No Training ... got laid off. Help!

[karatekid1975]

Hiya all.

Well, this is the situation for me. I got laid off from my job. I can't afford to train at the dojang. What do I do? I can train on my own, but I'm new at the ITF TKD style, eventhough I have been training a few years (6 years). I don't wanna stop, but I can't afford training ... this sucks.

Have you guys been in this situation? What did you do? Or delt with it?

Please help.

[Makalakumu]

You would be surprised at what you can afford. I would check the community education programs in your area. When I was a teenager, I took judo for next to nothing...I can't imagine that kind of thing is extant in your area.

[Kacey]

Talk to your instructor. Some instructors will be willing to work with you about payment; some won't. Also, some facilities (especially YMCAs and community recreation centers) are less expensive to begin with, and some also provide scholarships based on income. But if you don't ask, you'll never know.

[terryl965]

karatekid please talk to your instructor maybe he or she will let you clean the dojang a couple of times a week for training most will especially since you was laid off.

[ajs1976]

I recently had to take some time off, although it wasn't for financial reasons. I didn't have a lot of time, but I tried to work on the basics, some conditioning, and stretching. Eventually my situation got so hectic, that I didn't have time for that.

The others had good suggestions about talking to your instructor and looking into different programs. I know my local community center, YMCA, and community college all have programs. They don't might as often as a regular MA school, but they are considerably cheaper.

[exile]

Hiya all.

Well, this is the situation for me. I got laid off from my job. I can't afford to train at the dojang. What do I do? I can train on my own, but I'm new at the ITF TKD style, eventhough I have been training a few years (6 years). I don't wanna stop, but I can't afford training ... this sucks.

Have you guys been in this situation? What did you do? Or delt with it?

Please help.

Hi Karatekid, this won't do at all... you're 1st gup, so close to your dan rank, there must be some way. Most teachers---and an MA instructor who's worth anything is a teacher first and foremost---hate for a student who obviously has the potential to success to not be successful for some stupid reason beyond their control. So do what the previous posters have advised and talk to your instructor---I know that, in his or her position, I'd go well out of my way to make it possible for someone as far along as you to take her dan test. And the advice about rec centers is good too---check these out. My sabumnim is one of the best TKD instructors in the midwest, and I came across him in a rec center program which he was doing for free---well, I guess the city budget was paying him something, but for his students, no cost at all. There must be something like that in Rochester... anyway, we're all rooting for you and hope you'll soon be on track with your training and ready to test for The Big BB...

[Carol]

Hi Karatekid, this won't do at all... you're 1st gup, so close to your dan rank, there must be some way. Most teachers---and an MA instructor who's worth anything is a teacher first and foremost---hate for a student who obviously has the potential to success to not be successful for some stupid reason beyond their control. So do what the previous posters have advised and talk to your instructor---I know that, in his or her position, I'd go well out of my way to make it possible for someone as far along as you to take her dan test. And the advice about rec centers is good too---check these out. My sabumnim is one of the best TKD instructors in the midwest, and I came across him in a rec center program which he was doing for free---well, I guess the city budget was paying him something, but for his students, no cost at all. There must be something like that in Rochester... anyway, we're all rooting for you and hope you'll soon be on track with your training and ready to test for The Big BB...

Ditto all the other posters - talk to your instructor. See if you can work something out.

[IcemanSK]

I agree with these guys, Laurie. Talk to your instructor, I'm sure they will be able to help you in some way.

I'll keep you in my prayers for this to be a temporary situation.

[Miles]

Totally agree Laurie with what others have said-your instructor may very well accomodate your financial situation in order to keep a dedicated student.

These are difficult economic times for many people and if you are able to assist around the dojang (cleaning/office work/teaching, etc.), that may be sufficient "tuition" for your instructor.

Good Luck!

Miles

[bydand]

For sure talk to your instructor. Every one I've ever trained under would work out something if I had a bit of a hard month or so. My brother has his own school and I know for a fact he does this a lot. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Jade Tigress]

Sorry to hear about your situation. I agree with everyone who said talk to your instructor. If you've been training with him/her for any length of time and they know you are a dedicated student, I'm sure something could be worked out.

[Drac]

Cannot add anything..The best answers have already been given.....Read and Heed..

[Brian R. VanCise]

Yes, everyone has let you know that you should talk to your instructor and work something out. Good luck.

