"I'm better than you are!"

Kennedy_Shogen_Ryu

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A little back story before I start my post: I started a new job a couple months ago and got talking to the manager and we discussed my martial arts background. He and a couple employees started doing some training with me in our free time, though I always kept it as quiet as possible so as not to cause conflicts etc.

The other day at work one of my co-workers comes up to me and asks "so you teach Kung Fu?" I reply "no I teach Karate not Kung Fu" He replies "all that crap is all the same" I simply reply with "Ah" and walk away. A few minutes later he approaches me again and says "I should come and teach your classes for you, I'm a lot better than you are at fighting" I just kind of smile and nod and go about my business once again. He continues "I took Karate when I was a kid but after like six months I got my black belt and my teacher told me I was so good I shouldn't be training anymore" I kind of chuckled to myself. He now comes up to me at least once a day and tries to either challenge or debunk martial arts etc etc.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this before?
 

theletch1

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No, thankfully. I will say this though, you did exactly what you should have. You've shown true martial spirit by not being sucked into his game.
 

ChingChuan

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I don't have any experience with this kind of situations, but I do have experience with this kind of people ;). A 'friend' of mine tends to say/think/lie that she can always do things better - she's a pathological liar (is that a word in English?), so she'd probably do the same if I brought up the subject of martial arts. I found that it's best to ignore it (if it's possible) or just go along with the things the person is saying - either he can't do anything about it (if he's a pathological liar) or it's just an annoying person - as long as you don't let it aggravate you. Sometimes it helps to ask questions about the subject the person is lying about (I'm sure you can ask some specific questions like 'What style do you do' etc) but usually they'll ignore being exposed, so in the end, it's best to leave them be ;).
 

bigfootsquatch

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A little back story before I start my post: I started a new job a couple months ago and got talking to the manager and we discussed my martial arts background. He and a couple employees started doing some training with me in our free time, though I always kept it as quiet as possible so as not to cause conflicts etc.

The other day at work one of my co-workers comes up to me and asks "so you teach Kung Fu?" I reply "no I teach Karate not Kung Fu" He replies "all that crap is all the same" I simply reply with "Ah" and walk away. A few minutes later he approaches me again and says "I should come and teach your classes for you, I'm a lot better than you are at fighting" I just kind of smile and nod and go about my business once again. He continues "I took Karate when I was a kid but after like six months I got my black belt and my teacher told me I was so good I shouldn't be training anymore" I kind of chuckled to myself. He now comes up to me at least once a day and tries to either challenge or debunk martial arts etc etc.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this before?

I've been in quite a few similiar situations; the best thing to do is tell him to come on and work out with you and when he declines, tell him to stop talking about it then....or just tell him that you don't appreciate the insults and the workplace is an appropriate place to be making challenges...especially ones he can't back up.
icon12.gif
 

Kacey

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Yes... but I just let it run off like water off a duck's back. Trying to prove to such people that they are wrong takes way too much time and energy; I just shrug and tell them that they are welcome to their own opinion, and welcome to a free session at my class. No one has ever done it yet. :idunno:

I used to try to have this discussion with people, to give them the truth as I see it - but it always ends in a "what if" discussion that leads to 6 (or more) big men with guns and knives coming from all directions... I have better things to do that play that game.
 

tellner

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I've done it a couple ways depending on the situation.

Usually I just say "Yep, you probably could."

When they start going "What if" I usually say "There's a lot of things I might do, but I don't know what would happen. The only way we'll find out is do it and see."
 

seasoned

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As was stated, it is time to invite him to one of your workouts. Chances are he won't last an hour workout. Some people just have a show me mind set and need a little help understanding. You could either gain another student or you may have to let him take over your class. This type of situation happens all the time and I am sure some on this board could share some stories. You don't have to hurt someone to convince them, it's all in the way you approch it.
 

AceHBK

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Every village has its idiot and it is ashame that you have to work with yours.
 

BrandiJo

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I have never had it happen to me, but i would go along the lines of come train (kinda prove it) or go away.
 

stone_dragone

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In the event of an "anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better" type challenge, you could respond in a similarly childish manner "...cannot, cannot...liar, liar pants on fire..."

Or just invite them in and let them make a fool out of themselves anyway...

I see shades of Ed Gruberman again.
 

Touch Of Death

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A little back story before I start my post: I started a new job a couple months ago and got talking to the manager and we discussed my martial arts background. He and a couple employees started doing some training with me in our free time, though I always kept it as quiet as possible so as not to cause conflicts etc.

The other day at work one of my co-workers comes up to me and asks "so you teach Kung Fu?" I reply "no I teach Karate not Kung Fu" He replies "all that crap is all the same" I simply reply with "Ah" and walk away. A few minutes later he approaches me again and says "I should come and teach your classes for you, I'm a lot better than you are at fighting" I just kind of smile and nod and go about my business once again. He continues "I took Karate when I was a kid but after like six months I got my black belt and my teacher told me I was so good I shouldn't be training anymore" I kind of chuckled to myself. He now comes up to me at least once a day and tries to either challenge or debunk martial arts etc etc.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this before?
Yes, and I always end up hurting them, but they end up being your best friend in the whole world afterward in some cases.
Sean
 

MantisStyle21

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Sadly, I have some close friends that just love to irritate me about martial arts. One friend in particular, she constantly says it's a waste of time, that UFC fighters would destroy a martial artist and all kinds of stuff.

I just let her go on and on, it really doesn't bother me, especially the UFC comment, I just chuckle and think to myself "UFC fighters are Martial Artists too"
 

jonbey

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You did the right thing in walking away. And I would not invite him to the classes, as he will probably just disrupt them and leave a bad atmosphere.

