Withers M.A.A. Posted September 20, 2002 Posted September 20, 2002 How do you view the popularity of Matial Arts? Do you think interest is increasing or decreasing and where do you see the arts in 10 years? I've been training now for about 16 years now and think interest is growing. I'm in the process of opening a Dojo in the next few months and want to hear your opinions on where the Martial Arts are going. Thanks, Pete 2nd Degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and Tae Kwon Do. 1997 NASKA competitor-2nd place Nationally in Blackbelt American Forms. Firearms activist!
monkeygirl Posted September 21, 2002 Posted September 21, 2002 Popularity and interest in the martial arts is definitely growing. It's getting to where every time I watch TV I see a commercial with SOME form of martial arts in it. Even carpet commercials. There was an article in YM magazine about girls in martial arts...so that's a big step. Hopefully, we'll see more frequency of martial arts competitions on ESPN, etc. Definitely like to see some more females in starring roles in MA films...maybe I'll be one? in my dreams 1st dan & Asst. Instructor TKD 2000-2003No matter the tune...if you can rock it, rock it hard.
ZeRo Posted September 21, 2002 Posted September 21, 2002 i think the MA's are getting more popular. lots of people i know have started to train (most arnt really serious, like short time and just abit of fun)
G95champ Posted September 21, 2002 Posted September 21, 2002 I don't see it ever being as popular as Little League Baseball or High School Football in the towns across America. However no question it has grown. How big can it get well that is hard to say. Karate or MA hurts itself to much. 1. Unqualified teacher and overanks 2. Hollywood helps and hurts 3. There is not national rules for tourneys (differant everywhere) It will always be a second leval sport IMO. However as a hobbie I think it can reach higher levals. (General George S. Patton Jr.) "It's the unconquerable soul of man, and not the nature of the weapon he uses, that ensures victory."
John G Posted September 22, 2002 Posted September 22, 2002 I agree with G95champ and I like the terms, "Second level sport" and "hobby". The third term "art" which refers to a way of life or a way of thinking is also finding an resurgence. Many instructors (who practice and teach the "art") sometimes fail to see that people join martial arts for varied reasons, and feel somewhat disappointed when students treat the dedication required for the "art" with that of a secondary sport or hobby. This misunderstanding sometimes ends up being an unpleasant experience for both instructors and students alike. Instructors need to be more flexible, or at least point out to the student from day one what their obligations will be. One of the reasons martial arts is growing (especially in the area I live), is that mums and dads tend to send little Johnny and Susie off to martial arts training not only for the self defence aspect, but also for their sociological education (for want of better words), a domain previously held by traditional groups like scouts, cubs and guides. This I find disturbing, as not all martial art studios practice or teach high moral/ethical values. All in all martial arts is growing and the standard high. I guess it's up to us to keep it that way. John G Jarrett III Dan, ITF Taekwon-Do
Xtreme Fury Posted September 22, 2002 Posted September 22, 2002 It's growing and getting more popular. I think it's good but it does have it's downsides.
KENSHI Posted September 23, 2002 Posted September 23, 2002 I think it's growing. 1000 kilometres journey started from one single step.
monkeygirl Posted September 23, 2002 Posted September 23, 2002 There's also the problem with mass popularity. Anyone remember last year when a bunch of stock market shows came out? The market was good then. After that, the market began to fall. People and advertisers tend to pounce on things WHILE they're hot, instead of as they're growing. By the time ads reach the community, popularity is already large. Instead of helping it grow more, mass media popularity marks the peak of general popularity and favor. From there it has only one place to go: down. MA wasn't done growing in popularity and making itself better-liked. It could have done so much better. But ad executives killed the growth spurt and now we may see its downfall. I sincerely hope I'm wrong. 1st dan & Asst. Instructor TKD 2000-2003No matter the tune...if you can rock it, rock it hard.
hobbitbob Posted September 23, 2002 Posted September 23, 2002 As alsways, I see the McDojo phenomenon growing way beyond any other aspect of Karate. However, traditional martial arts still seem to be going strong. There have always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm!
Withers M.A.A. Posted September 23, 2002 Author Posted September 23, 2002 I think if the true Martial Artists, the ones who love the arts, are passing their knowledge down then the arts will survive and grow. However, if the McDojos keep popping up with unqualified instructors teaching for the sole purpose of making a fast dollar then the Martial Arts will become less popular. I belive that since the arts have been around for hundreds of years their will always be interest. No matter what there will always be a need for self defense in one way or another. Pete 2nd Degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and Tae Kwon Do. 1997 NASKA competitor-2nd place Nationally in Blackbelt American Forms. Firearms activist!
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