Classic Shidokan Fight

Here's a great match between multiple time Shidokan World Champion, Marco London and Arne Solwedel. This fight is from the mid 90s, and shows the shift of the Shidokan World Open from bare knuckle karate tournament to the Triathlon (Karate, Kickboxing, and Grappling).

Shidokan Triathlon Fight

Why Practice Traditional Martial Arts?

In the martial arts world, there are traditional, mixed and reality/tactical based martial arts. I consider myself to be a student of all 3. Today's post I will talk tell you my thoughts on traditional martial arts training. In my style of Karate, we practice in a Gi (uniform), bow, and use Japanese terminology. Some of the culture from that arts country of origin is adopted. The practice of traditional techniques are done in a way to teach perfection of technique, precision and focus. I have used these concepts in other aspects of my martial arts training over the years. Even though I teach an eclectic style (karate, kickboxing, and grappling), I integrate some of the principles I've learned from traditional martial arts training. It's like music. I enjoy listening to classical, rap and metal. Combat sports are more physical and favor the younger athlete. Tactical martial art training, require you to shoot guns (so if you are anti-gun, this is not for you). All can benefit from traditional martial arts training. Young and old, fighter or not, one is able to focus and get centered in traditional training.

Unqualified Coaches And Instructors

Martial arts are a big business these days. Because the are ingrained in our culture through TV, Movies, and video games, most people are familiar with martial arts techniques. Commercial dojos and fight gyms are the norm and people make a living off of the martial arts. The unfortunate things is that many of these business are operated by unqualified people. They may have the business experience and smarts to run a business. I am not saying anything is wrong with that. Of course gym owners should be able to make money. My issue is with instructors who have no real experience trying to teach people how to defend themselves or compete. There are many young instructors teaching students around the same age and giving them advice on how to fight. Being around combat sports for some many years, I see guys who amateurs a few years ago coaching guys who have more amateur fights than they did. Would you let a doctor who hasn't done his residency see about you? I doubt it. Would you let someone who has only flown flight simulators fly you? No. It's like going to law school, never passing the Bar, and never working your way up in a law office, but yet you decide to open your own law firm. In martial arts and fitness you can pretty much do what you want. Market your stuff and be a good salesman (which are good attributes) is all you need to do. Like I said the business aspect of martial arts aren't bad, but consumers make sure you have a qualified provider of service.