[rmclain]

As much as everyone loves their training and benefits from it, it is a luxury. It is better to immediately take care of your necessary needs (shelter, food, transportation) by finding a financial means (employment) before worrying about formal training.

After 6 years of training you should have enough knowledge to continue training on your own until you are employed. Put things in perspective.

R. McLain

[matt.m]

All have been good answers. However, I would add that doing poomse/one step sparring/basics and continue with conditioning no matter what.

Afterall, if you don't use it you will lose it and that is the absolute worst thing you could do.

[exile]

Afterall, if you don't use it you will lose it and that is the absolute worst thing you could do.

Especially because, if I'm remembering things right, karatekid has already been through some rough patches in her training a year or so back(?). It just seems such a waste to get so far along and then get hung up.

[ArmorOfGod]

Everyone here has said to talk to the instructor. You should also talk to the students and assistant instructors and try to build a workout group.

Also, go to www.meetup.com and find a workout group in your area.

Karatekid, what rank/age are you?

AoG

[searcher]

First things first. Stop and take a deep breath. Worrying is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won't take you anywhere. You have been training to long to let this hiccup stop your training. Mnay masters have been through the same situation and they came out good in the end. You need money for the here and now. Try checking with a temp agency to see if you have a place to start working and making some kind of money. It may not be the best, but it is something. Next, get out there and start applying for jobs everywhere you can. You never know what might come up. In the meantime keep your skills sharp by training on your own. You may even be able to convince an assitant instructor to help your learning. They will get valuable teaching experience from this, so sell them on it. What industry are you in? Somebody on here might be able to help you out.

No retreat, no surrender.

[karatekid1975]

As much as everyone loves their training and benefits from it, it is a luxury. It is better to immediately take care of your necessary needs (shelter, food, transportation) by finding a financial means (employment) before worrying about formal training.

After 6 years of training you should have enough knowledge to continue training on your own until you are employed. Put things in perspective.

R. McLain

Good point, sir. I'll deal with the necessary needs first, and train at home for now until I get a job.


All have been good answers. However, I would add that doing poomse/one step sparring/basics and continue with conditioning no matter what.

Afterall, if you don't use it you will lose it and that is the absolute worst thing you could do.

Also a good point. See above answer.


Especially because, if I'm remembering things right, karatekid has already been through some rough patches in her training a year or so back(?). It just seems such a waste to get so far along and then get hung up.

Yes, through out my training I have. But I keep plugging along somehow. Things work out somehow.


Everyone here has said to talk to the instructor. You should also talk to the students and assistant instructors and try to build a workout group.

Also, go to www.meetup.com (http://www.meetup.com/) and find a workout group in your area.

Karatekid, what rank/age are you?

AoG

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out. Anyways, I am 31, and I am a 1st gup TKD.


First things first. Stop and take a deep breath. Worrying is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won't take you anywhere. You have been training to long to let this hiccup stop your training. Mnay masters have been through the same situation and they came out good in the end. You need money for the here and now. Try checking with a temp agency to see if you have a place to start working and making some kind of money. It may not be the best, but it is something. Next, get out there and start applying for jobs everywhere you can. You never know what might come up. In the meantime keep your skills sharp by training on your own. You may even be able to convince an assitant instructor to help your learning. They will get valuable teaching experience from this, so sell them on it. What industry are you in? Somebody on here might be able to help you out.

No retreat, no surrender.

That's the problem, searcher. It was a temp agency I was working for. They bounce me around a lot, I get laid off, they find me a new gig, and get laid off, ect. But your right. I should apply everywhere out right (not through an agency) and train at home. But if they do find me something again, cool. But I will still look on my own.

And as far as talking to my instructor, I emailed him, and explained my situation. I'll let you know what he says. If not, I'll teleport myself to Terry's dojang hehehehehehe. Thanks so much for your advice all. MT folks rock ;)

[exile]

as far as talking to my instructor, I emailed him, and explained my situation. I'll let you know what he says. If not, I'll teleport myself to Terry's dojang hehehehehehe.

You've got the right attitude, karatekid. This too shall pass. Best of luck and please do keep us posted on how it turns out with your instructor, yes?

[searcher]

You've got the right attitude, karatekid. This too shall pass.

