Topic:Gradings Again
alan keddle
Posted: 2005-06-30 04:43:43
Posted: 2005-06-30 04:43:43
A lot of the heirachal type schools of martial arts goes along with ripping the arse out of students, bullying them and taking over their lives. Myself and my close mate Chris Carley from the gym have both been subjected to it in the past. Being told that we must call are teachers Arjarn, being forced to fight, being told what to buy from them and never getting it. Paying overinflated prices for everything and generally treating people like shit. The system is bollocks and is well out dated in my opinion. I treat all my students with the respect I want them to treat me. If you train them well and look after them they will be with you for years. I find the old Karate master system of 'i am higher than you' bollocks a way of people that cant fight protecting themselves. Their are of course the occasional exceptions (sken being one of them) but in general anybody that feels they MUST be called master has an inferiority complex. At my gym we are all the same, no banding grades, no colour t shirts, no lining up in grade order. that system is a load of shit as far as I am concened. In this millenium era people dont want to pay good money to be trated like a cadet or school child.
Muay Thai and Kickboxing are combat sports that gain respect in the ring. eg. What grade is Kieran Keddle? is he known for being a red sash or gold sash blah blah blah? no he isnt. He is known for fighting everyone, anywhere, anytime!!! do people seriously think that a grading will make him a better teacher. He is one of the best in the gym and that is because he has been all over the world training and fighting and he simply passes that on to his students. There is no real need for an system here, that era has gone and good ridance to it.
Muay Thai and Kickboxing are combat sports that gain respect in the ring. eg. What grade is Kieran Keddle? is he known for being a red sash or gold sash blah blah blah? no he isnt. He is known for fighting everyone, anywhere, anytime!!! do people seriously think that a grading will make him a better teacher. He is one of the best in the gym and that is because he has been all over the world training and fighting and he simply passes that on to his students. There is no real need for an system here, that era has gone and good ridance to it.
I think gradings are a load of arse as well but not everyone wants to fight and they make money for gyms and instructors which is why I think they will be in the UK for a long time yet.
As for the master point of view I think certain people in UK muay thai deserve the privilage of being called master and I for one don't mind calling them it even through I can't be arsed with all that martial arts bollocks but they are mostly the thai's who brought the sport over here despite all the name calling and shit stirring that has gone on in the past on ax about their records etc. Not going to argue about it through my views have already being documented on this thread re:- my arguments with yoshi re the masters thing.
As for anyone else I'll call them whatever they want to have a quiet life
as for me people can call me whatever they want if it makes them happy.
As for the master point of view I think certain people in UK muay thai deserve the privilage of being called master and I for one don't mind calling them it even through I can't be arsed with all that martial arts bollocks but they are mostly the thai's who brought the sport over here despite all the name calling and shit stirring that has gone on in the past on ax about their records etc. Not going to argue about it through my views have already being documented on this thread re:- my arguments with yoshi re the masters thing.
As for anyone else I'll call them whatever they want to have a quiet life
as for me people can call me whatever they want if it makes them happy.
I like gradings! I said it!!
When I used to teach for another club, we was anti grading all the way, and at times it was a right bloody mess to rememeber, or sort the sessions out from one month to the next, as most students was not fighting. But with out the structure there, and the students not wanting to train like Thais. It was difficult to tell who was at what stage, and for the more experienced students, I would be surprised if they was not getting bored.
But now, it gives me the opportunity to see where a student is at, at a heart beat. He's green/pink/purple oh he knows this and he knows that. And I can move onto the next thing, knowing they know what they need to, in order to progress.
No body is forced into gradings, just the same as no one is forced into fighting. In fact I have people who do neither! And others that do both.
From some of the first posts I read here and posted here, I learnt that flexiblity was the key, and that you had to offer as many options as possible to the students. In fact I think that was soemthing that you drummed into me Alan! And you have been right, cause it Works!
Those that want to grade can, those that dont, dont! Their choice.
