Martial Arts Politics | ART OF ONE DOJO

Politics in the Martial Arts have been around for a very long time and unfortunately can develop into a toxic element to your training. The Martial Arts should be about making oneself stronger, smarter, and more balanced, however often egos and animosity can become involved and create a volatile setting to train in.
In this video we're going to take a look at the different roots of common politics, examine the sparks that ignite them as well as taking the proper approach to engage in a debate (or learning when not to).
There is nothing wrong with a good healthy debate but we cannot lose sight of what the arts are supposed to teach us and use our own politics as a weapon against other practitioners

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[adambraun]

I can’t stand when someone says that another art is just “crap”. Every martial art has its benefits and is amazing in its own way. I’ve got friends that train in MMA and they love to tell me that Shotokan (what I practice) is “worthless” and has no benefits to it. I’ve been training in Shotokan my entire life, and it’s ingrained into who I am. And before I had a traumatic accident in 2011, I also trained in boxing, kickboxing, and a little jujutsu (Japanese, not BJJ). I found value in all of it.

However my usual reply to someone who says that the traditional arts aren’t practical, I like to bring up Lyoto Machida (former UFC fighter from Japan whose primary style was Shotokan).

We all practice Budo. The “do” in Budo means “way” (Budo is Japanese for “Martial Way”), which implies it’s a lifelong pursuit and we’re never done learning and studying. I take that to mean to also learn from other styles as well, any techniques, kata, or anything else that can make me a better Budoka.

[TheMihn]

The politics in BJJ is crazy bad. Carlos vs Helio lineage debates, sport vs defence debates, belt legitimacy debates...Martial arts are tough enough as it is, without making them harder by becoming involved in all the politics. Forget the politics and train!

[SempaiMarc]

Unfortunately it's because of ego and politics that I left Kyokushin and now teach a blend of my shorin-ryu training and kyokushin. I had two higher ranking black belts, from 2 styles of kyokushin, literally try to tell me how to run my dojo. One who has never been to my dojo. Other black belts were jealous of what I have done. We use to train together and they would call me brother to my face, but disrespect me behind my back. And I was supposed to pay on everything. Not to mention, teach it this way, no teach it this way.
I'm a martial artist. If I can't learn from others and other styles, then I have failed as a karateka and sensei. My saying is I teach a way. Not the only way.
Since leaving both organizations, my dojo has flourished and parents told me how much they did not like the kancho I trained under. He would try to get my students to come to his school.
Good job on this one.

[bw]

Unlike MAJ, I feel like when you speak on Martial arts, you don't have a hard lean or pandering audience. You are willing to speak on the weaknesses of your system without being derogatory. You make a point to understand what's being shown, what's being said, and how you feel on the matter in question.

You're open minded and you attempt your best at being realistic but also impartial.

This is easily one of my favorite channels. Thank you, dude.

[megatronn]

I see this in MMA all the time, but to the extent of MMA/UFC vs everyone. The disgusting behavior I've witnessed from that crowd has gone to the extent of disrespect towards anybody who isn't in their scene and even disrespect of creators of different martial arts styles before them. I tend to distance myself from that crowd because it's just a massive gathering of bro culture anyways. I love tend to stick to interacting with more traditional martial artists because they usually uphold their traditions of respect for others.

[opinionantropologica]

I found your chanel by accident but I am glad I did... super awesome info... I have trained shotokan for 14 years in El Salvador... keep up the good job

[amenkrahh]

I introduced Kenpo in Kenya 20 years ago. Today there are 3 & 4 generations of Blackbelts in several new styles. Politics almost destroyed many great connections between Blackbelts.

[mirecmusic]

"My way is not the only way but it is a way" This is the motto of The American Shorin Ryu Training System O' Sensei Jimmy Gough

[knh]

It is so funny to watch haters say this won't work in mma and then someone comes in and is successful with it and they have to eat their words, Joe Rogan and many others. Strike/kick or grab/twist; it isn't rocket science or magic.

