tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post121254050366054939..comments2023-10-22T16:13:55.130+01:00Comments on My journey to black belt: What kind of martial artist are you?Sue Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-3828079137769634782011-08-04T17:43:03.861+01:002011-08-04T17:43:03.861+01:00Samuel, thanks for such a great comment. Most of u...Samuel, thanks for such a great comment. Most of us don't face the adversity necessary to give us the kick up the backside that we need to make us reassess why we do things. Your comment has been very thought provoking.Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-90594889185507570852011-08-03T22:55:03.306+01:002011-08-03T22:55:03.306+01:00I started martial arts from the art point of view....I started martial arts from the art point of view. I approached the practice from the aspect of working on discipline that can translate to my writing while enjoying something which incorporates my spiritual association with taoism. <br /><br />Sparring led me to see how much fun the sport could be. And I was happy as a practitioner who spent lots of times on forms and sparring. Self-defense seemed a rest at best, pointless at worst.<br /><br />Until I was held up at gun point. At which point I understood that even if I do not look for the reality in the dojang, their is reality everywhere outside of it. While I know there was nothing I could have done other than what I did - give them my material posessions - it led to much soul-searching and a better understanding of both the art and sport through the prism of the real world combat tactics.<br /><br />All this is to say - we should all try to be a three dimensional martial artist. Even if we are older, we can benefit from the practice of sparring training. Even an MMA fighter could learn something from the balance and breathing of forms. Even me could be held up on the street. <br /><br />That is why I aspire to be a complete martial artist, forever knowing that I will always be incomplete. But that just means I can never quit!samuel.x.killerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14864745416243476871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-63770223668014917122011-06-01T16:58:29.555+01:002011-06-01T16:58:29.555+01:00Michele, thank you. You sound like you provide a g...Michele, thank you. You sound like you provide a good service finding out exactly what prospective students want and pointing them in the right direction - I think many instructors would convince students that they can offer what is required and take the money! You clearly have a lot more integrity than many.<br /><br />John, you clearly knew exactly what kind of martial artist you wanted to be before you even chose the martial art framework through which to pursue your goal. You are a good example of how when one knows what kind of martial artist they want to be and researches the right art and club, they will achieve success.Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-73771294835962780822011-06-01T15:14:55.201+01:002011-06-01T15:14:55.201+01:00Hi Sue,
You have put together a well thought out ...Hi Sue,<br /><br />You have put together a well thought out essay here! All of what you say is true... there is the art, self defense, and competition sides to most martial arts.<br /><br />What I have found is it is not so much the martial art as the marital artist. Meaning that most martial arts have the framework for individuals to focus on their interests.<br /><br />I cringed when you mentioned "reality" based martial arts as being "one" of the most practical for the street because the seasoned sport fighter (like I was) could easily use distance and initial movement to pick their shots and mount an effective defense.<br /><br />But this too is in the eye of the beholder. Excellent article Sue!John W. Zimmerhttp://myselfdefenseblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-30047308958781480552011-05-31T16:42:13.381+01:002011-05-31T16:42:13.381+01:00Excellent post.
You offer great advice about se...Excellent post. <br /><br />You offer great advice about selecting a school using the "right" criteria and doing a little research.<br /><br />I handle many of the inquiries for our dojo. I can usually tell if our dojo matches the needs of the potential student based on the questions they ask. Many of the callers ask if we have a MMA cage.<br /><br />If they are looking for something we do not offer, I refer them to a dojo/instructor that better matches their needs.Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04317845403611730397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-11016612764836337162011-05-31T08:32:56.569+01:002011-05-31T08:32:56.569+01:00Hi Matt, thank you! I have to admit that I was one...Hi Matt, thank you! I have to admit that I was one of those people who just chose a convenient dojo and jumped in. Fortunately it has worked out well for me on the whole but I can still see the strengths and weaknesses of the system I train in and I'm working out how to plug some of those gaps. Nothing can be perfect!Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-33451942142097173492011-05-30T12:50:55.431+01:002011-05-30T12:50:55.431+01:00I would say the vast majority of people do that gi...I would say the vast majority of people do that give that much thought to their goals when they select a school and begin the martial arts. They just join the closest and most convenient dojo and jump in.<br /><br />Everyone thinking about starting a martial art would do well to read this post, and think carefully about what they want from it. As you point out so well, there are vast differences in the focus between every school. Very good post, Sue.SenseiMattKleinhttp://karate-kids.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-38499139749790106012011-05-27T08:10:23.978+01:002011-05-27T08:10:23.978+01:00Tal, I know one or two older karateka that would p...Tal, I know one or two older karateka that would put up a good fight in a tournament too! Thanks for commenting.<br /><br />Journeyman, I think I'm still discovering what it is I really want/need. Maybe I'll get there one day :-)Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-48069562685598296232011-05-27T01:01:58.013+01:002011-05-27T01:01:58.013+01:00Sue,