I understand what you are saying about Masters & Grandmasters, but there are a few that I feel very comfortable with calling such;
Master Sken, Grand Master Toddy, Master Woody...
and few that should be named as such.. Master Jitty, Grand Master Yodthong, Grand Master Apijex (might be spelt wrong).
and there are def some that I just dont get, and wont concider calling them Master whatever.
So again I think its down to personal choice! Options...
If you feel like a plonker calling someone Master such and such, then you shouldnt, then you know you shouldnt be, as it doesnt feel right.
When I used to teach for another club, we was anti grading all the way, and at times it was a right bloody mess to rememeber, or sort the sessions out from one month to the next, as most students was not fighting. But with out the structure there, and the students not wanting to train like Thais. It was difficult to tell who was at what stage, and for the more experienced students, I would be surprised if they was not getting bored.
But now, it gives me the opportunity to see where a student is at, at a heart beat. He's green/pink/purple oh he knows this and he knows that. And I can move onto the next thing, knowing they know what they need to, in order to progress.
No body is forced into gradings, just the same as no one is forced into fighting. In fact I have people who do neither! And others that do both.
From some of the first posts I read here and posted here, I learnt that flexiblity was the key, and that you had to offer as many options as possible to the students. In fact I think that was soemthing that you drummed into me Alan! And you have been right, cause it Works!
Those that want to grade can, those that dont, dont! Their choice.
I understand what you are saying about Masters & Grandmasters, but there are a few that I feel very comfortable with calling such;
Master Sken, Grand Master Toddy, Master Woody...
and few that should be named as such.. Master Jitty, Grand Master Yodthong, Grand Master Apijex (might be spelt wrong).
and there are def some that I just dont get, and wont concider calling them Master whatever.
So again I think its down to personal choice! Options...
If you feel like a plonker calling someone Master such and such, then you shouldnt, then you know you shouldnt be, as it doesnt feel right.
alan keddle
Posted: 2005-06-30 13:35:06
Posted: 2005-06-30 13:35:06
Agree totally about the junior gradings Singto and the kids need direction, to that end so do some of the adults. The arguments for and against gradings will always exist.Having the option is the best so that they can take it if they wish. For the matter of culture, ram muay, language, understanding, history, corner work, coaching etc the gradings are good because we dont live in Thailand and therefore some of the things that the thais are exposed to westerners are not! What needs to be understood is that what seasoned international Thai fighters know and the fact that many travel the world is not shared by all members that train in Muay Thai. Therefore, the gradings can fill the historical and technical gap not provided by a fight career or time in Thailand.
The problem with a fighting sport like Muay Thai is that how can somebody without fight experience be a higher level than a skilled fighter! For some people this is a problem. For me it is not because many of my fighters here are going to exceed my fight record and therefore does that mean they are a better teacher? Not always the case. Some people make great teachers and others dont regardless of fight experience. in my case I think that the fight experience has been very useful to me. Knowing how a fighter feels, knowing what nerves are like, the tiredness of fight training and the whole fight scene is an asset without a doubt. Some good fighters are currently coming from gyms where the main trainers are former fighters. Not gonna mention names. Gradings can have their uses but shouldnt be seen as the only way to be a good instructor. Kieran from this gym has never sat a grading yet he can teach all the Ram Muays, awesome padwork, good cornerwork, trains all the students young to old. His was a working apprenticeship that beats a grading all day long. All the fighers should get honary instructors grades after a certain amount of fights because you know that their knowledge will be sharp in all areas if they are avid followers. No grading will ever be greater than experience!
