From: sbs@fns-nc1.fns.com (Syd B. Seifert)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Seeking Feedback (was Re: Shotokan misconceptions)
Date: 21 Aug 92 13:03:48 GMT
Organization: Fujitsu Network Switching

I've never posted before so I hope this works right (don't you dread
seeing that preamble....)

After following the Shotokan thread as well as some of the other lines
in this newsgroup I feel compelled to ask for some feedback from you all.
I began taking M.A. almost 2 yrs ago from a dojo in which we learned
a hybrid rather than any particular form.  This included jujitsu, bujitsu,
and many other forms, lots Korean.  The point of teaching a hybrid was
to teach efficiency and effectiveness if movement.  The Shotokan thread
has suggested to me that some (most?) forms of M.A. teach at least
a few moves that are more for show and that won't necessarily be useful
(or perhaps can lead to injury) in sparring.  Thus confirming the
teachings I received in that dojo.  

Now, after having been out of M.A. for about 1 year because of a change
in jobs and inconvenience getting to the old place, I decided to try
someplace a little closer to home.  This is a Tae Kwon Do academy.  I
expected to see differences, but I'd always heard that it's not the
form that counts but the sensei....  Well, I tried to go with an empty
cup, but so much of what we did went against the basic principles that
I'd learned that my mind and body have quickly become a confused mess.

What were some of the basic principles from my old dojo?
	1.  Maintain your balance
	2.  Never stand still or move backwards; move towards the "light"
	3.  Never expose your blood supply
	4.  Always respect other humans
	5.  When a person physically, mentally, or emotionally abuses
		you or another person, they cease to be human and
		are an object  (chill)
	6.  Be able to leave a battle without bruises, scratches,
		or other injury (this means also not to develop calluses)

Over time it was easy to understand how these principles applied to
other aspects of life and interpersonal relationships.  Further, everything
we learned was consistent with these principles.  This made the physical
and mental aspects of lessons, sparring, etc. pretty simple.

Further, instruction was given one-on-one.  The idea there being that
this was the earliest method of handing down the martial arts.  This
way, you can best facilitate an individual's own development and
they learn to think for themselves, trust themselves, and, because of
the philosophies taught, still respect other living beings.  They
aren't sublty or overtly taught to follow another's lead unquestioningly.
In a day of "co-dependence", and so many different types of abuses, this
was a refreshing lesson in learning to get your guidance from within.
For religious or spiritual types, this can be interpreted as their Significant
Power speaks from within them rather than through other people.
(FYI - group time came during practice outside of lessons and in sparring,
seminars, etc.)

SOOO - my confusion lies here:  I do not understand the point of learning
inefficient or ineffective moves, katas, forms, blocks, rituals (answer
"yes sir" loudly and count loudly to show confidence (?!!)).  The 
inconsistencies and non-sense of the moves has made it impossible for me to 
get much out of the instruction.  What am I missing here?
What do "pure" forms of M.A. have to offer that justify teaching
"impure" moves (those that may be inconsistent with their own philosophies
or with those that just plain make sense).  I welcome ideas and feedback!

-- 
Syd Seifert
Fujitsu Network Switching
sbs%fns-nc1@mcnc.org
919-790-3469
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts