Andy Murray
28-Aug-2002, 09:59 AM
We've had sooooooooo many discussions around this subject, but let me just quickly explain before Disney files a law suit.
Before answering, it might be an idea for new members interested in this subject to view some of the (at times very heated) discussion we have already had;
"Tradition vs Progress" (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=195)
"Commercialisation" (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=181)
"The real story behind the Mc Dojo..." (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240)
"Black Belt in 12 months" (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=253)
There are an infinite variety of blends within the MA.
At one end of the scale we have Dojo's purely interested in the fun/sport end of the arts.
At the other end we have the Dojo's that train purely for the street, against weapons and the worst elements of society.
Now it is entirely possible that a fun/sport Dojo will claim to be teaching practical cure-all, one stop shop self defence, just as some people will tell you training purely for reality is fun.
Consider then that there are many shades in between these two groups. No one art can rightfully claim to be entirely practical, as there is always someone with a better way of doing things, or a reason for not doing something.
I see nothing wrong with a style which contains graceful and intricate movements which are fun to perform, this is often the publics (mis)conception of the arts, and what get's most young people involved. I do believe that people teaching these systems should always explain the applications though. It is, however, up to the individual to decide whether they have sufficient reality/practicality involved.
I have trained with many alledged reality purists over the years though, and always see something in practice, which I judge to be impractical.
No one style or individual has the answer to every question, but surely by dismissing out of hand every system we feel operates with a different criteria from our own we risk losing an opportunity to learn.
I don't personally distinguish from a Black Belt of 50 years and a White Belt of 5 minutes. I know I'll learn something important from each of them. In fact I have done so on this very forum.
Your thought's people???
Before answering, it might be an idea for new members interested in this subject to view some of the (at times very heated) discussion we have already had;
"Tradition vs Progress" (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=195)
"Commercialisation" (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=181)
"The real story behind the Mc Dojo..." (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240)
"Black Belt in 12 months" (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=253)
There are an infinite variety of blends within the MA.
At one end of the scale we have Dojo's purely interested in the fun/sport end of the arts.
At the other end we have the Dojo's that train purely for the street, against weapons and the worst elements of society.
Now it is entirely possible that a fun/sport Dojo will claim to be teaching practical cure-all, one stop shop self defence, just as some people will tell you training purely for reality is fun.
Consider then that there are many shades in between these two groups. No one art can rightfully claim to be entirely practical, as there is always someone with a better way of doing things, or a reason for not doing something.
I see nothing wrong with a style which contains graceful and intricate movements which are fun to perform, this is often the publics (mis)conception of the arts, and what get's most young people involved. I do believe that people teaching these systems should always explain the applications though. It is, however, up to the individual to decide whether they have sufficient reality/practicality involved.
I have trained with many alledged reality purists over the years though, and always see something in practice, which I judge to be impractical.
No one style or individual has the answer to every question, but surely by dismissing out of hand every system we feel operates with a different criteria from our own we risk losing an opportunity to learn.
I don't personally distinguish from a Black Belt of 50 years and a White Belt of 5 minutes. I know I'll learn something important from each of them. In fact I have done so on this very forum.
Your thought's people???