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RESPECT
SELF DISCIPLINE
PERSERVERANCE, and
HONOR.......GONE?
SELF DISCIPLINE
PERSERVERANCE, and
HONOR.......GONE?
Not from where I stand. In the martial arts world these qualities remain. I don't think all schools have abandoned these virtues. Yes, sadly there are the McDojo's around town that lack depth and are only out for money. But the talented students soon awaken to this fact and seek out the better, smaller, even less equipped schools in which to continue their learning. We all know about these schools because either we have ourselves trained in them or those we respect have alerted us to their presence. They are no more than candy and we know that their short term gains have little staying power.
You can always tell where the students come from by how they act in public...at demonstrations, festivals, or sporting events. It is okay, in my opinion, for a martial artist to compete, but he/she must perform with the above virtues in mind
always. We are always being judged (as martial artists or as citizens) and sadly most of the untrained world sees the McDojo students behavior more. So instead of trying to change the behavior of the ones who we find in error, might we make ourselves more visable to the public?
Instead of public demonstrations (which is designed not only to showcase our art, but to invite potential students), why don't we conduct charity drives? Have a car wash and support a local pantry or soup kitchen instead of offsetting operating expenses for the school. I would love to see more martial artists doing this, and if you already are - WONDERFUL!!! If we are all about improving society, then we should practice what we preach.
I have not earned my black belt yet and I have been training off and on for years. I understand the patience and the work it takes to attain this rank, but I also know that it is not the
end of my training. I envy those who have the opportunity to train six days a week or to live with their teachers. Because I have family and work obligations does not make me less of a martial artist. I did not begin training because I wanted a trophy, I started because I feel a kindred spirit with those who share this passion - a sort of brotherhood (or sisterhood, to keep it PC). I also love the feeling that I can protect my family if the need should arise and I can share this knowledge with anyone who wants to learn.
I try not to let the current atmosphere bother me about the state of the martial arts. It is a trend and when it dies down, only the truly devoted will continue in the arts.
I wonder though, is this the sign of growing older, when we look at the new generation of students and say "It wasn't like that when we started training way back in..."? You remember, back when we walked to school in
the snow, up hill, without shoes...etc...?
Take care.
"Dr. Deborah R. Williams" <taesujutsu@...> wrote:
RESPECT
SELF DISCIPLINE
PERSERVERANCE, and
HONOR.......GONE?
This is a question, that i have been asked by many new comer, and old
timer as well about todays martial arts.
There are those who teach these things, yet, it seems when their
students go out on their own, they get caught up in the money making
belt factory type of business.
When I first started out in the arts 40+ yrs ago, these words had
great meaning. To learn these words, and to practice these words,
brought great honor to being a Black Belt.
These days, being a Black Belt, or the equilivant, has little
meaning....to the point that some are doing away with the belt system
altogether, using the excuse "The belt has not meaning, it is what
you can do".
That statement is of course true, however, it was, and still is in
some schools, the very backbone of being the BB.
Being a BB is something that all students should wnat to achieve,
however, it is hard to want it, when the instructors who have that
belt, doesn't hold up the priniciple of Respect, honor, Discipline,
and perserverance. When most schools today are teaching "you have to
be a winner to be anything". it is hard to understand that humility
is something that should be the ultimate goal...not how many trophies
you ahe, or how many students you have.
It is the quality of the student, not the quanity of students you
have that should count. It is how well they learn their lessons, not
how quick they move through the ranks that should count.
It is how well they take the philosophical training of the arts iinto
the steet, and everyday life that should count....not how many people
they can beat up.
So I pose this question. How many people in here agree that it is
time to bring back the HONOR to being a BB.? How many think that to
many martail artists, have forgotten what it truly means to say "I am
a martial artist? And how can we go about changing how others look
at all MA, in light of those who do more harm than good?
Peace,
Tae
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Skip Cooper
"We find not much in ourselves to admire,
we are always privately wanting to be like somebody else.
If everybody was satisfied with himself there would be no heroes." - Mark Twain
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