Why No Martial Arts?

[sensei8]

Doing a little surfing on the net during my lunch hour, I came to something that I've read about before, but was reminded about it today.

The US Scouts, in an article entitled...

"Why other Sports are NOT included in the Cub Scout Sports Program"

The Scouts have published a "Guide to Safe Scouting", in a list entitled "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities." Here's what the Scouts have offered...

"Back in 1974, the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board decided on a listing of team and individual sports which it felt was not consistent with the ideals and promotion of sportsmanship that Scouting is promoting. They didn't say that "these sports are bad" or "Scouts should never participate in these sports" but rather "these sports have the potential for extreme harm while playing the sport and therefore we will prohibit them from being played as part of a BSA program or program option." The list has been adjusted through the years, but has remained basically intact."

Among the list of "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities", the MA is given its degree...

Boxing, karate, and related martial arts-except judo, aikido, and Tai Chi

My questions are...

~Why do you think that Judo, Aikido, and Tai Chi were approved?

~Why do you think that the Scouts are under the impression that Judo, Aikido, and Tai Chi don't possess the same "potential for extreme harm"?

Furthermore..."The general policy of Scouting is to train youth to do safely the many things they normally do, such as swimming and boating; handling firearms, knives and axes; riding bicycles; and hiking and camping. Scouting's disapproval or restriction of hazardous sports and activities is a positive policy to keep fun in the program and to develop sound judgment through experience. It is consistent with our principle of safety through skill on the part of leaders and youth."

Normally do?! I scratch my head as I ponder that statement. However, the three arts that they do allow must be done with proper mats and qualified instructors RELATED to YMCA's, colleges, or athletic clubs "whose objectives and coaching methods are compatible with the principles of the Boy Scouts of America." Interesting. The Kokokan and/or the like wouldn't be an acceptable venue?

Your thoughts please. Also, if this topic has been discussed here before, please forgive me for repeating it.

Edited June 21, 2013 by sensei8

[AdamKralic]

I can see why Tai Chi was approved...but Judo?

[sensei8]

I agree because Judo is full-contact. Still, I'm perplexed over the "Normal do" statement as well.

[JusticeZero]

I don't know; i've seen some pretty vicious taiji. I assume the "martial artists are violent people" myth is involved somewhere.

I'm currently having some frustration from having someone I know try to tell me how I am a violent person for suggesting she look into aikido. Heck, they tossed an article written by the Dalai Lama my general direction afterward, I read it, and realized that the D.L.'s advice came close to being more violent than what i'd taught in the last class. But i'm the violent one somehow for suggesting that they learn how to not be a helpless punching bag with techniques made by and for pacifists.

[DWx]

My first thought is that perhaps because these are predominantly grappling styles, (to the ignorant) they are seen to be a bit gentler and lower risk. Obviously for the majority Tai Chi is a gentle style and because in Aikido and Judo seem to be reacting to violence rather than striking someone as you would in Karate or Boxing.

Strange though that they'd allow them to shoot but not learn MA.

[Harkon72]

Karate is so Dangerous? Rock Climbing and Canoeing are not? I can't believe the scouting governing body can be so miss-informed. Scouts in the UK have been taught staff fighting in the past, so a tradition of Martial Arts is part of what they do. Wake up guys, move with the times!

[ShotokanMaster]

IThink in cub scout no body uses martial arts its all about survival and camping is all i know tai chi is good for them

[bushido_man96]

I think they see Tai Chi as more of an exercise in motion, and not for what it really is or was before the Tai Chi explosion recently as a health outlet (for lack of a better way to describe it).

Honestly, I don't think anyone has pitched Martial Arts to the BSA in the proper way. Personally, I don't care what the BSA thinks, I'll support my kids in doing any kind of MA they like.

As I understand it, basic quarterstaff technique and training was a badge for a time for Boy Scouts. Things just change over time.

[ps1]

I can see why Tai Chi was approved...but Judo?

Back in the late 90s, when I was in college, the American College of Sports Medicine had Judo ranked as one of the safest SPORTS for children. Over Football, baseball, and Soccer.

With my experience in Judo, I would agree it's a grossly inaccurate assessment. But I do believe the injury rate among children is very very low. Oppose that with broken necks in football, deaths in baseball, and accidental kicks (with spikes on) during soccer, and it can seem mild in comparison.

However, among the people in the sport, Judo is known as "The Great Crippler."

[RW]

It must be one of those old fashioned, not so informed statements (and dare I say, reactionary).

If your sport/art involves striking "it must be dangerous" or even "savage". Tai chi is no contact, and Judo is grappling.

This is a bit ironic, since judo can have quite a bit of contact, while some karate varieties, or taekwondo, are very light contact or based on point sparring.