The problem with a fighting sport like Muay Thai is that how can somebody without fight experience be a higher level than a skilled fighter! For some people this is a problem. For me it is not because many of my fighters here are going to exceed my fight record and therefore does that mean they are a better teacher? Not always the case. Some people make great teachers and others dont regardless of fight experience. in my case I think that the fight experience has been very useful to me. Knowing how a fighter feels, knowing what nerves are like, the tiredness of fight training and the whole fight scene is an asset without a doubt. Some good fighters are currently coming from gyms where the main trainers are former fighters. Not gonna mention names. Gradings can have their uses but shouldnt be seen as the only way to be a good instructor. Kieran from this gym has never sat a grading yet he can teach all the Ram Muays, awesome padwork, good cornerwork, trains all the students young to old. His was a working apprenticeship that beats a grading all day long. All the fighers should get honary instructors grades after a certain amount of fights because you know that their knowledge will be sharp in all areas if they are avid followers. No grading will ever be greater than experience!
I think it depends on what your trying to teach, or achieve personally as a fighter.
Successful fighters do not use, or maybe even know the fast majority of things they might, if they had taken the grading route. (the same is true for people who grade only, will never ever gain the experience you receive as a figher)
Why? Because for them, what they need in the ring has to be effective!
The bread and butter 1,2, roundhouse kick has no relation to say spinning back fist into a flying knee.
All techniques Muay Thai, but effectiveness of the combination can easily be seen.
Here is where the grading steps in, for my fighters and probably for most instructors, we narrow down the MT arsenal to what we decide is very effective and worth training hard on.
But when it come to the gradings, we are allowed to explore Muay Thai to its fullest, and include so much that we know, may not be that effective in the ring, or legal in the ring, or just no bloody use to anyone.
Successful fighters do not use, or maybe even know the fast majority of things they might, if they had taken the grading route. (the same is true for people who grade only, will never ever gain the experience you receive as a figher)
Why? Because for them, what they need in the ring has to be effective!
The bread and butter 1,2, roundhouse kick has no relation to say spinning back fist into a flying knee.
All techniques Muay Thai, but effectiveness of the combination can easily be seen.
Here is where the grading steps in, for my fighters and probably for most instructors, we narrow down the MT arsenal to what we decide is very effective and worth training hard on.
But when it come to the gradings, we are allowed to explore Muay Thai to its fullest, and include so much that we know, may not be that effective in the ring, or legal in the ring, or just no bloody use to anyone.
From what i have seen gradings are a great way of making money out of novices, depending what you want out of the sport you may class this as a good thing or bad. Certain instructors i know of lose money through having a thai boxing club but the joy they get from seeing their fighters perform well in the ring outweighs it 10 fold.
alan keddle
Posted: 2005-07-02 03:16:57
Posted: 2005-07-02 03:16:57
bang on fordescort bang on the button. Majority of grading systems are a simple way to rip the arse out of too many students. MInes once a year and not compulsory and to be honest I only to it because of junior pressure.Thai boxing is a ring combat sport and nothing can show greater knowledge than a fighter winning with your techniques that you have taught them. It is the ultimate test.All that sash business is crazy to me, the reality is in the ring!!! like Thailand
Alan, I am glad that you began your post with majority as with the use of that word you are at least accepting that some Grading systems must be at the very least okay.
I agree with you on so many things. Especially with regards to Muaythai as a Sport and the fact that the Ring is what matters to a Training Camp.
Training Camp = Sport = Ring Fighting.
However many people actually run Martial Art Schools, with the priorities of
1. Self-Defence,
2. Improved Self-Confidence,
3. Improved Fitness,
and then...
4. Competition.
If you are a member to a school with a good reputation, and a well developed structure then you maybe able to grade should you firstly chose to, and secondly are of the level required.
Lets be fair. There are many martial art techniques that will not work in the ring. However there are equally ring techniques that would not work in a self-defence situation.
It would not be advisable to use a 'Left-Inside Low Kick' when in a situation.
However against an opponent with poor conditioning to their legs this can be effective over 5x3 mins ( 15 Mins! ) to helping open up another possible finishing technique.
A Sport Muaythai Camp may spend very little time practising a Back-Kick aimed at someone that is stood behind them, as their opponent is going to be facing them.
A Martial Arts School, may practise this. It may also require this to be perfected before a Grading. Then only to a student that can perform this technique correctly ( shown by their Grade status ) will they then be shown a more difficult/advanced technique onwards from the Back-Kick.