I am fortunate. And I'm lucky to know e...Sue,<br /><br />I am fortunate. And I'm lucky to know exactly what I want and need. The process of discovery took quite a few years and quite a few bumps along the way. Thanks.Journeymanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00146093025259375890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-31360285751049515612011-05-26T18:08:01.395+01:002011-05-26T18:08:01.395+01:00you are never too old to compete in tournaments,my...you are never too old to compete in tournaments,my sensi is pritty old but fights like a devil!<br /><br />Tal<br /><a href="http://martialarttraining.org/" rel="nofollow">Martial Art Training</a>yakbi11https://www.blogger.com/profile/08002870035605389367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-75221998682760469932011-05-25T15:09:08.306+01:002011-05-25T15:09:08.306+01:00Journeyman, you have obviously identified exactly ...Journeyman, you have obviously identified exactly what you want from your martial art and it sounds like you've found a club that provides that - that is a very fortunate position to be in. I don't think that everyone can assess themselves and their art with such clarity so well done to you!Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-27305858413954491192011-05-24T23:40:37.313+01:002011-05-24T23:40:37.313+01:00You've pretty much said it all in your post. ...You've pretty much said it all in your post. The key is to know what you want and to be able to tell if you're getting what you want. Too many people mistakenly think they are receiving something that they aren't. <br /><br />I've always liked thinking of my art as majoring in combat effectiveness while minoring in self improvement and spiritual enlightenment. I also think of it as must haves versus wants. I must have a system that works. I want and strive towards the more esoteric aspects. If I get good enough at the first part, my focus will likely shift.<br /><br />You mentioned how important it is to not only evaluate the teacher, but to observe the students. Each school has a vibe and the way the students interact with each other and new students is very telling of the overall atmosphere and quality of a martial arts school. <br /><br />Great post.Journeymanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00146093025259375890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-55310092503453972712011-05-24T10:27:41.802+01:002011-05-24T10:27:41.802+01:00Felicia and John V, Okay, I admit it - I'm usi...Felicia and John V, Okay, I admit it - I'm using age as an excuse, I'm just not that hot in competition! <br /><br />Charles, why thank you Master Po (kowtow,kowtow).....<br /><br />John C. I found your post very interesting and informative. Thanks.Sue Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008609198511182782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-1655998482632932822011-05-24T07:17:04.144+01:002011-05-24T07:17:04.144+01:00I'm a hobbyist, but I'm a 'serious'...I'm a hobbyist, but I'm a 'serious' hobbyist. Also, I agree with Felicia about never being too old to compete. Kumite maybe, but not kata. And nothing will sharpen your kata like prepping it for a tournament, not even grading.John Vesiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04434740196022601040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-20041248803535902332011-05-24T02:25:12.779+01:002011-05-24T02:25:12.779+01:00'Beware of false prophets' - the student a...'Beware of false prophets' - the student and prospective student needs to adopt an attitude of 'professional sceptiscm' (see a previous post of mine).<br /><br />I really like your distinction between 'art' and 'craft' in relation to Japanese jutsu.John Coleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14634192254115557179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-296632938563355142011-05-23T16:10:50.316+01:002011-05-23T16:10:50.316+01:00Master Po: "You have written well grasshopper...Master Po: "You have written well grasshopper!"<br /><br />Caine: Bows respectively with appropriate reverence to Master Po.<br /><br />hehehehehehehehe couldn't help meself heheheheheheCharles Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13812618556413423872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-90382347418451413872011-05-23T16:09:00.352+01:002011-05-23T16:09:00.352+01:00Sigh, refreshing; well done SueC!
[note: this sig...Sigh, refreshing; well done SueC!<br /><br /><i>[note: this sigh is one of satisfaction and contentment :-)]</i>Charles Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13812618556413423872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361443425638782419.post-74609652817270127512011-05-23T15:26:05.010+01:002011-05-23T15:26:05.010+01:00Great post, Sue, and I totally agree - except for ...Great post, Sue, and I totally agree - except for one thing: I don't think there ever is a "too old to compete" - but that's just me :-)Feliciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09017194727231120284noreply@blogger.com