Dijita Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 I was told by someone that I shouldn't consider myself a martial artist because I like to compete in tournaments and that I should consider myself a sportsperson. Apparantly to him, tournaments and tournament karate is a game, not a martial arts. Thoughts?
Jinxx0r Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 Nobody can tell you if you are or are not a martial artist... that comes from you. A tournament gives you opportunities to demonstrate your skills, help get rid of stage fright and help your confidence level in front of strangers. IMO, the guy is full of #$^#$% but that's just MO. "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilites, but in the expert's there are few."
MenteReligieuse Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 As long as your training is not completely based on tournament sparrings. IMHO
delta1 Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 You're both. If he doesn't believe it, just hit him! Freedom isn't free!
Jinxx0r Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 You're both. If he doesn't believe it, just hit him! or kick him! "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilites, but in the expert's there are few."
tommarker Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 do you train solely for competition? i.e. you don't practice "illegal" techniques, or you practice defensive postures that would lead to injury but prevent points from being "Technically" scored. If that is true, I'd say you're more "athletic" than "Artistic" but it also sounds like this particular person has a stick up their butt on the issue. I'm no longer posting here. Adios.
foreveryoung001 Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 I'm not a big one for labels... but, I think honing your skills to compete in a tournament, can be considered more artistic than not. Someone who only likes sculptures will never call a painter a true artist. Depending on what type of music you play, there are those who would consider one guitar player an artist, and another just a "guy playing the guitar." If this person does not consider it an art, just because you attend tournaments, then I don't think anything will change his mind, but don't let him change your mind. Be confident in who you are and what you do. If you are a martial artist, don't let anyone else's opinions influence you. Just MHO. Student: "Why did you hit that guy with a chair? Why didn't you use your karate?"Master: "Hitting him with a chair was the only karate I could think of at the time."Lesson: Practice until you don't have to think.
Dijita Posted October 22, 2004 Author Posted October 22, 2004 Well, I wanted to see what people thought before I gave my opinion, so here it is for all it's worth. I consider myself a martial artist. When I train I train many different moves that are illegal in tournaments but I also have specific nights where I train specifically for tournaments. I focus my mind on the task at hand and am learning to clear the other thoughts in my head. I practice Kata which in my opinion is another form of training your focus. I respect everyone around me and everything related to my art. In a strange way I really respect my belt and I'm one of the few people who wear my belt for ALL my training even if it's in a casual environment where no one else does. I don't look for fights, but I enjoy fighting in competition. For me it is a great way to see how much of the things I have learned have actually become instinctual. Tommaker I wanted to point out as well, that even in my competition it's not really point scoring. Ok, well to correct myself it's one point to win... but the only way you can get that point is if you hit the person sufficient enough that they cannot fight back or they lose the will to fight. In conclusion, I don't care what this person said to me. Just like when I am drawing, my martial arts is a medium for me in which to express myelf, to develop my own style, to focus hard and continually get better, I set goals and accomplish them, I get frustrated at times, I surprise myself at times. Just like drawing, my Karate is an art. I still invite comment on the topic though. Osu!
Shane Posted October 22, 2004 Posted October 22, 2004 Do you think your a Martial Artist? Thats what matters A True Martial Arts Instructor is more of a guide than anything, on your way to developing the warrior within yourself!!!!!
Dijita Posted October 22, 2004 Author Posted October 22, 2004 Do you think your a Martial Artist? Thats what matters Yes, read the post above yours.
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