Patrick A Weyand of @Sho Shin Kan Martial Arts sez: In this post I will attempt to answer two of the most common questions that are posed to me. About the martial arts. 1: What art should I train in? Now days there are a plethora of martial arts schools and styles out there. Some are very traditional schools that adhere to strict moral codes and ethics, which can be traced back for generations. Others our strictly schools that teach Fighting. So what is the school for you? If you are really interested in finding an art that fits you, it may take some time. First, you need to ask yourself. What is important to me about my training or the training of my child? Is it competition and trophies? Is it learning not only a system of combat but also the culture that the art comes from? Or is it just getting out on the mat, putting on some protective gear, or maybe not even using protective gear and beating each other up. This may sound strange but many people get into the arts for various reasons. In my schooling, which reflects my teaching style. I have been blessed to have had an assortment of instructors and influences from different arts, systems and professions. Many of these influences have been of a very traditional and strict nature. It involves learning traditional forms, their applications and the cultures of where the arts have evolved. It is strange to admit but most people get into the arts to learn how to fight. The more we train in a traditional art; we find that the training almost takes on more of a cultural and spiritual aspect. I do not mean Spiritual as in religion. I mean spiritual as learning about ourselves and introspection. In addition, my training from a law enforcement prospective also tells me that I sometimes have to step out of the box of traditionalism and at times teach what is very real world, and a very practical things. There are many arts out there. Some are very old, some are relatively new and are combinations of martial principals put together. How do you know what art is for you? You need to research, attend various schools and watch. Now days with the Internet and you tube you can watch them. Some arts like Karate and Taekwondo involve striking, kicking, knees, and elbows. However, even in Karate, if you have a competent instructor you will find that there are many joint locking and grappling techniques. There are arts such as Judo. Ju meaning Gentle- Do meaning the Way. This involves submissions, joint manipulation and choking, not to mention learning how to fall. If you are looking for an art that doesn’t teach a lot of strikes then this is a art you may want to look at. Aikido. The art of Harmony. Stylized in the mid to later 1900’s this art is a combination of Judo, Kendo, and Jujitsu. With the thought of blending with your opponent. Many Aikido schools are rooted deep in Japanese tradition. Don’t let the title confuse you. Aikido can be very beautiful, and at the same time be a very deadly martial art. It is all in the application. We can then look at Jujitsu. In short, I would classify Jujitsu into two categories. Traditional Japanese Jujitsu, which incorporates Joint Manipulation, strikes, falls, and throws. Including some groundwork. There are no rules in this style. Down and dirty, strikes, breaks, and dislocations, including choking. I would term the other, Sport Jujitsu, including Gracie Jujitsu and others, whose modern roots in the UFC has turned into more of a ground competition. I am not taking anything away form this. There are many Jujitsu practitioners in sport Jujitsu that are highly accomplished. You just need to remember if you are training for a sport there are rules. However, on the street there are no rules. It is only win or loose many times there are no rematches or second chances. However, these styles are also good. Above I have abbreviated very shortly some of the main arts prevalent in the United States. Keep in mind that there are books written in depth about all the arts mentioned. I am not endorsing any of them. Merely trying to provide a few sentences on them. If you are serious about looking for a martial art, you may have to try a few styles until you find what is right for you. No different then finding an instrument that you may like. I leave you with this quote on the above topic. There are No bad styles of Karate (martial arts) merely Poor training methods. “O Mass Oyama Shoto Kan Karate Master. 2: What school should I attend? Just as mentioned above, about so many different styles of arts, there are also many different schools out there. Some are good some may not be so good. I Strongly recommend that if you are looking for a school for yourself or a family member to do research. Again word of Mouth and or the Internet. Finally, go to the school, Speak with the head instructor, ask to observe a class or two. Maybe also ask if you can try a few classes. Attempt to read the instructors. Face it. Some are drill instructors, some are not. Some are arrogant. Ask about the history of their art and training. The teacher should be able to recite their martial lineage, as you should be able to recite your family tree. Just because someone holds a high degree belt or has trophies all over doesn’t necessary make them an excellent teacher? Some styles rank fast, some rank slow. So just because someone may be a 2nd or 3rd degree with 40 years of training, doesn’t mean that someone with 20 years that is a 5th or 6th degree is any better. Again ask questions. You should get some straight answers. I would love for everyone that walked into my school to love me, love my school and stay with us forever. However, that is not realistic. A martial artist will develop a relationship with their school, teacher and lineage. Very much like a family. Therefore, some time should be taken when considering the art and or the school you join. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do anything. Again, the above are just some thorough that comes to mind about Martial art styles and Schools. I hope that this may help you out with your journey. Patrick Weyand
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:58:28 +0000
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