[byakugan]

Its good to see the community is finally putting things in a structured perspective. Keep doing what you doing, big fan.

[ADAM_COLLECTS]

Don’t debate, just be well read enough and confident in your knowledge, let someone else’s drinking poison be their problem, not yours. Train, learn, enjoy. Osu!

[ReelKineticActionDesign]

That was well thought out and executed! I lost my love for martial arts because of politics a while back ago. I have since found it again and realized that people are people and have agendas to protect their business (schools) and the image they are trying to put forth to their students, potential clients, and their standing within the martial arts community. Sometimes that image does not go well with practical applications of the arts.

[Kobra]

Yes I come across this all the time when mma people say they are superior to traditional martial arts and that traditional martial arts won’t work in a real fight

[Sithikus]

Thank you for posting this video. Much respect and appreciation from me to you.
I have been involved in the martial arts for the better part of my existence... I started studying when I was 12.
Unfortunately the politics of martial arts extends to every single martial art out there.. From boxing to Aikido to zui quan.
( see what I did there ]
I have been privy to the politics and debates and outright infighting of JKD, FMA, American kenpo, and MMA communities, and I must say that when it comes to the concept of who is right and who is wrong it boils down to everybody is right and everybody is wrong.
A wise person once said... A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still...

When it comes to martial arts Politics... The best advice I could ever give anybody is to simply not engage.
People need conflict, people need to feel Justified and to feel correct.
When a conversation begins about martial arts and one person asks the advice or opinions of another.. Remember that you're getting advice and opinions.

ultimately... The fact that one would practice the martial arts and promote their art is a testament to their dedication to their art... provided it is done with Integrity, responsibility... And honor

[wadoryujujutsukempo]

i have been in martial arts a long time, and yes i have to admit i've argued with people (to my shame), when i should of not bothered. But maturity brings wisdom (some times), now days i just get on the mat and train, if people like what you do, thats great, if not, no problem, there are many ways to the top of the mountain, each must find his own path, as long as you keep going up thats all that matters.
Most negative comments come from people who grade 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th but are really only still a 1st dan. I see this a lot, their technique is the same and done the same way when they took shodan, they just learned a new kata and a couple extra moves, then they grade 2nd dan. Its like they go up the mountain so far, and just go round and round on the same level. I find these are the ones who will be negative about any thing, and their way is the only way.

[luvlife]

Great video and good information. I've found that the longer you train, the more of what you mentioned starts to surface.
When it comes to training, you see some good things and you may see some bad things. Remember the good things so they can help you. Remember the bad things so you can avoid them and become a better person.

[petermarchi]

As someone who has trained in Kenpo for the last thirty years I can say the internal politics are real and they are a big mess, that being said any system of martial arts must be a living system. With every new student brings something to the table.

[wushunoob]

you're totally correct, why can't all martial artists have this mindset :'(

[laztoth]

The same thing with grandmaster. Parker dying in 1990. Not naming a successor. Happened in Kung Fu San Soo when grandmaster. Jimmy H Woo. Passed away. Now all the old Masters. Are claiming they should be grandmaster. This should only go to his grandson. As a grandmaster Woo wanted. So I understand what you're saying. Much respect

[williamw]

I originally trained in Judo, which in competition, has changed somewhat over the years. Nowadays, leg picks (Kibisu Gaeshi, Kuchiki Daoshi, etc.), Sissor take downs (Kani Basami, etc.), grabs below the waist (Morote Gari, etc.), and standing arm bars (Waki Gatami, Standing Ude Gatami, etc.) have all been deemed Kinshi Waza (Forbidden Techniques) and thus, have been removed from competition Judo for safety. Personally, I think Judo is becoming Greco Roman Wrestling with a Gi. I love all these original techniques, and continue to teach them, and apply them...safely...at my school. I think in Judo competition nowadays, there needs to be better refereeing (that's a word?). If a contestant cannot apply a particular technique safely, then they should be disqualified...but to change the rules of the game? It disappointes me... c'mon Judo! WTF. 😑