I'm not trying to imply anything. I only stated the converse of what you said. You stated

'Are you seriously trying to imply that a willingness to spar is an indication of bullshido?'

I'm simply saying that is not an effective to determine if someone is a master or not.

oldman

oldman, I'm sick and tired of you making me use my brain! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]
To walk in a dojo annd ask an instructor to spar is just plain RUDE! Most would refuse because of this, I know some who would immediately knock you down! Just sit in on a few classes,talk with the instructor and decide for yourself.
All American Goju Karate

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nekogami13 V2.0:
Aikido has katas?[/QUOTE]

In all honesty, as long as you are human, you can never be a grandmaster. That is a false statement. You can be realyl good, but again, human error will always be there. So in order to tell a fraud would be this: Disorganized, overcharge, teaching non-practical things ie: ask yourself, would i be able to do this in an actual engagement? Or, would this work in a fight? The only way to truly tell a fraud from the real deal is by trial and error. Nothing more nothing less. But my advice is to try and find a guy who can answer all of your questions, no matter how big and how small. And if you have a problem with something in the art, he won't have a problem with discussing it with you. If he does, that means his way of teaching his art is, "His way or the highway, and if you go question it, you are wrong." However this is not entirely true. the student can out think the teacher. If he/she doesn't, then what is the student learning from his teacher? Good luck in fighting the art thats right for you.

~Ruthless~

[QUOTE]I'm simply saying that is not an effective to determine if someone is a master or not.[/QUOTE]

Maybe because the term "master" is too damn vague.
Alright, let's start over: To determine if a person teaches good physical self defense and/or fighting, ask them to spar. If they refuse, leave immediately.

[QUOTE]To walk in a dojo annd ask an instructor to spar is just plain RUDE! Most would refuse because of this, I know some who would immediately knock you down! [/QUOTE]

Yet students at my BJJ gym start sparring their first day.
The straight blast gym says all their affiliate instructors must roll or strike with anyone who wants to.

Hedgehogey.
"Alright, let's start over: To determine if a person teaches good physical self defense and/or fighting, ask them to spar. If they refuse, leave immediately."

That sounds like a very practical way to find a teacher who is experienced self defense and/or fighting.

oldman