It is only a loose example.
Any school that runs Gradings purely for financial gain, will get no where. Most people are not stupid and will only chose to take them if they see them
These benefits are building their skills and confidence and knowledge in gradualy stages. For example many people lack confidence Free-Sparring. So at my school
1. White Beginner = No Sparring
2. Yellow = No Sparring - First Exam and many students are very nervous
3. Orange = 1 Round of Sparring
4. Green = 3 x 1.5 ( 4.5 Mins ) N - Class
5. Blue = 3 x 2 ( 6 Mins ) c - Class
6. Purple = 5 x 1.5 ( 7.5 Mins )
7. Brown = 3 x 3 ( 9 mins ) - K-1
8. Advanced Brown = 5 x 2 ( 10 Mins ) - B Class
9. Black = 5 x 3 ( 15 Mins ) Full Rules - Elbows/Knees to the head - A Class
This many people ( not everyone ) would think makes sence, is progressive and will understand how this can benefit a student. Many people that pass the Black Grade admit that it was the hardest thing that they have ever achived and that they would never have believed that 2 years prior they would have been able to pass that test.
Gradings can also teach about other inportant things. I have written exams that have to be passed for each grade.
Diet and Nutrition
Sports Injuries and Remedies
Basic First Aid
Corner Skills
Referee Skills
Correct use of Weight Training Equipment
Correct Running Skills
etc....
There is much more too. If you are Sport orientated only, great hit a Muaythai Camp. But there are many Martial Art schools that also have successes in the ring too, while also teaching other aspects in a Martial Arts manner.
www.warrington-kickboxing.com - have a look at my latest news page, the details are up there of a recent Blackbelts grading and what he had to do to pass.
Finally, at W.K.S. the Blackbelt exam is FREE �£�£�£�£ so not many pennies made there I can assure you. That way only those students truely eligable take the exam.
Maybe Gradings do have a place....
I agree with you on so many things. Especially with regards to Muaythai as a Sport and the fact that the Ring is what matters to a Training Camp.
Training Camp = Sport = Ring Fighting.
However many people actually run Martial Art Schools, with the priorities of
1. Self-Defence,
2. Improved Self-Confidence,
3. Improved Fitness,
and then...
4. Competition.
If you are a member to a school with a good reputation, and a well developed structure then you maybe able to grade should you firstly chose to, and secondly are of the level required.
Lets be fair. There are many martial art techniques that will not work in the ring. However there are equally ring techniques that would not work in a self-defence situation.
It would not be advisable to use a 'Left-Inside Low Kick' when in a situation.
However against an opponent with poor conditioning to their legs this can be effective over 5x3 mins ( 15 Mins! ) to helping open up another possible finishing technique.
A Sport Muaythai Camp may spend very little time practising a Back-Kick aimed at someone that is stood behind them, as their opponent is going to be facing them.
A Martial Arts School, may practise this. It may also require this to be perfected before a Grading. Then only to a student that can perform this technique correctly ( shown by their Grade status ) will they then be shown a more difficult/advanced technique onwards from the Back-Kick.
It is only a loose example.
Any school that runs Gradings purely for financial gain, will get no where. Most people are not stupid and will only chose to take them if they see them
These benefits are building their skills and confidence and knowledge in gradualy stages. For example many people lack confidence Free-Sparring. So at my school
1. White Beginner = No Sparring
2. Yellow = No Sparring - First Exam and many students are very nervous
3. Orange = 1 Round of Sparring
4. Green = 3 x 1.5 ( 4.5 Mins ) N - Class
5. Blue = 3 x 2 ( 6 Mins ) c - Class
6. Purple = 5 x 1.5 ( 7.5 Mins )
7. Brown = 3 x 3 ( 9 mins ) - K-1
8. Advanced Brown = 5 x 2 ( 10 Mins ) - B Class
9. Black = 5 x 3 ( 15 Mins ) Full Rules - Elbows/Knees to the head - A Class
This many people ( not everyone ) would think makes sence, is progressive and will understand how this can benefit a student. Many people that pass the Black Grade admit that it was the hardest thing that they have ever achived and that they would never have believed that 2 years prior they would have been able to pass that test.
