for discussion

[ovine king]

quite simply, does it matter what it is you are doing/training in, if you're enjoying it?

[Shorin Ryuu]

If you are training for self-defense, it does matter. If that really isn't your main goal, it doesn't matter. For example, I wouldn't criticize you for playing basketball just because it isn't self-defense oriented (although I've seen some games that would make you think otherwise)...

 

A problem arises when you are taking something less than practical for self-defense with the express purpose of self-defense. Is it my duty to warn these people what they do may be potentially dangerous and change their minds? Not really. I can advise them, but if they say "no", then there's not much I can do. It's their choice, after all.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

If you are training for self-defense, it does matter. If that really isn't your main goal, it doesn't matter. For example, I wouldn't criticize you for playing basketball just because it isn't self-defense oriented (although I've seen some games that would make you think otherwise)...

 

A problem arises when you are taking something less than practical for self-defense with the express purpose of self-defense. Is it my duty to warn these people what they do may be potentially dangerous and change their minds? Not really. I can advise them, but if they say "no", then there's not much I can do. It's their choice, after all.

 

Absolutly, 100% correct! If you're taking an art simply for the enjoyment..then it makes no difference what you take as long as you enjoy it.

[Souldburned]

I agree completely with the last posters, I mean, I´m doing karate not because of self defence, even thought that is an advantage. I only do karate cause I really love it.

[krzychicano]

I take MA cause I love it. I dont know if I would love it as much if it wasn't Kuk Sool Won.

[taiji fajin]

I disagree. What if you love it, yet the m.a. is bad on your knees? Sets you at a much higher risk for back injury? What if it instills a confidence in you but what it shows does not "work," and in the end that confidence gets you in trouble? There are a million reasons why you should not take something just b/c you enjoy it.

[Shorin Ryuu]

Well of course you have to apply the common sense test to things you do. I'm sure your Taiji background is coming into play here, which really stresses the avoidance of injurious or conflicting things. But that's pretty much common sense, isn't it.

 

And slightly related but not relating directly to martial arts, why do people eat junk food? They certainly like it, and they know it isn't good for them, but they do it anyway. I choose not to, but that's my choice. Of course there are many things people do because they like, even it if isn't necessarily good for them.

 

Back on topic, I think if a martial art can't be done your whole life, there's something wrong with it.

[ovine king]

a few more questions to add to the fire....

 

(the opening was deliberately left ambiguous)

 

the question of self defence.

 

what if the school teaches something has been known to be effective in self defence situations but the teaching in this case of is not exactly up to scratch?

 

i mean, if the material is there and they are doing it just with lack of conviction in delivery.

 

what if the extra x% needed to make the training realistic would make the class not fun?

 

is it worth doing something you don't enjoy because it means better self defence?

[traz]

is it worth doing something you don't enjoy because it means better self defence?

 

You're going to get a variety of responses. It's all up to personal opinion and priority.

 

Some people are very concerned with self-defense, and thus will tell you that yes, it is wroth it do to something you don't enjoy, because in the end, it will help them reach their goal of best defending themselves.

 

Some peole train more leisurely, for fitness, fun, what have you. They may answer that no, it is not worth it...because self-defense isn't their top priority.

 

In the end, there is no real answer...its up to the individual. I like the basketball analogy ;p

[taiji fajin]

Yes, that is from my taiji background . However, its less common sense than people realize. I've seen so many people leave with seriously hurt joints b/c they went to hard on joint locks, or have to stop martial arts b/c their knees were too damaged from all the low stances and incorrect landings after a jump kick. It doesn't have to hurt right away to be bad for you.

 

Of course, while I tried to avoid injury like anyone else with half a brain, I did crank on joints, do lots of low stances for long periods of time, "worked through" pain when I really wanted to grapple, etc. Thankfully I am much calmer and more patient now, enjoying the journey and happy in knowing I'm improving myself. I don't need to prove how good I am to myself anymore. Yeah, I'm glad I found my current teacher.