Withers M.A.A. Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Do you think the Martial Arts are growing in numbers, meaning more people training or do you think they are dying out or just staying neutral? I'm not sure myself the direction they are going. I've noticed there aren't as many Martial Arts movies anymore. There are some but for awhile there was always a new one coming out. There were more "straight to video" movies also. But on the other side of the coin I see a lot of celebrities including Martial Arts in their movies. That could help. I would think that with all the war and terrorism going on more people would be joining a Martial Arts school to relieve stress and to feel more confident about defending themselves and their family. What are your views on this topic? 2nd Degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and Tae Kwon Do. 1997 NASKA competitor-2nd place Nationally in Blackbelt American Forms. Firearms activist!
crash Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 I dont think that they are dieing out, maybe just in a lull right now,but they always go through a slow period until something or someone new comes around to spark ppl's interest. as far as the war and terrorism goes, well, right after 9-11 I think most schools saw an increase in new members, but to be honest, ( and I'm sure that a few ppl will probably disagree with this ) m.a. training is really not an effective defense against terrorism other than being more alert of your surroundings, which you can be without all the time spent training.
ZR440 Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 There sure seems to be more MA in Hollywood, but I don't think many more people are signing up. I am able to observe the amount of new students taking about three different styles of MA at the local community college where I practice at and I might see a few that will actually stay with the class for more than a semester. There are a couple other dedicated dojos in the town, but I can't see their enrollment being any stronger. It's happy hour somewhere in the world.
KickChick Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 I see a definite ressurgence in the martial arts.... both for self defense application, and for mental and physical fitness. As far as ma movies.... what???? There are so many "action" martial art movies being released lately!!! Maybe not in the same genre we are accustomed to seeing in the past.
Withers M.A.A. Posted March 24, 2003 Author Posted March 24, 2003 Hopefully things will pick up. I think too with the economy in a lull people are more conservative where they spend their money. First thing people usually cut is fitness programs. 2nd Degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and Tae Kwon Do. 1997 NASKA competitor-2nd place Nationally in Blackbelt American Forms. Firearms activist!
Lee Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 MA are probably at a neutral right now, they're not losing people or gaining them. I do believe that Martial Arts are showing up a lot more than you actually expect in movies nowadays. The only thing is that you don't have to be an action MA champion or super stunt man to perform it. A few kicks souped up by computers and anyone is a Martial Arts master (e.g. Matrix). But also it is showing up in unexpected genres as well, especially comedy (e.g. Austin Powers' Judo chop, etc.) "Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. Put water into a tea pot, it becomes the tea pot. Now water can flow, or it can crash. Be water my friend."- Bruce Lee
delta1 Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 MMA, hybrid styles. More schools incorporating things like grappling and aiki to round out their carriculum. More contact and a move towards a reality base. More training in awareness, situational control, and dealing with fear and adrenalin. Some emphasis on gross motor skills fighting. This isn't to say that the traditional and sport styles and schools will decline. They probably won't. I just think the current trend, and fastest growth, is along the lines of the above paragraph. I'd like to see a trend toward teaching an internal art simultaneously. Say, incorporating Tai Chi Chuan or Aikido, or any of the internal styles, with an aggressive external style. Ballancing the Yin and Yang (In & Yo). But, I ain't holdin' ma breath till I sees it! Freedom isn't free!
SaiFightsMS Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 I also see more exchange of information between styles of martial arts. I also see an increase in the divergence between more traditional schools and "sports" oriented schools. As far at the entertainment industry I think as a matter of course more martial arts fights scenes will be seen in non-martial arts movies.
Kyle-san Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 If things continue as they have over the past 10 years it'll mean an increase in MMA-style gyms that really focus on winning the tournament, or it'll be more "combat" schools. Nothing new, really.
Withers M.A.A. Posted March 25, 2003 Author Posted March 25, 2003 WEll I'm really glad we got a lot of really good responses on this topic. I truly believe this is a very important topic. I honestly believe the Martial Arts will never die out because there is always a need for self defense. Maybe someday only the military will need Martial Arts but I highly doubt it. When people live in communities there will always be conflict. IT is out nature. So I believe the arts will be around for another thousand years but they will evolve, as they should, to accommadate the needs of the times. 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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