And your attitude you have is what will get you through this bump in the road and make you a better MAist. Remember that steel is forged in fire. Use this situation and it will help mold you and make you even better.

[karatekid1975]

Thanks guys.

Well, here's the situation now. I will be training at home. My instructor just told me to hang in there, and come back when I found a job (he did give me names of places that were hiring).

Is that good or bad?

[exile]

Thanks guys.

Well, here's the situation now. I will be training at home. My instructor just told me to hang in there, and come back when I found a job (he did give me names of places that were hiring).

Is that good or bad?

Laurie---it's not what I would have done in his place. I guess he had his reasons, but... well, we all hope that something comes through for you really soon and you can start training again at your dojang.

Meanwhile, one thing that might be good would be to try to get someone from your dojang, someone whom you figure would be a good practice partner at your level, to meet with you once or twice a week and do one-step/SD type work, and try to work on the kinds of formal routines you'd otherwise be doing in the dojang. If you have access to a rec center or gym, doing bag work to keep your kicks and punches sharp and powerful, and so on. Work through your poomsae at least once every day...in other words, try to carry on as closely as possible to your formal dojang training routines. That way, you can think of it not so much as interrupting your training as temporarily shifting its locale.

Good luck---let us know when things are back in place, OK?

[karatekid1975]

Good post, exile. That's my plan for now. I boyfriend trains, too (different dojang, but same system I was in prior to this one). He is a 1st dan (soon to be 2nd), and he suggested that he can teach me/train with me. I didn't think he would ask since it is the old dojangs curriculum, and he didn't think I would agree. But I did (I remember most of it). So, back to WTF I go ;) And yet again, a new teacher LOL.

[matt.m]

Laurie,

You are at a crucial point. You have your red belt. You need more than ever to get your dan. If you can go back to the old school and do that then do so.

It seems like you are getting help in that area so don't waste that. In other words don't punch the gift horse in the mouth. I missed an opportunity to test for dan in Judo twice. I regret it, however I am focused on tae kwon do.

[zDom]

Good post, exile. That's my plan for now. I boyfriend trains, too (different dojang, but same system I was in prior to this one). He is a 1st dan (soon to be 2nd), and he suggested that he can teach me/train with me. I didn't think he would ask since it is the old dojangs curriculum, and he didn't think I would agree. But I did (I remember most of it). So, back to WTF I go ;) And yet again, a new teacher LOL.

I suggust you two set and keep a schedule so it is more like a "private lesson" setup than just a "lets get together and work out every once in awhile."

I can never push myself to work out as hard alone as I can with a group or a partner, although I realize you might be wired differently.

[karatekid1975]

I don't mind the old curriculum. BUT the reason I left that dojang is it was too expensive, and too much crap (politic BS got in the way). I can't go back there. I mean, I'm still invited to go, but I will never train there again. They left a sour taste in my mouth (plus I can't afford it even with a job). So training at home is my best option right now.

[exile]

I don't mind the old curriculum. BUT the reason I left that dojang is it was too expensive, and too much crap (politic BS got in the way). I can't go back there. I mean, I'm still invited to go, but I will never train there again. They left a sour taste in my mouth (plus I can't afford it even with a job). So training at home is my best option right now.

Karatekid---I remember those problems you had with your previous dojang---it sounds to me like you're well rid of it. zDom's point about keeping a schedule is right on target. The more you can keep your training oriented to the specific goal of getting that dan belt in a realistic time frame, the less likely you are to be derailed.

One other thing you might consider doing is keeping in touch with your `official' instructor---the one you'll be testing for---to let him know on a regular basis what you're up to and what you've been working on in prep for your test. This will serve to remind him that yes, you are still there and you are expecting to go up for that dan test and are working hard to get there, and that you expect him to be interested in the fact that you're doing that. There is nothing that makes a teacher happier than a student who is dead serious about the subject and clearly working hard, and teachers who are happy with a student's attitude are far more willing to go out of their way to accommodate him or her than they would otherwise be. If you subtly convey to your instructor that you regard him as still a part of your MA training life, he's going to keep some element of his commitment to you as a student that he probably wouldn't if you lost touch with him and then, a few months later when you're back on your feet financially, just showed up again. Just a thought---

and good luck on your new program!

[karatekid1975]

Hiya all.

Good news. I did find a job. Well, it's one that I've had one day per week. My boss really needed someone full time. So she asked me, and I took it. It's not exactly what I wanted, but it's full time.

