Why No Martial Arts?

[sensei8]

The lack of karate in general doesn't bother me a bit; it is what it is. I'm still scratching my head at the "Normal do" statement because I was both a boy scout as well as a cub scout, and I don't remember doing a lot of the things listed on a normal basis. But I believe that that statement is speaking in general terms because many kids/scouts do many things listed below on a normal basis; I just didn't. Karate and baseball was at the top of my list of normality while I was growing up.

Here is the link for "Unauthorized and Restricted Activities"...

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss08.aspx#e

Programs that the scouts are involved in:

Art

Astronomy

Chess

Citizenship

Collecting

Communicating

Computers

Disabilities Awareness

Family Travel

Geography

Geology

Good Manners

Heritages

Language and Culture

Map and Compass

Mathematics

Music

Nutrition

Pet Care

Photography

Reading and Writing

Science

Video Games

Weather

Wildlife Conservation

Sports Programs that the scouts are involved in:

Archery

BB Gun Shooting

Badminton

Baseball

Basketball

Bicycling

Bowling

Fishing

Flag Football

Golf

Gymnastics

Hiking

Hockey

Horseback Riding

Ice Skating

Kickball

Marbles

Physical Fitness

Roller Skating

Skateboarding

Snow Ski and Board Sports

Soccer

Softball

Swimming

Table Tennis

Tennis

Ultimate

Volleyball

Notice there's nothing mentioned about judo, aikido, or tai chi.

[bushido_man96]

I think what it boils down to is what they will allow to be done in "Scouting Related Events." So, no TKD demos at scouting events, I'm guessing.

[sensei8]

Yeah, I don't see ANY type of MA demo that's not already approved by the Scouts. We don't have to like it, but at least we have to accept it for what it is; it's their org and not ours.

[bushido_man96]

Yeah, but it would be nice to see some rationale.

[sensei8]

Yeah, but it would be nice to see some rationale.

Hhhmmmmm...interesting the way you put that.