Gradings can also teach about other inportant things. I have written exams that have to be passed for each grade.
Diet and Nutrition
Sports Injuries and Remedies
Basic First Aid
Corner Skills
Referee Skills
Correct use of Weight Training Equipment
Correct Running Skills
etc....
There is much more too. If you are Sport orientated only, great hit a Muaythai Camp. But there are many Martial Art schools that also have successes in the ring too, while also teaching other aspects in a Martial Arts manner.
www.warrington-kickboxing.com - have a look at my latest news page, the details are up there of a recent Blackbelts grading and what he had to do to pass.
Finally, at W.K.S. the Blackbelt exam is FREE �£�£�£�£ so not many pennies made there I can assure you. That way only those students truely eligable take the exam.
Maybe Gradings do have a place....
Lethal-Leif 2
Posted: 2005-07-02 06:32:39
Posted: 2005-07-02 06:32:39
I agree with Gradings and tomorrow take my first dan,we have a written exam aswell as a practical one, in the written we included first aid, how the bodyworks, safety issues like would you train with a headache etc.
I think it helps give us as insight into all aspects included into making a good martial artist not just a good fighter. respect leif
I think it helps give us as insight into all aspects included into making a good martial artist not just a good fighter. respect leif
T
Posted: 2005-07-03 03:57:48
Posted: 2005-07-03 03:57:48
just curious, how old are you Leif?
Good luck with your examm Leif.
meekama
Posted: 2005-07-03 07:31:54
Posted: 2005-07-03 07:31:54
Don't really agree with gradings myself but for someone who has trained in many gyms i've came across a couple of gradings myself which i reluctantly had to pay for. The insructors point was that for people who only came for fitness or to learn an art, then it gave them some sort of a goal, something to train for, bit like training for a fight. Even people who dont have a fight record to speak of and move to another gym, then it gives the new trainer some sort of idea as to what the student knows without having to start over.......Still dont agree with them though.
alan keddle
Posted: 2005-07-05 04:42:28
Posted: 2005-07-05 04:42:28
In my mind the gradings in the UK are good as long as they are an option. The fact that people over here arent exposed to all the atmosphere, culture, history and fight stadiums like they are in Thailand means that we need to fill the educational gap. In Thailand they dont have a grading system but they are born to the sport as part of their heritage, we are not!
I think the gradings are only good for educating the students in the culture, language, ram muays, intricate techniques and then the things like coaching, cornerwork, injuries, nutrition etc. The gradings shouldnt be used like some martial arts systems of 'I am higher than you'. The grading should just be part of a system of making sure that you know all the surrounding areas to teaching to accompany your fighting ability. They can be looked at as progress checks if you like. I will however say that there is no system to beat experience of fighting in Thailand, going on sports injury and nutrition courses and actually being in the gym helping with students and learning all the ways of motivating people. Time is the best thing and hands on experience. Thailand will fill the rest of the gaps for you.
I think the gradings are only good for educating the students in the culture, language, ram muays, intricate techniques and then the things like coaching, cornerwork, injuries, nutrition etc. The gradings shouldnt be used like some martial arts systems of 'I am higher than you'. The grading should just be part of a system of making sure that you know all the surrounding areas to teaching to accompany your fighting ability. They can be looked at as progress checks if you like. I will however say that there is no system to beat experience of fighting in Thailand, going on sports injury and nutrition courses and actually being in the gym helping with students and learning all the ways of motivating people. Time is the best thing and hands on experience. Thailand will fill the rest of the gaps for you.
Good post Alan. Especially regarding the educational angle.
It is true that you cannot teach experience, you can only gain it.
However having the option (not compulsion) for both Gradings and its educational benefits, as well as Competition and the experience gained from it can only be a good thing.