As far as training goes ... I'm on the hunt for a new place to train yet again. I'm eye-balling a place right now. But I have to find the time to stop there. I'll let you know how that turns out. I don't even know what syle they do, so I have to do some questioning, I guess LOL.

[exile]

Hiya all.

Good news. I did find a job. Well, it's one that I've had one day per week. My boss really needed someone full time. So she asked me, and I took it. It's not exactly what I wanted, but it's full time.

As far as training goes ... I'm on the hunt for a new place to train yet again. I'm eye-balling a place right now. But I have to find the time to stop there. I'll let you know how that turns out. I don't even know what syle they do, so I have to do some questioning, I guess LOL.

Hey, karatekid---sounds very promising. Keep us posted on how it goes. You're gonna get a good break somewhere in all this---has to happen!

[terryl965]

Karatekid if you was in my nieghborhood nstop by and I would train you, you have the right attitude about the Art of TKD best of luck.
Terry

[karatekid1975]

Thanks exile and Master Terry. Master Terry, if I was in Texas, you can bet that I would be there at your dojang in a flash. I really wish I could. Money talks bro and I have none. But if I did have the money to travel, I wouldn't be here LOL. I would definitely travel.

Thanks to you all for your advice. It helps a lot. I'll keep you posted on the dojang hunt. MT folks rock ;)

[exile]

I'll keep you posted on the dojang hunt. MT folks rock ;)

You're definitely one of those who rock, Laurie--got a great attitude (`Indomitable Spirit', think it's called). It's not 100% true, but I think it's mostly true that people make their own luck, so I think you are going to do OK in the end.

Do keep us posted---that dan rank is waiting just up ahead for you around the corner...

[karatekid1975]

Hey guys.

I think I finally found a training "home." As you can tell (I haven't posted in a while), it took me a awhile. I am doing a three month trial thing at a Shotokan dojo. So far, I really love it. It's a bit of a hike, though (an hour). And it's only twice a week.

But the up-side is it's only $50 a month, free uniform, and no contracts. And they do the same forms as TSD (with slight differences). So I didn't have to learn the first 4 forms (well, besides tweeking them a little). Sensei is a really cool guy, too. He teaches for the love of the art (he still has a full time job ... the reason he teaches only twice a week).

I'll keep you posted on how it goes (so far so good).

[searcher]

That is good to hear!!!

[terryl965]

Karatekid I'm glad you was able to find someone, keeps us posted OK

[karatekid1975]

Hey guys.

I haven't posted in a while ... again. But the Shotokan thing didn't work out. Long story.

But I did go back to my old system (WTF TKD) thanks to advice from some of you guys, but at a different dojang. My old instructor (at the main dojang where I trained) in that system doesn't like me (eventhough I still visit there to see my better half train/test), but my best friend as a seperate dojang from him, and I'm going to train with her.

The down side is I can't test, because I would have to test under the old instructor at the main dojang. But then again, she is a 3rd dan. She can test me if she really wanted to. The upside is, she also asked me to help her teach. She is getting a lot of new students and she needs the help. So, I said ok (that's what started the whole thing with training with her). And it's free (if I help her teach, which I will).

So this might be better in the long run. I don't have to relearn anything. And I can't go wrong with free tuition ;)

I'll let you know how it works out. I start tomorrow (friday).

[IcemanSK]

Laurie:

I'm glad that your back into TKD. Your journey certainly shows your Indomitable Spirit.

Welcome Back!

[matt.m]

Hey guys.

I haven't posted in a while ... again. But the Shotokan thing didn't work out. Long story.

But I did go back to my old system (WTF TKD) thanks to advice from some of you guys, but at a different dojang. My old instructor (at the main dojang where I trained) in that system doesn't like me (eventhough I still visit there to see my better half train/test), but my best friend as a seperate dojang from him, and I'm going to train with her.

The down side is I can't test, because I would have to test under the old instructor at the main dojang. But then again, she is a 3rd dan. She can test me if she really wanted to. The upside is, she also asked me to help her teach. She is getting a lot of new students and she needs the help. So, I said ok (that's what started the whole thing with training with her). And it's free (if I help her teach, which I will).

So this might be better in the long run. I don't have to relearn anything. And I can't go wrong with free tuition ;)

I'll let you know how it works out. I start tomorrow (friday).


