Movie and Video

[MJS]

In your opinion, do you feel that the image of Kenpo has been tarnished by movies and video clips, such as youtube? Seems like everytime you read a thread on a forum, talk to someone about various arts, etc., people tend to bash the traditional arts, say that the techs. are not effective, that things won't work...the list goes on and on, and I'm sure everyone has seen it and knows what I'm talking about.

Now I'll admit that there are some damn good clips out there, as well as some that are poor, IMHO. I'm also a believer in seeing and feeling something live. Its easy to armchair QB, but getting out there with a good teacher and experiencing the material first hand, is a very big difference.

Looking forward to everyones opinion.

Mike

 

[Danjo]

In your opinion, do you feel that the image of Kenpo has been tarnished by movies and video clips, such as youtube? Seems like everytime you read a thread on a forum, talk to someone about various arts, etc., people tend to bash the traditional arts, say that the techs. are not effective, that things won't work...the list goes on and on, and I'm sure everyone has seen it and knows what I'm talking about.

Now I'll admit that there are some damn good clips out there, as well as some that are poor, IMHO. I'm also a believer in seeing and feeling something live. Its easy to armchair QB, but getting out there with a good teacher and experiencing the material first hand, is a very big difference.

Looking forward to everyones opinion.

Mike

Videos are often made by people with cameras more than those that are the best martial artists. Also, much of what is entertaining to watch isn't the most effective in practical terms, especially now a days with musical kata and gymnastics that owe more to Jackie Chan movies than to real fighting. Another aspect is that modifications to the original techniques are not always made by those that have field tested them to see if they will work.

Any number of things can account for the poor quality. One of them is that someone is considered "good" in their school, but when they put their stuff out there for all to see, they find out that they are less impressive when compared to a larger sample group.

 

[terryl965]

Mike I believe videos have made people believe there own hype, this certain techs. have never been proven but yet people buy into them because they can see them on the internet.

 

[LawDog]

Tarnished Kenpo these video's have done. Most do not know how to properly film action events. They use poor camera angles, improper lighting and many people do not really film well.
Many of the video "actors" demonstrate "flash" instead of their real street techniques.
:uhohh:

 

[Blindside]

Tarnished Kenpo these video's have done.

Master Yoda, is that you???

Poor videos hurt everyone. What happens to hurt kenpo is when someone demonstrates with a half-assed punch, then apparently freezes solid, and the defender hits him 600 times with slaps and a kick to the groin. Looks damn silly, and it is completely appropriate to make fun of it.

Lamont

 

[Touch Of Death]

As long as we get to critisize what we see, All vids I welcome.
sean
Sean

 

[Flying Crane]

I've never understood why people have a desire to post videos. I've always held my arts close, and didn't feel inclined to just share it all with the world. It's a personal, private thing for me. I work hard at it, I don't do it to entertain others, I have no interest in having an audience of any kind, outside of the classroom.

 

[pad256]

The only real use to a video in MA (outside of hollywood) is to see yourself in a completely different aspect, mirrors can't always show you every angle, sometimes it's humbling to see yourself and how you reacted to the situation or to help correct forms. so on a rare occasions my instructor has brought it out, but only for the eyes of the class.

Paul

 

[Blindside]

I don't have any problem with people "putting themselves out there," good for them, it takes guts. But they better be prepared to be criticized over what they put out.

Video makes an amazing archive of what you intend, its not perfect, but a dang sight better than writing. What would you prefer as a reference, a written copy of Long 4 or tape of your instructor actually doing it? No contest is there?

And while you may not feel the need to demonstrate the art, thankfully there are folks out there who do. Most of us wouldn't be doing a martial art if the arts continued to be hidden in backyards and garages. Seeing video of Ed Parker practice kenpo in the 60's, then seeing him in the 80's is amazing. Welcome to the information age people, this medium is a benefit, but you still have to sift through it.

Lamont

 

[Hand Sword]

I don't know.....overall, yeah they do add to it, but, the bashing has gone on, long before youtube came into existence. Now, there is just a visual to go along with the critiques.

Plus, I still believe that since the commercialisation has gone on for a few generations of MA' ists, they don't know any better. To them, that version is all they know, and the only reference point available. Compare to the reality of the other stuff-----not even close! Can't blame them for their opinions.

 

[Goldendragon7]

In your opinion, do you feel that the image of Kenpo has been tarnished by movies and video clips, such as youtube?
Mike

Well, I don't think it has tarnished "KENPO" any more than bad movies tarnish the film industry. I think most people realize the difference between good films and bad ones (newbies that are looking for free instruction beware... hee hee). Of course, critics are everywhere in both arenas, so this is nothing new.

I find it fascinating at what people put out there for view.....

Even the worst ones are valuable to me....... I use them as bad examples.... LOL :jaw-dropping:

GD7