I find that very interesting that you and your gf have remained doing martial arts together, and now have a school. That must take a lot of dedication.
If one of you slacks off, you will always have the other to motivate you. That works well!!!

My name is Jeff and I'm 48. I have 2 kids ages 11 and 15. The kids have been studying for the better part of three years and have not been making much progress within their school due to their lack of outward agression. My 11 year old has entered a few tournaments and won his age category at a statewide tournament a year ago. They're getting frustrated watching kids they know they can beat get promoted ahead of them. I started taking classes at the dojo to get them to attend more often. I'm fairly fit (able to run 10 miles or bike 60) and end up sore after classes no matter how long I train. I know it's the wrong place for me. I'm thinking it's time for a change for them too.

Is this a fairly common occurrance? Is there any kind of an online rating system for schools in my area?

TIA

Its normal to switch schools if you are having problems with it. If your kids arent content with the school, then it may be time to change. However, although your kids may not want to hear this, getting ranks/belts isnt the most important part of training in martial arts. I am not saying your kids only train for their belt/rank, but I just want to let you know that may not be a sufficient reason to leave the school.

When you say your kids aren't progressing, are you saying they're not getting better, or not being promoted? Two very different things. Take the first over the second, at least for a while longer.

The important thing is, do your kids enjoy that school? Another consideration: if you jump schools, one of 2 possibilities comes into play:

1. Different styles. They start virtually at square one.
2. Same style. Senseis know each other. Friction possible over "defection".
Only follow this if they aren't getting better.

Better course: if it's rank, talk to the sensei, asking what children need to "progress". But please don't start with attitude of "My kids deserve to be THAT rank". Leave that assessment up to the professionals.

I agree that the most important thing is that they progress in technique. I can't get them to show up if they are unmotivated. This is after all a voluntary activity and they do have busy lives. My older son likes the kids but is beginning to outgrow (in age) his contemporaries. The younger one has just tired of it and I'm trying to breathe a little life back into something he's good at.

Hi there, I'm somewhat new to the forums I've been in martial arts my whole life. I've trained in karate, judo, BJJ, muay thai, savat, krav maga, the marine corps VLINE techniques (neighbor was an old war vet) and general MMA. I know theres alot but a few of them are relatively knew with the school I'm at now and I only took 6 months of the VLINE and Savat.

Hi, I am new to martial arts and to this forum. I am a 36 yr old female and I started studying Tang Soo Do in January of this year. I recently acheived an orange belt in this style and have become "bitten by the MA bug" so to speak. I love it! I was heavily involved in gymnastics up until I was 9 yrs old, but thankfully I have never lost that flexibility.

I am very lucky in that a few months after considering taking up martial arts, a dojang opened up within walking distance of my home. I'm studying martial arts to improve tons of things in my life: focus, balance, commitment, perseverance, fitness and overcoming fear. For me it is an extension of my journey through the 12 steps - integrating the physical with the mental & spiritual. I have been out of shape for a very long time but am just now getting into fighting shape.

I will probably lurk more than post, but I wanted to introduce myself.

Tang Soo!

Welcome folks! Enjoy.

Well your reasoning for doing martial arts are all very good. So you shall definitely be able to meet your goal. Good luck!!!

Greetings All: My name is Glenn. 1st deg. b/belt Moo Duk Kwan, Tang Soo Do 1969, 1st deg. b/belt ITF, TKD 1970; 2nd deg. TKD 1987 I believe I've got alot of experience to share. Had some very memorable and honorable moments. Thanks, ---glenn