What an absolute hook up. Good for you. I find more wrong with my own technique when helping lower belts than I find on my own. Again, good for you.

Indominateable spirit, you have certainly shown it over the past 6 months.

[karatekid1975]

Thanks guys :) It feels good to be back in TKD. I went to class tonight with my honey (he wanted to go just for the training with our good friend). It was a good workout. Eventhough it's the same system that he's in, she has a different way of teaching it. It's so refreshing. It was a blast. She stayed after class with me and worked on forms (I had a few "brain farts" with the forms during class LOL).

Her highest level student is an orange belt (her dojang is fairly new). That girl was so shocked to see a black belt (my honey) and me (1st gup) that she got nervous. Poor thing. She was so sweet, too. I helped her out, and then she relaxed a bit.

I had so much fun. I can't teach yet, because I'm a little rusty, but that won't last long ;) I'll keep you updated.

[Kacey]

That sounds great! Congratulations. And just remember... teaching is the best way to learn, because you have to understand what you're doing - it's a great testing prep, too.

[terryl965]

Hey guys.

I haven't posted in a while ... again. But the Shotokan thing didn't work out. Long story.

But I did go back to my old system (WTF TKD) thanks to advice from some of you guys, but at a different dojang. My old instructor (at the main dojang where I trained) in that system doesn't like me (eventhough I still visit there to see my better half train/test), but my best friend as a seperate dojang from him, and I'm going to train with her.

The down side is I can't test, because I would have to test under the old instructor at the main dojang. But then again, she is a 3rd dan. She can test me if she really wanted to. The upside is, she also asked me to help her teach. She is getting a lot of new students and she needs the help. So, I said ok (that's what started the whole thing with training with her). And it's free (if I help her teach, which I will).

So this might be better in the long run. I don't have to relearn anything. And I can't go wrong with free tuition ;)

I'll let you know how it works out. I start tomorrow (friday).

KarateKid I would test you if needed to be, we can always work something out

[karatekid1975]

Thanks Master Terry. I may take you up on that offer, but not for a while. I'm really rusty. I also have to get my conitioning back. But I'll keep it in mind. Thanks again.

[exile]

Hey guys.

I haven't posted in a while ... again. But the Shotokan thing didn't work out. Long story.

But I did go back to my old system (WTF TKD) thanks to advice from some of you guys, but at a different dojang. My old instructor (at the main dojang where I trained) in that system doesn't like me (eventhough I still visit there to see my better half train/test), but my best friend as a seperate dojang from him, and I'm going to train with her.

The down side is I can't test, because I would have to test under the old instructor at the main dojang. But then again, she is a 3rd dan. She can test me if she really wanted to. The upside is, she also asked me to help her teach. She is getting a lot of new students and she needs the help. So, I said ok (that's what started the whole thing with training with her). And it's free (if I help her teach, which I will).

So this might be better in the long run. I don't have to relearn anything. And I can't go wrong with free tuition ;)

I'll let you know how it works out. I start tomorrow (friday).

Hi Laurie—I am so glad that you got back into TKD and that you're actively thinking about testing for dan, and that you're getting to teach. I hate to see people shut down just when they're about to reach a major milestone... good luck with your teaching and your `underground' training with your pal. You've had a long enough run of bumps in the road with your training program; sounds like it's about to smooth out now—and about time!

[karatekid1975]

Thanks so much, exile. Yes, so true.

I do have to thank you guys. I have had hard times in the last 6 months. But you have been so supportive. You guys mean so much to me. MT people rock. It brings a tear to my eye ... no, seriously. It's true. I love you guys. I'll keep you all updated. And Master Terry when Im ready, I'll come down to you. Or pay your way up here.

Have a safe an Happy New Year all.

[exile]

Thanks so much, exile. Yes, so true.

I do have to thank you guys. I have had hard times in the last 6 months. But you have been so supportive. You guys mean so much to me. MT people rock. It brings a tear to my eye ... no, seriously. It's true. I love you guys. I'll keep you all updated. And Master Terry when Im ready, I'll come down to you. Or pay your way up here.

Personally, I think it would be so outrageously cool for you to test with Terry! It would have... I don't know, a kind of `poetic justice' quality. I'm not articulating it very well... `elegant solution'? Something like that.


