Why a blog about Martial Arts Antics?
So what's the deal with these Martial Arts Antics, I hear you say? Well, let me try to explain it as straight forward as I possibly can. Just be warned that I do have this tendency to ramble on a bit...
The thing is that I have a sort of love hate relationship with the martial arts and the martial arts community as a whole. Make no mistake about it - I sincerely love the martial arts! That goes for my own art (ju jitsu) as for other arts as well. I find them fascinating, fun, engaging and purposeful, they keep you in shape and teaches you so much more along the way.
If I didn't love the fighting arts, I wouldn't keep doing it for well over thirty years and counting, it's as simple as that. So where does the hate come in?
Built for deceit
Let me begin to say that it is less of hate as such and more of a dislike, some times a strong sense of dislike. A sensation of hate is probably too harsh.
The thing is that the martial arts is a place that is more or less custom designed for charlatans, con-men (and ladies), tricksters and what not. You can basically claim anything you like, fake your grades, titles and affiliations and have people believe in the most absurd claims.
Want to present yourself as a descendant of some obscure ninja from Japan or the inheritor of a lost and ancient Chinese art? No problem. Want to start your own style and become instant guru, grand master or soke (founder of a school or art)? Sure thing. Just print some fake diplomas, keep a straight face, learn the lingo and off you go to the races!
It can be really hard for someone not in the know to distinguish the real masters from the fake ones and it is so easy to be sucked in by someone who appears to be the real deal. After all, con-men are really good at what they do, they are basically masters of luring, tricking, falsifying and deceiving.
The intent is two-fold
The intent here is basically two-fold. First and foremost I want to shine a light on all these cheaters and charlatans you can find out there, and believe me they are quite a crowd... Think of this place as another resource for you to use in your search for the legitimate teachers and styles.
Secondly, I also want it to be light and entertaining. Make no mistake about it - a lot of these shenanigans do come across as so far out that it's actually quite funny ... at least to me it is.
Old and new
You will find stuff both older and more recent, things from the archives as well as captured from today's news. There will be videos as well as news articles and other references. In short, you will find a mix of everything.
And by all means, if you have something to share, do feel free to contact me! You can use the contact form to your right. Also, do feel free to comment and share, I'd love to hear your feedback - good or bad!