Martial Arts Politics Revisited | ART OF ONE DOJO

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

There is a guy I train with and respect greatly. He has trained in several arts. He always says everyone has something to teach and he wants to learn. I think that is a great attitude to have. Even if you don't particularly like a certain art they still have something to teach you. Knowledge is power! :-)

[@ArtofOneDojo]

That is the perfect attitude to have!

[@opinionantropologica7639]

Martial artists are humans and humans bring politics on everything we do. Sadly, politics and other differences torn schools apart, even styles apart. This kind of videos make me think about that. I like this type of videos because I realize that martial arts (karate, in my case) are more complicated than just kicks and punches

[@kracylatin01]

Love the video: When I trained in Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu my master has this idea that his style was the best; better than any other art. It wasn't until I trained with a pro boxer that I realized how limited my style of kung Fu was. Later I trained in Muay Thai under a world class trainer and saw so much more things that my style of kung fu was lacking. My master was in denial and would discourage training in other arts and he only would tell me that they were good forms of exercise and not a real fighting art

[@bw5020]

Choy lay fut is a strong Kung fu but your teacher did himself a disservice when he limited your curiosity and growth in other areas.

[@blockmasterscott]

I train in Choy Li Fut. My master also has us doing BJJ on the side, told us that times are changing and we have to adapt.

[@Beatinz11]

I've experienced something similar within my Kung-fu system. We had schools in another country that was a bit cultish. I got told by a black belt telling me not to wear my Tatami bag because "Sifu may not like you training other arts" which is nonsense as we're a jack of all trades system. The schools from that country were actually cut out of the system shortly afterwards

[@0311huy]

bottom line is kung fu is for loser and real man train in boxing, muay thai

[@jashardwallington]

So was bruce lee cappin when he said choy li fut could beat muay thai

[@blockmasterscott]

6:55 "Everyone has different goals, and different things work for different people." That's me and Choy Li Fut Kung Fu and Tai Chi, because I absolutely love traditional Chinese forms. Something about them sparks a flame inside of me. They are so full of takedowns and joint locks it's not even funny. I feel alive when practicing traditional Chinese martial arts. I tried the MMA route but I hated it. Nothing against it whatsoever, it's very effective in fighting. But for me, it was like Michael Jordan playing football or Terry Bradshaw in a basketball game. I was going through the motions. It's just so not for me. I have always felt that a man(or woman) does not chose the sport, but the sport chooses the man. (edited for my abysmal typing skills)

[@TheShrike616]

Whatever suits you, my friend, it's all an answer to the same question.

[@delroymarkland9162]

Great comment!

[@thetxaggie6575]

what school do you attend?

[@blockmasterscott]

@@thetxaggie6575 Hi! I actually train in an old man's back porch and backyard with about 4 other people. He's been training since the 50s and doesn't really have an official school. He has a homemade wooden dummy, a kicking bag, pads, staffs, and various weapons.

[@SpyGuy91]

I have an issue with MMA and BJJ in that they seem so focused on practicality that they kind of end up lacking an identity that traditional martial arts have. When you learn Karate or Kung Fu, you're also learning culture, history, and philosophy. Focusing so much on just "what works in a fight" feels like all you care about is walking in, KO-ing your opponent, and going home without a second thought. Sure it'll get you out of a real-life situation, but what else?

[@sliderx1897]

I think ppl also confuse the sport for reality. Theres ppl that teach " clinching for the streets" well ur most likely not gonna get in a clinch in a street fight good way to get stabbed. Mma still has rules and is based on competition. Not life or death

[@TheInfantry98]

Philosophy doesn’t matter in fucking mortal combat

[@gingercore69]

Great video! Some of the best changed im martial arts came from politics within the arts... Centuries ago people would kill each other in duels for politics... One of the differences in politics that changed that was when in times of peace some arts in japan decided to become spiritual imstead of about killing... The next one was when some.arts decided to have a sport aspect to center on some type of effectivity and later on that debeloped in a focus on cross training to know how to defend against other arts... Wich made the arts do a 360° spin from effectiveness in killing to spiritual training, to sport training and back to effectiveness but without the killing part... That helped develope many things that today we think are part of what martial arts are but in other times wouldnt... Musashi miyamoto basically said once that other swordmen were wrong in using kenjutsu just as a way of self development focusing on basically beauty as if they were back im the heian period again... And to prove them wrong he mercilessly killed any swordman that would challenge him to a duel or accept a duel from him... I think both where wrong... martial arts can be effective and spiritual at the same time, and even have sport aspects to it... A good example is sumo... They learn effective palmstrikes, effective throws and compete in full contact tournaments, and all of that is part of a spiritual ritual with hundreds of years of history... Every martial art should follow that formst in my opinion...butbits just one opinion

[@ArtofOneDojo]

But it's a great opinion and perspective :)

[@gingercore69]

@@ArtofOneDojo thanks! I think understanding everything had a cycle of creation and destructions helps with knowing things will not always stay the same... Btw... Weird question but... What do you think of martial arts based in reconstruction imstead of real lineage? Like hema... Or natori ryu ...

