Can participation in Internet Forums help someone grow as a Martial Artist?

[Makalakumu]

Can participation in internet forums help someone grow as a martial artist? If so, how? If not, why?

[Gemini]

I think so. One concern I had from not being a "worldly" practitioner was how my school compared to others. How do we think? What are we taught? What's our training like in comparison? Our mantality? What are other arts like?

These are just a few questions that I had before I came here, and I enjoy the different points of view and experiences others have to offer. It also gives me access to individuals who enjoy discussing the same things I do. The arts.

[Xue Sheng]

I am surprised to say yes it helps. I did not think it would when I came to MT but happily I was wrong.

It helped me, after 30 years of MA, to make a decision about the direction of my training. Just by reading posts, asking questions and have discussions about martial arts I do feel it has helped.

I am not sure how my involvement in many of the Study posts helped, basically I think they were either a source of entertainment, outrage or a little of both.

But the posts I read made and questions I asked in the specific Martial arts areas certainly did. There are many people out there with more, better or just different training than I have and a different point of view generally helps.

I have also discovered, to quote BB King “My fingers is stupid” thank god or spell check

[chinto01]

I believe people can grow from participation on internet forums. I come here and find answers to some of my questions. Every little bit helps. We can alll grow from eachother if we allow ourselves to.

In the spirit of bushido!

Rob

[spinkick]

It depends on what you do with the knowledge you gain.. Basically I use the forums and what not to pick up training tips that i try out and sometimes add into my regiment. Sitting here talking all the time may help you to understand philosiphies but unless you get up and do it you won't really get better.

[HKphooey]

Great question! I think so. I have learned a lot about the history of different arts. I like to read how others handle similar situations. I think one needs to keep an open mind and be respectiful of other people's opinions. I especially like to hear about other instructors' training methods. I have also made some great friends.

[stone_dragone]

I am suprised how much conversations, reading posts and even participating in polls have helped my uderstanding. Even the act of expressing my thoughts on particular topics in print has allowed me to solidify once nebulous ideas into presentable points.

I think that as people, not even just MAists, you benefit from any cognative interaction with like (and different) minded individuals. The forums are very much like a 24 hour class room in which learning is done by participation and discussion. We, of course, can't hit each other while online but we can learn from eachother none the less.

I love this place!

[beau_safken]

Im gonna say yes...and no....

Yes: Because you get to think of new ideas and new methods but its all in your head.

No: Only thing you can do is be a armchair samurai unless you actually do what you type.

[Ping898]

I think it can. Not only does it allow you the opportunity to learn what else is out there, but it gives you the opportunity to question what you've been taught. Not necessarily the technique so much as the mentality. Look at some of the threads of people asking does it make sense that we don't spar until X belt or my instructor doesn't want us to compete in tournaments, they all allow us to get other POV. I will say I didn't find MT until about 6 years after I started training and it never occurred to me that there could be anyway to run a school without yearly contracts or that McDojo's existed or that there were offshoots of EPAK out there.

I will say from a personal stand point that this forum has helped me choose what arts I wish to cross train in, which arts will best compliment the knowledge I already have. For that alone, all the time I have spent on MT has made it worth it.

[IcemanSK]

I think it can, if you're open minded to other's opinions. I've learned a great deal from others by asking questions & reading other's thoughts. Like Gemini, I want to see what's out there beyond my experience & my school's walls. It would take a lot of digging, travel, phone calls, etc. to get the info I've gained on MT.

I've learned a lot. Thank you, all!

[stickarts]

I think so. It has given me some insight into some other arts, others opinions, history behind some katas and techniques, and put me in touch with people from many different backrounds.
I learned from it.

[Makalakumu]

Thus far, I agree with all of the opinions stated. In the old days, our circles were so small in regards to anything, including martial arts. The interenet has made it cheap and easy to talk to authorities that I never would have previously had access too. This, IMHO, has resulted in an overall increase in the dissemination of quality information.

[JBrainard]

Can participation in internet forums help someone grow as a martial artist?

I sure hope so.

[Flying Crane]

it opens your eyes and broadens your horizon, both within your own art, and regarding other arts. I think it can be helpful. Not always, not everything, but overall, yes.

