Doc
Senior Master
Well compatibility depends on the level of study in the school that's nearby. Understand we are speaking on the most superficial of levels where it's all about just "moving." At that level most are pretty compatible. "Making the best of a situation" depends upon what you find acceptable. Clearly there are those who will accept whatever you offer, especially if they can get a belt for it.
Well I commend you for that. Bravo, its about acquired knowledge and skill, but of course people love "certifications," ranks, and trophies. It's the nature of the beast.
For me, I would consider another art or nothing. Consider how serious you are with your study. You will take instructions from one who I presume is acquaiting you with the intricacies of a particular discipline, and then augment it with things you know nothing about. It's an insult to the teacher and a dis-service to your own progress. I know this is America and everyone can do whatever they want to do, but there are some things in life you just can't have when you want them.
I understand, and you make sense to me. My problem is those same people who "don't really want to get into it" or are just "checking it out" are the same ones who will be displaying their belts. I guarantee these people will not make distinction in their belts compared to yours.
actually neither do I, but I don't consider competition anything but just that. It is a measure of many things depending upon the kind of competition, but not a measure of martial arts knowledge. The lowest common denominator is always competition, not the highest otherwise you'd have to give Mike Tyson, and every so-so club fighter a black belt. Give a cup ad mouthpiece and they'll take your kicks and kick your a$$.
I know a gang of people who taught themselves to compete. Putting on a white belt and just jumping into a tournament until they get the hang of it. Then when they think they're ready, they move up to another level. All the way to black and consistent trophies. So what does it mean if you can be successful with no instruction?
I know a ton of street fighters you could give black belts to, and they are self taught by experience. I have a partner who has never studied in his life and he's got my back. I've seen him take down some really tough guys and most "black belts" would be in trouble if he had a warrant for their arrest. They would go whether they wanted to or not.
What I hear on the street is, "That karate ***** don't work." And when they say that I usually agree with them. How could you not when every kid and guy who lives near a strip mall or store front has one. Statistically most people never get in a fight or maybe one over their lifetime, so they never get a chance to find out what they don't know. I see on some level consumers abusing their participation in video programs, and presenting themselves on the same level as those who have trained in schools, who by the way aren't that good either in most cases. It just contributing to the problem. A black belt used to be special, not any more. It's just another activity.
I remember having a fit when I was a kid gong to class. My grandmother used to ask me, "Are you going to play karate today?" I spent hours explaining to her just hoe serious training was. Now I find out after all these years, maybe she was right.
Yeah, I wanted to be a trapeze artist but I just didn't have the time to fit it in, so I got a video and they rated me a "journeyman trapeze artist." I hope I never have to get on that swing to prove it. Afterall I got the certificate, and that's all I really wanted.
Incorrect or dangerous is subjective, but I agree with you completely. In fact the idea of video teaching was Ed Parker's idea long before anyone did it. He envisioned it as a marketing tool for places that didn't have enough of a sales base to support a regular school as a business vehicle. He intended to establish "clubs" with video correspondence augmented by traveling teachers for those who would otherwise not have access to his art. But he also said he would refuse to utilize video with people who lived someplace where there was an established school they could attend.
Martial Arts on demand is not a viable concept, (except as business venture), however for those who would partake of it, I would suggest your view. Take the course but not the belt. False confidence and rank can be devestating.