[@markhewitt4307]

I respect every art and every student all the way up to the teacher. EVERY art is out there to help make a good person a better person on a personal level. How can a member of one art look down on another art (or person in that art) for trying to better themselves? Sounds like the haters are just not happy with themselves and like every bully in the world, if they are not happy in life, they make themselves feel good by downing others. I studied Muay Thai back in the early to mid 1990s but i still love seeing what a person has learned in their art and how they became a better person from it.

[@jlotus100]

Politics in martial arts ruins knowledge. I did Tang Soo Do when I was younger. I fell out of it because of life reasons (9/11, military time, etc). I decided when I was younger to try other martial arts to expand my fighting skills. Tried BJJ, other stuff, only to be told by my primary instructor not to try other schools. I'm now nearly 40 and went back into Tang Soo Do. I plan on doing BJJ when I can afford it. Now that I'm not a teenager, I don't give a fuck about politics. I want to know how to defend myself and my family. Martial Arts Politics is stuff for young people who are looking for a place to belong. Us older folks don't give a shit about that. We just want to be able to defend ourselves.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

I agree with you totally, unfortunately I know a lot of older masters who still have that mindset :/

[@AliFayeFaye]

that's interesting! im a young one but i like to do my research so the politics dont affect me but rather prepare me. i haven't cross trained yet but i plan to in the future. Our dojo doesnt like cross training because our instructors dont want us to be the mouthy "this is better" new guy, so you need a lot of trust and respect to be aloud to cross train. But I totally agree the main point of training is to learn how to defend yourself! Use the politics to chose the right dojo but once youre there, just be like water!! 🥋

[@jlotus100]

Should have specified that I was talking as a student and not an instructor. When I was young I questioned the motivations of instructors a lot less.

[@RedNinja673]

Smh. We talked about my struggles 🙁. But the love for the art should push through. I feel that talent and dedication always rise to the top. Talented and humble martial artist shine. As for trash talking other disciplines. I believe that they all work. Especially, if techniques are done quickly and efficiently

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Absolutely! Unfortunately for some people it's enough to taint the art for them, and I think that's really sad.

[@EVENINGWOLF666]

A number of years ago I trained in Choy Lay Fut. There are several variants of the style, Hung Sing, Bok Sing and a number of others. Something that my master made certain to impress upon us was that regardless of which variant of Choy Lay fut someone trained in...we were all brothers and sisters. It seems to me that such a philosophy would be good for instructors in all arts to impress upon their students with regard to other variant styles within their system, whether it is Choy Lay Fut, or Kempo or Tae Kwan Do, or any other. In truth I have taken that idea to an even farther extension and claim all who train in the martial arts to be as such. I will admit that I am not always as successful in adhering to that philosophy as I would like from time to time...but if there were no room to grow there would be no learning and all would be stagnation.

[@dlbarton721]

I attended a Kung Fu school where on the first day I met a “master” who immediately downed on another art. That should’ve been a red flag, but remained optimistic in that I shouldn’t judge the art or school off the bad behavior of one person. However, after 19+ months of hearing other instructors and senior students saying negative remarks about other arts and schools, I took enough and went to another art. Unfortunately, it caused me to detest that particular art for good.

[@rickmcgibbon6290]

I have always believed that in the Dojo we are in a new world of pure learning and full effort and anything from outside the Dojo should be checked at the door (ego's included). As for what style is more effective or traditional etc,... well it is fully based on ones efforts within their chosen Art. In other words your Art will be only as good as "You" make it. I have invited other stylist to train with us, the way I see it if I can make myself just a little better with more information then I must also make my chosen Art a wee bit better. Oss!

[@pawned79]

My Wado Ryu dojo has closed down due to politics, but perhaps politics of another kind: my senior instructor refuses to get vaccinated against COVID-19. My second instructor closed indefinitely after his two unvaccinated sons contracted COVID-19. I’m currently continuing my Wado Ryu education at home, mostly through literature and karate history research. Perhaps the dojo will open in time, or I might have to go find a different style (Shotokan?) since this was the only Wado Ryu dojo in my area.

[@Speculativedude]

To be honest about the MMA versus Traditional Martial Arts rivalry, Most of the time the hate comments come not from people that actually practice MMA, but from fans that just watch it on TV. Many (not all of course) MMA practitioners do exactly that, practice a mix of different Martial Arts, but the fans see one prevalent style used in the ring and decide to crap on everything else. So as I said, my issue in that case is the fans that don't actually know anything about either MMA or Traditional Martial Arts.

[@jashardwallington]

Extactly alot of keyboard warriors

[@Bonbon-C]

Yep and a lot of these fans don't even know any martial arts! LOL

[@joshrusso2331]

Mr Dan, I can’t tell you how much this resinates with me.... I don’t understand the infighting between the same art... as a perpetual student I just want to learn more and more.. In My Journey I’ve learned 4 ways to do the same technique in Kenpo... instead of saying this way is right and that way is wrong... the Wisdom came out when the senior instructor says “This is Why we do it like this” The only thing that can be done is when you find a group that is welcoming and not tribal... Hold on to those associates... At the same time introspectively do not come to a new group with your cup already full...

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Josh, I agree with this completely. I too have seen so many versions of each technique and have often been told which one is the "real" one. It's ALL real as long as you UNDERSTAND why you're doing the moves you're doing. As for holding on tight to a good community...that, that right there is the key to it all.