[Fluffy]

Great question! I think so. I have learned a lot about the history of different arts. I like to read how others handle similar situations. I think one needs to keep an open mind and be respectiful of other people's opinions. I especially like to hear about other instructors' training methods. I have also made some great friends.

That's it. Networking is very immportant - also they remind me that TKD isn't the only MA out there.

[Cirdan]

It can certanly help you, broaden your horizon and point you in the right directions. However not all forums are as free of ******** as this one. And there is no replacing the sweat and effort you put in at your Dojo.

[pstarr]

Yes, it's always nice to get the perspectives of other practicing martial artists as well as their support. But time in the training hall is a must. Nothing replaces the sweat and high-quality instruction.

[still learning]

Hello, Can someone grow better from participation in the internet forums..?

The answer is simple...off course! ..Here you can ask any questions...seek knowledge of the many different arts..see videos...a library is available..

If one does not seek more information...one is limiting themselves...The internet has open many doors to informations/souces of knowledge..

Anytime you can learn something new...no matter the source...you gain..one more step in your learning!

PS: If the situtions ever raise....and you are able to pinch or rip the skin on the eye lids with your thumb and forefinger...this really hurts alot.

2. try this...ripping the cheek skin...if the sitution presents itself...stick your thumb or fingers into the mouth..in front of the teeth...rip the cheek skin outwards....try this on yourself.....hurts HUH! ...imagine if someone pull real hard! ....Yes the mouth is a dirty area...good to fight dirty...Aloha

[Brandon Fisher]

Yes I think it does. Friendly informative discussion encourages growth and knowledge.

[painstain]

so far its been what i expect. you say one thing the members don't like, they shun you, they wish bad things upon you.

with respect,
painstain

[Hand Sword]

I think it does. Any pointers or ideas add to your training if you apply them.

[evenflow1121]

I believe it does, especially when the older more experienced crowd gives you tips on certain areas.

[MJS]

Can participation in internet forums help someone grow as a martial artist? If so, how? If not, why?

IMHO, I think that the forums are a great resource. I've had the chance to learn quite a bit from many of the members here. A few of the people have become great friends, whom I talk with on a regular basis. There are a few that are in my area, that at some point, I also plan on getting together with for a workout.

One problem though, is that the forums tend to draw people who make false claims and are here to cause trouble rather than contribute in a positive fashion.

Aside from that, again, I'll say that they can be a great source of info.

Mike

[IcemanSK]

That's it. Networking is very immportant - also they remind me that TKD isn't the only MA out there.

I'll piggy back on Fluffy's thought & add how great a resource that networking can be. Before the net, we'd read a magazine about a "great seminar" & pay $$ & take our chances. Now I can just ask if anyone has been to a Wally Jay or Bill Wallace seminiar & get loads of valueable thoughts on them. Other folk's experiences can be very valueable.

[KOROHO]

It can be both helpful and harmful.
One may be able to get in touch with, and get ideas from, people they would otherwise never meet. Some may be senior to thier teacher in experience if not rank and even have experiences that thier teacher never had. There are others who read just about everything, go to seminars and experience all sorts of arts, and are a wealth of reliable and useful information. From these people you can gain a lot of insight, get training tips, learn about history, etc.

On the flip side, you are also very likely to run into people who have no idea what they are talking about, but they write elequent posts and thier reputation points are off the charts. So it is easy for people, especially beginners to be misled by these people. That happens often on this board.

Sadly, you can look at the example of ******. I have people tell me all the time that if you want to know who the fakes are, ask on ******. But I happen to know there are several mods over there, and atleast one other "highly regarded" swordsman, are some of the biggest fakes on the net. So people putting thier trust there are misled all the time. Some of them cross-post here too.

There is one very seriously misinformed person here who went to ****** and commented on something that I said here - questioning what i have been taught. Again, because this person has been able to pass himself off as an expert, people will believe his falsified history of his art and continue to pass it on to others as truth.

I'm sure there are others here who people also put a lot of faith in what they say. No one knows them or verified thier training and yet take all they say as gospel.

So it's a 2 edged sword. You really need to do independent research, get to know who's who in the world. If there is someone on the board who's posts you enjoy - before you start believing them, check them out. Not on the board, or God forbid on ******, but find out thier affilaitions and lineage and check it all out. If they check out, then you can safely believe what they say. If you find out that they're not what they claim, then you can disregard what they say.

