Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we've all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.

But when your five-year old yells at you "Mom, Kids Rule!" or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these "family programs" really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded "bling bling" pop culture of today.

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Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.

In Thailand Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Martial Arts training.

From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid

You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission - but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?

First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.

Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the "sport", but mental and emotional lessons as well.

Comparing that to other kid's activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and "winning at all costs" seems to be the order of the day, it's not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.

Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70's, when I was growing up!

The Advantages

o Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.

o Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.

o Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.

o Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.

o Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.

Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?

Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child's personality and the training techniques.

Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn't center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.

Here's a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you're likely to find:

Martial Arts From Japan

Karate

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Centers on building strength and endurance

o Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring

o May use weapons

Jujitsu

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Involves lots of sparring

o Teaches a fair amount of weapons training

Aikido

o Uses a more "spiritual" and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.

o Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy

o Does not involve sparring or competitions

Judo

o Uses gentle, "wrestling-like" movements

o Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts

o Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development

o Engages in competitions

Martial Arts From China

Kung-Fu

o The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles

o Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques

o Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.

o Engages in sparring competitions

Martial Arts From Korea

Taekwondo

o Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.

o Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.

o Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.

Choosing The Right Instruction

If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you'd like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child's and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.

Say you've found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?

1. Good Instructors

Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!

2. Space and Safety

Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.

3. School Values

Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid's karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school's ideals match your family's principles.

4. Prices and Schedules

Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family's lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.

Baby Blackbelts

Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.

Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

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Teaching Kids Karate - 3 Games to Keep the Fun in Your Martial Arts Classes

If you are teaching kids karate and your classes are getting smaller and smaller, it's time to take a good long look at what you are teaching your kids! The last thing you want is to lose your teaching job because no one wants to attend your classes! Here are the top 5 martial arts drills and karate games that kids will go crazy for and that will keep them coming back for more!

1. CATCH YOUR TAIL - This game is easy and geared towards the very young student. It encourages agility and speed and laughter. Choose two students; one to be the head of the tiger and one to be the tail. Take a karate belt and tie it to the back of the belt of the "tail" student. Set your watch for 30 seconds and have the tiger head try to catch his tail. I've found this is a favorite when teaching kids karate.

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2. THE CIRCLE OF DOOM - Get all kids into a circle with everyone spread out with both arms stretched out between them, far enough apart to not touch the kid next to them. Everybody settles into a horse stance with hands at hips, fists closed.

Smile Thailand Teaching Kids Karate - 3 Games to Keep the Fun in Your Martial Arts Classes

The instructor stands in the centre of the circle and slowly turns looking at each kid as you face them. When you are ready perform an attack against one of the kids so that they can do the block or counter that you have been teaching them.

As soon as their technique is finished move towards another kid on the outside circle and throw the same or a different attack for them to practice against. Don't choose your victims in any order, just turn randomly and pick one out to approach.

When first teaching this, start your attacks slowly and tell them at the start of the game which attacks you will throw. Start with only 2-3 different attacks, as the kids become more comfortable with this game you can increase the number of attacks, the speed and the intensity of the contact you give and receive.

3. HORSE AND SNAKE RELAY - Students form two equal teams of three or more. Start and finish lines are marked 30-60 feet apart. The teams line up one behind the other spaced a couple of feet apart standing in a deep horse stance.

The student at the end of the line yells "Snake", drops to the floor and crawls like a snake through the others legs until they are at the front of the line, they stand up in a deep horse stance and yell "Horse" which signals the student at the end of the line to do the same. Students continue crawling up the line until the whole team has passed the finish line.

The first team over wins.

Teaching Kids Karate - 3 Games to Keep the Fun in Your Martial Arts Classes

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Muay Thai - The Unbeatable Martial Art

Muay thai is the form of martial art which began its journey from the Kingdom of Thailand more than 2000 years ago. Now it is popularly known as 'thai boxing' all over the world. Muaythai is the art of fighting without the use of any weapon.

Thai boxing can be differentiated from the general form of boxing, as it includes the use of hands, elbow, feet and the knee. It's not only an art of fighting; it is also a form of science, with discipline, knowledge and respect.

Muay Thai in Thailand

Thai boxing is an art which needs to be practiced with proper training. It not only keeps you body in good form and proper shape; it improves your blood circulation and builds up your nervous system. Regular practice enhances the flexibility of the body, which means better use of the bones, muscles, and the tendons in bending and moving the body.

