Japanese vs english in training

[Jacob]

Martial arts do not develop in a vacuum; they are part of the culture and society from which they sprung. Thus, IMHO, I believe that learning a bit about the culture, both language and other aspects, always brings more knowledge and awareness of the art.

[ps1]

I still don't agree. When "worlds" get together, the language of the traditional art "is" the commong language...

- Killer -

I am talking about when the worlds get together to collaborate. English would be better than the Korean trying to figure out what the Japanese is saying.

I agree with Killer here. Afterall, if we were in Spain...Spanish may be the most appropriate language. If in Germany, German and so on.

[ps1]

"Traditional" martial arts are and always have been only practiced by the militaries of the world.

Mmmm I'm not sure about it... How about Shaolin Monks or japanese farmers trying to survive... anyway it's true that many militaries have adptem them becouse they are effective but that's not a reason to let traditions out of them.

When's the last time you learned how to employ your long range weapons, assault an objective, move and attack and coordinate that attack with members of a squad, flanking maneuvers, the appropriate use of mounted troops, espionage, move rank and file, Attack rank and file and so on. Be careful not to confuse them with the hand to hand or small arms fighting used by many civilians. The Shaolin Monks and Japanese farmers did nothing new. People have learned to utilize common instruments (including their hands and feet)as weapons well before the Shaolin ever existed. I'm sure you can agree that fighting has existed for a very long time.

Civilians have adapted military techniques to civilian life...not the other way around.

My students do not misunderstand what I want to see. There is no longer another school for them to go to since my head instructor passed away. Should they choose to train in another school they are allowed to do so. But that school should teach its own verbiage.

Mmmm but you can't guarantee that there won't be another school, or that maybe they move to other place and must go to other school... In that case they will find a disadvantage ... and that's what happens when you leave the standards and that's why they're important, as the example for musicians...

I understand what you're saying here. But it is not my responsibility to make sure my students live up to the standards of other schools. It's quite possible they may be at a disadvantage when it comes to knowledge of terminology. But they may (or may not) have an advantage when it comes to technique...I can accept that.

NO! I do not allow my students to call me Sensei. They call me Mr. Jones and my highest ranking student just calls me Bill. Sensei is much more than a teacher. Sensei is more of a guide through life and pointer of the way. Which brings up the main reason I don't use Japanese terminology. The Japanese speak in idiom and their language is almost an artform of itself. It is difficult for many Americans to fully comprehend the meaning of what is being said in full...so it gets summarized. Usually the summary does not do it justice. Therefore terms are misused in many many cases. If a student wanted to learn the terminology I would be happy to teach it...but they would learn it correctly. I would rather they spend their time learning the propermindset of training. Afterall...jikishin kore dojo. I do thank you for some spirited responses.

Sensei is more of a guide through life and pointer of the way. Isn't that the spirit of karate??

In the American society I would have to say no. It is very rare that we instructors will have the honor to be a true mentor to one or maybe two individuals in our lifetime. To the rest, we are just a respectable figure that students see at "Karate Class." Like it or not...that's how many parents and Americans feel about it. They do not have the same mindset as Japanese do. Unfortunate...but true.

I do like your translation also.

[bushido_man96]

I still don't agree. When "worlds" get together, the language of the traditional art "is" the commong language...

- Killer -

I am talking about when the worlds get together to collaborate. English would be better than the Korean trying to figure out what the Japanese is saying.

I don't understand what you are saying here. Is my TKD not traditional? Are we not allowed to collaborate together and discuss ideas and concepts?

[Killer Miller]

Is your TKD taught or originated in Japanese, Korean, etc? Then that is the universal language of the art. If your art, which is think not, originated in English, then English would be the universal language.

When we had International camps and and various international training, none of us could understand each other in conversation. However, we all understood and communicated on the dojo floor using the Universal language of the art, which in our case is in Japanese.

Wakarimasuka?

- Killer -

I still don't agree. When "worlds" get together, the language of the traditional art "is" the commong language...

- Killer -

I am talking about when the worlds get together to collaborate. English would be better than the Korean trying to figure out what the Japanese is saying.

I don't understand what you are saying here. Is my TKD not traditional? Are we not allowed to collaborate together and discuss ideas and concepts?

[Brandon Fisher]

Wakarimasuka?

He may not since he is a korean style practioner.

[cross]

...

Edited December 30, 2006 by cross

[NothingsShadow]

If we are talking about what is the best language to allow for the best international understanding of an art wouldn't that be both the native language of the art and the native language of the martial artist. If we use our native language as we practice a martial art there is no need to learn any language just technique, if at the same time we learn a little of another language (the native language of the art) our understanding will be more global.

[bushido_man96]

For me, if i wanted to converse with people to help futher my own training it would be with people who are highly trained in my style. So japanese language would be appropriate. If however, i thought i would be able to progess or learn about the style i do by conversing with practicioners of a korean style, i would take the time to learn the korean terminology.

You are getting closer to what I am saying. Also, Killer Miller, I understand about karate guys communicating to each other. I know my Korean for my TKD, and use it in class, but if I were to talk to you, or work out with you, I would use English, and not expect you to understand my Korean terminology.

When I post, I usually talk about techniques in English, therefore no one has to wonder what it is I am talking about.

[Brandon Fisher]

When I post, I usually talk about techniques in English, therefore no one has to wonder what it is I am talking about.

I do that in conversation with Korean or Chinese stylists also.