First Note:
It is never my intention to belittle any martial art, martial art organization, instructor, practitioner/people. I am only going to write about my experience(s), or past discussions, and not generally post my opinion. I may post a seemingly "negative" thread or statement. Thus playing a "devils advocate", or "suppose" statement to stimulate a more response from others. Be it, for I tend to enjoy others' viewpoints/opinions, equally, and some cases, better, than mine.
I went and visited the local school. They were hesitant to reveal much. They must have been aware that I had many years of experience. From my past experiences, you can almost "profile" a experienced martial artist. I had decided to join, but they wanted to institute and contractoral agreement. I did not know if that was their normal precedure, but I had told them that I wanted a "trial membership"
Although their lineage is speculative, their teaching mood, curriculum, and structure was the same as any other commercial school.
Their forms were different and the instructors were very polite.
I was not concerned on how they came to be, but how do they benefit their students/practitoners. In what ways, does the teacher and student relationship differ than any other school?
Although, a interesting school, it wasnt for me. Mainly, I wasn't looking for a "new" or different place to learn. I have so much to learn and do in my current system. I went to explore in such the case on their existence.
On a scale of McDojo 1-6, (McDojo-too make-shift/too commercial/too hyped) (1 being not so good, 6 being great for something to learn), I have to rank them around a 4-5. For what it is worth, if there wasn't a large selection of martial arts in that area, they have the martial concept. And, not to belittle or insult, I beleive there are other martial art schools that have better worth.