There was one case, on another group, where this one person really dominates things. People there just think this guys some kind o fmartial arts guru. If I were to criticize this person on that board, or tell people there to forget him, I would be lambasted by all. But this person sent me a video to sell for him on my web site. I was eating while I was watching it and laughed so hard I nearly choked. It ws just silly. But on some boards, this person is a highly respected person.

You just have to be careful.

[CuongNhuka]

Well...considering all things are interrelated...I would have to say yes. Just like me sitting on my computer eating cold popcorn for breakfast and drinking a diet pepsi I stole from my mom makes me a better martial artist (lol).

[Kenpojujitsu3]

Can participation in internet forums help someone grow as a martial artist? If so, how? If not, why?

Any exchange and/or communication of information/ideas/concepts/principles/techniques/etc. will help someone grow. Therefore the answer is yes.

[jgrimm01]

Plus all the typing really helps out with my fingertip pushup regimen. :ultracool

[Drac]

Yes..You can ask all the questions that you'd feel stupid asking in the Dojo, Dojang, etc...etc..Plus it can help bolster your spirits when your feeling down about training..

[Cruentus]

Can participation in internet forums help someone grow as a martial artist? If so, how? If not, why?

I think that this depends on how the individual behaves and treats the forums.

For me, I like to read because it gives me an idea of where other peoples point of views are, even when I often disagree. Sometimes I do run into things I am unfamiliar with and I get to learn about that as well.

By writing, I am able to hash out ideas sometimes in the written form, and I am also able to "test" ideas in that by presenting them in a public format, I get feedback. I know that my take on things are often different then others, so I work on being able to present my point of view in a way that doesn't alienate other people who's opinions differ from mine.

I think that if a forum isn't helping you grow, then you shouldn't be there, as it is a waste of time otherwise. Also, many people use the forums to bring negative agenda's or to involve themselves in internet social clubs. The negative ****, the turmoil, the drama....those things that people complain about on forums are generally there because they brought it themselves. If I am on a forum and I notice a negative vibe, I don't post. If I am attacked via a forum, I at least attempt to handle it as a strong person should. I don't post in negative environments, and I don't bring negativity with me and therefore have few problems. And Although the internet social club isn't nessicarily harmful, I just don't think that either will do very much to help people grow.

So, can a forum help you become a better martial artist? I think that it should, but that depends on you.

Paul

[funnytiger]

I'm going to straddle the fence on this one. I agree the forums are a great place for resources as well as networking with people from your art and other arts that you would not normally get the opportunity to do so.

However, (as someone else stated) there is a lot of false information being passed around that people take as gospel. Keyboard tigers start petty fights that spill over to real life (it happens).

Sometimes I find myself slightly disenchanted with the MA community based on some of the over-whelming narrowminded comments made. (My art is better than yours, Chi is bullsh*t, etc...)

This is all of course based on my experiences on the net with MA boards. Someone else mentioned that not every board is as civil as MT and that is the gospel truth if I've ever heard it...

But I would say about 60-70% of it has been beneficial for me.


Yes..You can ask all the questions that you'd feel stupid asking in the Dojo, Dojang, etc...etc..Plus it can help bolster your spirits when your feeling down about training.. Why would you feel stupid asking a question in your school? They (your MA brothers and sisters as well as your Teacher) should be there to answer all of your questions. No matter how "stupid" you think it is.

The only stupid question, is the question not asked.

- ft

[Makalakumu]

One of the things that I really like about the concept of forums for martial arts is that it get people to start thinking outside of their fishbowls. When you are in your fishbowl, often things that make sense don't make sense in reality. Revealing this can be a difficult process and it can really open your eyes.

And it can also lead to negativity...which is why I feel that the atmosphere at MT is so great. We discuss these things in a civil manner so that it doesn't immediately put people on the defensive. Things can still get heated, but in the end, I think that the atmosphere here will encourage people to use the information presented.

[Cruentus]

And it can also lead to negativity...which is why I feel that the atmosphere at MT is so great. We discuss these things in a civil manner so that it doesn't immediately put people on the defensive. Things can still get heated, but in the end, I think that the atmosphere here will encourage people to use the information presented.

This is a good point that I have to agree with. As a professional, I try to shy away from forums that aren't condusive of productive discussions...

Paul