I'm with you on this, but I think its a perspective glass half empty glass half full issue. Those who have been doing MA for a few years have reached elevated rank, quite rightly want to think of them self's as advanced and beginners as learning basic. When the truth is they are 90 % of the time using the same basic moves in a more advanced way
I think there is a point two or three belts in where you have learned all you will ever need from a self defence/ sparing point of view. And every think after that is learning to better apply it. Additional matterial after that is arts for arts sake. Which is not a bad thing, it is most certainly more advanced but practically with out purpose
Agreed, but only to a point, though I suspect that this is largely based upon what Martial Art one does.
In GJJ for example, if you are at a solid place, Blue Belt material will take you a long way, even in high level competition let alone self-defense. Heck, Roger Gracie, who is one of the best competitors ever, uses primarily Blue Belt stuff, he just does it really freaking well.
In the other art I study, Pekiti Tirsia, there are legitimate advanced methods, due to considerations of timing and weapon manipulation based upon the tactic that is being employed. The first few methods of doce methodos, which is the foundation of the system are about being behind in timing, the next are about being equal in timing, and then about using the manipulation of the weapon to get you ahead of timing (Florete, etc.). Then the advanced systems deal with some other things that are beyond the scope of this discussion.
I will certainly agree with you in that the material contained in the first couple of ranks in most systems ought to contain enough to allow you to protect yourself against the average person.
