Why I hate MMA

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is the still the "big thing" in the martial arts world.  Many said it would just be a flash in the pan, and then go away, but then simply isn't the case.  I think its here to stay...and I hate it.

I don't hate it for the reasons you might think.  Running a traditional style martial arts school, I know that I am missing out on a pretty big demographic (males, age 18-32 ) that watch the UFC and The Ultimate Fighter.  They usually have no desire to train in a traditional martial art (kung fu, karate, etc).  But that's not why I hate MMA.

Why I hate MMA

1)  Standing on the shoulders of giants - much of the techniques used in MMA have roots in traditional arts like Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Kempo, etc.  Those techniques deserve respect because they have been tested, practiced, and honed for hundreds of years.  The teenage kid who walks into an MMA gym will not give it any respect, or realize where it came from.  They will then likely attempt to explain to me why MMA is so superior to "XYZ" style of martial arts.  No respect for the heritage or history.

2)  MMA makes TMA (traditional martial arts) look bad.  Let's face it, the MMA crowed often gets into the ring with a kung fu, TKD, karate practicioner and owns them.  Watch the first handful of UFC bouts, back in the early 90's.  It gives the TMA's a bad name.  We get owned, but not because MMA technique is better.  Quite simply, they intensity with which they train makes them outclass most TMA fighters with regards to strength, endurance, muscle/technique memory, and perseverence.  If TMA students trained as hard and as long as these guys, I think there would be more balance in the matchups. 

3)  The average MMA guy's attitude truly sucks.  I once heard a funny bit of advice, "You know the guy in the car in front of you is an A-hole if he has a "TAPOUT" sticker on his back window".   
Now, there are obvious exceptions to the rule (George St. Pierre comes to mind), but by and large, you see an overwhelming number of these guys acting agressive towards others, losing their temper, and sometimes picking bar fights in an effort to test their grit.  They also tend to shout as loud as they can to the world "Traditional Martial Arts suck and are worthless!"     Values and Character Development is not something that is taught in the MMA's as part of the curriculum.  It sometimes seems like quite the opposite.

so that's it.  I hate MMA, but I sure do like to watch it. 

When can I test, Sifu?

I get asked this question on occasion, by students and parents of students.  I recently had a student ask that has only been taking kung fu classes for 1 month.  They explained to me that they had a _____ belt at their last school in only 6 months.   I have to say that my reply isn't usually what they are looking for. 

I'd love to say, "Wow!, Your technique is so sharp, let's test tomorrow!".  But I won't.  Its just not true.

Instead, I have to gently explain that I don't test students for sash promotions until they are ready.  Students won't fail a sash test with me because I won't let them test until I know that they understand the requirements and can show a suitable level of mastery of those skills. 

Now, let me explain why your child, who has been training for several months, still isn't ready for their first sash.  Remember, I'm speaking in generalities...

1.  No emphasis on technique.  If your child performs the forms and training exercises without any intensity whatsoever, then they aren't ready.  You can't just go through the motions.  To quote one of my favorite martial arts stars...."You need emotional content".  If you don't know what I'm talking about please check out this clip from Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon". 

2.  Still struggling to remember our basic curriculum material?  Not ready.  The truth is that 2 classes a week is not enough to make advancements in rank that fast.  You get out of your training what you put in.  Your child needs to practice their requirements at home once in awhile.  Its just like learning to play piano, guitar, or learn another language - you have to practice.

The bottom line is this.  I don't run a "McDojo".(google it)  I don't give out rank advancements just so that we can have a case of the warm fuzzies.  Rank must be earned, not given as a gift.  If I tell you its time to test for rank, its actually because you have shown me that you already are performing at that level - now its just time to show off what you know.  The test is more like a demonstration.

Now go practice.