Opinion
Remembering Our Defining Elements
Years ago a martial arts school in a city neighborhood,
or in a small town, was something unique. At the same
time Bruce Lee movies and TV's Kung Fu series excited
a whole generation of viewers, and eager students
flocked to get any training they could get.
Today, things have changed. Many traditional martial
arts schools are now floundering. Schools are found
on every street corner. There are also lavish health
clubs and spas competing for student's attention.
And if this were not enough, there is a whole new
generation of westernized pseudo-martial arts like
Tae Bo and Kick boxing.
So what is a traditional martial arts school to do?
First of all, they must realize that traditional martial
arts has something unique to offer. Health clubs have
corporate funding, lavish facilities, even a broad
range of programs, but they focus on the body (muscle
building and conditioning) and all too often the participants
are left on their own to exercise - a solo and often
boring experience.
In comparison, the traditional martial arts give
students a more rounded program, including strengthening,
stretching and aerobic exercise in a single session
and this is done while the student learns a martial
art and self-defense.
Martial arts also offers a community, almost family
environment, where students practice together in classes,
get to know each other and their teachers and later
help each learn technique. Compared to another set
on a weight lifting machine, martial arts offer challenging
material to know and techniques to master. This results
in a real pride of accomplishment. People will recount
years later how they achieved this or that belt in
a martial art.
Perhaps most importantly, students learn important
life skills -- discipline, self-confidence, a non-quitting
spirit and a philosophy of life. That is why children's
programs are so popular. Parents realize the positive
effect karate, tae kwon do, kung fu, judo, or aikido
can have on their children. The failure of most schools,
however, is their seeming inability to communicate
and promote these same benefits to potential adult
students.
Of course, this does not mean that improving the locker
room, having showers, and sets of weight available
isn't important. If your business is to succeed andattract
wider strata of students than just young enthusiasts
you have to cater to needs they deem important. This
also includes minimizing injuries. And it can mean
adding yoga, tai chi or other programs. But, don't
forget the unique philosophical, spiritual and mental
benefits of your core martial arts business. You would
be neglecting the defining element. These are what
keeps students returning. These are what attract students
of all ages and what can genuinely help them in their
lives. These are what sets martial arts apart from
the health clubs and the pseudo-martial arts exercise
programs.
Previous Editorials:
Is it time for those who write about the martial
arts to become journalists? MORE
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