Posted by FERAL INVESTIGATION CONT'D on November 10, 2002 at 00:26:55:
Probably best never of began, but, once begun, I better finish. The cup is pouring.
Nobody clings to 'tradition' more than martial artists--sometimes to a fault. Many martial artists hold the belief that the original, unchanged way is the best way. This assumes that their art was perfectly formed at the outset, and that any change will diminish its purity. However, given human history, this is a difficult view to substantiate, since constant technical evolution characterizes any art, science, or sport, including the martial arts. The finest technique of today will be the obsolete method of tomorrow. Anyone who denies this is merely hiding their head in the sand. For example: basketball players no longer use underhand set-shots, boxers no longer fight in the manner of the eighteenth century, and world-class Judo is virtually a different art, comapared to its earlier form at the turn of the century.
Tradition is important because it defines a martial art and points the way to the future. Obsolete techniques from the past are often reworked at a much later date, resurfacing as innovations. Traditional forms can also become the artistic element within a style, giving it a sense of richness, depth, and historical relevancy. Nonetheless, the continued vitality of any martial art is ultimatley related to its ability to capitalize on and adapt to change. (This is the key.) This includes technical innovations as well as changes affecting culture and civilization as a whole. (Who's civilization c m g or the people of the world as a whole.)
Being what was mentioned, this brings up the fact c m g or what ever they call themselves these days does not interact with other styles. How do they know what to change? Let alone perfect. Who decides what? The Grandmaster? Or could it be a collective view of all the upper ranking instructors? Still, how do they know what to change and perfect if there is no interaction of other styles and Grandmasters of similar moo-vements?
Masters and Grandmasters usually do not gather in any formal setting to share information, theories, or new technical developments. Most go their own way and do their own thing. (Unless they are a part of an international federation of martial arts.) This way of handling themselves encourgages diversity, but discourages the institutionalization of new techniques.
(And yes I realize that c m g has their own federation. But I can't seem to find it amongst the list of recognized federations of the world.)
The lack of a cohesive governing body also makes the enforcement of ethical standards very difficult. Consequently, anyone can exploit the benefits $$$ of the art for their own personal gain, often taking advantage of an unsuspecting public. (Tsk Tsk) When ethical standards are not enforced, the negative practices of a single individual (Kim) or group (Nationals) can generate negative perceptions which affects the instructors, the students, the school as well as the martial arts community as a whole. Are you listening people?
Lastly, the lack of a cohesive governing body makes it difficult to ensure quality. The strength of any martial art is judged by the quality of its students. (This would include the lack of volume of said students let alone being viewed as a poor business in particular states.) Quality students are the result of quality teachers, who come from quality masters, who come from quality Grandmasters. It may not be necessary that all masters agree on the same list of required techniques for rank promotion. What is important is that each rank be clearly defined in terms of skill and range of techniques. For example, there are many ways to execute a simple Bent-Arm Wrist Lock, not including numerous takedown options. The specific variation you select is not nearly as important as executing an effective technique, which resolves a confrontation and demonstrates an understanding of basic principles.
A cohesive governing body has allowed martial arts such as Aikido, Judo, and Taekwondo to flourish. This is not an indicator of superior technique, only of effective management. Bingo!! My friends. Are you listening?
I believe Aikido, Judo, and Taekwondo amongst many others are recognized through out the world as being benefitial for civilization as a whole. Especially, recognized as a good business practioners.
Just one more statement b4 my insolent ways on this site is put away for good. All things come back to the beginning. Yin and Yang.