Paranoia in the martial arts

[bushido_man96]

i dont understand what you mean by paranoia?

It is kind of like the idea that many Grand Masters of different organizations are constantly looking over their shoulders at who is making waves in the martial arts world, and they start to wonder if they are going to lose students to them because of it.

[username8517]

Politics in MA is one of the main reasons why I'm in the organization I am. I've met instructors of various systems who've claimed they're the end-all of martial arts, etc. etc. Nothing but a bunch of hot air to me. I especially get a kick out of those who create their own "ultimate" style, but then teach other styles in their building. After all, if it's so awesome, what's the need for the other systems to be taught?

Taba Sensei, the head of Shogen-Ryu, cares not for politics and actually encourages people to cross-train in other systems. A few years ago, he was in Canada for a seminar and training. Well it happened that during that weekend that one of the Yandans at the time (now a Godan) was competing in a BJJ tournament that same weekend. Taba Sensei made time during his training for him and all the senior instructors to go to the tournament and watch this Yandan compete.

[Sengra]

When I was looking for a MA to train with back in highschool, I discovered the things mentioned above.Yeah, It was really political in the sense that instructors claiming to have their own form were in fact assistant instructors from other schools that broke up with their organizations one way or the other. When they teach, you can'y help but feel how they are slowly conditioning your mind that they are right and the others are wrong. They were short of saying never to join other ma clubs. I got disillusioned. I was for taking in as much as one can do in a lifetime. I finally ended up quiting and did not train until I reached college. Four years ago, I discovered the club that I joined no longer existed, though some say they just changed location.