Cross Training

[Acitic]

It is my personal belief that it is up to the student to train their heart out to become proficient in any martial art system; I like the quote about the practitioner who trained only one kata day in day out. However, I am not a fan of the purist attitude taken on by many martial arts instructors. I refer to the idea that this or that art is better so one should train solely in one.

In my personal experience, and I will use real names; screw the innocent and the not so innocent. I had been teaching Kali in the Calgary Taekwon-Do Academy (WTF School) in Calgary, Alberta (Canada). The owner sold the school to Master Cha a 6th Degree Black Belt in TKD from Korea. Master Cha also teaches "Hae Dong Geum Do" a Korean Sword Art.
Since then he has changed the name to Red Phonenix Taekwon-Do and Martial Arts Centre (I believe you must teach more that one art to be a martial arts centre). Master Cha and his wife disallowed me from teaching the art of Kali at their school any further. I had 3 times slots, a Tuesday and Thursday that was for 45 minutes each, and a Sunday night for 2 hours (the school isn’t even open on Sundays). Their reasoning, they didn't want to confuse the students of who the instructor was, and they didn't want to blend the Korean Weapon art or Taekwon-Do for that matter with a Filipino art, obviously a BS reason. My personal thoughts on the matter, Master Cha wanted to limit his student to no outside influence of other martial arts, that way Master Cha can teach all the BS he wants without his students knowing that there is more than what is given to them. This post may exhibit a bias of my hard feelings considering they gave me and my students a week to find a new school (we ended up training in a local park while it rained that week).

The main point of my Message is Blending and Cross Training of Arts is a must, and should be promoted by instructors! For Example a purist Taekwon-Do practitioner mostly training in a purely stand up empty hand art, would have little or no chance in a weapons fight, or a ground fight. Each system has its strong points, and its weak points. Therefore, my belief is that including one or more systems to your personal tool belt can only strengthen.

Respectfully,

Jonathan Henn

[Artikon]

Nothing to do with your beliefs; however this sounds like a lot of sour grapes to me. Whatever master cha's reasons are, were, or you think they are is moot. Owner of buisness wants to change what is going on, then deal with it. Sorry that's life

I can't comment on master cha's motivation to do this, but I do think he generally cares for his students, and possibly wants them to focus on one thing before focusing on more. Like I said I don't know his motivations but possibly he could be honest with you. I wouldn't burn bridges though, because what if his school becomes super successful and expands and has more space. Perhaps he can offer some space to you again.

Anyways just my two cents

PS, you aware of the kali tournament in red deer during may?

[Acitic]

yes i am, I went to it last year. I took home a Gold in knife and silver in stick. Actually I had Master Norman And Guro Sonny down this month doing a seminar. But anyways, yes i plan to attend this year as well.

[Artikon]

Good luck then, and with the training prior. I've swung with Master Norman and Guru sonny as well. Both great guys and good instructors. Maybe post a little more on the FMA forum. May get a little better discussion there

[KellyOwens]

Therefore, my belief is that including one or more systems to your personal tool belt can only strengthen.

I suppose it depends on what you're trying to strengthen.

I train in tae kwon do because I want to be good at tae kwon do. My goal isn't to be a well-rounded martial artist but a good student of TKD.

If you want to train students in a variety of MA styles there's nothing hindering you from doing that . Where you meet isn't important as long as your students are learning. After all if they ever get into a confrontation it may be raining...in a park...on Sunday; just part of the training .

Kelly

P.S.The marines have a program similar to what you're promoting (Marine Corp Martial Arts Training Program...MCMAP). From what I've read it's a fantastic program.

[Acitic]

Originally Posted by KellyOwens

If you want to train students in a variety of MA styles there's nothing hindering you from doing that . Where you meet isn't important as long as your students are learning. After all if they ever get into a confrontation it may be raining...in a park...on Sunday; just part of the training .

Would it bother you though if you knew that your instructor was not giving you the opinion of becoming a better rounded martial artist? That your instructor was just into teaching for the money, and not the satisfaction that what he teaches or offer could one day save at least one persons life. My tkd instructor always tells his students of JJ seminars and weapon seminars because he thinks we would benefit from it, and incorperate it.

I am just going to clarify my position a touch more because I was to general in my original post. I have always been taught two things.

First to defend against an attack, you must first know how that attack would be used. If someone attacked you with a side kick, and it was the first time you were ever exposed to a side kick, you are going to have no idea what to do. To defend a knife, you first have to know the angles of attack the knife could come off of. If you want to train a martial arts as a sport fine, but why not take a cardio class instead, that would probally be cheaper.


Second "Martial skills are like an insurance policy; you may not want to be in a situation where you need insurance but if needed you will be glad that you have it. I have never been in a fire and don't know anyone who has but I still have fire insurance. I do however know many people who have been physically assaulted. At least with martial arts you get the benefits of having fun and getting exercise also as an added bonus" quoted from Guro Joel Huncar my instructor in Arnis De Cadena

[KellyOwens]

My instructor does not give me the impression that I need to be a well-rounded martial artist. He does incorporate self-defense in his classes and has considered starting a self-defense class but as far as I know it's not any specific MA style.

I don't feel it's the responsibility of a TKD instructor to provide an "insurance policy" against every possible street scenario. If I want that type of training then it's my responsibility to seek it out. If my instructor provides it then it's icing on the cake. If he doesn't then I just need to be happy with the cake.

I happen to be of the opinion that making money is not bad. Martial Arts is a legitimate business opportunity. If I don't like the way my school is run I'm more than welcome to leave. If I feel my instructor's motives are not ethical I'm not obligated to stick around nor is it my job to try to change things. Obviously though it's wise to find out before significantly investing time and money.

oh...and the cardio class wasn't cheaper, it only lasts six weeks and you're not allowed to kick anybody .

Kelly

P.S. I respect the passion you have for your vision but remember it's not the "right way" for everyone.

[Brad Ellin]

Cross posting. One of them is not allowed. Guess which one?