In Thailand Muay Thai - The Unbeatable Martial Art

It is very important to be brave in order to practice the Art of Muaythai. One must accept the danger and pain involved in this form of fighting, bravely without any fear. Practicing Muay thai is not only getting physical training but also includes the learning of moral values and disciplines in life. It teaches to be modest, to be confident, to always speak the truth and avoid committing sins in life.

In this form of martial art it is trained to be aware of the weak and the fatal points of the opponent's body. A fighter can easily defeat the other in less time if he has good knowledge of his weak positions.

One of the unique features in Thai boxing is the music, which is known as the "Sarama". It is played before and during the combat session. This Sarama music or the wind music is played before the fight with a ceremony, which the fighter performs to pay his respect and gratitude towards those who insisted and helped him to become a boxer. He thinks of his teacher who trained him with all his knowledge and efforts and of his parents who gave him life. This music helps the boxer to raise his spirits and confidence and make him ready for the real physical combat.

Muay thai has given born to many great fighters who are now known all over the world. Samart Payakaroon is one of the best among legendry muay thai heroes; he held the title of "Baby Face Tiger". He accomplished both Muay thai and World Super Bantamweight championship in his carrier. One of the most promising muay thai boxer is Buakaw Por Pramuk. He won the title of K-1 Max World Champion two times till now. First in 2004 at the age of 22 and he reclaimed this title again in 2006. The K-1 Grand Prix is a famous competition which is held in Japan to determine the single best standup fighter in the world. In Atlanta Olympics 1996, Somrak Khamsing is the first Thai boxer who won a gold medal in feather weight class. He is well known, from then for his swiftness and his reflexes. Another Muay thai hero in K-1 world competition Kaoklai Kaennorsing once held the title of K-1 grand prix championship in 2004. He is talented at quick maneuver and effective hit. He was called the giant killer after he beat tougher competitor by his technique.

Muay Thai - The Unbeatable Martial Art

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How to Learn Savate With Martial Arts Video Training

Savate is a form of French martial arts also known as French foot fighting, French kickboxing and French boxing which involves using both the hands and feet as weapons. Savate works through a combination of western boxing elements and graceful kicking techniques. Beginners can now learn the basic principles of Savate through martial arts video training.

Martial art training videos on Savate will teach the beginner how to use foot kicks, which are the only form of attack permitted - no shins or knees. When competing in Savate, you are only allowed 4 types of kicks and 4 types of punches. The kicks comprise of the whip, chasse, reverse and low kick. The whip involves a roundhouse kick which makes contact with the instep, and it may be low, medium or high.

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The chasse is the side or front piston-action kick which may be low, medium or high. The reverse is a hooking kick which makes contact with the sole of your shoe and may be low, medium or high. The low kick is a front or sweep kick to the shin which makes contact with the inner edge of the shoe and is performed with a characteristic lean backwards. The punches include the jab or lead hand, the cross or rear hand, the hook or bent arm and the uppercut which involves the use of either hand.

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Mixed martial arts training videos feature the 3 levels of competition in modern Savate, which are: assault, pre-combat and combat. In assault, you will be required to focus on your technique while still making contact with your opponent; excessive force is however not permitted. The pre-combat level will allow you to engage in full-strength fighting, so long as both you and your opponent are wearing protective gear such as helmets and shin guards. The final and most intensive level is combat which is similar to pre-combat, although no protective gear, with the exception of mouth guard and groin protection is permitted.

Unlike other martial art forms which offer belt colors as their ranking systems, in Savate you will be training for glove colors. However, as a beginner, you will not have any color. You may thereafter train to rise to the successive levels: blue, green, red, white and yellow. You must be a yellow glove rank and above if you want to compete. The highest ranking savateur (for males) or savateuse (for females) is a silver glove.

How to Learn Savate With Martial Arts Video Training

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Mixed Martial Arts Injuries

If you are a warrior involved with mixed martial arts, you need to face two facts: you will get injured and you will have to learn to deal with pain. There are no "ifs" about these facts, just "whens." With most warriors the crux of the problem is not "if" an injury happens, but how the warrior responds to the injury "when" it happens. What I mean is that it is the reaction to the injury, in terms of rehabilitation and continuity of training after the injury, not the injury itself, that is most important.