[@ourscalifornien]

As my instructor would say, "a good punch is a good punch." That said, the author, and Black Belt Magazine columnist (and fellow artist, himself) definitely touched on this topic in his various books and columns. I would highly recommend it for all fellow artists to read. Oss.

[@lonsimmons2337]

Hey, I am so grateful to have found this channel. Politics is everywhere people compete for power and influence. I applaud your bravery for approaching the topic. Let us remember why so many martial art systems stress humility. When we are teachable, we are more accepting of what is. When we allow Pride, preference and pennies to make our decisions, short sighted self interest will rule the day. Schools complete for the limited dollars that public interest in the arts can generate. Talking badly about any school or style is potentially harmful to all schools and styles. Besides, I have found that Every art that I have ever studied has something of value to offer. Thanks, again.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Every art has good and bad. It's important for the student to know the strengths and weakness. Only then can they master it. And this is a topic that should be talked about more often to be honest.

[@bookworm3756]

The shodans at my school are considered beginners but they can sorta assistant instruct if they're working with a lower rank. It's very funny to see a shodan trying to explain something to a newbie and all the high ranked people are trying very subtley to listen to see if they should step in and supervise.

[@delroymarkland9162]

This is a great video, this is the way we train, with other schools, and they are all included to us, great video again!

[@danite620]

Yep, this a great video . And you sir are obviously a great Sensei

[@DMaster5062]

I totally agree with this video we should be humble enough to learn from each other!!!!!!!

[@mikeymike473]

I experience politics in my ITF Taekwondo several times and I decided to walk away. Once I received my 1st dan and seeing my instructor got demoted because the head's of the region daughter got promote to run the dojang. Before the demotion of my instructor, I loved going to training with the people there and I can see they enjoyed it as everyone was having fun but now it is like a concentration camp. I have lost the love of training because I was target by the head of the region on the littlest things while several black belt was performing it worse than I was. Several other black belts had several run ins with the head of the region because of his attitude and not willing to listen to recommendation etc. I have dedicated myself to TKD and now looking to walk away from this group and willingly to go to another ITF and start again as a white belt.

[@jimmysmash1]

Time 1:16 “ we’re not even gonna get into “Bujinkan “ LMAO!!!! 😂😂😂

[@Rlistener]

Loved this video, I’m new to Shotokan Karate, and I’m happy to report I have had no such bad experience with politics. I also dabble in MMA and Muay Thai. No politics there either. Funny hearing about it though

[@sourabhbikawat]

I love your contents. It's very informative.

[@deanewagner3752]

Fantastic video! I agree 💯! Many times people just want to learn. Professionalism in an instructor goes a long way! If we all have the mindset that there is always someone bigger, stronger, tougher than us with the intent on really hurting us, it keeps things in proper perspective. I’ve trained in martial arts since I was 6, I’m 46 now. The older I get the more I realize, I want train to survive my worst off day. So I can go home to my family and live on. We need to realize what we want to spend our emotional energy on and go with that. Just my two cents. Great videos! Keep them coming!

[@SempaiMarc]

You have the right attitude

[@squifflessquaffles6339]

I see TMA vs MMA arguments all the time. Personally, I prefer Kung Fu and Karate but I respect other arts as well. I originally began martial arts to protect myself but nowadays it’s more for maintaining health and having something to do cuz Minecraft is buggy right now. I’ve noticed that through practicing martial arts, I’ve met some incredible people, my health became better and I’m more calm and docile, which I think is due to feeling flow or being in the zone. I suck at fighting and even have submissive traits such as looking at the ground instead of in front of me. Still, I’ve had pretty much no panic attacks since I resumed MA and by drinking ginseng tea regularly. I feel blessed to have learned MA in a way that improved my life, better health and better moods. Even if I suck at fighting, I can’t deny that the basics, forms and shadow boxing help me be much less ill then I normally would be.

[@waynejohnson2894]

"Respect the Mat", love that statement and love your channel. Nice common sense approach to a sensitive topic. Great job!!

[@SempaiMarc]

I had 4 students leave my school to go to the one I trained at and had issue with "the master." Ran into them at tournaments and on the street and they were shocked that I walked up to them and said hello. Character is the most important part of any martial artist, sensei, or "master." I would never take these people back into my dojo. But I won't let someone else's jealousy and pride change the man I am. Or how I raised my children and train my students.

[@mikesears5000]

Great video. As far as I am concerned safety is first and foremost. Good sportsmanship is very important. Martial Arts politics should be checked at the door. If people want to compare and contrast different martial arts that should be done before or after class. If you want to demonstrate the differences between different styles, have a specific class on on that and allow the students to decide if they want to be involved in such a subject.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Agreed!

[@mikesears5000]

@@ArtofOneDojo I have been watching a fair amount of your videos on the history of martial arts as well as other sites. I been reading a fair amount as well. To me, I see there are only 1, 2, or 3 styles of martial arts depending if you want to classify wresting and boxing martial arts. If you do then in my opinion there are 3. If not in my opinion only one. That would be Pankration (wrestling/boxing). I suppose there could be 4 if you include weapons a one.

[@mikesears5000]

@@ArtofOneDojo As far as I am concerned so long as no-one in class gets hurt, has fun, learns something, and gets a good workout any class would be a good class regardless of the style.