The thing to remember, is that, as well as some people being complete nobs, some are also naturally good fighters. But saying that, the karate story seems to indicate that he does not have natural ability.

When at Uni I met a guy who constantly boasted about his amazing karate ability, told stories about how he would go out with his instructor in the evening and split open bins with a kick, and how the bathrobe he had was given to him by the master of his style, because he was so good. All complete nonsense ofcourse, but just humour him and he will hopefully eventually pass out of your life, or get bored of telling the same silly stories, and pester the cleaner ("I can sweep better than you!") etc etc.
 

terryl965

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All I can say is this when people find out they try to be something they themself cannot a dedicated MA'er. We all know them and I personaly feel sorry for them. It is better to say nothing and think to yourself what a jackass.
 

thardey

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To be a little pragmatical, and a bit of a cheat, I would pump him for information.

"Really, six months? -- What's your favorite attack? Why do you think that works? Would you rather block, or parry? Hands or feet?" Etc, etc. (The hard part is not snickering, here).

What you'll end up with is this guys game plan, in case he ever does decide to "test" you, you'll know what to expect, and exactly what he doesn't know.

On the other hand, maybe he'll let his guard down, and once he realizes how he's "taught" you, he'll be over his need to prove himself, and he may be open to learning from you someday.

:)

Did that to one of my Sister's ex-boyfriends, a "10th degree". When I "learned" from him, and had a good discussion about fighting, he was convinced that I was almost as good of a fighter as he was!
 

Big Don

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A guy I used to work with thought he was big and bad, he had competed in tournaments and had big trophies, etc.
The day he came to pick up his last check, after being fired for basically being an AH, there was no one around. So, he and I did a little light sparring... He couldn't block, his punches were akward and slow. His kicks looked really pretty but, had no power. I did block. My punches were straight and fast. My kicks may not have been as pretty, but they probably hurt more.
That is the closest I've come to actually being in a fight, outside the dojo.
Some people have to be beaten to learn...
 

tellner

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I wouldn't even have done that. You don't have anything to prove. You could have put your job in jeopardy. And now he knows how well you can fight. Best to keep that information confidential until it's time for him to underestimate you. Surprise is a weapon you get to use once.
 

Rich Parsons

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A little back story before I start my post: I started a new job a couple months ago and got talking to the manager and we discussed my martial arts background. He and a couple employees started doing some training with me in our free time, though I always kept it as quiet as possible so as not to cause conflicts etc.

The other day at work one of my co-workers comes up to me and asks "so you teach Kung Fu?" I reply "no I teach Karate not Kung Fu" He replies "all that crap is all the same" I simply reply with "Ah" and walk away. A few minutes later he approaches me again and says "I should come and teach your classes for you, I'm a lot better than you are at fighting" I just kind of smile and nod and go about my business once again. He continues "I took Karate when I was a kid but after like six months I got my black belt and my teacher told me I was so good I shouldn't be training anymore" I kind of chuckled to myself. He now comes up to me at least once a day and tries to either challenge or debunk martial arts etc etc.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this before?


Happens all the time to me (* Over time *) and to my friends as well.

Most time just smiling and ignoring them and they get tired and go away.

Other times they end up doing something to try to force you to react. Ether you or they get hurt.

At the Bar it happens as well, as someone will say How do you know him? And they will say through martial arts. Then they will ask if you are tough or not. I smile and point to the smallest women in the place and say she can kick my butt. This usualy brings out the stories of how the guy in question has beaten up every martial artist he has come across. I smile and say yeah it can happen to anyone of any system.

Now those that do try, to hit me, I defend myself. Usually with just a pass. I say it is time for me to leave. I do not recommend getting involved, as one could loose their job and or deal with the police. If ti continues remind him about the Violence in the work place policies most companies have. Ask your supervisor if harassment is violence? Then remind your supervisor that it does not matter the content or the sex of the person.


What ever you do, do not do the following: When they swing, pass and trap and climb up their arm until you have a choke around their neck and also for the mental efect, cover their mouth and nose with your hand. Pinch off the nose and squeeze tight. While this is going on drag them backwards and wisper into their ears. "When you are out, I will have my way with you. Just relax, let it go, it is easier that way. Do not fight it. " Note: If at work look for a new job and lawyer. If in a bar or on the street expect the police and or bouncers to want to escort you someplace. Like I said do not try that home. :) ;)
 

MJS

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A little back story before I start my post: I started a new job a couple months ago and got talking to the manager and we discussed my martial arts background. He and a couple employees started doing some training with me in our free time, though I always kept it as quiet as possible so as not to cause conflicts etc.

The other day at work one of my co-workers comes up to me and asks "so you teach Kung Fu?" I reply "no I teach Karate not Kung Fu" He replies "all that crap is all the same" I simply reply with "Ah" and walk away. A few minutes later he approaches me again and says "I should come and teach your classes for you, I'm a lot better than you are at fighting" I just kind of smile and nod and go about my business once again. He continues "I took Karate when I was a kid but after like six months I got my black belt and my teacher told me I was so good I shouldn't be training anymore" I kind of chuckled to myself. He now comes up to me at least once a day and tries to either challenge or debunk martial arts etc etc.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this before?

Yes, things similar to this have happened to me. Its one of the main reasons why I don't like to talk about my training. Like I always say...if its a sincere question, I have no problem talking about anything Martial Arts related. But when the questions and comments start getting stupid, I have zero interest in talking.

Yes, I've had the "I bet I could kick your butt" type of questions. I either ignore completely or say, "Yup, you're probably right."

As for the person you dealt with...6 mos. for a black belt eh? He's either a liar or trained at a mcdojo. In any case, just ignore the guy. He's not worth it.
 

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