There are many lessons to be learned from every injury. The results of these lessons and how you deal with an injury can make the difference between being average and being a champion. Every injury has something to teach you that can make you better in the future, and there are strategies for responding to an injury that can be implemented in order to work around that injury and move forward.

Muay Thai in Thailand

All too often, a warrior will suffer an injury and stop training. I don't think that any injury should ever result in this. You may have seen mixed martial artists break a finger or toe and be out of training for weeks to months. This "pebble in your shoe" should never keep you from moving ahead on your climb to success. Whether you are able to improve another area of the body, your nutrition, work certain techniques or even just your mind, there is always time to find ways toward improvement.

Tour Mixed Martial Arts Injuries

Most people view an injury as a negative experience, but in every injury are actually lessons that can make you a much better fighter. Injuries teach us not only about the modes of injury and how to prevent them in the future, but also about our own power to face adversity head-on, or the strategy to best go around it. What I mean is that all too often an injury is like a brick wall. Oftentimes a warrior will continue to attempt to ram through the wall instead of taking a side step and walking around it. Only by correctly training around your injuries can you learn the correct lessons, heal up, and pass through the injury as a better fighter.

Everything about being successful in this sport revolves around having the best strategy. When it comes to recovering from an injury...

Accept that the injury has occurred, and move forward.
Examine how the injury happened, so that it never happens again.
Find out all you can about the injury and its rehabilitation.
Use every method of rehabilitation you can get your hands on.
Be consistent and thorough with your rehab.
Find the outlets and determine what training you can do around the injury.
Focus on areas that you needed to improve pre-injury (nutrition, mental training, certain body regions, etc.).
Don't test the injury while healing and reirritate it.
Develop a list of the things that the injury is trying to tell you.
Don't forget what you learned from the injury for the future.

Some warriors often return from an injury at a higher level than where they were pre-injury, thanks to the lessons that the particular injury had to teach them. Many mixed martial artists do not. I believe that how you view and respond to the injury at hand has a lot to do with that.. You can view an injury as a problem or a challenge. A problem is something you have; a challenge is something you have ... to take on. The next time you have an injury, and there will be a next time, take the challenge, go around the brick wall, and pass it to become a better warrior.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to read more about mixed martial arts injuries please go to The MMA zone.

Mixed Martial Arts Injuries

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Rubber Guard - Submission - The Ultimate Fighter 8 Coach Frank Mir with Eddie Bravo - Mix Martial Arts MMA

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Rubber Guard - Submission - The Ultimate Fighter 8 Coach Frank Mir with Eddie Bravo - Mix Martial Arts MMA Tube.

Duration : 10.28 Mins.

EDDIE BRAVO @ STRIKING UNLIMITED GYM COLLABORATING WITH FRANK MIR 7220 W. LAKE MEAD BLVD, LAS VEGAS, NV (702) 405-9907 The Ultimate Fighter 8 Coach Ken Hahn & Frank Mir Visit... WWW.STRIKINGUNLIMITED.COM Muay Thai Cardio Kickboxing Boxing Wrestling Brizilian Jiu Jitsu Mix Martial Arts MMA Sparring Conditioning And More Kids and adults

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Keywords: Mix, Martial, Arts, Muay, Thai, Brazilian, jiu, jitsu, karate, The, Ultimate, Fighter, Frank, Mir, UFC, Ken, Hahn, Sparring, Session, Striking, Kicking, Boxing, Wrestling

Mixed Martial Arts - Ultimate Fighting - How to Train

Training as an Ultimate Fighter or mixed martial artist, means you need to learn different styles of combat Here are the most important forms you should learn as your base, and at the bottom are some ways you can learn all the aspects of mixed martial arts quickly and effectively.

Ground Work - Jujitsu.

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The ground game is incredibly important and Jujitsu is a great way to master it. You'll train the various aspects of wrestling, as well as choke holds, submissions, locks and take downs.

Smile Thailand Mixed Martial Arts - Ultimate Fighting - How to Train

You will also get the much needed endurance aspect needed for mixed martial arts. Jujitsu is very physically draining and taxing. Sparring sessions will take your cardiovascular training to task and will show what it feels like to be exhausted during a fight.

Stand up Game - Muay Thai

By training Muay Thai you'll learn the strikes and kicks needed for successful mixed martial arts training. Muay Thai is a great way to get your stand up game mastered, by not only learning offensive moves, but learning how to effectively defend and deflect strikes, kicks, and knees.

