to influence. I know that I could mention to the instructor if my son weren't performing to his capabilities in school, and my son would then get a non-threatening "talk" from someone that he looked up to, about the need to apply oneself in all areas. It's a good idea to make a distinction between children who choose not to be "A" students and children who ARE giving their best effort but can't make the top. But, I don't think that an M.A. instructor is going to be in a position to make that distinction about their school grades. I think that communication with the parents and academic teacher about *their* perception of the child's performance would be more valuable than a report card. All that being said, I personally am glad when I have heard the M.A. instructors say that they're interested in seeing their students do their best in all things and be good citizens. Parents may have more control, school teachers may have more of their time, but you have tremendous influence on the kids (and adults) that you teach. This parent is grateful that you care enough to utilize that influence for the benefit of the kids. Tang Soo! Joan Bostic 5th Gup, TSD ------------------------------ From: "Lasich, Mark D." Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 08:21:51 -0500 Subject: the_dojang: The WAY of ... Korean MAs? Permit me to pose this thought: If a student, adult or child, acts up in class, is continually out of line, disrupts other students, etc.....would they not be subjected to some discussion, or "behavior modification" that would bring them back on track? Most likely so. Alternatively, if someone in class has a light bulb go on, they finally understand a technique, remember a form they've had trouble with, etc.....we tend to highlight that accomplishment, and 'reward' them with kind words, high-five, etc. These are, in effect, "on the spot report cards" on their behavior, and based on the Instructor's view of the situation..... Now, our "-DO" martial arts, but definition are "the WAY OF...." living. We attempt to promote well rounded individuals who have grown in physically AND mentally. IF this is to be the case, why would we NOT want to tie in an individual's (child OR adult) life outside the dojang? Granted we need to recognize that not everyone is a "model citizen", nor can we all get A's and B's on our report cards, but then, not everyone can jump 10 feet in the air and throw a 360 degree sidekick - we make allowances for individual's abilities. What we do expect is that someone is trying and applying themselves and their skills to the *best of their abilities*. "Encouraging" our students to be their best and to apply themselves in such a way that they are learning, growing and developing is worthy of promotion. Those that are great in the dojang, but reflect negatively on it on the "outside" are not worthy of promotion. If we are teaching a sport, then behavior outside the sport may be irrelevant. If, however, we are teaching an ART, then encouraging, supporting and rewarding positive behavior, integrity, respect, etc. outside the dojang, I believe, is quite respectful. Mark.Lasich@alcoa.com ------------------------------ From: LAHapkido@aol.com Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 08:30:26 EST Subject: the_dojang: Women in Martial Arts I just want to thank Sa Bum Renee West, for her last post. I have been in the Martial Arts for 35 years now and have seen both side to the arguements concerning women in the Dojang. People that train without regard to gender are for the most part better as a result. I know that Sa Bum West, will continue to be a driving force to all in the martial arts. She is a credit to Hapkido and has earned her place of recognition throught hard work and perserverence. I applaud you and your post. Kwan Jang Dan Rogers 8th Dan Chun Ki Hapkido ------------------------------ From: SunBiNim@aol.com Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 09:19:41 EST Subject: the_dojang: Re: Kids, report cards, and why? In a message dated 03/29/2000 10:51:31 PM Central Standard Time, Ken McDonough writes: << I will decide the parameters that extend out of "martial arts" instruction. If the martial arts instructor wants to step beyond the contractual arrangement and venture into other areas, I will work with that instructor to determine if that is where my money will go. In contrast, I will not be told that I must adhere to any policy that I believe violates privacy issues, parental roles, community social worker roles, guidance counselor roles, or Mother Theresa "feel good" activities. >> If I may ask, for what reasons do you think that children should enroll in martial arts programs? The reason I'm asking is that most parents I come in contact don't really care if their kids can kick and punch. They've heard that martial arts can help their kids in many areas, including schoolwork. I explain our report card policy to each parent. Ours is a policy based on reward, not punishment...I require a pretest form to be signed by parents and teachers before each test. The parent has the decision to test or not due to behavior at home as well as performance and behavior at school. We use this method to re-enforce the values of the parents. We give stars to sew on the uniforms of honor roll students and self-discipline stars for kids who show improvement. I don't believe that it punishes bad behavior, but certainly rewards the good. I have never held a child back due to poor academic performance. However, I have had parents request that I hold children back until their grades improve. If parents don't like the way we operate this program, due to privacy issues, stepping beyond their roles, etc., that's fine. I respect their decision. They are welcome to raise their children and teach them the martial arts themselves. They won't learn from me. Respectfully, Steve Kincade ------------------------------ From: Ray Terry Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 06:57:23 -0800 (PST) Subject: [none] ------------------------------ End of The_Dojang-Digest V7 #208 ******************************** It's a great day for Taekwondo! Support the USTU by joining today. US Taekwondo Union, 1 Olympic Plaza, Ste 405, Colorado Spgs, CO 80909 719-578-4632 FAX 719-578-4642 ustutkd1@aol.com http://www.ustu.com To unsubscribe from the_dojang-digest send the command: unsubscribe the_dojang-digest -or- unsubscribe the_dojang-digest your.old@address in the BODY of an email (top line, left justified) addressed to majordomo@hpwsrt.cup.hp.com. Old digest issues are available via ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com. Copyright 1994-2000: Ray Terry and Martial Arts Resource Standard disclaimers apply.