Leanna G

My husband and I have been training at a studio since January of this year. We signed into a year long contract in February. In July, the instructor we were training over, left the studio and returned to his hometown several states away. The wife of the owner of the studio (they have 2 locations, he teaches at the other studio) is now the instructor for us. Frankly, my husband and I are NOT very happy with the instruction she is giving. However, we are under contract and feel obligated to finish it out (if I am wrong, let me know). I know this woman is all about the money and getting out of the contract will probably be a huge headache, in fact, she's trying to sell us onto extending the contract several years and being part of their black belt club (which I flat out refuse to do).

Anyway, we have decided to leave at the end of the contract. We plan to continue our training elsewhere. My question is, how does rank progression work with people who have trained in other similar styles/arts? I know some places just do belt tests on skills and knowledge, however some require time in grade. What I'm trying to find, is a general idea of how other schools handle this just so we have an idea of what to expect.

I recently joined the community fitness center. My goals is to lose weight and improve my general endurance to keep up with my two kids. I saw today they offer personal training (the trainer is ISSA Certified). Before shelling out 40 dollars a session, I'm wondering if it is worth it.

My family has been training at a nearby school for about 6 months. We were happy until our instructor suddenly had to leave to return to his home town in another state. We are under a year long contract. The new instructor has decided she wants to teach full contact sword work. Fun, but impractical cause what are the odds your going to be carrying a sword if you get attacked?

Anyway, she is requiring us purchase our gear through the studio's website. We ordered our swords for class through someone else (at 10 dollars a sword less - that adds up when your buying equipment for 3 people). I'm wondering if she can legally force us to buy equipment through them even though we can (at least sometimes) find the same equipment through other suppliers for lower costs? I understand she wants to make money, but well, the economy is tight for everyone.

Its not even that its hard to identify or find the equipment she is wanting the class to use. I can understand her concerns about quality and safety, but if everything is identical except the store of purchase and the equipment doesn't have the name of our studio on it, can she refuse to instruct us?

Hi,

I need a new gi. My sensei uses Century, but we've had difficulty with sizing. We ordered a 7, but it's snug around the hips. So, I need an 8 and figure I'll just order one myself on-line this time.

I'm looking for a middleweight gi and am leaning towards one I say at http://www.sakuramartialarts.com/

I'm just wondering if anyone else knows of any good places to shop on-line.

Thanks.

Caleb, not quite 2, had explosive diarrhea this morning. When cleaning up the mess, I noticed a penny in the poop (he blew out his diaper when he was on my and my husbands bed this morning. don't think the penny was there before this).

The diarrhea has continued, but the amount is decreasing.

He's eating well, playing well, doesn't seem to be bothered by a thing.

Should I take him in this afternoon to see the doc or watch him for a day or two to see if it clears up?

I've decided to take martial arts. I'm overweight, out of shape, and am hoping a class will help me with that. I took Karate 20+ years ago when I was a kid. I'm not sure what art I want to do and am not really sure what to look for in a dojo. I know I don't want a "Belt Factory". In fact, I could care less about belts, I just want to get into shape again and learn a few things that may help me if I ever get in a situation that I need it.

I already feed a high quality kibble (Timberwolf). I am considering incorporating The Honest Kitchen to her daily food routine (I haven't found any other premixes available around here). I'm thinking raw in the morning and kibble in the evening.

However, before I make this decision, I want to make sure that the benefits outway cons (right now, the only one I have is cost, but I don't mind spending the money if it is truly worth it).

My dogs have always done well on kibble. The only reason I'd incorporate the raw is if I had reason to believe that it would make a big improvement in my dogs that don't really have any problems at all. (Sorry, small poop doesn't entice me to spend the extra money so you'll have to do better than that). Please also include sources and personal experiences.

I'm hearing vets saying Ole Roy, Puppy Chow, and Kibbles and Bits are good foods. Has anyone been told a commercial pet food is garbage by their vet?

Actually, I had a vet say the only thing scientific about Science Diet was the name. She recommended Innova, we weren't ready for that yet, but she then recommended Purina One for our cat she said it was the best thing we could get at Wal-Mart (it was being fed Whiskas with moist meaty bits or something). Our cats constant throwing up his food couldn't be because the food was bad! This was like 6 years ago, we know better now.

I know what to look for in dog food. However, I'm surprised by the number of people that think Pedigree and Science Diet are good food. What do you feed your dog and why do you feed it? Is it the commercials on TV? Is it the vet's recommendation? Is it the cheapest thing at the store? Because it has your breed of dog on the bag? Why do you feed your dog the food you feed?