Saltchrome

It is funny, but disturbing. I can't seem to convinve my girlfriend to let me try this.

The operative word here is greater. That is almost immesurable and open to interpretation, because what each of us values personally, others may not consider a contribution at all. Myself... I don't really care about the origins of a style, just if it is effective for me and how I can make it work, a question to ask is if one contribution is greater and one is lesser does it really affect anything?

I wonder if there are any stats in the schools that the Chi-I-Do Teacher teaches. As far as, more fights, less fights etc.?

I agree. Low budgeted private schools teach Martial Arts in the curriculum and have no problems whatsoever. I think the point would be to change the perception of Martial Arts. Football costs a lot of money, and the liability is enormous. I am a firm believer that fights are going to break out no matter what, expecially when you have teen males running around. But why not provide an avenue of self confidence for those who are lacking it, outcasts, kids with family problems, kids with a need for discipline, kids who want to better themselves or get in shape in a different way. Sure it would all depend on the instructor as does anything in school.

I like the article. I experienced a similar situation with a Hapkido instructor who was a coke head. It was disheartening when I found out and it destroyed the romantic and strong conceptions I had of honor and responsibility in the arts.

You take Martial Arts. Is the only thing you want to do is fight? And if no, why not?

I would think that this (fighting perception) would be all the more reason to teach in schools. Showing the students there is much more than kicking and punching and brawling. The discipline and self confidence they would gain could help their studies greatly. Not to mention, if it is taught as a class and not as a sport, everyone would be on the same level, no tryouts etc. and learn respect for one another.

Thanks

What makes you think you are not learning how to fight? Besides the lack of sparring. Have you been in any altercations?

I think it would be an excellently recieved addition, it is already taight in some private schools. I do see many legal obstacles, but these can be avoided. As far as a style it would be interesting to come up with a uniquely American Style.

But what about trusting the Instructor? That, I think, is becoming the hardest obstacle to trust these days.