Hi Mark
The EKGB site www.ekgb.org.uk gives a list of members and their websites or mail me direct with your snail mail address for a shikon membership handbook.

Or change your name to something a bit oriental, charge more, never answer a question directly and do your own thang...
Steve

I am also a member of the B.A.M.A and today i returned from a seminar in sword, I will un doubtedly remember this day for the rest of my life, I also stufy Karate with the school as well as Zen. All studies have helped me beyond belief. My sensei has helped me with an all manner of problems. I am not here to represent in the school in anyway as I still do not understand ALOT of it and it's teachings. I am simply putting forward my views on the school. And there seems to be alot of 'judging a book by it's cover'. In other styles I know of people who are 13 years old with black belts, in a style that I used to do. I KNOW for a FACT that since studying at the B.A.M.A even though I have not been here long I have already achieved a level of physical and mental strength that surpasses this other persons. Also he may be black belt but you can quite clearly see that should a 6ft built man with a baseball bat attack him the person would have a VERY difficult time in dealing with him, unfortunately. It is not an attack on the style simpley a fact, he would not have the strength to take it, I have seen him get hit by friends and he will cringe etc. At the B.A.M.A you do not get a belt until you are ready. If you don't have the stamina or the strength to do that grade you DON'T get the belt, simple. And if after failed grading you still can't get it, which I doubt with the high level of teaching from all the sensei's, and you decide to leave, no problems, I have seen people come and go, even in my short while that I have been at the school. There is no pressure. Alot of questions also, if you went to the site that was previously posted on page one then you will see a part which says, 'any other questions' and then there is a number, if you are really that bothered then ring!!

'Don't judge a book by it's cover'

Blighmy i've just read through the whole of this thread on a random moderating dip sample.

I too am very happy that everyone is enjoying their training and feels that their money is well spent.

However, rather than stepping forward to wave flags and cheer, can any member of this organisation answer Bossman's not unreasonable question? Anyone at all?

I would have thought the instructor who posted some time ago would have answered the question.

Regds
Mr V

Hi There,

I am currently training with the B.A.M.A. I will also have to say that I am very pleased with the lessons as well and always really enjoy them compared to other clubs I have trained with.

But I can also see the validity of the argument raised by others such as Bossman. I would like to see the history of the school more available, as I have not been given many details on it myself. I hope that any BAMA instructors don't see my view as negative I am not trying to attack the school, I would just like to see this thread come to a resolution.

Beady and Kaine26

Glad to hear that you enjoy your training. It's great to hear posts from people so thoroughly satisfied with their training.

As I said in an earlier post, I did e-mail James Seaward directly to try and get the questions answered, but he did not respond.

Once again, I understand that he is under no obligation to, however with all the students coming to post to say how impressed with the training they are, why can't the simple questions asked be answered.

It isn't as if anything amazingly secret might be disclosed. (And if it is, we promise not to tell!)

Also, if I asked almost any Shotokan?Wado/Goju/etc. practitioner who his instructor was or the linage, he would probably be able to tell me. When it gets historical it will get a bit vague, but that's history for you.

Why is it that the students who have posted on this thread can't answer the questions raised. They're not very difficult ones, considering that you study the style.

JohnL

JohnL,

I do agree with you, I have looked at other web sites for different clubs and there is usually some sort of history/bio page which can tell you the details you need to know. I have actually found that this thread has given me cause to seriously think about the issues raised and seeing as the training is expensive, it would be nice to be able to post on here with the answers to the questions that have been asked. As this thread has created some negative press for the BAMA, it would be good to see that turned around.

This certainly isn't a BAMA bashing thread and I suppose it is not obligatory to answer. I just worries me a little that the answer to a simple question illicits silence. Especialy when the instructor has been asked directly by personal email. Possibly he may feel beneath answering such a question - which would be a shame. Surely the best way to silence the critics would be to adopt a policy of openess with those who have questions about the association. Continued silence over something as basic as this makes me somewhat uneasy

Regds
Mr V

[This message has been edited by MrVigerous (edited 07-19-2004).]

Hi again,

I personally do know a fair bit of the schools history, from personal chats with my sensei and other lessons however in my still fairly low grade I do not know whether I am at liberty to say. So, if these answers are wanted so badly why not ring up a dojo or go to a no obligation starting lesson and find out then post them? I personally joined the school because of their privacy towrds themsleves. And however, should it matter? and if it does then ring up a dojo and find out!!

Hi Beady:

Unfortunately I am in New York so the best I could do was an e-mail.

As I said, I received no response.

JohnL

try emailing more than one person.