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Tis the best Option - Keep what Youre going to find most usefull, table the rest.I will continue to train in some of the things I have learned. Other things, which I don't find meaningful, I am going to set aside to make room for new experiences.
Lets have some fun
Ultimately its up to the Individual. I for one line Training 2-3 Hours per Day, 4 Days per Week, and so forth. And at least when You get Your Black Belt, You deserve it to a reasonable extent.
Meh. Personally, Id rather be Alive than have a Clear Conscious.I wish I could train like this . Yes, the religious aspect in martial arts (as opposed to purely sport directions (liike WTF taekwondo) or military combat fighting (like Krav Maga or Systema)) is the hardest thing to be reconciled with. I tried to check available resources (e.g. the position of Eastern Orthodox Christian church on martial arts) - the view is extremely negative and stated bluntly that if you are a Christian - you can't meditate, can't believe in Chi energy, do yoga or practice martial arts. So, seems like sport or "commertialized" version is much more easier to go along with - at least for our consienceness.
I wish I could train like this . Yes, the religious aspect in martial arts (as opposed to purely sport directions (liike WTF taekwondo) or military combat fighting (like Krav Maga or Systema)) is the hardest thing to be reconciled with. I tried to check available resources (e.g. the position of Eastern Orthodox Christian church on martial arts) - the view is extremely negative and stated bluntly that if you are a Christian - you can't meditate, can't believe in Chi energy, do yoga or practice martial arts. So, seems like sport or "commertialized" version is much more easier to go along with - at least for our consienceness.
I would be very interested in hearing where you are from since no one I know has had to change their religion to practice martial arts.
Pax,
Chris
I am saying goodbye to TKD. I am 38 and a black belt. While I have enjoyed my time in TKD, many things have added up and turned me off. I am going to explore hapkido and/or krav maga.
Generally speaking, modern TKD only plays lip service to philosophical and spiritual development of students. The booming commercialization of TKD and "sportification" means it is more about "getting a black belt" and winning in tournaments. Those goals are fine, but not why I got started in martial arts. Sorry, if you disagree, but I believe that it is wrong to award Poomse black belts to kids and black belts to teens. While they have the technique, they dont have the life experience. Traditionally, in Asia, a child would never be awarded something of such importance. By doing so in modern society, weve watered down the meaning.
As compared to my experiences in Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do, I have noticed a lack of etiquette and respect amongst many TKD practitioners. Yes, many of them are fantastic athletes and fighters, but they are not martial artists. I blame it on their instructors.
The commercial aspect is too over the top. Frankly, I find testing fees to be obnoxious. It is a way to bilk students. The cost of a black belt in Maryland is about $500. This is after a student generally pays $150 a month to train. Second-level dan is $600. Just incredible in the worst kind of way, that is.
Furthermore, I dont think modern TKD to be welcoming to older people. It is a younger persons game, because of the sporting emphasis. The fast kicking drills are not good on the knees. I prefer to kick with traditional techniques.
I am off to explore new things. I may not even join another studio. Perhaps I will train on my own or with a friend. At this stage in my life, I could careless about belts and medals. I want knowledge, self improvement and hope to be further humbled in the process. Hopefully, it also promotes inner peace, which I can use in whatever situation arises in life the true machinations of a martial artist.
Bless and thanks to all who have provided comments and assistance along the way.
I'm coming from the background where taekwondo (and other martial arts) is not commertialized like in the West. Yes, the perspective is very different, but it is difficult to say what is better. The problem is that when it's not commertiazlied - it means that it is not avaialble to any person (or to general population). In most schools you will not get a black belt until you make a life commitment to it. The usual rate is 1 black belt per year (with hundreds of students) per dojang. It takes about 5-6 years to train to a level of a black belt (and I'm talking about 4-6 two hour sessions per week). No black belts to children, yes, but as an adult you also have to study philosophy, religion etc. You have to write and pass exams - written ones on the history of taekwondo, on Korean culture etc. You will have to learn massage therapy and medicine - as martial arts include this aspect as well. What about changing your religion - as being Christian you can't practice martial arts - the notion of Chi is inferior to Christian values. Yes, the instruction is free of charge as well as belt testing etc. - but it's the master who decides whether your level of commitment is enough to keep you in school. There is no half way in martial arts - you can't practice it as a hobby and expect to become a martial artist. So, is this version better than the "commertial" one?
I would be very interested in hearing where you are from since no one I know has had to change their religion to practice martial arts.
Pax,
Chris
It makes me wonder - what is the point of having a black belt? When the student puts on his new black belt, his kicks won't be any better, his patterns won't be any crisper, etc.. There is nothing magical about the belt. To put it a different way, what is the person getting for $500? If testing is optional, I would recommended NOT testing for black belt uinless the student's goals are competition or eventually teaching. Otherwise just practice and save your $500. I'm sure many won't agree with me!The commercial aspect is too over the top. Frankly, I find testing fees to be obnoxious. It is a way to bilk students. The cost of a black belt in Maryland is about $500. This is after a student generally pays $150 a month to train. Second-level dan is $600. Just incredible in the worst kind of way, that is.