How many TKD senior members do we have here in this forum. I'm talking people who have devoted there life for the art or sport of TKD. I know we have alot of Master's but what about GM? Why do you beleieve we cannot get them involved in a great community like MT?
Looking forward to some pretty interesting decussions.
Master Stoker, :asian:
Setting humility aside, if I may be so bold as to speak my mind freely here, I believe I could offer a few good reasons. Although time is an issue for everyone, I am not convinced that this would be the deciding factor for most Grandmasters. I have dedicated my life to the study of the Martial Art, and I often wonder why I spend as much time on the internet as I do (only a slice of what most regular internet goers do), yet I know many Grandmasters communicate with their instructors and students via e-mails, and often have their own Organizational websites to which they contribute. They usually have webmasters (one of their Black Belts or students) who do most of the work, but they are online from time to time.
I know a GM (IX Dan) who hangs out on an ITF-specific forum, but, while I have mentioned MT to him, he's not interested in a broader forum; he said he doesn't have the time to do it justice.
I think Kacey has hit one of the main concerns here right on the head. Most GMs that I have known are perfectionists, "take charge" kind of people. They would not want to participate unless they felt they could make a major positive difference, which might also mean having more influence over "getting it right" in their eyes - or to "do it justice" as in Kacey's words. They could participate on a part-time basis, but that would not be enough for them. Why do it at all, if you can't give it your all. This could be construed as a "time issue," but I think it is more of control of input too complex to get your message across among such diverse opinions from all levels of participants.
My guess about the three main reasons GMs would stay away from this (or any other open Martial Art forum) would be as follows:
1. They know their knowledge is valuable, and should be learned with deep commitment and respect for the art as well as the student/teacher relationship. They are not likely to want to share much of that knowledge outside their own organization, and even then, the most sought after knowledge and wisdom is shared only with the higher ranks who have been with them the longest, dedicated themselves to that GM, and been loyal, and respectful of the knowledge imparted.
2. I believe that a lack of "courtesy" or respectful treatment from the general population of internet "martial artists" would dissuade most GMs from wanting to participate. Although I seriously do not believe it is due to a personal inflated ego on the part of most of the Masters and Grandmasters. I think most are accustomed to a certain level of decorum, and refined manners extended to teachers and those of higher rank (ooops, I mentioned that dirty word again!
).
This is particularly the case among GMs of Korean nationality (since this is a Taekwondo forum), who are typically raised in a society of proper social etiquette where the very structure of the language changes between contemporaries, from senior to juniors, and junior to seniors. If someone fails to display the courtesy, or respectful manner which is often expected in their society (particularly in their Martial Art), they might smile, bow politely, but then move on - - choosing not to further share any of their insights with those who don't show they value the teacher or the lessons.
As Jesus is quoted in the Bible saying, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Now, before too many people become offended by my quoting this, let me clarify that I am
not calling anyone here at MT "dogs," or "swine" (although I am sure that I will be misquoted as such, and probably banished from the site for this horrendous accusation)! However, it is my belief that while every participant currently here at MT might be of the highest character, integrity, and good manners, others who are not, might view these pages, or join in the future. Thus, the pearls of wisdom shared with all of you good people who value the Grandmaster's input, will also be cast before some that do not, and those who might misuse the knowledge.
3. Although I do not believe money and greed to be a factor that would prevent them from participating here, I think economics does play into it. Many people come to the internet to get free information. We can all offer help to one another, but if we really want to pick the brains of genuine, knowledgeable Grandmasters, what are we offering them in return. Why should they give out their hard earned knowledge for free.... or more importantly, why would people pay for lessons at the Dojang, if they can get the same information on-line? Why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free? Realistically, what good would it do to have GMs here if they didn't offer something more than beginner Black Belts could share, and if they did offer that extra knowledge, it might hurt their business in the long run. I know that many would disagree, and say it "could" help their business for x number of reasons, but if they do not perceive it that way, then they would not bother sharing what they know for free.
One last point I would make. It has been my experience, both in the real world of teaching for 30 years, and in the world of the internet, that not all of the lessons that a Master or Grandmaster truly knows and understands is readily accepted by beginner students and internet gurus. It takes a good deal of personal interaction, often face-to-face, to really teach some of the philosophy, mental discipline, and technical attributes that are often lacking in words contained in these forum posts - - not to mention the hassle of comments taken out of context, intentions misunderstood, rude participants bad-mouthing a well-intentioned Master, and forum Moderators chastising a senior Grandmaster for speaking his mind, and sharing what he knows in the open and honest manner that we would hopefully seek.
I am not including myself in the group of Grandmasters of which you speak, but those of us who teach full-time, and participate in national or international organizations, get enough hassles like those within our own realms - - we don't need it here as well. I prefer to come here and relax.... read a few pleasant posts..... and contribute a little of what I have learned without the negative attitudes, rude comments, and passing of judgment on those who disagree. I was once a mentor here, and I thought some people valued my input, but then I was judged as having a "disturbing undertone" to my posts because of an alleged inflated ego about rank. Not true - - but perceived to be so, thus I am no longer a mentor here. I doubt many GMs would want such drama in their life. As I said at the onset of this post, I hope I can speak my mind freely, and this is my honest opinion.
Who knows, Master Stoker, if the current participants on Martial Talk, all of the Masters and revered experts such as yourself, exile and others, stick around here long enough, perhaps you will become the GMs that participate in internet forums in the future. The dawn of a new generation of Martial Artists may very well be those who prefer to be on-line!
Respectfully,
Chief Master D.J. Eisenhart