Have a safe an Happy New Year all.

You too, Laurie!

[hong kong fooey]

my advice would be to pratice on your own until you get a job that way you are not rusty when you go back

[Yeti]

Hey Laurie
I hope things are still working out for you. I must say you're giving me some added hope/inspiration. I'm in a similar situation as you - I'm a 2nd Gup in TKD with all the desire in the world, but with little free money to spend towards training. I haven't put on a Dobak in over a year! I'll get back someday though I'm sure of that, and until then I'm working out by meself when I can - mostly poomse and sparring drills. But it keeps me sane. And actually, my 2 year old son LOVES to kick with me so I guess you could say I have a workout partner! :)

Anyhow - good luck moving forward. I wish you all the best in your training. It sounds like you've (finally) got a good thing going.

[karatekid1975]

Thanks. It's a good thing to have a workout partner ;) I have one myself. My other half is teaching me Koryo finally. Plus with the weather being bad lately, I couldn't make it to class (I train an hour away), so he's been filling the gaps for me. It's nice to have a (almost) 2nd dan as a boyfriend ;)

[matt.m]

Thanks. It's a good thing to have a workout partner ;) I have one myself. My other half is teaching me Koryo finally. Plus with the weather being bad lately, I couldn't make it to class (I train an hour away), so he's been filling the gaps for me. It's nice to have a (almost) 2nd dan as a boyfriend ;)

Through this whole scenerio playing out and unfolding I see you having one quality..."Perserverance". Without that there is nothing else. All the talent in the world is useless if not taken advantage of. Some of the most talented people I have met quit as soon as it gets difficult for them. Not just in MA but all facets of life.

[Renshi I]

Hey KarateKid,

Since you are so close to dan rank you may ask your instructor about opportunities to teach. You don't need to be that advanced to teach your students will be underrank anyway. If your instrcutor would support you teac to pay for your training. Then you can pay your teacher and support yourself as well as increase the membership of your parent school. Im sure your instructor would love to have more students because of his students.He would have to keep you trained to continue to train what would in essence be is students.

Good luck!

[karatekid1975]

hey Renshi I,

I'm kinda in that situation anyway. I'm the only advanced rank at my dojang. I help my instructor teach and stuff. She doesn't charge me (afterall, she is one of my good friends ;) ).

But rumor has it that we are getting another red belt from a sister school. YAY! Someone besides my instructor to work with on my forms and sparring (I haven't sparred in ages. My instructor has an injured arm. She can't spar). But we do have some white belts moving up to orange in Feb, so I'll have more sparring partners soon :)

[exile]

hey Renshi I,

I'm kinda in that situation anyway. I'm the only advanced rank at my dojang. I help my instructor teach and stuff. She doesn't charge me (afterall, she is one of my good friends ;) ).

But rumor has it that we are getting another red belt from a sister school. YAY! Someone besides my instructor to work with on my forms and sparring (I haven't sparred in ages. My instructor has an injured arm. She can't spar). But we do have some white belts moving up to orange in Feb, so I'll have more sparring partners soon :)

Laurie—have you any idea, even a very general time frame, of when you can expect to be testing for Dan?

[karatekid1975]

No, I can't test. I used to attend the main school, but I had a falling out with the head instructor. All dan and high red belts HAVE to test there. But, for me, he doesn't even know I am still training in his system still.

I mean, my instructor now is a 3rd dan (almost 4th ... if all goes well, she'll receive her 4th in Sept). She can test me privately if she really wanted to. But as far as when ... I don't know. That will be totally up to her.

Plus Master Terry offered to test me. But when? I still don't know (and if I can get the money to travel to Texas LOL).

[exile]

No, I can't test. I used to attend the main school, but I had a falling out with the head instructor. All dan and high red belts HAVE to test there. But, for me, he doesn't even know I am still training in his system still.

I mean, my instructor now is a 3rd dan (almost 4th ... if all goes well, she'll receive her 4th in Sept). She can test me privately if she really wanted to. But as far as when ... I don't know. That will be totally up to her.

Plus Master Terry offered to test me. But when? I still don't know (and if I can get the money to travel to Texas LOL).

OK, right... I remember now—sorry about that, I forgot that your friend, who I knew you were training with, was in his system... she'd have to basically go up against him in order to test you, right? And that puts both her and you in a bad spot...


hmmmm....

