Martial Arts: Traditional vs The New and The New Views on The Traditional - commentary

[hellheaven1987]

Finally some new debate; I guess the flame in Mudpit about Europe and Muslims caught most of us' attention so no time for a new debate?

Anyway, it is an interesting topic; I have practiced Kendo and fencing before and know a lot of people who practice other types of martial art, and all I can say about my experience is only sabre fencing is still "close" to reality in my opinion (well, you probably can count epee too, since that is a damned heavy sword and a very realistic target area). The closest "realistic" duel I had watched before is two seniors of my fencing club once practicing rapier fencing and it was very interesting to watch.

[athanaric]

As I see it the point about Krav Maga not being a "martial art" because of dirty moves is a self-defeating one: prohibiting "un-sportsmanlike" techniques in a martial arts school is the first step towards turning it into a ritualized sport, which is precisely what the OP disapproves of. IMO the "real", non-sports Martial Arts should be about efficiency only, i.e. effectively defeating your enemy in the easiest possible way while receiving as little damage as possible yourself. Fighting for your life is not a sport even if some individuals get a perverse thrill out of it.

Interestingly, the core Olympic disciplines started out as para-military training themselves.

[hellheaven1987]

I don't mind the sportmanship part of martial art, but what I am tired about is the lie most martial art practicers like to feed up others - "Through the practice of martial art you can understand the philosophy of a warrior!!!" this sore of lie, and there are some martial art promote this lie heavily, if not even adopt it as a core of their thinking (like Kendo; half of time my club members constantly stress this point during practice, make me want to punch them in the face).

[Copperknickers II]

Necromancer hasn't been online for a while now, I understand he has some RL stuff going on. I'm sure he'll continue when he's next online.