Legitimate Martial Art?

[Thomas Vince]

How can we in this huge world of MA's
decide how or when a martial art or system of Ma's should be recognized? You're comments are welcomed but do not assume I will moderate this subject!
Please do not include the corner mom and pop martial art club, I am looking for systems and methodology of the MA's that are more prominent in the world today and recognized in manners that are proven in todays world.
Any comments?

[Andrew Green]

Recognized by who for what and why?

Martial arts is a very broad term nowadays, there are many different approaches, definitions of what martial arts is and why they should be practiced.

There are performance based schools, they train hard in forms, "tricks", and put on a great show.

There are "light" sport based schools, they teach forms competition as well, but focus on point sparring as well. Some people seem to enjoy it, I have no problem with it.

There are the "Hard" sport based schools, usually no forms, full contact, defined by rules, but not traditions or drills - whatever works.

There are "traditional" schools, teaching as close as they can to what they where taught backto some asian guy. Change is frowned upon, do what your told when your told.

There are the "modern" self defence schools, always trying for the latest trend, doing what works based on modern research, training "safe" and avoiding sport aspects.

and all sorts of others...

each type tends to disaprove of others, A wushu competitior might say boxing is just fighting, a boxer might say wushu is just dancing.

I think the important part is to do well what you claim to do.

If your goal is to put on a show, you need to be able to put on a good one. If your goal is self-defence you need practical and effective techniques taught in an efffective manner.

By that definition 2 schools might teach exactly the same material, in the same way. One advertises as "Fun and fitness for the whole family", the other as "Practical self-defence", and one might be legit, the other not.


Is that helpful? I don't think so.

Which forms of dance are legit?

Umm... well ballet is, but swing isn't.... Tango is borderline... waltz is... etc.

Doesn't make sense.

All are within there own setting. Now if a swing school promised to teach you how to be good at ballet (and taught swing) that wouldn't be right...

[waya]

Are we also talking about if instructors should create their own system, or stick with something "traditional"? Personally I think that is the evolution of the arts and there's nothing wrong with it. Just as long as the instructor isn't a "fraud" and really knows what they are about.

Rob

[Thomas Vince]

What is an acceptable background for an instructor to have that make you feel he's legit?

[waya]

Depends on what he's doing I guess. A good amount of time training, 10 yrs or more. Training generally in more than one system, or serious dedication to the system trained in. I wouldn't go for someone who has 3 or 4 yrs, a brand new Shodan, and no clue about the rest of the ma world. I'd also judge alot by attitude, if it seemed to be a money scheme, or a real attempt at giving back to the arts, as well as a real concept of more than physical techniques and how they adapt them.

[gojutejutsuryu]

Thomas Vince,
A contraversial(sp) subject, but a good one never the less.

Keeping of the "old Way's" is good, for those who want it.

A Sensei with 20 or more years experience in the Martial Arts, who starts making the odd change here or there, because it works better in today's world, I believe is alright.

As long as the person concerned is teaching a good, clean and healthy way of life, from a Martial Arts perspective AND NOT RIPPING THE PUBLIC OFF WITH PRETENTIONS OF GRANDEUR AND FAKE RANK DIPLOMA's, then I feel comfortable with it.

What is Legitimate.?
Goodness: A Rank Certificate issued by "Yamaguchi Gogen" (the founder of Goju-Kai), would be legitimate.
A Rank Certificate issue by Dr Rod Sacharnoski (the founder of Juko-Kai/U.S.A) would be legitimate.
A Rank Certificate issued by one of those companies I used to see (1960's/1970's) in the well known magazine (U.S.A) "BLACK BELT". where you could order a course in karate for $25-00. (They promised to send you a black belt certificate, already made out in your name, plus a video tape on "Their Techniques" ).???????. I HAVE A MORAL PROBLEM WITH THIS.

Keep the faith and keep searching.
gojutejutsuryu.

[Freeform]

Hmm tricky one. Why does a style have to be 'recognised' to be legitamate.

Someone with at least 15yrs training in the style their teaching + knowledge of other styles (hands one knowledge, not book learning).

If their claiming to teach 'street fighting' then I will have expected them to have streetfought.
If their claiming to teach sport MA, I'll expect them to have competed.
If their teaching Healing techniques/forms, I'll expect them to be able to heal me.

Who started to teach MA first, were they 'recognised'? I don't think so.

Thanx

[darlph]

I don't think a style has to be recognized to be legitimate. Lately I've heard some really different names that I have no idea where they came from.
Martial arts started as fighting.....Bruce Lee took the best of what was good for him and made a style from several different. Chuck Norris also.
We use MA as fighting, defense, exercise, stress relief and so on. I always check a background on any school or instructor before I attend. Also I watch a clas or two to see if it's for me. Incense is a big turnoff in a dojo for me because I like to breathe when I workout.
Attitude is another. I don't believe one style is better than another. It's what works for me. And if you bad mouth another style it shows no class. Because the tools are only as good as the person who uses them. :)

[Thomas Vince]

Interesting, I do beleive that are good choices and bad choices in MA's and unfortunately some us discover bad choices after being in a style or under an instructor for good deal of time.
Yours in Kenpo.

[darlph]

Thomas that's why we have choices here. Sometimes, it's a matter if you get along with the upper ranks. I know that I observe the first couple of weeks when I do get involved with a school or watch as many classes as I can to get the feel.
You know there's a thing called integrity and courtesy. I don't like people to bad mouth others in my presence... it lowers my opinion of them and I hate to hear what they say about me. Also, just being in the vicinity, I'm the one who gets the blame.
Finding out after you've been there a while? I would find what had changed my opinion. I went from Karate.............to..........TKD because I had lost touch with my instructor in 20 yrs. When I mentioned his name at a couple of places they laughed and said he waasn't so tough. He let himself be goaded into a match and lost. As far as I'm concerned, he lost his contol once and that's not bad for being human. Hey, and I'm not in this to fight just to exercise for myself and meet some really neat people:)

[Thomas Vince]

Good replies ladies and gentlemen, I think you all helped me make my point thank you.