Well structured Gradings ( and I agree some are not - which is where the problem lies )teach about weight gain/loss, weight training, jogging and running skills, sports injuries and remedies, First Aid, Refereeing Skills, fighter preparation ( massage / hand wrapping / pad training etc ), correct cornering procedure ( between rounds ), Knowledge of general competition rules and scoring, ( the list goes on.. History, Culture etc..)
Then when a graded student enters the competition areana as either a fighter or maybe a cornering assistant (apprentice instructor) they should at least have an understanding of the very serious sporting aspect of their martial art. An understanding due to taking part in a decent, well developed and structured Grading.
Almost every experienced trainer will at some point seen a lesser experienced coach preparing their fighter in, well not quite the usual way, and thought,"what are they doing!". Some coaches cannot even wrap hands correctly, and are putting fighters into the ring!
It is not fair to criticize all Gradings outright as some people do. A Structured Grading I feel have an important place with regards to the Sport.
It is true that you cannot teach experience, you can only gain it.
However having the option (not compulsion) for both Gradings and its educational benefits, as well as Competition and the experience gained from it can only be a good thing.
Well structured Gradings ( and I agree some are not - which is where the problem lies )teach about weight gain/loss, weight training, jogging and running skills, sports injuries and remedies, First Aid, Refereeing Skills, fighter preparation ( massage / hand wrapping / pad training etc ), correct cornering procedure ( between rounds ), Knowledge of general competition rules and scoring, ( the list goes on.. History, Culture etc..)
Then when a graded student enters the competition areana as either a fighter or maybe a cornering assistant (apprentice instructor) they should at least have an understanding of the very serious sporting aspect of their martial art. An understanding due to taking part in a decent, well developed and structured Grading.
Almost every experienced trainer will at some point seen a lesser experienced coach preparing their fighter in, well not quite the usual way, and thought,"what are they doing!". Some coaches cannot even wrap hands correctly, and are putting fighters into the ring!
It is not fair to criticize all Gradings outright as some people do. A Structured Grading I feel have an important place with regards to the Sport.
Excellent posts..
good post alan thank you for sharing your knowlege.
Lethal-Leif 2
Posted: 2005-07-05 06:57:09
Posted: 2005-07-05 06:57:09
Hi T and Neil Holden,
Firstly T ,
I am coming up 15, though my mam says I have the opinions of an old man.I suppose cos my dad is in martial arts and has been for a long time I tend to ask him loads of things all the time, I suppose sometimes you can say I cheat with my views cos I go down and get dads opinion on threads then decide on how I feel before posting. lol.
To Neil,
Thanks for the good luck messages. I did my first dan on sunday and now have the hardest part to do. await the results, these can take weeks and if you ask you fail. lol.Respect leif
Firstly T ,
I am coming up 15, though my mam says I have the opinions of an old man.I suppose cos my dad is in martial arts and has been for a long time I tend to ask him loads of things all the time, I suppose sometimes you can say I cheat with my views cos I go down and get dads opinion on threads then decide on how I feel before posting. lol.
To Neil,
Thanks for the good luck messages. I did my first dan on sunday and now have the hardest part to do. await the results, these can take weeks and if you ask you fail. lol.Respect leif
alan keddle
Posted: 2005-07-05 07:39:38
Posted: 2005-07-05 07:39:38
There is much to be learned from Neil Holden. The flyers he used to have with calorie burning comparisons and the credibility of private lessons were freshly plagurised by myself. I believe in using other peoples ideas as long as you admit and reference the source. Indeed I take Neil's comments seriously because he runs a serious gym with good fighters. If a guy produces good fighters and at the same times runs an efficient, well financed, tidy and organised gym then they are worth listening to. Even if you dont always agree with what somebody says, opinions are important to shape and mold what you do in your own gym.
