Muay Thai/Boxing/Kickboxing Question

[Dazed and Confused]

When I first found this site I am sure I remember reading a great topic about the current trend towards styles such as those listed above, and the possibility that practioners choosing these styles may be missing out on some of the more spiritual aspects of martial arts in a rush for instant fighting proficiency.

On the off chance that I dreamt this (I can't find it anywhere), and in preparation for next month when I intend to take classes in ninjustsu, BJJ, muay thai, kickboxing, grappling and lau gar to see which is right for me, I was wondering what people's opinions were on this matter? (Or simply redirect me to the old thread, if you can find it!)

[cross]

When I first found this site I am sure I remember reading a great topic about the current trend towards styles such as those listed above, and the possibility that practioners choosing these styles may be missing out on some of the more spiritual aspects of martial arts in a rush for instant fighting proficiency.

It depends on your goals, if you want to be purely a martial artist then you might be missing something. But these days the spiritual aspects of martials are fairly limited, and often used by traditional schools to justify not teaching effective self defence. You will learn just has much about hardwork, humility, respect etc from any of the combat arts you listed.

On the off chance that I dreamt this (I can't find it anywhere), and in preparation for next month when I intend to take classes in ninjustsu, BJJ, muay thai, kickboxing, grappling and lau gar to see which is right for me, I was wondering what people's opinions were on this matter?

What do you want to acheive from training? When you clearly define that, it will be alot easier to work out which (if any) martial art can help you achieve these goals. If your goal is to be an expert at a certain art, then in a way it doesnt really matter what you choose. However if you want to learn to defend yourself or get fit, not all arts are equal.

[bushido_man96]

I don't think that it is the responsibility of a martial arts instructor to impart spirituality upon a person. I think that the martial arts instructor's primary objective is to teach someone how to teach them martial arts. Martial arts, in my opinion, are first and foremost, martial; that is, relating to war, battle, or fighting.

In our school, we don't focus a lot on spirituality. Our school is pretty big into discipline and respect, but not very big into spirituality. We train integrity by trying to get each student to put forth their best effort, and not cheat themselves, however, we as instructors cannot make them do it.

Personally, I am more concerned about learning how to defend myself than I am about philosophical reasonings. I can look that stuff up on my own. When I go to class, I want to work on techniques.

[bushido_man96]

However if you want to learn to defend yourself or get fit, not all arts are equal.

I understand where you are coming from here, cross, but I would say that not every school is equal. There are instructors out there in all kinds of styles who tend to veer towards the self-defense aspect more than their styles' more 'traditional' aspects, and will teach a lot more self-defense.

[cross]

I understand where you are coming from here, cross, but I would say that not every school is equal. There are instructors out there in all kinds of styles who tend to veer towards the self-defense aspect more than their styles' more 'traditional' aspects, and will teach a lot more self-defense.

I agree with you here bushido_man96, but at the same time, i wonder how far an instructor is able to veer from the original syllabus without loosing the important aspects of the specific style. Perhaps 2 much focus on the self defence aspects would take away from those who want to do art for arts sake. But if self defence is advertised then they definetly need to cover it in depth.

[bushido_man96]

But if self defence is advertised then they definetly need to cover it in depth.

I agree.

[some0ne]

I dunno, in Muay Thai I have learned more "spirtual" aspects than I ever did in Karate. I also have studied authentic Muay Thai, not some westernized kickboxing that throws a "muay thai" style roundhouse and called it muay thai.

BTW, I hold rank in Shito Ryu, Kyokushin, Goju, and Chokushinkai.

[cross]

I dunno, in Muay Thai I have learned more "spirtual" aspects than I ever did in Karate. I also have studied authentic Muay Thai, not some westernized kickboxing that throws a "muay thai" style roundhouse and called it muay thai.

BTW, I hold rank in Shito Ryu, Kyokushin, Goju, and Chokushinkai.

I suppose some people are under the impression that because your learning a fighting art you cant learn respect etc at the same time. I have found although boxing gyms etc have a more relaxed atmosphere and music playing etc, the ideas of respect, hard work, responsibility, dedication, concerntration etc are all still learned, purely from how the training is conducted.

Plus from the traditional karate training i have done, spirituality was not something that was practiced or spoke about really. Apart from bowing and mokuso which are more tradition than anything to do with spirituality.

[Dazed and Confused]

Perhaps tradition is more what I meant rather than spirituality. I know it's superficial but I do find the idea of learning an art with ancient lineage very appealing. Having said that Muay Thai has an enviable heritage. Anyway, thank you very much for your contributions. I have the opportunity to make my own mind up now the New Year is here and the gyms and dojos are open again! Tomorrow I shall be attending a Lau Gar club, then next week I am going to a BJJ session at the local MMA gym, followed with a thai boxing session at the same gym later in the week if all goes well. I'll let you know how it all goes.

[bushido_man96]

I know it's superficial but I do find the idea of learning an art with ancient lineage very appealing. Having said that Muay Thai has an enviable heritage.

I think it is great that this is an interesting aspect for you, and I think that it is great that you pursue it. However, I don't feel that it has to be required for everyone who wants to learn an art or style, and just wants to learn fighting techniques and self-defense.

Good luck, carrying your training into the new year!