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Training in a traditional martial art, even if one was to stop, would keep life
long benefits of self defense.
The knowledge learned in this environment would last a lifetime.
If one ever stops training in a
non-traditional discipline, they would lose everything they have gained. It will
not happen overnight but it most assuredly will happen.
There
are health
benefits gained
from non-traditional martial arts disciplines.
The extent of what they have to offer is limited.
The traditional martial arts offer development in all areas of
life including the physical,
mental, and spiritual.
Wouldn’t
it make sense to choose a style that has more to offer?
There
were many points covered throughout our video
"Defunkin
the Funk - How to Choose the Martial Arts School Best Suited to Meet
Your Needs."
If
you are seriously considering a martial arts school, it is important to
find out whether the teacher and senior instructors have ever
experienced a real confrontation where their knowledge
was truly tested.
Some
instructors may believe and even try to convince you that sparring in a
school, dojo, or even a competition is the same thing.
Do not believe them. In the school or in a competition the
environment is almost always controlled.
The
rules not only govern the types of strikes you may use, but also how and
where you may use them.
Although self-defense is used in competitions the main goal is to
score points.
This is why the true art and how it is applied can only be tested
in a real-life,
uncontrolled environment.
Competitions and sparring are in reality only glorified practice sessions. If your teacher or instructor has never experienced a real confrontation,
you have to ask "How they can possibly teach you how to defend yourself?"
Some
schools require their students to teach classes before they are eligible
for their black belts.
This may
seem like a good idea.
However,
this does take away from the students’ time to study and learn.
Some may argue that to teach is to learn twice.
However, not every individual is cut out to be a teacher.
A poor teacher can jeopardize the quality of the art and
jeopardize the safety of the students.
Teaching classes can be a good, productive experience, but it
should not be required.
Most
martial arts schools out there ask their new students to sign a
contract that varies in length from a few months to a year.
There are a couple of things to keep
in mind when
it comes time to sign a contract. Initially,
when signing for the first time, always choose the shortest term that is
available.
Three to six months is usually best.
Second,
do
not sign up with a school solely because they are offering something for
free.
Free uniforms and free months are ways of attracting people to a
school that may be lacking in quality and must compensate by using
gimmicks.
They usually make up their loss by charging exorbitant fees for
testing and new belts that come along with them.
Remember, "There is no such thing as a free lunch."
Do
not choose a school solely because someone you know is already a member.
Although they can be used as a reference, there are several good
reasons to explore
your options.
Just
because a school is right for one particular person does not mean that
it is the right school for you.
They may have chosen the school because it offers a great physical
workout for themselves while you are looking for more spiritual
development.
What
happens when the person who brought you to the school decides that they
no longer want to train?
There
are a number of different schools offering a wide range of very unique
and special arts. Every
school, regardless of their style, can be broken down into three groups:
Mental, Physical, and Spiritual.
Whichever of the three it is you seek, make sure that when you
find it, it can offer you the other two as well.
By doing this you will eliminate the need to jump from school to
school and can start building a strong foundation for your body,
mind, and spirit. There is a simple formula to keep in mind when choosing a school. The school should offer physical, mental, and spiritual development. If it only offers one or two but not all three then it tells you that there is something wrong with the school and you should consider joining very carefully.
In
the old traditional schools the teacher
is more than
just a teacher.
He acts as a figure to help guide students through both the
martial arts and everyday life as well.
He is not there to replace the students’ family but to act as a
guide
or
an additional resource
of development.
As
I stated earlier, you may be tempted to choose a school because a friend
is already a member.
You should choose a school based on two
reasons.
The
first reason is it has what
you need. And
the second is because it has what
you want.
If
you choose based on BOTH
of
these principles it will not matter if your friend remains a student or
not.
In
the martial arts, just as in life, there is no such thing as a short
cut or
free lunch.
The only way to get to the top of a mountain with the most
satisfaction is to climb it inch by inch.
Anyone who offers you a short cut is either lying
to you to
ensure you do not become as good as they are or just does not understand
the truth of
what they are trying to teach you.
There
are so many martial art schools in today’s market, picking the right
school can be compared to trying to decipher between a real diamond and
a cubic zirconium.
To the naked
eye there
is virtually no difference.
Not until they are examined under a microscope can their true
value be
determined.
You have to do the same thing when you are trying to pick a
school.
Look at every school in your area very carefully.
Then put each one under
a microscope and
examine
them very closely.
Once
you have done this you will know which one is right for you.
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