Goju Ryu karate--Should I join?

[nfl2k2]

way off of topic

 

BUT

 

I see where both of you guys are coming from. Iam also like thai, I'm willing to share without holding back and not in the form of dance, but also I ensure before giving to much that the individual is able to realize and respect the awsome power and responsibilty of having such knowledge.

 

At what skill level do most teachers determine if the student can handle that kind of knowledge?

[thaiboxerken]

"Don't you think that you have a moral responsibility as an instructor to NOT teach anything to a prospective or current student who may show signs that he/she has questionable intentions as to how they may use the knowledge that you want to so freely give ?"

 

No, because it is much easier to kill than subdue. You should know that. The hardest thing for a martial artist to do is to subdue an opponent without hurting them and while protecting themselves. Any fool can kill another person.

[Shane]

At what skill level do most teachers determine if the student can handle that kind of knowledge?

 

Its not done by what skill level they get to, it is judged by what kind of person they are. Normally you can tell right away if your going to be able to work with them or if your going to have to turn them away.

[thaiboxerken]

I like Shane's approach. It is something I realize that I do without really thinking about it. Heck, the real "A-holes" don't really stick around to learn anyway, they last about a month before they are humbled and usually leave.

[nfl2k2]

Here is a response from one of the blackbelts after I asked him if we're doing kata, or both kata and sparring:

 

Kata and sparing are just embodiments of the basics. In the case of

 

kata, the sequence is specified; so, it is a simple matter to drill the

 

pattern repeatedly in an attempt to achieve perfection in stance,

 

technique, and focus. We should be attempting to achieve perfection in

 

all we do - 'simple' basic techniques, stances, all interpretations of

 

these - all with zanchin (total awareness, focus). For sparing, there

 

are multiple modes - all of which have their place in training. The

 

starting point is frequently some partner based drills to allow the

 

student a chance to apply the basics with a partner (opponent) in a

 

moderately controlled environment. There are lots of variations on this

 

theme all with different focus. These kinds of drills can be applied to

 

some degree even after learning the first basic strike. However, that

 

does not mean that a brand new student to ready to 'go-at-it' at full

 

speed.

 

Sparing has lots of different connotations. We tend to view it as

 

nothing more than a training drill involving two (or more!) students.

 

Because of our long-term approach - we want people to be able to train

 

all their life, not drop out because of some injury that could have been

 

prevented - we tend to be a bit cautious. We believe that this focus

 

builds strong, well-rounded martial artists in the long haul.

 

I hope this has helped to answer your questions. Let me know if I can

 

clarify some of this further.

 

I think I'll like it here...the club is not about making money (It's a college based club) so I can train with them for a very very low price. Every training session has more blackbelts than beginners, and they are always correcting our form.

 

Thanks for the info guys.

[thaiboxerken]

Good luck! I hope you enjoy it.

[Master Jules]

Thai.....I see where youre coming from, but I have to respectfully disagree.....a skilled martial artist is a lethal weapon.....like a gun, lets say......there is an awesome amount of responsibility that comes with having that knowledge and ability, hence, there is an even more awesome responsibility placed on the shoulders of the instructor, in determining whether or not a persons character and morals is worthy of such knowledge......Youre right about the "a-holes" who usually drop out, but its our responsibility to make sure non "fall through the cracks". I extensively interview all prospective students before even letting them set foot on the mat.......but, thats just me.

[thaiboxerken]

I guess we'll just have to disagree.

[Master Jules]

Do you really think that Master Inosanto, or for that matter, his teacher Master Lee would approve of you teaching someone with questionable morals ????

[thaiboxerken]

Guro Inosanto teaches anyone that asks to be taught, so did Bruce Lee. In fact, Guro was talking about the "secrets" this last weekend and how it's really not necessary to keep them secret.