Being an expert on, but not in, the Martial Arts?

[marksmarkou]

Completly agree. Most martial artists nowadays have extensive knowledge about styles which they have never practised before. Unfortunatly sometimes this leads to them having opinions which surly can not hold ground since they have never trained in these styles.

[italian_guy]

If someone has enaugh interest in the martial art culture, sooner or later, should actually try to practice an art. It is funny to me that someone is so culturally interested in something without actually try it. Unless he is unable to do it for physical reasons.

[TraditionalDan]

Of course someone can be well versed in martial arts, but I don't see who would be so passionate without taking part.

Not only this, to really 'understand' martial arts, you need to just do it. There is so much that I get out of training, that I could not possibly begin to put into words, to explain to someone else.

[bushido_man96]

Part of studying a culture is learning and knowing its fighting culture. I think that there is much that one can learn from observing and studying a Martial Art or culture's fighting style, and by not actively participating in a style, art, or organization, then the observer can perhaps more easily make unbiased observations, points, conclusions, etc.

[humble monk]

So we agree pretty much that it is possible to do. So the question then becomes "What could we do with such an expert?" Could they perhaps serve practicing artists in a consultant capacity? If I had an upcoming tournament, and knew I would be facing a Muay Thai guy and a Burmese Bando guy, but knew nothing of those arts, could my expert tell me what to watch for? An interesting concept.

[bushido_man96]

That is a good point. I think that people like this will have some things to offer us. Although many of us may be experts in knowledge of our style, someone who may have taken the time to educate themselves on a wide range of the arts may have something to offer those who compete, or do other research, etc.