Validity of Martial Arts distance learning programs

[ktasche]

We are looking for interested parties in the Orlando, FL area to participate in a training experiment. We are testing the value of martial arts training videos and home study programs.

 

Many traditionalists say that the ONLY way to learn is in a traditional dojo. However, many progressive practitioners say that videos, DVDs, etc. are the modern "scrolls" of the arts, and are valuable learning tools. We would like to test this for ourselves.

 

Those interested will join us in participating in several home study courses, one course at a time. Many of the programs we will be studying offer ranking and certification in the arts they represent. Some programs only teach techniques, strategy, etc.

 

ALL programs in our curriculum are taught by well known masters and sanctioned by prestigious organizations within the martial arts industry.

 

For more information, and for a list of our scheduled courses, please email me at tasche_dupree@yahoo.com

 

Thank You

[White Warlock]

So, us guinea pigs... we have to pay, right? If so... why not just be up front, honest and say what you're selling, instead of playing us like fools?

[ramymensa]

I'm with you, Warlock, and quite amazed of how things are done is some places. If it's a study and you want to use us in order to gain some information YOU SHOULD PAY US. And I'll say it all over again. Go to a dojo and study with an instructor. Use books and other materials in order to gain more insight in the art and see some good examples. The most important person in your learning journey is your sensei, sifu, instructor, coach or what you call it.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Hey now, let's not judge these people so quickly.

 

After all, they have The American Bujinkan Dojo International division of Bushindo University, so they must be legit, right?

 

http://www.ninjutsu.com/am-bujinkan-dojo.shtml

 

Plus, take a look at this. These people are MAYBE my age (51'ish), and look at this rank.

 

Richard Van Donk, 14th dan

 

Linda Van Donk, 10th dan

 

14th Dan? Wow..I'm SOOOOOOO IMPRESSED! There are times that I wish I could afford to travel at will. I'd love to fly down to Orlando and check this dojo out. It's gotta be incredible! Also interesting, on another page of that site, he's listed as Master Richard Van Donk, 10th**** degree BlackBelt. Maybe he got a quick promotion to that 14th Dan and hasn't updated his website yet?

 

And for just a mere $399.95, you get 10, one hour videos that have all information for you to get your black belt! Wait a second. Everything you need for black belt is in just 10 hours of training? Wow, have I been in the wrong system or what! I could do that in a day...two at most! COOL!

 

ARGH! This sort of crap drives me CRAZY!!!

 

Isn't there some forum rule about blatently advertising?

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Something else I picked up off the website.

 

You can train PERSONALLY train with Master Van Dork for 2 1/2 days (minimum of 20 hours with the Master) "$1750 (Includes a personal gift) without airport pickup or $1,950 with Master Van Donk personally picking you up". I knew it, Master Van Donk drives a cab in his off hours! Hell, for that kind of money, he'd better pick me up in a limo, with a tall blonde driving it, and have a chilled beer in it!

 

Here's the schedule of events that you're paying for:

 

DAY ONE - 5pm Get to know each other Dinner Eve- Discuss your desires and make a custom schedule of training. OK, so Day One is a waste of time. Dinner and a * session.

 

DAY TWO - 8am - 10am Mountain Meditation 10am- 11am Energy Attunements 11am to 12 noon Martial Arts lesson Noon to 1:00 lunch, open discussion 1:00 to 2pm break 2pm to 4:30 martial arts training 4:30 - 5pm break 5pm - 7pm Dinner 7 pm to 9+? Life Philosophy [ Looks like a total of 3 1/2 hours of actual training so far. Not looking good to me!

 

DAY THREE - 9am - 10am Meditation 10am- 11am Energy Attunements 11am to 12 noon Martial Arts lesson Noon to 1:30 lunch open discussion 2pm to 4:00 Martial Arts training 4:00 - 4:30 Integration [ And another 3 1/2 hours of actual training. So, for my $1750, I get a total of 7 hours of training? What a bargain, huh?

 

[/b]

[Rich_2k3]

Sounds gr8, real value for money!

 

This guy sounds more like a con artist that a martial artist to me. I wouldnt be suprised if he's wanted in 28 countires!

[47MartialMan]

Not intended to bash....Van Dork is a humorous name

[47MartialMan]

Sorry...Van Donk sounds as humorous....

 

He is known as "Mr Happy" because he brings in a lot of money.

 

Just kidding, I don't really know him so I cannot say if he is legit or qualified.

[Vito]

gimme it for free ill tell you what i think.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Not intended to bash....Van Dork is a humorous name

 

Oh gee..did I make a typo someplace? I guess I just wasn't paying attention...no ill will intended of course.