Stop Saying “Traditional” Martial Arts

[skribs]

I think the name fits, because these arts tend to follow traditions. The traditions may be younger, but they still follow them.

 

[Badhabits]

Traditional Karate…
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Modern Karate…
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It’s not logical, but it is often true.

Is it really traditional though? The karate we practice today is mostly a relatively modern product of the changes made to it when brought to Japan. IMO one of the main reasons the term traditional martial arts is inaccurate.

 

[JowGaWolf]

Greco-Roman Wrestling, despite its age, probably isn't considered traditional by most people. It's old, but its traditions are lost to time.

This is a good starting point for Greco-Roman Wrestling and why it has become what it has become today.

 

[Steve]

I understand "traditional" to mean that the arts have traditions and rituals pertaining to etiquette, dress code, expectations that are inextricably tied to them as much as their pragmatic aspects like form and techniques.

A TMA has deeply embedded traditions in it. I don't think it's related to how old it is definitionally, but older martial arts certainly have had the time to organically develop those traditions over centuries.

There are other definitions depending on the country of origin that specifically define the age of the martial art as well. For example "koryū" martial arts are Japanese schools that date prior to 1868 (the Meiji restoration).

Greco-Roman Wrestling, despite its age, probably isn't considered traditional by most people. It's old, but its traditions are lost to time.

defining “traditional” comes up pretty often. For what it’s worth, I think traditional arts prioritize doing things as taught and coloring inside the lines. Styles that are less often considered traditional tend to welcome innovation and growth.

 

[JowGaWolf]

For what it’s worth, I think traditional arts prioritize doing things as taught and coloring inside the lines.

This is true but I think it's more to it than that. I think this reasoning exists because those before us already Colored outside of the line only to learn through experience that Coloring inside the line is the way that it should have been done in the first place. Long Fist strikes are in MMA are Slowly looking more and more like the Traditional Way of using that big wheel type punch. The first sign to watch for is Fist Formation. Then punching technique.

This is how a traditional long fist punch is taught. Fist formation: His thumb is not wrapped around the fingers.

Striking surface: He does not try to strike with the first knuckles which are normally used in this striking. This is a very traditional strike here for long fist. This is why Traditional Martial Artist Color inside the lines. It's not because it's traditional, but because those who came before us colored outside the lines and this is where the evolution of that big looping punch led. The only way this punch should evolve is from this starting point. Doing anything else will just be learning the hard lessons of the past and eventually reaching this same realization "This is the best way to throw this type of long fist punch."

 

[JowGaWolf]

One more thing about this image. The punching arm not only Strikes the face but it also pins down his opponents Arm. This will only be possible by using the Traditional Method of throwing this type of punch. It does not happen on the MMA Looping Overhand punch because of the angle of the elbow when it comes in.

Why does this matter? Simple. What if you miss then what?` Pinning of an arm will prevent an opponent from regainign balance. There are a lot of benefits to the traditional way of throwing the first.

 

[isshinryuronin]

The karate we practice today is mostly a relatively modern product of the changes

Karate is an old product, modified by centuries of changes (detailed in my post #7). Modern karate represents the accumulated principles and changes containing both the old and newer ways: Like a river containing the water from its source and having newer water joining in from various streams on its journey to the sea.

Styles that are less often considered traditional tend to welcome innovation

And this is a good thing? Maybe. Perhaps the innovations are needed as the style (or often the teacher who does not deeply understand his style) has no strong traditional base to build upon so must look elsewhere for material/principles. Also, innovations are sometimes added just to add more stuff and make it seem attractive. My car was innovative having heads-up display, memory mirrors, wipers that start automatically, heated seats...Not only do these things not enhance my driving experience, but they often detract from it.

 

[Gyakuto]

Is it really traditional though? The karate we practice today is mostly a relatively modern product of the changes made to it when brought to Japan. IMO one of the main reasons the term traditional martial arts is inaccurate.

That’s why I said it wasn’t logical.

I don’t think many of us practise a true martial art (and fight system used in actual warfare or lethal combat) let alone an ancient one, but we have an irrational ‘feeling’ that we do and I think that’s absolutely fine and acceptable.