I will readily admit to learning as much from peoples mistakes (including my own) as much as their good ideas. I act like a sponge when I am travelling around to different gyms all round the world. The ideas I create to improve training methods, cut weight, manage the gym, improve facilities, improve cornerwork come from actual expereince as well as travelling around. Any new ideas I pounce upon 'like a tramp on a pork pie' to quote Liam Harrison (i think). Constant evolution is real imortant and to instill this amongst your own students via grading or whatever system you use is even more important.
I am a perfectionist when it comes to gym appearance and outlay and never stop organising, building, rebuilding, changing systems. I have learn much from gyms like Sukhothai, Bolton, Warrington, KO etc in the gym outlay and much from peoples tranining tips and fight strategies. The truth is that only an instructor that can evolve and learn all the time can survive. Never stand still and keep passing the ideas to the students. The notion of Sports injury, Sports nutrition and teaching methods is as important as knowing the physical sport itself. To teach in this millenium period and survive full time without outside income is hard and few will make it. You have to be on the ball 24/7 and constantly evolve the gym. Every angle is required to generate income and retain the students you have. Yes, I have my strong opinions but I am always open to change, persuasion, withdrawal and admitting that I can be wrong. I have been wrong before and will be wrong again. Thats life!
I have made some serious errors in judgements when it comes to the gym and have learned from them. Even now I am considering major change to my entire system and moving gym. I have some more ideas and I hope that my students will in turn do the same. I hope that whatever system people use to educate their students will pass on the same kind of thinking. The point I am, making is that the grading system must apss on more than just how to Thai box! you need it all to win in this game over here!
I will readily admit to learning as much from peoples mistakes (including my own) as much as their good ideas. I act like a sponge when I am travelling around to different gyms all round the world. The ideas I create to improve training methods, cut weight, manage the gym, improve facilities, improve cornerwork come from actual expereince as well as travelling around. Any new ideas I pounce upon 'like a tramp on a pork pie' to quote Liam Harrison (i think). Constant evolution is real imortant and to instill this amongst your own students via grading or whatever system you use is even more important.
I am a perfectionist when it comes to gym appearance and outlay and never stop organising, building, rebuilding, changing systems. I have learn much from gyms like Sukhothai, Bolton, Warrington, KO etc in the gym outlay and much from peoples tranining tips and fight strategies. The truth is that only an instructor that can evolve and learn all the time can survive. Never stand still and keep passing the ideas to the students. The notion of Sports injury, Sports nutrition and teaching methods is as important as knowing the physical sport itself. To teach in this millenium period and survive full time without outside income is hard and few will make it. You have to be on the ball 24/7 and constantly evolve the gym. Every angle is required to generate income and retain the students you have. Yes, I have my strong opinions but I am always open to change, persuasion, withdrawal and admitting that I can be wrong. I have been wrong before and will be wrong again. Thats life!
I have made some serious errors in judgements when it comes to the gym and have learned from them. Even now I am considering major change to my entire system and moving gym. I have some more ideas and I hope that my students will in turn do the same. I hope that whatever system people use to educate their students will pass on the same kind of thinking. The point I am, making is that the grading system must apss on more than just how to Thai box! you need it all to win in this game over here!
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Lethal-Leif 2
Posted: 2005-07-06 07:53:20
Posted: 2005-07-06 07:53:20
Maybe if an instructor agrees with the principle of gradings but feels that they can be used as a way to make extra money off students, he could stand by his principles and grade for free.
we have people who have been in our gym longer than me and have never graded, they feel they don't have to wear a symbol around there waist or arm to show the world how good they are, they do that by ability. True.
I like to grade though, I like to be tested but that is my choice, our instructor feels the same towards those that don't as he does to those that do and we all receive the same teaching. It should be a matter of choice.Respect Leif
we have people who have been in our gym longer than me and have never graded, they feel they don't have to wear a symbol around there waist or arm to show the world how good they are, they do that by ability. True.
I like to grade though, I like to be tested but that is my choice, our instructor feels the same towards those that don't as he does to those that do and we all receive the same teaching. It should be a matter of choice.Respect Leif
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