Some people will decide to train boxing as their stand up game. But Muay Thai gives a more rounded and realistic approach to what it will be like fighting as mixed martial artist.

How and Where to Train?

Try to first pick up a mixed martial arts/ultimate fighting training manual which will give you a head start and provide the exercises and skills for what you'll need to do in ultimate fighting. This way, when you do train with other people, either sparring independently or at a school, you'll already have great base knowledge and won't be going in green.

Next you'll want to find a mixed martial arts school. There are more ultimate fighting style schools and classes popping up. They can provide a well rounded training environment for mixed martial arts and ultimate fighting.

Mixed Martial Arts - Ultimate Fighting - How to Train

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Knockouter - Punching Power, Speed Meter For Martial Arts and Boxing

How good is your punching power? Is it enough for knockout punches? Many athletes and martial artists ask these questions, but there was no way to measure it at home without expensive equipment (punching power meter). Now you can do it. This punching speed measurement program is the best training tool for combat sport, martial arts and boxing. Use it during shadow boxing. It works without speed/heavy bag, boxing gloves and sparring partners.

There are many components to a punch:

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1- Speed of the arm of the punching hand.

Smile Thailand Knockouter - Punching Power, Speed Meter For Martial Arts and Boxing

2- Speed of the shoulder of the punching hand. (Yes, the shoulder does move forward about 6 inches)

3- The speed of the torso or trunk of the body turning. The torso can actually advance the punch another 8 inches.

4- The speed of your step into the punch if it is an attacking punch.

Here are a few simple things you can do to help increase your punching speed:

1) In martial arts and combat sports such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai, use heavy bags, standing bags, and similar apparatuses which have been adapted for practicing kicking and other striking maneuvers

2) Warm up before you start. Start slowly, but do complete motions. Each time, punch a little faster than the last time, until you are moving at full speed and power. Your speed will not increase over night. The process may take several weeks until you notice a difference.

3) One of the best known methods to improve the punching power is to hold dumbbells in each hand and practice throwing punches in the air. This is a proven method to increase the speed and punching power. It is said that Bruce Lee used 10 lb. dumbbells in order to improve his speed and punching power.

How would you like a significantly faster punch in just one week? You can practice those techniques on your own. It's easy, and it works. And monitor your progress with Punching Speed Measurement Tool Knockouter for free!

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Top 5 Martial Arts for Self Defense

Martial arts have grown more and more over the years. It's not only a great way to get fit but it also adds a more of a personal growth element to the practitioner. This list looks at five of the best martial arts for self defense.

5. Kick-boxing (muay thai)

Muay Thai in Thailand

Muay Thai, which roughly translates to "art of the eight limbs".

Smile Thailand Top 5 Martial Arts for Self Defense

Muay thai is from Thailand and is a martial art that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.

The word muay derives from the Sanskrit mavya and Thai comes from the word Tai. Muay Thai is referred to as the "Art of Eight Limbs" because of the use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, thus using eight "points of contact".

A practitioner of Muay Thai is known as a nak muay. Western practitioners are sometimes called nak muay farang meaning foreign boxer.

4. Wing Chung

Wing Chun also romanized as Ving Tsun or "Wing Tsun" is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.

Wing Chun was made famous by Yip Man. He taught such legends as "Bruce Lee".

Wing Chun is a perfect art for people who aren't looking to use brute force. The system relies on biomechanics, not brute force and is recommended for women to learn.

3. Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial arts system which is a mix of Wing Chun, Boxing, and Fencing, founded and developed by the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.

JKD teaches that the best defense is a strong offense. For a person to attack another the attacker must approach the target. This provides an opportunity for the attacked person to "intercept" the attacking movement.

Bruce didn't believe in methods but in styles. He believed that one should use what one found useful in any martial arts and make his own style. Anything that was not found useful should be discarded.

2. Keysi fighting

Keysi Fighting Method is a method of self defense that is based on natural fighting instincts and several street fighting techniques, developed by Justo Diéguez Serrano with the help of Andy Norman.

The Keysi Fighting Method became famous after it was used in the fighting choreography of the movies Batman Begins.

Keysi fighting makes uses of multiple attacking ranges, with or without weapons.

Unlike many other martial arts, Keysi tends to get into extreme close quarters when in combat. It also relies on understanding how people typically move or attack in a fight so that when striking, the opponent's body moves to expose further targets.