[@dionnegoss6897]

I'm so sick of people dissing Wing Chun. The usual tropes are "Chunners couldn't beat an MMA fighter " "Wing Chun is BS" "Wing Chun is just about sticky hands and hitting wooden dummies" Luckily my SiFu has helped me to stay away from negativity You're right about not engaging!

[@ReformedJohnny]

Great video, it was a good idea to not try to tackle the bujinkan political stuff. I've been trying to study it myself but there is so much going on that you lose track a lot. I'd love to try to talk to you about this political sphere sometime.

[@Lapran3]

Jujutsu beginner here. The head instructor in my dojo has emphasized a focus on learning how to instruct early on, giving minor instruction duties to students as early as 1 Kyu (before the student even gets their black belt.)

[@evaristoblazquez9954]

Evaristo Shihan here, greetings! I have been practicing for 45 years without stopping & I teach 4 times a week. When a visitor comes into my Dojo to inquire I ask about their knowledge & experience, if they have none after -thoroughly- ascertaining their goals & needs I will let them know whether my style will suit them or not. If it doesn’t I will help them find a Dojo that will be compatible with their training aspirations. There is no perfect style, but we have to be willing to help potential practitioners find a compatible “perfect” training environment for their situation. Evi Shihan Founder of EVI MU DO KAI KARATE 8Dan Tang Soo Do, 5Th Dan Taekwondo ( Kukkiwon ) 3rd Dan Kyokushin Kai. Take good care and Take care about being good !

[@newworldlubbock]

I really love your videos. I love your approach to other arts.

[@MountainAdventures1]

So many truths in here, really amazing analysis. I always feel like those who trash talk other styles somehow missed the whole point of martial arts, but everyone has their own take I guess. As far as the real meaning behind the black belt, I have to quote Seraph from The Matrix: "You do not truly know someone until you fight them." Also, I'm glad at least one of my comments was semi-coherent, thanks for mentioning me in your vid!

[@ArtofOneDojo]

I loved your comment and it really does ring true and illustrates a very healthy perspective. Thank you for posting it :)

[@bw5020]

Yessssss!!!! I've been waiting for this!!! So. Over. Due And the politics murdering ones resolve to train is on point. I left one Bujinkan school and joined another when I moved to Virginia. The new school was so political and hug box heavy that I stopped training for years. A political school is an unproductive and potentially toxic school.. My Kung fu school is inclusive and the main goal is to make what you have better and maximize. Optimize what we bring to the table and foster our experiences into a full circle. It is such a healthy change of pace and I dunno if I can go back. When a school is healthy, it reflects via its students. It's teachings. It's character That point on branches of a tree in regards to offshoot systems is Soooo on point. My teacher dreads lineage fetishing. Does it work. Can it kick ass? Is it open to correction. He desires exchanges of ideas... Like a potluck of kinetic concepts to better refine us as a community

[@ArtofOneDojo]

What? Politics in Bujinkan????? ;)

[@bw5020]

@@ArtofOneDojo Uh oh, let me hold my tongue before I'm lectured on the intricate koryus I'm somehow disrespecting by voicing my concerns. I wish not to feel a verbal shuriken to the nuts

[@christophervelez1561]

I like the discussion on the topic. I think that politics suck in an art. It’s alienating most of the time. In bjj the majority of the political mudslinging in comments comes from our blue belts. Which is funny considering they are relatively new to the art. No worries blue belts I participated in the mud slinging as well. I think we all get involved in politics at one point or another. It’s just a sign of immaturity or lack of understanding. We were all there once.

[@woodtiger1411]

Gudday Mr.Dan, I love these discussions. It is almost like a no brainer self help forum, to not being a douche bag in martial arts. I love the last statement - RESPECT THE MAT.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

The mat is where the truth lives :)

[@rsnordhagen]

I'm so glad you are talking about this. This affected me so much especially when I was younger and took things people said to heart. As a WTF Taekwondo practitioner I was so sad and ashamed of me training because "They joined the olympics making ALL WTF schools bad!!!".

[@gpjordo_syd]

I started back at a Martial Arts school that I trained with years ago and the reason I did so, was to get back into it, get fit, and most of all, train with my daughter who is 8 and suffers from ADHD. When I had my first lesson I was given the ok to wear my green belt (6th Kyu). In each class I trained, I asked each Sensei if I should wear it or if I should wear no belt. Along the way, I was still being called out as a white belt.. Now I don't take too much stock in the colour of the piece of cloth holding up my GI pants as progression/the journey is so much more than this. I had a conversation with the Zone Sensei who had then approved me to start back on my journey wearing my Green belt and old rank. Again, for me, my main focus was understanding where I fit in within the journey... A couple of weeks later, I was approached again and told that when I go to my next grading, there was uncertainty around whether I would grade into my Green belt / Current Rank or whether I would go into the next rank.... It frustrated me as I thought this should be a logical call. Anyway, this got sorted and the direction seemed clear to me. At my next training session, I was provided a slip that meant I could attempt my next grading which I was taken a back as I had only been back for a couple of months. From this, I was approached again by the same instructor as before who said, in order for me to attempt my next grading, I was required to attend a special class to make sure I was ready to attempt it (in other words, be assessed) to which I thought this was what a grading was for. So I attended this special class and approached the sensei who ran it for some feedback. He then suggested I would need to attend more special classes so I could be further assessed. Based on all that happened and the constant hoops I felt I had to jump through, I made the decision to not attempt my next grading. I feel now that my current experience has not been a good one and am trying to decide if I should simply walk away....

