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Some thoughts on the Martial Arts.
For the person who really wants to understand self-defense and real fighting, it is a natural progression to seek out various martial arts. To become as complete as possible is the goal of many martial artists today.
It’s a far departure from the days when someone who held a Black Belt status was automatically regarded as “dangerous.” The mixed martist is more concerned with efficiency, technicalities and functionality. No more mystical theories, reverse punches that once killed or flowery forms.
For all the bickering against MMA, all these traditional arts can accommodate are point sparring, pre-arranged sparring and forms competition. For instance, not too long ago, kung-fu underwent a transformation into Muay Thai, calling it San Shou (I don’t recall the correct spelling). This became a necessity, because in the past traditional kung-fu just didn’t cut it in Thailand. Hence, in China, they practice traditional Wushu for show and San Shou for fighting.
Some martial arts, like Tae Kwon Do, have gone in the opposite direction. Moving away from realistic fighting. They employ the idea of “mind over matter.” If you don’t mind getting tied into knots while executing a roundhouse kick, it doesn’t matter. These organizations embellish themselves with high ranks, 9th dan, 15th dan etc...Yet, none of these Grand Masters have ever proven themselves in a fight. None of them can really fight. TRUE STORY: My college TKD instructor declined to spar anymore after I humiliated him on more than one occasion. He was a 6th Dan Black Belt, but had never gotten into any real skirmishes. I’m not saying that every instructor needs to prove their worth in the streets, but at least prove your worth in the classroom.
For the serious martial artist, understand your weaknesses so that you can improve them. Find your strengths so that you know your abilities. Most of all, keep an open mind about learning.
For the person who really wants to understand self-defense and real fighting, it is a natural progression to seek out various martial arts. To become as complete as possible is the goal of many martial artists today.
It’s a far departure from the days when someone who held a Black Belt status was automatically regarded as “dangerous.” The mixed martist is more concerned with efficiency, technicalities and functionality. No more mystical theories, reverse punches that once killed or flowery forms.
For all the bickering against MMA, all these traditional arts can accommodate are point sparring, pre-arranged sparring and forms competition. For instance, not too long ago, kung-fu underwent a transformation into Muay Thai, calling it San Shou (I don’t recall the correct spelling). This became a necessity, because in the past traditional kung-fu just didn’t cut it in Thailand. Hence, in China, they practice traditional Wushu for show and San Shou for fighting.
Some martial arts, like Tae Kwon Do, have gone in the opposite direction. Moving away from realistic fighting. They employ the idea of “mind over matter.” If you don’t mind getting tied into knots while executing a roundhouse kick, it doesn’t matter. These organizations embellish themselves with high ranks, 9th dan, 15th dan etc...Yet, none of these Grand Masters have ever proven themselves in a fight. None of them can really fight. TRUE STORY: My college TKD instructor declined to spar anymore after I humiliated him on more than one occasion. He was a 6th Dan Black Belt, but had never gotten into any real skirmishes. I’m not saying that every instructor needs to prove their worth in the streets, but at least prove your worth in the classroom.
For the serious martial artist, understand your weaknesses so that you can improve them. Find your strengths so that you know your abilities. Most of all, keep an open mind about learning.
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