I recently heard a criticism that is commonly spoken in the Martial Arts. It was a remark about Martial Arts instructors who are overweight, or appear to otherwise be out-of-shape.
"They're disgraceful. They should be ashamed of themselves."
And the critics have a point. Lazy karate teachers are a disgrace.
But don't judge a book by its cover. If they're lazy, they won't last long in the business, and some martial arts instructors who look awful are running very successful schools.
So be critical if you want, but now it’s my turn to voice an opinion.
As I write this, I’m thinking of two specific instructors who live and teach in Oregon. No names. And if you’re trying to guess, all I’m going to say is, neither of them is an instructor in my own style, Wu Ying Tao. (There—that ought to narrow it down a bit!)
Both of these men are overweight. Both have other health complications besides their weight. Neither looks like an athlete. Both are somewhere around my age – early fifties. And both have about the same number of years in the Martial Arts as me—about thirty years.
In an open-style point sparring match, I believe whole-heartedly that I could win against either of these men. I may be wrong, but that’s just what I think.
If I went up against either of these two men in a real-world type of self-defense situation, I think my speed, agility, and better stamina would allow me to prevail, but I’m not so sure. Both of these men might very well win if they got close enough to grapple.
Now, do you think all Martial Arts instructors should be lean mean fighting machines? Should they all be able to demonstrate everything they’re teaching their students?
If you think so, then I don’t agree with you. Here’s why…
All instructors should…should do their very best to be in the best physical condition they can be in. All of them should be able to demonstrate what they teach. But be careful what kind of expectations you place on black belt instructors. Be realistic, and make sure you have your priorities straight. Is your top priority to stand in the dojo and watch a black belt do amazing things while you go slack-jawed, bug-eyed and saying, “Dyuh...Wow!”
Or are your top priorities to seriously strengthen your health, your personal safety, and your self-esteem?
Okay, then here’s my honest opinion on the matter. And remember—we’re talking about just teachers here:
I’ve just said that I think I could beat either one of those Martial Arts instructors in a tournament match or a real-world self-defense situation.
But could I beat one of their black belt students?
Aaah--that's a different question.
And when it comes to Martial Arts instructors, in my opinion, it is the only question that matters.
Marshall Buchholz is a Martial Arts instructor and school owner. He teaches the Wu Ying Tao style of Martial Arts in Salem, Oregon. Visit his web sites at: http://www.northwest-martial-arts.com and http://www.learn-practical-self-defense.com
Source: www.articlesphere.com