[@bradystop1011]

When I was 12 I trained at white tiger martial arts, The master told us to never talk to any other dojang students.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

That's not good to forbid students from talking to other schools. That just creates bad blood.

[@laztoth3104]

Class politics make me sick!!! Got Stripped 2 Blets Plus suspended. Then it got straightened up two weeks later then I got back one was taken from me and was given an extra rank. What a bunch of crap!!! Like the content very much ☯️☯️ RESPECT...

[@AliFayeFaye]

BURNS MY BICYCLE SHORTS - OMG WHY HAVE I NOT HEARD THAT BEFORE!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidpiper7578]

Awesome video , Sensei Dan Rules.

[@TheShrike616]

Debaters vs haters, I like that

[@daswordofgork9823]

Like I said before. My school does not have that problem. In HEMA, if we did have an issue and argument, we really have to talk it out in an educated way.

[@setokaiba200x]

Awesome as always. I believe I said it before in the comments of the first video about this; I try not to get into the politics. Plus, I'm sorta new (couple of years at my old dojo and over a year now at the new dojo) so I don't have everything in full picture. Just heard things and such. But, I just focus on learning and that's what my Sensei tells. I'm there to learn the art. Not be in a politics debate.....

[@tonyforte6053]

I was a member of a school like this aka cult like. I've trained for 40 years I can think for myself and train how want to train. When I broke my art became 100 percent better.

[@Roka_Rolls]

I'm a former Muay Thai practitioner and I'm currently enrolled with a school that primarily teaches Filipino martial arts and jeet kune do. I'm unsure of how to recognize how exactly to see politics within and frankly I don't view things through that lense but considering Arnis has been kept closely guarded for centuries and it's primarily a tribal family type of environment, I can honestly say that it's been some of the better experiences I've had while being a part of the martial arts community.

[@williamw1332]

Excellent video topic Dan, well done! I keep politics, religion, and racism out of my dojo. Tatamis are for training, anybody with any shit either goes to the bathroom toilet, or out the dojo door.

[@highchamp1]

#1 Clear Vision

[@pimperish666]

My experience, if a teacher or school owner doesn’t know something they get worried they’ll lose students and talk trash about other schools and styles and try to play mind games with their own students preventing them from leaving and not ever asking questions.

[@Otaku155]

I think we need to remove words like 'fantasy, fake, cult, etc' from this discussion; these words are all entirely subjective and only serve to divide people.

[@jeredsizemore3108]

All my martial arts activities have closed because of the corona virus. I NEED TO TRAIN, LEARN, AND TEACH OR I'M GONNA GO CRAZY!!!!

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Is your school offering online training at all? If not, then it's time to review and work out on your own at home. Until this lifts...YOU are your Sensei now.

[@jashardwallington]

It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it become rigid and stale. From Uncle iroh avatar the last airbender

[@NicholasHolman1]

lmao i did karate for a few years & the instructor constantly bad mouthed a local mma school for being impractical... then a rickson gracie/morio higaonna black belt visited for a week & beat the living breaks off of him in both standing & grappling, proving everything we had learned, was impractical.... needless to say i started brazilian jiu-jitsu that next week.

[@NicholasHolman1]

talking mad shit like that is just insecurity in your own product.

[@jp3711nc1]

I seen that happen with instruction i love teaching kids alot of people who get blackbelt at first think they know more then the master. Things get bad and things get worse when they take control the main instructor. I had that happen before someone forcefully took over no reason everything was fine but then he told me I can do it better it made me awful and was insulting to my intelligence of the art. I am a third degree he was younger and was a 2nd . It felt rude of him to do that. I left that school and with a school where its just 2 people one master and instructor. They had a power vacuum there and a kid program there after school. It felt like the after school teacher was trying to teach not her job.

[@konwaryujujitsukai2238]

This is a great video. I tell my students all the time, "Anything [any art] is deadly in the right hands." I have trained in a variety of arts and been a part of large organizations and have been on my own; both ways have something to offer. The question I attempt to ask myself on a regular basis is, "Am I being honest with myself, and as a teacher, are my methods producing better human beings?"

[@ta5777]

Hopefully you can do a video on Kalaripayattu this year. Considered the mother of martial arts. Thanks.

[@charliesimar7541]

I fully agree. Politics has NO PLACE in the dojo.

[@chuckfromla]

The federation that my dojo used to belong to, along with at least three other organizations, broke away from one of the major organizations, for a variety of politics (money, no chosen successor). Then we left that organization after my sensei was stripped his positions after some complained about a political post on his private Facebook page.

[@koolaidmanbjj6128]

I was cross training at a tang soo do school for a little bit and was training bjj at the time. I was showing some bjj techniques to a couple of people there just to encourage cross training and was told rather curtly by one of the black belts "we don't do that here". Wasn't trying to steal them from tang soo do or convert them, just trying to share some knowledge.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Yeah, a lot of schools get wary of that, though I don't feel you did anything wrong. Sometimes people don't want to hear what others do and brush it off (or are afraid it might be something good they don't know, or potentially losing students). It's unfortunately common.

