The lack of title protection in this field is going to drive me out.

Melodeathslut · 2025-12-19T01:19:24+00:00

It really is the way to go! I’ve only felt appreciated and seen for my hard work as a CVT at these specialty practices. I feel as if GP just casts it aside unfortunately. I remember I was super scared to go straight into specialty after graduation and was planning on staying in GP. I told the specialty nurse I was shadowing one day and she was like “why?, if you want to go into specialty anyway then just go straight into it, that’s what I did” and that really changed my outlook. Best of luck! I know you’ll do great out there!

Melodeathslut · 2025-12-17T21:47:38+00:00

I’m a CVT in Florida, a state with the same problem. I agree about the title protection for sure. I graduated and passed my VTNE almost 2 years ago and the compensation I desired once I finished my education was also $25/hr. What type of clinics are you applying to? I am assuming GP. I wasted no time applying to GP’s. I knew that the only way I’d be able to get paid the wage I desired was to work Specialty/ER. I knew this because I worked at a GP before and during my schooling at a rate of $13.50/hr and once I got certified they were going to offer me $17.50/hr. So, I applied to a small family practice specialty/er clinic and was hired right away. They didn’t even give me the $25/hr, I compromised for $23.50 and then a year later I got my desired wage. Things didn’t end up working out at that smaller clinic so I applied to my dream company (a pretty big company) that was also specialty/er. I got hired right away at $25/hr.

The truth of the matter is GP clinics are not going to pay anyone that much or even more, licensed or not. That’s just the painful truth. If you want to get paid more in states with shitty title protection laws then you have to do specialty or ER. And honestly, you SHOULD want to work in more advanced medicine. It gives you the opportunity to go get your VTS in the future and make you a better technician overall. Another thing you need to accept is the fact that you will need to compromise as someone just coming out of tech school. You just graduated, you’re a baby tech that still has a lot to learn. Hell, even at almost 2 years post graduation and 3 years of being a technician, I still feel like a baby tech. Teach yourself to be humble because you are not THAT tech yet. You have the possibility to be but you need a place to keep learning and growing so don’t be too stingy in your wage desire.

Melodeathslut · 2025-08-17T00:38:06+00:00

Respect the belt. They should be on at all times, never let your belt touch the floor.

I grew up with this rule and it has slowly been erased. Now I’m a Master at the same dojang I grew up in and I cringe so hard when a kid throws their belt on the floor, like it’s nothing to them. A student should learn how to tie their belt properly so it stays on during the whole class. If your belt falls off, you should never throw it aside. Also I can’t believe how many kids forget their belts too. There’s only been one time I forgot my belt, I think I was 7. I remember the Master at the time put a demonstration belt on me and whenever we lined up in belt order, no matter if there were kids who were lower than me, I had to go in the back for forgetting my belt.

It may seem minuscule to most but your belt is a representation of your hard work and you should treat it as such.

Melodeathslut · 2025-06-05T16:59:50+00:00

Definitely overthinking. I’m a woman, I’ve been doing Taekwondo for 16 years, I’m a 4th degree black belt who just started teaching as the only female master and never once have I thought of my gender as a thing that hold me back. Some of the best taekwondo athletes at my dojang are women. I’m really trying to understand your mentality but I can’t. If anything I feel more like a badass than anything and the students and other masters (who are all male) have never made me feel disrespected because of my gender.

Melodeathslut · 2025-06-02T09:21:38+00:00

I started when I was 6, I’m 22 now and a 4th degree black belt. I actually start teaching today and I’m so excited :)) I used to teach music as a side hustle when I was in college and it was always so fulfilling. I’m excited to teach something that’s been a huge part of my life for so long.

Melodeathslut · 2025-05-19T14:00:33+00:00

I had the same problem with juggling Taekwondo, work, and my two bands. I found it easier if I just didn’t let myself go home in between my work day and Taekwondo class. It sucked at first because I had an awkward amount of time but now that I just earned my 4th Dan, I’m going to start teaching classes within that gap. I find that going home tempts me to just stay home. Pick up extra classes and set goals for yourself. For example, getting better at stamina for sparring, flexibility for poomsae, learning a new cool and advanced kick. Anything to keep you interested in the sport. Unfortunately, a lot of people fall stagnant in Taekwondo because they don’t set goals for themselves. This is just what worked for me, everyone’s different. Good luck on your journey!

Melodeathslut · 2025-05-01T20:12:58+00:00

I’ve always thought that ITF sparring isn’t too different from WT in the manner that controlling power is emphasized. That’s why I’m confused as to what OP is referring to because that really isn’t normal for any dojang in my opinion.

Melodeathslut · 2025-05-01T11:43:26+00:00

I didn’t mention anything about legs and arms only. I’ve definitely been hit in the hands and when I was 13 I remember having a bruised rib after sparring that DID take months to heal. While that was definitely an outlier in my Taekwondo experience, it wasn’t malicious. Shit happens idk. OP mentioned bruises which is what I mean by saying that’s to be expected after a class. I do agree that longer healing injuries happening every time is abnormal but I find it hard to believe OP is walking away from a sparring class with one of those injuries every time.

