09/23/2026
This is a long time coming. It is not meant to offend, only to inform.
Our school has had a recent influx of some wonderful people. All of them black belts.
That's the good part. These people are great! They are a joy to train with.
Now the bad part and the part that has me typing this. Although ardent martial artists who truly embody the spirit that is a martial artist, they can't fight.
I feel bad for them. They are wise enough to seek our help and have acknowledged their inability to fight.
If you know me and our school, we stress fighting.
The term "martial" in the phrase "martial arts" means to be warlike.
I have no nice way to say this, but too many supposedly martial arts school are merely dance schools that hand out rank for dancing properly and for breaking a few boards.
Ask yourself these questions:
How much time per week does your school spend on sparring?
If it's 15 minutes or less, you may have a problem.
How many different chambers are there of a roundhouse kick?
If you said one, you may have a problem.
How many basic fighting positions can you employ during a sparring match?
If you answered more than two, you may have a problem.
Do you know how to change sides during a sparring match?
If you have no idea or think it is okay to step forward, you may have a problem.
I could go on, but most of you have already stopped reading.
Look in the mirror, my fellow martial artists. If you are okay with your abilities to fight either on the street or in your Do-Jang, then Godspeed. If not, SEEK HELP!
