Comments on: The Crisis Threatening Traditional Values In The Martial Arts

By: james

james — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:24:10 +0000

You can count on me as well for support. I like the bottom line which says “this isn’t about me – it’s about you and what your values are”

By: Chuck Burns

Chuck Burns — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:42:51 +0000

Tradition is called tradition for a reason. Old, strong values and techniques that have been preserved for a reason. “Because it works!!!!!!!”. There can be variation in style however the foundation has brought us all to where we are today.We need to continue these traditions for our future students and teachers.
Thanks,
Chuck Burns

By: Mike Massie

Mike Massie — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:47:12 +0000

Thanks Jason!

In some ways though, MMA’s popularity has led to BJJ schools having a better handle on keeping classes mellow. With all the professionals and execs going to BJJ schools to learn the art, it has forced school owners to examine whether their amateur and pro fighters were driving away their meat and potatoes students.

I have some friends who teach MMA that just don’t get that, and their enrollments and checking accounts bear witness to it.

By: Mike Massie

Mike Massie — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:33:47 +0000

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Freddy!

By the way, here a link where folks can give to the Red Cross Haiti fund:

http://www.redcross.org/

By: Freddie McDonald Jr

Freddie McDonald Jr — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:51:55 +0000

Great idea. Especially for the young cats who thinks that traditional values doesn’t fit in today’s society. I spoke with one of my associates and we discussed the subject of mixed martial arts in society. We answered the questions and had many pro-con discussions. Like anything else, something needs principles and values to make it substantiated and solid. He named a few MMA fighters who were successful because they had traditional training (i.e. karate, taekwondo, and etc). Many of our young cats are enchanted of what the see on t.v.’s reality shows.

Don’t mean to babble. You’re on the right track Mike.

God Bless, remember Haiti, and Semper Fi.

By: Jason C. Brown

Jason C. Brown — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:26:59 +0000

Hey Mike,

You have my full support. I hate meatheads. I really do. And it’s too bad that MMA seems to attract way too many.

Most of our students do BJJ/Judo as a hobby…a way to unwind after work. MMA has brought in a whole new genre of thrill seekers that don’t realize we have to go to work tomorrow without a black eye or limp.

That being said, I don’t think MAs should move away from sport completely. When that happens we have 8yr old blackbelts running around with crazy proud parents that lack reality.

By: Mike Massie

Mike Massie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:21:46 +0000

Contact me anytime for more information, Mr. Fogal. And, while I appreciate the honorific, feel free to refer to me by first name outside of the training hall.

By: Mike Massie

Mike Massie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:17:46 +0000

Ryan, I appreciate your chiming in. And, I’m glad to hear from more MMA instructors who teach traditional martial arts values in their schools.

I really don’t think MMA coaches on the whole are lacking in values. Most people of character have some sort of value system they’ve developed over the years (something I learned while studying moral philosophy in college).

However, as you said the way MMA is portrayed in the media (certain reality shows) unfortunately paints a black eye on MMA instructors and schools as a whole.

So, in my opinion the more MMA instructors out there who get out in their local areas and talk about teaching good values along with good MMA, so much the better. Glad to know you’re one of them!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:31:46 +0000

I agree with the values of traditional martial arts even though I am a MMA instructor and school owner. The fact that MMA schools rely on effective, practical training over the theoretical side of martial arts does not mean that MMA coaches and practicioners are lacking in values. A lot of that misconception comes from the way the media portrays MMA.

By: Juan F. Fogal

Juan F. Fogal — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:48:33 +0000

I look forward to learning more about MASAI. While I am a fan of MMA, I prefer the traditional approach. It my opinion that MMA belongs in the sports realm like Boxing or Olympic wrestling. While traditional martial arts need to be just that.

Thank you Massie Sensei for looking ahead.