Evolution
Like everything else in life the martial arts has changed in so many ways , some for the good others for the worse ?
on the bright side it is now is part of modern culture ( everybody has a friend who does martial art) and it is ingrained in the movie and the are that many gym around ,so things are booming with people making a living out of something they love.
On the down side it is very rare to find a dojo / school that teachers effective skills that will transfer to the street , students are no longer students but rather a customer ( in the sense that instructors waters down what they teach to retain their CUSTOM) , , The black belt has become a joke ( not all) , some clubs have a fast track system that can guarantee you your Black belt in less than a year……
This list goes on ,it is a whole new concept , I just keep teaching the way I alway have always taught and fortunately for me I have students who except ( want it that way) my WAY of teaching .
When people train at my dojo from other clubs man they get a culture shock , since the is no compromise ….we work towards creating peaceful warriors , who not only practice the arts but become the art .it goes far beyond punching and kicking ,when people ask me what do I mean ( especially Black belts from other clubs ) I just roll my eyes , then I do my best to help them…but the truth is most don’t want to go that deep …throw away society at its best .
My advice is follow your heart but always ask yourself ” is it fit for purpose ” that is the only question that truly needs answering .
ALFIE LEWIS