Have any of you had any instructors forbid you from practicing with another student outside of class? My previous instructor, before he retired, didn't allow students to meet up outside of class to practice without an instructor present because it would teach students the wrong forms or the wrong ways.

That has always been a big point of contention to me. I left until another instructor took over. But in general they tend to discourage students from learning any other martials arts in tandem (to keep the art form pure) and not to tell or show case the martial arts much because the techniques are secret and such and such. They also speak eagerly about becoming a black belt that way you can become official and qualify to become an instructor yourself.

All this secrecy, paranoia, and pressure really dampens the mood. Is this normal in martial arts or FMA? I won't say much about what I'm learning since they're such sticklers.