[@koolaidmanbjj6128]

@@ArtofOneDojo my old mma coach told me once "I'm not trying to replace your arsenal, I'm trying to add to it" and that's what I was trying to do for them. Didn't go that way unfortunately

[@taekwondobro]

Politics suck, the ruin the training and the group aspect. But sometimes someone can bring people back together.

[@aidanm7225]

Hi Mr Dan love the content , I have a question I need some advice on , I was training at a club earlier this and I left to train at another club for personal reasons , I made some good friends there I would like to reconect but there is some big time bad blood between the club's , and I don't want to cause any issues

[@ArtofOneDojo]

You really shouldn't have to choose between having friends or training at a club. Even if they are rival clubs, everyone should be an adult enough to hold that separate from outside relationships. If not...then I second guess the club and the values they teach to be honest.

[@diketsokoloti8714]

Karate its karate we all kick and punch I train with anyone i have take my students to different dojo to train

[@studentj.condie8137]

I have been heavily watching the channel lately. My back round was originally WTF til my system and masters decided to create their own federation. But some problems have arrived, one of them being egos. I could really use a community to talk about these aspects and when I'm going thru with my Martial Art journey. Is this a good forum and community for me to get some new perspectives on?

[@bradyclarktkd5506]

Black belt doesn’t prove your skill, I am a senior green belt in Taekwondo. I spar with black belts and I am becoming an early assistant instructor people at the dojang tell me I’m 5 years ahead my belt level which I tell them that it’s just a piece of cloth and my skill and confidence comes from my heart. I train everyday what’s the point of doing a martial art if you don’t do it at 100%. Well I’m about to go instruct at a summer camp for Taekwondo and teach 9 different poomsae. Wish me luck

[@rooben6741]

Sorry to hear you've been impacted by politics. Our club has been fortunate to avoid the politics for a long time. We've been blessed to have a good standing with many organisations, that we get invited to their seminars and competitions. Although I did have a run in with an instructor from another club, who was quite insulting. I simply ignored the attack, because I know I represent the genuineness of a reputable karate club and my pride doesn't bend to the challenge. I was hurt at first because this is someone I got along with, and they enticed some students of mine to switch. I just keep doing what I do, with a dojo with healthy numbers every week. I refuse to let politics enter my dojo, nor let my pride bite the bait.

[@mountaineerjdm]

You should have a special on psychological health and martial arts. Maybe find a practitioner who works in the field of psychology as well. How to identify a toxic environment/dojo.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Not a terrible idea. We are already reaching out to a behavioral specialist for Autism, but this is not a bad suggestion. I'm going to make a note of it, thank you for the suggestion. :)

[@Hobbies305]

Hi, Sifu Dan. I gotta say I never really touched upon the politics in the martial arts and as far as I can remember my Karate instructor has done its best to be non-political simply because he says that in the JKA and Shotokan scene within Japan the instructors focus a lot on their egos and for the most part stay within factions of their own even after attending the JKA instructors program in the hombu dojo. A good example was with some of the current senior instructors whom he collaborated with at some point. I can mention names but out of respect to the martial arts and for the sake of being non-political is best to keep it anonymous

[@bernardortiz7351]

I fully agree with the belt comment. In our system, we call 1st degree black belts “beginners” (as in you now know enough that we can teach you)

[@Docinaplane]

Bernard, at what level do you feel a student can correct their own errors in technique, can teach others, or more importantly, can guide their own journey?

[@bernardortiz7351]

Docinaplane That’s a really good question. First, I can’t and won’t speak to other systems. For the system I study, I don’t know how to respond to “correct their own errors” with an exact answer. To some degree, “changes” (or errors) to a movement or part of a kata can be attributed to interpretation, and there are many possible interpretations. We generally say that “the form should be taught “this” way, but that the move, if applied in ‘real life’ could look like “this” .. or “that” or... what’s interesting is when those interpretations become canon to students in a specific lineage. Does this mean we have beginners teaching beginners? Well, yes, but the brown belt “beginners” are being watched and the material they are going over is being watched to ensure it is being taught in a correct manner (keeping in mind the physical and sometimes mental limitations of both students, of course). The direct instructor I have is an 8th degree and he constantly seeks understanding from the Grandmaster and periodically makes corrections to how material is taught. Does that make something taught 5 years ago “wrong”? Another way to phrase this response is to say that “as one’s insight/understanding of the material changes, one may make various corrections to the technique over time and that these corrections are not limited to or assigned to any particular rank.” In our system, we’ve had people at brown belt teach out material under the thought that the best way to learn something is to teach it. Does this introduce issues? Sure it does. Do we get wrapped around proverbial axles about this? No. For example, if a student does not fully block the head in a move in a kata, was it that the instructor failed to show the move right because that brown belt doesn’t know the move that well (or was it the student who just didn’t listen to that instructor for one reason or another)? This becomes a teaching moment to both the brown belt and the lower belt so that both can learn from this experience. The idea, though, that you don’t “know” something until you’ve taught it is very true. Whenever I teach out something I’m sketchy on, I will always caveat it by saying “this is how *I* do this move, but let’s check with to see if it’s right.” As far as guiding one’s own journey, in our system I believe that happens around the 5th degree (maybe I’ll get to that point...). As I haven’t reached that point, I don’t know what happens after that point (I do know that the formal curriculum is not delineated after that point). It’s a big enough system that if you wanted to take a side-step into internal arts, there’s a path for that. If you wanted to spent time learning the animal systems, there’s a path for that. If you wanted to direct your journey into other aspects of the training, there’s most likely a path for that as well. From another point of view, around 2nd degree, you are expected to train more outside of the school as there simply isn’t enough time to cover all of the material all the time. During that training/meditation time, one can spend time trying to figure out what their journey should be. And that path will be different for each individual.

