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SweepEm · 01-18-2002, 02:33 AM

Well, let me throw my opinions out there.

First off, there are many reasons why an individual joins a gang. But the consensus is that with many single parent families, joining a gang gives this individual a sense of family and some structure. Thus the desire to join a gang, to have that sense of belonging. Some may debate this but from what I've read, this is one of the main reasons why there are gangs.
So, with many gang members, if they want to leave the gang life, martial arts may be a way to give them the self identity that they may not have. Inner City boxing programs have been very successful in taking youths out of their bad neighborhoods, to give them a purpose in
life, other than the of crime. So, to take this a step further, whether boxing or a martial arts, or a sports program, any activities with mentors, instructors and other peers will all help individuals gain respect for themselves, gain a positive identity and self esteem, along with a sense of direction and structure in their lives.

Soho: I have to disagree with a few of your points. I have friend that box and there are some "rituals" that they say that are respected in a boxing gym. It may not be in the gym you've seen or if you train boxing, then in your gym.
I look at these acts of what you call rituals as respect.

I may be wrong, but it seems obivious that you don't like to be told what to do. The bowing and the rules are there because an instructor wants them to be followed. I guess if you feel that these are silly rituals, then you should look for a school that doesn't have them. There are some martial arts schools that are very strict in their "rituals" as you call them, but to the instructors, is is a sign of respect. There are many schools where the instructors feel that it should be very casual and the rules are relaxed instead of a rigid atmosphere of some traditional martial arts. I think it's all about what you want, and what you expect. The bottom line is that if you don't like the rules in a school, there are plenty out there to find another one.

I feel that if you teach youths respect, many problems with gangs would be eliminated. Look at the inner city; if someone would respect other's property, they wouldn't put graffitti or other defacements.

01-18-2002, 02:33 AM	#13 (permalink)
SweepEm Master Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,846 Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well, let me throw my opinions out there. First off, there are many reasons why an individual joins a gang. But the consensus is that with many single parent families, joining a gang gives this individual a sense of family and some structure. Thus the desire to join a gang, to have that sense of belonging. Some may debate this but from what I've read, this is one of the main reasons why there are gangs. So, with many gang members, if they want to leave the gang life, martial arts may be a way to give them the self identity that they may not have. Inner City boxing programs have been very successful in taking youths out of their bad neighborhoods, to give them a purpose in life, other than the of crime. So, to take this a step further, whether boxing or a martial arts, or a sports program, any activities with mentors, instructors and other peers will all help individuals gain respect for themselves, gain a positive identity and self esteem, along with a sense of direction and structure in their lives. Soho: I have to disagree with a few of your points. I have friend that box and there are some "rituals" that they say that are respected in a boxing gym. It may not be in the gym you've seen or if you train boxing, then in your gym. I look at these acts of what you call rituals as respect. I may be wrong, but it seems obivious that you don't like to be told what to do. The bowing and the rules are there because an instructor wants them to be followed. I guess if you feel that these are silly rituals, then you should look for a school that doesn't have them. There are some martial arts schools that are very strict in their "rituals" as you call them, but to the instructors, is is a sign of respect. There are many schools where the instructors feel that it should be very casual and the rules are relaxed instead of a rigid atmosphere of some traditional martial arts. I think it's all about what you want, and what you expect. The bottom line is that if you don't like the rules in a school, there are plenty out there to find another one. I feel that if you teach youths respect, many problems with gangs would be eliminated. Look at the inner city; if someone would respect other's property, they wouldn't put graffitti or other defacements.