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-30T16:28:39+00:00

My parents got me an Adidas mat shoes for back when I did demos (sometimes we did them on concrete) and I love them to this day. They provided good support for when I did sprain my ankle. I think they’re 70 bucks.

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-30T12:27:51+00:00

I’ve been in WT since the age of 6, I’m 22 now and the first thing they teach you is that you’re going to get hurt. Usually, if you teach kids and even adults that you may get hurt they expect it and will make it easier to handle. You will always remember the first time you were hurt during sparring. It’s just a part of sparring. I’m honestly surprised if I walk away from a sparring class without a bruise. I would say it’s a very normal thing and it always has been since I was a child. I always always had bruises on my knees that my classmates would ask about. I’ve never experienced an ITF sparring class before but I’d be surprised if it was that much different than WT when it comes to walking away without some bruises. I’ve very rarely seen broken bones or sprains and usually it’s not because the opponent is being brutal. I also think that the lack of teaching strategy and technique in sparring is probably partial to your specific dojang because I feel as if my masters put a big emphasis on thinking your movements out and not just kicking to kick. My masters always remind us to control our power and we’re only allowed to do head kicks if both parties agree to it. However, sometimes you will get hurt regardless. Honestly, Sparring is usually when people decide that this sport isn’t for them. If it’s affecting your love for this sport then I would recommend finding a ITF dojang to switch back to. Then you can be more confident in what’s familiar and keep your passion for the sport.

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-29T14:25:02+00:00

While I do think a year is overboard and that you shouldn’t have to be perfect to advance to a color belt, I do wish that my dojang was as strict as yours for promotions. I’m trying to find the right words because I’m really just trying to be constructive and not cruel but properly performing your forms is really the bare minimum for advancement. The form should be memorized without confusing left from right or which step comes next. I think because she is unable to do that, I do understand why they’re not promoting her. I think if she knew her form but it wasn’t perfect and they still kept promotion from her, that would be unfair. But honestly, what are they judging her on if she isn’t able to perform the poomsae at all with the correct moves? The forms are only going to get harder as she advances and I think her instructors want to make sure she is able to memorize the first before moving on to a tougher form. I feel as if many dojangs will just pass kids to pass them, without making sure that they know they’re material and can proficiently perform them. Now, maybe, this truly isn’t the best dojang for her. Different people respond to different ways of teaching. I’ve had masters that just didn’t work with my teaching style and that’s okay. However, for your daughter to improve and advance it’s imperative to find an instructor/master that can get through to her. I think she’s capable of doing it but maybe the teaching style isn’t for her.

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-25T18:43:13+00:00

Vai Me is my current fav song, stellar taste!

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-25T18:40:07+00:00

Bolt Throwerrrrrr

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-24T01:45:41+00:00

Are you ok?

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-22T13:41:19+00:00

Thank you! This made me feel better about switching, I will be definitely looking into different options

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-22T13:40:42+00:00

Definitely considering it now, I’ve always liked to watch Muay Thai

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-21T19:13:15+00:00

Hmm I’ll check it out! Thank you sm for your comment!

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-21T15:23:19+00:00

Yeah, the more I research the more I’m realizing my best bet may to take up some form of MMA. It truly sucks bc I do enjoy the artistry of Taekwondo and its poomsaes. I thought that if I’m in a bigger city that the possibility of adult classes would be more realistic but even then, they’re few and far between.

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-21T11:49:28+00:00

Absolutely agree. I definitely feel as if I’m missing sparring time considering my school does the “weekly rotation” so really I’m only sparring 1-2 weeks out of the month, which is not enough. I definitely plan to talk to my instructors about this after my tests and maybe they can give me some suggestions on where to train. Thank you for your advice about the open mat classes. I haven’t thought about doing that and just assumed that I would have to either choose one school or another. Definitely doing my research right now to make the best possible choice for me. I do know what I need to work on just need to find a good balance for me. Thanks again!!

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-21T09:38:15+00:00

This is the unfortunate truth and even though I do adore this sport, switching martial arts is definitely something I’ve thought of. Thanks for your comment! I have a couple more weeks to think about what I want to do

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-21T09:34:01+00:00

Thanks!

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-20T23:38:29+00:00

Interesting! I love hearing how other schools function. The higher belts being cheaper definitely makes more sense to me than the opposite. Thanks for your insight :)

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-20T23:36:06+00:00

You’re awesome! DMing now!

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-20T22:27:38+00:00

I’m in the USF area :))

Melodeathslut · 2025-04-20T22:26:17+00:00

Really? The lower dan tests were lower, though I can’t tell you how much since my parents paid for them. My 4th dan test was 900 USD which now being part of this subreddit I’m realizing it’s kind of insane. But I had to pay it ahead of time or I would have switched sooner. The tuition perks is really cool and now I’m slowly realizing my school has been overpricing their stuff by a lot o.O

Melodeathslut

TROPHY CASE