[@Docinaplane]

@@bernardortiz7351 Thank you so very much for your comprehensive reply!! A few things. I wasn't referring to kata or forms in terms of correcting oneself, more like "doing a side kick correctly." I say this because I often see students who have what I consider decent rank, and they do basic techniques wrong. You will have to trust me, but I have a large range of what I consider doing it right so wrong is probably wrong :-) Yes, I feel that teaching others is very helpful in learning and should be required at the black belt level. I might promote someone to Shodan without their being able to teach others, but no higher. Just as information, I received my first BB when Bruce Lee was still alive and have been involved in the martial arts since that time. Best!

[@bernardortiz7351]

Docinaplane you are correct and I see that issue (incorrect technique in higher ranked folks) all the time. To be fair, for some of us, the error is caused by injury or age or a limitation in what a specific body can do. Setting that aside, someone with blatantly incorrect technique that they just don’t want to correct (even though they can - again, setting aside compensation for injury, body limitations and so on), will find the “why” behind a technique at some point. Incorrect technique can lead to injury at worst or simply be ineffective at best. At a recent sparring match, one opponent blocked a kick of mine with fingers outstretched. One broke. Incorrect technique from a 3rd degree. It happens and I felt really bad for him, but it was his learning to do. There are all sorts of ways to do a side kick “wrong” (and I probably commit several of those errors) and the best way to know if you did it right is to spar with it. If you can land it and not have your leg grabbed, you probably did it right. The damage done depends on if you used the blade or the whole underside of the foot, among other issues. It is possible to do this and get hurt ... and that can depend on the rules one is subject to. TKD, for example, encourages high kicks with an open crotch because crotch kicks are illegal. Those are legal in my system, so something bad could happen if we spar together. This can be a deep topic..... :-)

[@stillloading6255]

Being a part of the kenpo family I never say my kenpo is better then his I dont care what faction you train with we are all kenpo and I'm happy to see the diferent ways my brothers and sisters evolve

[@nthekitchen162]

Everything and one is truly connected lol...going through something very similar. I recently asked a member of my dojo on fb how everything was and if anything had changed while I’ve been deployed. Turns out a lot had changed, for 1she didn’t work there or attend class there anymore, nor did her daughters who where impressively skilled and qualifying for Olympic kata, and “MY” Sensei-you know the one who I connected with and felt understood by, who I learned so easily with... he’s not there now either. I don’t know what happened exactly and I don’t care either, I just bratily (is that a word) .... want it to be the same when I come back as when I left. This isn’t exactly political more drama oriented as understand it, but the underlying theme is the same, personal issues with others overshadowing Karate. It shouldn’t happen in our community.

[@Docinaplane]

So what I understand is every martial art sucks at something, and MMA sucks the most since it's got suckiness from several martial arts all at once.

[@SempaiMarc]

Not the art. Just sometimes the wrong people are involved.

[@jaypeve]

I think now maybe it might take me a little longer to get my black belt

[@sliderx1897]

I feel that us traditional martial artists need to stick together otherwise all these mma guys will put us out if business!

[@TheInfantry98]

Slider X MMA is far superior bro. Sorry

[@sliderx1897]

@@TheInfantry98 give me an example?

[@dakentaijutsu2010]

@@TheInfantry98 here we go with that crap you're spouting, man take that shit outta here, you're making things worse

[@ArtofOneDojo]

It can't be superior...because it isn't an "it". MMA is a "them". Just a choice of which traditional arts or sports you want to mix. In that respect, I agree, Mixed Martial Arts are the best because you can find that any art has another art that compliments it.

[@sliderx1897]

@@TheInfantry98 still waiting??? Troll

[@dmidknight]

I started MA in a style called Okinawan Shotokan (I don't know the lineage) the school closed. I was lucky enough to find a kung fu teacher. No politics until I started training JKD (after I got my first black in kenpo). I ended up walking away from JKD 6 months before my instructor certification test. Also I got a lateral promotion in Capoeira because of politics.🤣

[@exoticsnipezonly1601]

The guy put a tag that karate sucks no karate has its place for self-defense and fighting and it’s a lifestyle more or less and kenpo is usually self-defense

[@antoniokofoed7139]

At my old school you weren't allowed to fully teach until 3rd degree.

[@oskarnava623]

Agree , I am a black belt I start assistances my master at orange belt for that reason I teach because I been help others since my orange belt but father purple my student needs to go and pay my master to keep going ( I run a free program at the parks ) my higher take is orange right know in a few moths she will need to go to my master to keep going

[@Raiken202]

A school I went to, even had a lawsuit, between another school, I should have done my research before going to that school. The style just felt made-up and I couldn't trace their lineage that they claim on their website. The lawsuit was a while go. There's still a lot of students there. So they are clearly successful at getting and keeping students. Now I'm in shito-ryu karate and I've dabbled in other styles too like BJJ, Aikido, TKD etc thanks to my college campus. All of these styles have lineages I can research and look up. Do and find what works for you, and not what other people say you should do. This is what works for me. I'm in martial arts for exercising and self-defense.

