Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Kansas

Re: Accusation of slander

This instructor doesn't sound like the martial arts instructors I've been associated with in my taekwondo career (I'm a green belt/blue stripe-middle belt rank). I also understand that if your husband and family have to change schools, they may either have to start over in rank or languish at their current rank while learning new techniques, forms, etc. However, do you want your family associated with an instructor who violates the tenets of martial arts and treats your family so badly?

As to slander, it is my opinion that as long as you are not saying anything untrue, it is not actionable. However, that is not to say that the instructor might not file suit. As to a restraining order, unless violence or the threat of violence is involved against him, s/he can't simply walk into court and get one.

My advice is that it is not worth getting a black belt from an instructor or a school that does not respect its students. I'd find a new school and when asked about the former school and instructor, be classy and say, "we were just looking for a change" and leave it at that.

I am also a member of the Kansas bar.

Good luck.

Best regards,

Todd Epp, Esq.