BLACK BELT/ BROWN BELT

Most responsible dojos and martial arts instructors screen prospective students by asking at least a few pertinent questions.

For example, “Why are you interested in learning karate?”

If a punk just offers a sadistic smile or he drools, “I want to kill the Boys Vice-Principal at my high school with my bare hands!” instead of a responsible, socially acceptable answer, he is politely turned away.

Some folks will say “self defense” or “I want to build my self-confidence,” which are perfectly suitable replies.

But why don’t they buy a gun or take a public speaking course? These will do the trick a lot faster, won’t they?

The REAL reason people sign-up and persist over the course of years and years is that they’re probably seeking something deeper, perhaps a spiritual breakthrough, a better understanding of other people and themselves, or transcendence above their fears.

They may not even be in touch with their motivations, or they could be embarrassed by them.

Who wants to admit “I hate it when I’m on a date and other guys hit on my girl and I’m afraid to confront them!”

Not a few people join health clubs to meet mating material, but they’ll say they’re going to get into shape. Nothing prevents them from doing both, and one may increase the odds of achieving the other, and all of this is perfectly rational.

Also, motivations change. The loner who joined a dojo to feel tougher and more independent finds a new cohort of friends there, and feeling a commitment to his or her training partners, sticks around for the camaraderie, the pleasure of belonging, and the overall experience.

Do YOU need a dojo?

This is a very difficult question to answer.

In systems theory there is a concept known as “equifinality.” Literally, it means you could take kenpo karate and I could sign up for a public speaking class and we’d both experience an equal outcome with regard to heightened self-confidence.

You’d be better at asserting yourself with your hands and feet and I’d be better with words and gestures, but still, we’d end up, more or less in the same place.

If, for instance, initially we shared the goal of becoming better salespeople we’d both have new and transferable skills.

You might be better at prospecting on foot and opening potentially hostile business doors, and being unafraid of getting tossed out on your ear, and I might be better on the phone, persuading folks to see me by appointment, but in the end, our sales might improve equally.

I had a professor and teaching mentor who said, “Gary, college doesn’t do a lot of people much good, except it gets them off the streets, into a safe atmosphere during some crucial developmental years. They grow-up, and they attribute their new wisdom to their studies, but they would have grown-up anywhere during those years.”

Substitute the word “dojo” for “college” and the same precept might apply.

But, and this is crucial, there are truths and insights to be discovered in both places, secrets and revelations, that come only to those who seek them energetically, and who don’t rest until they have found them.

You can earn a degree and still be an airhead, and you can find a drive-through type of dojo to McTrain you to the “black belt” level in record time. But you won’t leave the experience with much more than you entered with.

Robert Pirsig said, “The only Zen you discover on a mountain top is that which you brought up there with you.”

I believe I was a black belt when I entered the dojo for the first time. I didn’t have the specific training yet, but with eight years of guidance from my instructors and peers, I earned the piece of cloth that proved it.

One of the pleasures of persistence and the achievement it brings is that you can enjoy the luxury of looking down from your perch and wondering if the long climb was worth the sacrifice, or was even necessary.

In my case, the answer is yes.

Who knows whether you’ll agree when you reach the summit?

Should you take karate or Dale Carnegie?

Why not climb both?

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is the best-selling author of 12 books and more than a thousand articles. His seminars and training programs are sponsored internationally and he is a top-rated faculty member at more than 40 universities, including UCLA Extension, where he has taught since 1999. Dynamic, experienced, and lots of fun, Gary brings more than two decades of solid management and consulting experience to the table, along with the best academic preparation and credentials in the speaking and training industry. Holder of five degrees, including a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School For Communication at USC, an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School of Management, and a law degree from Loyola, his clients include several Fortune 1000 companies along with successful family owned and operated firms across America. Much more than a “talking head,” Gary is a top mind that you?ll enjoy working with and putting to use. He can be reached at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

Martial Arts News

Martial Arts

The Art Of Shootfighting

Although it can be a very provocative martial art, Shootfighting is still one of the most popular martial arts styles in the world.  The art of Shootfighting is very old, originating from Japan as a way of self defense.  Even though it is great to use for self defense purposes, this martial art is more popular as a ring sport in competitions such as the Vale Tudo and the professional Shootfighting leagues found throughout Japan.

In Japan Shootfighting is a sport that is very popular.  The bouts take place in a ring that is similar to wrestling, ropes and all intact.  There are normally rounds, as well as a referee who is there to call the bout and stop it if need be.  Fighters will wear gloves and go at it full contact.  Submission and grappling is legal as well, which makes the fights more interesting.  Fighters can test their skills in Shootfighting against some of the best Japan has to offer with these bouts.

Shootfighting is popular in the United States as well, although it is more popular throughout Japan.  There are American fighters such as Ken Shamrock and Bart Vale who are experts in Shootfighting and travel to Japan on a frequent basis to compete in tournaments and bouts.  The atmosphere in Japan is very high, as they show a lot of passion and desire for the matches over there.

In technique and form, Shootfighting is a mix of striking and grappling.  It teaches students to be prepared for anything, standing or on the ground.  There are a lot of bone breaking moves taught with this art, from arm locks to ankle locks.  Most of the techniques that are taught to the student use a mixture of strength and technique - bringing very drastic results.

Even though a lot of people classify Shootfighting as being a form of pit fighting, it is actually quite a bit more.  Shootfighting does incorporate a lot of stand up fighting, in the form of punches, elbows, and kicks.  On their feet or on the ground, stylists can execute moves that will end a fight quickly.  The submission locks are the deadliest forms of defense and attack with this martial art, as they target a specific limb and focus on breaking it in two.

As a martial art, Shootfighting is very hard to beat.  It teaches students to be aggressive in battle and end the fight as quickly as possible.  It also teaches students self control and self esteem as well.  There are no belt classes with Shootfighting, as it is more or less a self defense system that was originally designed for the streets.  It has proven to be very effective over the years, both on the streets and in competition.

Martial Arts News

Martial Arts