[karatekid1975]

Not really. If she gets her 4th dan (which I know she will), she can test me AND get my kukki-cert (under KKW rules ... if I choose to do so). The old instructor doesn't even have to know. Without her 4th dan, she can still test me (but she can't get the cert for me ... or order it, that is).

We (or her) can still make it happen "under ground" ;)

[terryl965]

Not really. If she gets her 4th dan (which I know she will), she can test me AND get my kukki-cert (under KKW rules ... if I choose to do so). The old instructor doesn't even have to know. Without her 4th dan, she can still test me (but she can't get the cert for me ... or order it, that is).

We (or her) can still make it happen "under ground" ;)


Well lets all prayer she gets her 4th so it can happen/
Terry

[bluemtn]

Well lets all prayer she gets her 4th so it can happen/
Terry


I'm with you on that one Terry! Best wishes for you and your teacher, karatekid!

[matt.m]

Here, here. I agree with absolute sincerity.

[karatekid1975]

Here here. I agree. Let's keep her in our prayers!!! She really does deserve it. She is an awsome martial artist, and a great teacher.

[exile]

Not really. If she gets her 4th dan (which I know she will), she can test me AND get my kukki-cert (under KKW rules ... if I choose to do so). The old instructor doesn't even have to know. Without her 4th dan, she can still test me (but she can't get the cert for me ... or order it, that is).

We (or her) can still make it happen "under ground" ;)

It will happen, Laurie—I'll bet anything. It's a nice wrinkle that once she has her 4th, the whole transaction can be kept under the counter, so to speak. It's a little bit of hike to September, but not all that long...

[karatekid1975]

It will happen, Laurie—I'll bet anything. It's a nice wrinkle that once she has her 4th, the whole transaction can be kept under the counter, so to speak. It's a little bit of hike to September, but not all that long...

Yea, it is a hike until sept, but I'm in no rush. I still have a lot of work to do. I've been out of training (serious regular training) since June. So, I'll just work hard and have fun with it :)

[exile]

Yea, it is a hike until sept, but I'm in no rush. I still have a lot of work to do. I've been out of training (serious regular training) since June. So, I'll just work hard and have fun with it :)

http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif Very good way to look at it... and after all that anticipation, the accomplishment will be that much sweeter, probably. Much better, in a way, than being in the position of having an upcoming test that you just don't feel you can possibly get ready in time for, even though your instructor feels you're ready...

[karatekid1975]

http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif Very good way to look at it... and after all that anticipation, the accomplishment will be that much sweeter, probably. Much better, in a way, than being in the position of having an upcoming test that you just don't feel you can possibly get ready in time for, even though your instructor feels you're ready...

I agree. I was kinda forced into my first 1st gup test. I knew I wasn't ready. I failed .... duurrrr I knew that. The second time, the feeling was just there and I worked my tail off. I passed.

But I know with my good friend, she will watch me every class. She won't really "test me." When she thinks I'm ready, I'll get my BB. Her hubby is my Jujitsu instructor (5th dan) and his instructor and hers (she's a 1st dan in jujitsu) did that. And they both have been through that route. She will just hand me my belt. Not without hard work, though. But unlike jujitsu, She needs her 4th dan to do that (not just testing, but getting the KKW cert).

[cali_tkdbruin]

K-Kid '75, from what I've read, it seems that you've really had a hard struggle in your martial arts journey, but you've shown your determination and perserverence. Really that's what it's all about. You're an inspiration to those lower ranking students you're helping to train I'm sure. I went through a similar experience some years ago when I was a 1st gup on the verge of going for my 1st BB. My Sabumnim let me help out at our dojang in exchange for not not charging me tuition until I got back on my feet and found a steady job in my industry. He was really cool about that, and I'm indebted to him, otherwise I would have had to quit my formal training. In the end it has worked out for me, and it will for you too.

Keep hanging tough and good luck to you. You'll get your 1st dan soon enough.

[karatekid1975]

Hey Cali. Long time no chat, bud. Nice to see you.

Thanks so much. My TSD instructor did that for me. I lost my job and he let me clean the dojang to pay for tuition. I was so thanksful that after I got a job, I kept cleaning for him.

Yep, it's been a tough road in TKD this last year, but I'm getting through it. Thanks to the MT crew for all your support. All the good advice helped.