The Keysi Method teaches one to being able to defend themselves against any number of attackers!

1. Krav Maga

Krav Maga meaning "contact combat" is an eclectic hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel that involves striking techniques, wrestling and grappling, mostly known for its extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks, and used regularly with special forces in Israel.

Krav Maga has a philosophy emphasizing threat neutralization, simultaneous defensive and offensive maneuvers, and aggression.

It's said that Krav Maga is the most effective martial arts for self defense and threat neutralization purposes.

It incorporates Western boxing punches, Karate kicks and knees, Greco-Roman wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu ground fighting, Jiu-jitsu throws and grappling.

Also stressed are attacks to vulnerable body parts: the eyes, throat, and groin. Since most situations are a matter of life-or-death.

One can learn Krav Maga in only 3 to 6 months which is highly appealing to many interested in learning Self Defense.

Top 5 Martial Arts for Self Defense

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Credibility of Distance Learning in the Martial Arts

Something in the martial arts that is argued back and forth all the time is the effectiveness of distance learning versus traditional training in a dojo and can one learn the martial arts to any degree of proficiency through distance learning. In an age where communicating and learning via the Internet are staples of every day life and the ability to learn anything efficiently is open to everyone because of this, my answer is a resounding "YES!".

Consider this...one of the recent arguments I have encountered is that to earn a Dan ranking takes years and years of blood, sweat and tears and that only after you have spilled blood on the dojo floor can you be considered credible to wear the Dan you are awarded by XYZ Organization, School, Federation, etc. and only through this method can you become a better practitioner. While I agree with the idea in general, the argument against distance learning is that there is no way you can advance rank as a Black Belt, or as a Colored Belt for that matter, unless you train in a school under age old traditional methods. There is no way you can possibly learn any system of self-defense through "home study" methods.

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OK..well...let's say that a person has put 15-20 years into his/her training and they now wear the rank of 4th or 5th Dan. This person has trained and completed all of the requirements to advance his/her rank. I guess some could say that because of the rank and the years put into the training that he/she is deserving of praise and respect, being of great honor and integrity because of the advancements and the time spent training in the arts. This person obviously has learned what it means to be a better practitioner and is now credible in the eyes of his/her peers. Seems like a solid point.

In Thailand Credibility of Distance Learning in the Martial Arts

Now, on the flip side of that coin, let's say that this same person on the outside looks and acts like the rank they wear and talks the talk of a true Black Belt but underneath has a drinking problem or a drug problem or, worse yet, both. They treat people with disrespect behind their backs and are full of ego. Every time something goes wrong in his/her life all they want to do is go out, get high and pick a fight. Just so you know, I am not speaking hypothetically. I trained under just such a person. Does this mean he/she deserves to wear the rank of an advanced Dan just because they have put their time in at a traditional school and passed the curriculum? Does this make him/her better than me or anyone else who wants to open up their learning to a credible, comprehensive distance learning program taught by advanced, committed, honorable individuals? I think not as we all know that the martial arts are about so much more than just the belt one wears.

The traditional thinking is if you choose to train like this that it is lacking in so many respects, ie: training quality, lack of training partners, too easy to slack off and not train, no one is there to insure you are actually performing the material, and on and on, that there is no way this can work and once you receive your rank, it is just a "piece of paper" from a "diploma mill" or in the case of a Dan ranking, a paper "Black Belt Mill". Well, let me pose this question to you, what takes more effort, dedication, perseverance, integrity and personal commitment, walking into a local school and having someone tell you what to do or to take a course and break it down yourself, put together a training schedule based around your school or work schedule, provide yourself with a place to train and then effectively complete the training per belt rank? I realize this question is rhetorical but the point I am trying to make is that BOTH methods of study, in class and home study, are just as effective in learning any type of material and that as martial artists, to be so closed minded about knowledge via sources "outside the box", especially in this day and age of advanced technology, is a true detriment to the advancement of the arts as a whole.

The traditionalists fail to recognize the doors this can and will, most assuredly, open up to students around the world just as it has with all areas of education. Right now...today...you can earn the highest level of certified, recognized, accredited university degrees online from the most reputable Colleges and Universities - WORLD WIDE! This is an absolute, indisputable fact that even the most dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist cannot refute. In my mind, it isn't so much how you learn what you learn but how you apply that knowledge after you have learned it. I have always said that certifications and degrees are just pieces of paper but what ultimately makes them so valuable is the application of that knowledge and how it is presented to others down the line. We should always be moving forward with our knowledge, always be willing to embrace new ideas and concepts. If we stop learning, we stop growing.

