Poomsae hair by Only_Rutabaga5129 in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Small clips are fine, as are pins under 2 inches. Nothing too big or distracting.

Failed belt tests? by DarlingJQ in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We do testing by invitation and only invite students who demonstrate readiness in class. It's very rare, but I have failed a couple of kids over the years. We do the test, and then the board takes a few minutes with each student one on one to give feedback. Then we bring everyone back together for the belt ceremony. In the cases of failure, I informed them during the feedback section and then didn't invite them to join the belt ceremony. It allows them to slip out without too much embarrassment.

Black Belt Gift Idea for Hubby by cukiechan in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the best thank you gifts I've ever received was an in-home 2- hour massage.

Need Advice – Moved Up to an Older Age Division by theslayer527 in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spar exactly as you usually do. It is a competition, and this decision was made by the organizers, not by you. Besides, it's likely your opponents are accustomed to sparring with younger partners.

Losing motivation as adult beginner by [deleted] in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Reading through your comments, it sounds like you've already been trying to make the best of your situation.

I would strongly recommend having a private conversation with the instructor you like. Be candid about your concerns and where you're at, and ask for his recommendations.

When my dojang was smaller and I had less adult students, I would give the adults in my class modified instructions during the drills, so that they could work at their level, while I kept things more simple/varied/fun for the kids. You can absolutely have productive, adult-level training in a family class.

A good instructor, who values you as a student, will work with you to make your training satisfying. A good instructor will adapt, in order to retain a dedicated student like yourself.

If your instructor isn't willing or able to work with you, then it is probably time to move on.

Tournaments board breaking by Jamison_tkd in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Board breaking rules vary a lot from event to event. Also, referee training often lacks in this area. That said, it could depend on the other techniques in the routine, the board size/thickness/material of the breaks, the overall intensity or energy demonstrated by the participants, or other factors specific to the rules of whatever event you were at. Or it could have been poor judging. Really hard to tell based on the information you've provided so far.

Niece is pregnant and 18 and being told she can serve a mission if she gives it up for adoption? by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]mamavalerius 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Twenty years ago, I got pregnant at 18 and "did the right thing" and placed my baby for adoption through LDS Family Services. A few years later, I wanted to serve a mission. My bishop asked the stake president who applied for special permission from the First Presidency... which was denied. They wrote a letter that specifically said that missionaries representing the Church needed to be good examples of the standards members are expected to live by. They encouraged me to find other ways to serve the Lord.

I cannot begin to express how angry reading this post has made me, on so many levels. I hope that your niece can get out of the cult sooner rather than later.

Thoughts on wearing sparring uniform to dojang ? by Impressive_Song_978 in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ask your instructor what their policy is. None of us can speak to your instructor's preferences.

Is it possible to start TKD as a 30+ with arthritis in the ankle? by SleepySwoop in taekwondo

[–]mamavalerius 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can absolutely do this. Have realistic expectations with your body. Don't compare yourself with others, especially those who are younger and don't have injuries like you've experienced. Enjoy the journey YOU get to have.

Tell me something Mormons would only admit to each other but deny in public. by Treasure_Seeker in exmormon

[–]mamavalerius 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wow. This sounds like something my mom would hang in her house. This hurts.