[@giovanniiamunno7874]

Hey, its me again. I told you the names of the "Kim Possible" episodes that feature the fictional art of Monkey Kung Fu. Did you get a chance to watch them and begin to put together a video of it?

[@ArtofOneDojo]

I have not had a chance no. I have been absolutely buried in work. I want to check them out, but unfortunately it's going to be some time before I can and even decide if there is a video topic there to put together.

[@giovanniiamunno7874]

@@ArtofOneDojo Well, I understand. But if you need advice, I got one. The topic can be the possible start of a miniseries on your channel called "Marital Arts in Cartoons Analyzed".

[@kurtsteiner8384]

It's not just martial arts that have this it's also other things like for example diving and PADI if you qualify with any other agency and want to dive with PADI they won't except your certifications. Even if you have commercial or military and naval service for diving. They will expect you to start again from scratch first principles no exceptions. Othe agencies like SSI cmas BSAC will Accept other certifications all they ask is you do an assessment with one of their instructors on a one to one basis first. Before going diving with them in the sea or lakes.

[@chrishess5526]

I don't understand why people like to crap on other arts different from their own. Every martial art is different and that's what makes any art thrive. Diversity. I mean I understand there are fake martial arts out there that could get you hurt or worse. And that sometimes a few techniques from that art may not always work but that doesn't mean the whole art is worthless. There's a point where it goes from friendly competition to outright feuds and I just don't get why. If you know something doesn't work then okay don't use it. As Bruce Lee once said When you put water into a cup it becomes the cup. Which while it does mean adapt. Take what works and reject what doesn't I think he meant something else too. What you take from the mat and from each other becomes part of you. It determines how you build your character. What you learn shapes what you believe and what you believe shapes what you will become. You never stop learning until the day you die. I have always believed that. When you think you have nothing left to learn is when you think you can't be wrong.

[@baueracademyofmartialarts]

Politics is why I have chosen to not to associate with any organization, I will continue to study different arts/practices to better myself in all ways.

[@rreith]

My style is Isshinryu. It is a political nightmare. No two schools or lineages follow a similar path. Literally every first generation student went in a different direction and made themselves 10th degree masters. Even the son, and son in law of the originator claimed leadership when he died.

[@LeonidThe90sKid]

Some very good points are made in this video! Just a couple of things i think should be clarified... 1. The ufc is an organization, not a sport. 2. Mma is definitely not new. It used to be known as Pankration "the greatest of Olympic sports" since 648 B.C. and it was a mix of boxing and wrestling (plus kicks and submissions). So in a way it's arguably the most traditional out of all martial arts.

[@alexcoen7569]

I can not find a school right now. Want to get back.

... Come back to Kosho Ryu. Thank you very much.

[@radpantz2472]

Its funny. All schools talk about respect,honor, humility to our students. But some of us don't practice it our selves. We are a huge family tree. I always think about the variety of kenpo styles. There's some not so good originations. But we're all cousins.

[@danskarate997]

I feel the same indignation when It comes to politics and I just try to fly under that radar and train well with everyone. Its a shame that it exists. I am still training in karate and will do for as long as I enjoy it. Ideally I would like to cross train in the future in another style maybe take up jiu jitsu again.

[@JourneyToTheCage]

Daniel Griffith hey another Perth person

[@danskarate997]

@@JourneyToTheCage I lived in Perth for 8 years lived it I'm back in my birth country of England unfortunately but life happens. 🙂

[@jerrygarcia8899]

Martial Arts is just littered with politics period and it's very dangerous and damaging cause it causes many to fall away, I'm so done with it with zero return.

[@scottt7309]

Burns my bycycle shorts. Never heard that phrase before

[@thomassmith2518]

i would just say that opinions vary

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Opinions are fine...it's when those opinions are weaponized is where we start to see issues.

[@snehallit]

This kind of content is hard to find not gonna lie . People don't like talking about this .

[@ArtofOneDojo]

But it needs to be talked about.

[@snehallit]

@@ArtofOneDojo indeed , great job . Love the content.

[@Ayobrother]

When I first started doing American Kenpo I did it with this man named Elliot Graham I believe is his name now I’m doing it with my sifu who is a 8th dan and one of the first things he talked about how the Elliot was no good and his fell more in like with the planas linage

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Yeah, it's a turnoff when one instructor craps on another one.

[@Ayobrother]

Art of One Dojo it was really was makes me think like was I learning nothing haha did the yellow belt I get with Graham a fake?! Haha 😂

[@the_barkku_nerd7686]

I agree with everything you're saying but as a karateka sometimes I feel I'm a douche. I can't tolerate people who think their art is the best. I don't hate the arts I just don't really care what art I do I just wanna be a fighter and do sport no matter what art.

[@anthonyrussomano7015]

I'm going thru it bad with a former school they tool advantage of me they got in trouble for copyright infringement fake certificate so I left and there all kinda drama going on like I cant train somewhere I'm happy at

[@CraftyAndy27]

BJJ was the worst early on in the US. Had to do with competition.