I recently read an article in Martial Edge in which Lesley Jackson interveiwed GM Keith Yates and Student of GM Allan Steen the father of “Texas Blood and Guts” American Karate. I was particularly impressed with his answer.
What do you like about martial arts in the 21st century? Is there anything you dislike?
“Its hard to categorise the martial arts in the 21st century. There are schools that adhere to the strict traditions of the ancient ways (although many don’t really know what the ancient ways truly are—but that’s a topic for another dicussion). There are schools who cater to the largest common denominator, children (whose parents pay big bucks), and thus must teach simplified karate. Of course there are also schools that latch onto the latest craze, be it “extreme martial arts,” or “mixed martial arts.”
I have never been one to criticize someone else’s approach to their practice or even their teaching. I have, however, discovered what works best for ME. I’ll take the Western approach in that if it works, I’ll incorporate it. I also maintain the Asian approach, which tends to combine the physical with mental, emotional and spiritual development. I enjoy teaching children but I want them to know more than karate “games” and how to defend themselves in a way that doesn’t always involve a kick to the stomach. Much of how I’ve developed my system can be traced to Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee’s philosophy (my grandfather in the martial arts).” Keith Yates
What do you like about martial arts in the 21st century? Is there anything you dislike?
“Its hard to categorise the martial arts in the 21st century. There are schools that adhere to the strict traditions of the ancient ways (although many don’t really know what the ancient ways truly are—but that’s a topic for another dicussion). There are schools who cater to the largest common denominator, children (whose parents pay big bucks), and thus must teach simplified karate. Of course there are also schools that latch onto the latest craze, be it “extreme martial arts,” or “mixed martial arts.”
I have never been one to criticize someone else’s approach to their practice or even their teaching. I have, however, discovered what works best for ME. I’ll take the Western approach in that if it works, I’ll incorporate it. I also maintain the Asian approach, which tends to combine the physical with mental, emotional and spiritual development. I enjoy teaching children but I want them to know more than karate “games” and how to defend themselves in a way that doesn’t always involve a kick to the stomach. Much of how I’ve developed my system can be traced to Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee’s philosophy (my grandfather in the martial arts).” Keith Yates
