This holds true with wives, too. :D

The dojo just changed hands and the new owner-instructor has much more kid-friendly energy. I'm hoping that transfers and will inspire some more spontaneity on her part at home.

Regarding fun at home, I've learned that she doesn't take kindly to my coaching at home when she does some practice. "This is the way I was taught" Me: "but if you pivot more on your back foot, your side kick will be better" Her:"But this is what I was taught" Me:" I heard what you were taught two nights ago - that's not it" Her :rolleyes: :mad: :( except with longer hair :)

So I'm hoping that "gaming it up" or making it whacky, energetic, random, farty, etc. will help. Plus, it's something new, which she should like.

Thanks

Ha! One lesson learned while leading canoe trips was to be cautious about placing married couples in the same canoe on the first day :p

Which reminds me of another great marital lesson - become familiar with the little man in the canoe. ;)

But I digress. In my experience, most martial arts studios that have dedicated children's classes do not focus on realistic combat situations with children less than 12 years of age (with exceptions for those children who have been training for years who are invited to participate in the adult classes). Most focus on basic technique/form, fun, sport (teaching to win competitions/tournaments), fitness, self-discipline and positive self image.

When it comes down to it, a pre-pubescent child will be overpowered an adult attacker, and no amount of training will level the playing field. A child's best bet for survival in a a situation with an adult is a quick move to provide separation directly followed by fleeing to a safe environment.

Samurai were the warrior ruling class of Japan and ruled the Island essentially they were the current dynasty.

Ninja were former Samurai also from the warrior ruling class but a different family who had been ousted.

Ninja were from double sword carrying Samurai ruling warrior class families that since they were not in power were not allowed to be armed on Japan but not outside of it. Since they were born and bred warriors they maintained their warrior skills. Ninja were servant to the Samurai as mercenaries and were sent to maintain order in Japanese territories like Okinawa while the Samurai maintained Japan itself.

IRT to your comment about legitimacy, Karate is legitimate just no so much in the U.S or outside of Okinawa for that matter.

The difference between the Samurai and Ninja was the Samurai were Overt and the Ninja operated covert on Japan itself outside of Japan they continued as warriors do. They weren't farmers they weren't craftsman or writers or religious leaders the Ninja were warrior class through and through.

Of course the Samurai in power were NInja before they ousted the Samurai in power. But they still had to exist and offered their services of sabotage, assassination etc...to the Samurai in power so they could eat and survive. Make no mistake the Ninja were always plotting to overthrow the family in power.

Update:
There is a difference in different techniques by age level. Example: kids finish a combo with the attacker in an arm lock whereas the adults continue to a choke.

The new owner is more fight oriented and competing in a small, full-contact kick-boxing event today. He's also showing the "why we do it", better sparring advice, and drilling students on basics instead of "running the script" every time even though students are sloppy.

Daughter is more interested in the classes, and that's the good part :)

Cheers.