Needed Change
My first fight was against a karate guy. As in, all he had ever done was karate. Needless to say, I just covered up, dove in, took him down, and finished him with strikes from mount.
- Friend (with MMA experience)
Folks, this is unacceptable. Karate, Taekwondo, and the like must change so that this is no longer the case. It used to be that a black belt meant something. You may not have been the baddest guy around, but you could certainly hold your own in any fight.
That's not the case any more. Times have changed, but the traditional striking arts haven't changed.
It's time to put an end to that. The solution is simple. But will someone recognize it? Will someone make it widespread? Will the traditional striking arts teachers go along with it?
It is my belief that over 95% of people who start training in the martial arts do so for self defense purposes. However, 100% of those who stick with it do so because of the enjoyment and camaraderie. Whatever solution there is, must address these facts, too.
So many striking schools have increased enrollment after big UFC events. Then, a month or two later, enrollment drops back down. People realize what they are being taught in a typical karate school is not what's being used in real fights and in MMA.
Change must be made. But what change? And how?
One major change would be incorporating takedown defense.
ReplyDelete-A wrestling coach or judo coach could teach sprawls and staying on their feet.
-A BJJ instructor could teach them basic escapes and controls to work back to their feet.
Either way, it would require a sensei inviting these guys in. It would also force the sensei getting out of their comfort zone. Not sure how many would.