As the sport is constantly evolving, so too must its practitioners evolve. No longer can we just accept the traditional training orthodoxy as the rule. Just the simple fact that hand-to-hand combatives have become so much more advanced in just the last 10 years would dictate that we as practitioners of the arts should be more open-minded and willing to advance our learning from as many sources outside of our own backyards as possible. Distance learning offers just such a solution by eliminating the geographical boundaries that currently exist in limiting students to train and learn in just one setting, in one style, and from one instructor. With the Internet, video conferencing, online tutorials, forums, blogs, etc. literally at our fingertips, the possibilities are endless. No longer will students have to be relegated to choices for learning that only include the local dojo. Imagine being able to train with and share information and ideas about advancing the arts with students from all around the world in real time!

Of course, to that extent, the traditionalist would argue that there would be a problem with time differences as well as differences in training disciplines and that there is no way this would work. Always an excuse. I have heard this argument for years but that is because they fail to see the potential that exists in people to come up with long term solutions to these problems, solutions that are offered by just such a group of dedicated individuals in the AKPKF...American Kick-Punch Karate Federation, headed by Sensei Danny Hill. This is an organization that leads by example and is all about keeping the integrity of the arts intact while attaching 21st Century thinking to an age old problem of bringing the training and discipline to students around the world who otherwise would not have access to the information and they do it for FREE!

Now, I understand that traditionalists want to keep the training in the dojo's...OK...but what about the aspiring student who wants to become involved in the martial arts but has nowhere to train, or who lives in a remote area where it is 50-100 miles to the nearest dojo? What about the people around the globe who live in villages where there is no training for thousands of miles around? How then does the traditionalist solve that geographical problem? They solve it by continuing to argue for classroom training as the only beneficial means of learning self-defense. In my opinion, what that argument really boils down to is money.

Think about it. They insist that receiving your certification via distance learning is not credible yet they take "Little Johnny's" tuition every month, usually an exorbitant amount, and pass the student through the system whether he/she has learned the material or not. Again, I am not speaking hypothetically here. I have seen this first hand even at the Black Belt level. This problem exists on a wide scale and is becoming worse every day. The traditionalists say that distance learning has become a blight on our beloved art form and that it is denigrating everything that is sacred about our beloved sport, even to the point of "bastardizing" what the arts stand for, while all along doing the same thing by charging outrageous monthly fees and providing training that is mediocre at best. To me, this action is deplorable and not even remotely deserving of respect and honor, yet this practice continues to grow day by day with new "McDojo's" springing up on just about every street corner. The traditionalist view has become about "selling the product" and not about "teaching the art". Anything that does not "jibe" with their way of thinking is garbage and only their style and only the way it is taught by them, is the "be all to end all" and the only path towards martial arts excellence. In my opinion, there is nothing credible about this practice or this way of thinking and it is only hurting the arts, not enhancing them.

In closing, let me state that I have had great personal success training in both mediums. Each method has its place in education and each, in my opinion, is equally effective. I believe that both methods can co-exist peacefully. I personally have continued to expand my knowledge of self-defense through many different methods of learning such as books, tapes, cd's, dvd's, online tutorials, and traditional training on the mats with practitioners who are also open-minded enough to see the positive impact that distance learning can have on all of us if we would just embrace the need for this type of studying. I have my own dojo and am about to begin my training in Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu, a program that is taught by Soke John Cozatt who happens to live on the East Coast (I live on the West Coast) and yes, it is a distance learning program, one that I can advance to 5th Dan in and since that is the highest level of achievement in that system, that is my goal. In lieu of this program, in order for me to train in a "credible" traditional jiu-jitsu class setting, I would have to drive 100 miles round trip 3 nights a week at great expense to accomplish what I can do in my own dojo via distance learning. Whether or not I make it to 5th Dan will strictly be up to me but that really isn't the issue. The point is that the opportunity exists for all of us to utilize modern day technology to continue to move forward with our training and help advance this sport through the 21st Century. We have to continue to be open to new training methods and learning techniques so that the martial arts can continue to grow and survive. I for one will do all I can to be at the forefront of that movement.

Credibility of Distance Learning in the Martial Arts

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