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Muay Thai with Brazillian Ju Jitsu, and Boxing with Judo.

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Subject: 11 - The Dark Side of Martial Arts

Though it is touched upon in other portions of this Guide, it's worth spending
some time looking specifically at the dark, seamy underbelly of Martial Arts.

This is the place where people take advantage of you.

McDojo's

First, let's look at the dreaded "McDojo."  These are usually schools who's 
sole goal is to part you from your money without ever imparting any real
Martial Arts knowledge.  These can sometimes be difficult to detect since part
of the successful money-student separation is to convince the student that
useful information is, in fact, being taught while devising ever more ways to
implement the money-student separation.

This separation is often achieved by having fee after fee after fee and 
required expenditures on and on and on.  For instance, schools that require
you to buy only their branded uniforms and gear, require you to sign long 
contracts, have no "move refund" option in their contract, or high-pressure 
sales pitches.  Another common tactic is to have numerous belt test 
requirements and sub-ranks, all with a fee, non-refundable if the student
"flunks" his test.  An example would be a school which has students ranked,
"Second Stripe, Decided, Green Belt" or similar.  These schools may also 
require weekend training trips.

Besides the red flags listed above, a few other's that may indicate a "McDojo"
include: Any school that promises you a Black Belt in under 3 years or
routinely produces Black Belts in 2 years.  Any school which seems to have
overly young or inexperienced experts (usually "Black Belts" or "Dan ranks") -
for example a school recently made the news, noteworthy because they had just
promoted a three year old toddler to "Black Belt" and they had a five year old
child as a 2nd Dan (second degree) "Black Belt."  

Scams

Another variation on the McDojo effect are Scams.  The number and variety of
scams are infinite, as any grifter can tell you.  However, the same grifter
will also tell you that the most effective usually seem to be variation on a
few basic themes.  In the Martial Arts world, one of these themes is the "Study
at Home" scam.  One reason this is such an effective scam is that it's very
similar in appearance to legitimate training aids.  The scam usually takes the
guise of an advertisement promising to impart vast knowledge and unbeatable
fighting skills with the purchase of a home study system, usually consisting of
Video Tapes or DVDs.  The home practitioner then "studies" these videos, takes
a test, sometimes written, sometimes by video taping himself and then mails it
back to the originator for "grading" along with a sum of money.  Naturally "rank"
is issued (usually the coveted "Black Belt") as well as a lead in for
additional "training."  Of course, the consumers have become somewhat more savvy
and this exact scam takes in fewer marks then it once did.  Another variation of
the scam is to simply not offer the "rank by mail," which is a dead give away.
Instead, the same "be an unbeatable killer" advertising is used to sell the
video material.  A third variation of this particular scam involves actual "live"
training.  A seminar is offered from which the attendees are guaranteed rank
(often teaching rank) in a new and unbeatable system.  These seminars are usually
short, only a couple of hours, and often attempt to make some tenuous link to
military combatives such as the Marines or the Special Forces (linking to the
"unbeatable" skill of military groups is another common "hook").

Another variation of martial arts scams are questionable training aids.  These 
are devices or machines which, through their use, supposedly will confer 
awesome capabilities to their users.  They frequently take the form of exercise
aids with vastly exaggerated claimed benefits.  Occasionally these devices can 
take the form of a machine or appliance which will "teach" your body to perform
some devastating "secret" technique.

The reason these scams are so successful is that they so closely mirror 
legitimate training aids.  Video's, books, and seminars, exercise devices, even 
weekend training camps, are all tools used by legitimate martial artists to 
enhance their skills and improve their understanding.  The critical difference 
is that the scams typically promise great gains, impressive skills, or rank 
for comparatively little investment of time.

Cults

Martial Arts hold a nearly unique place in society.  They are, at most basic
not related to any social, moral, or religious principles.  They are merely 
"martial," or "pertaining to war or combat skills."  Yet, at the same time, 
many are drenched in philosophy and the "mental" benefits cited range from 
improved self esteem all the way through metaphysical abilities.  Simply put,
mysticism in Martial Arts is not only accepted, but often EXPECTED.  Coupled
with the business or organizational structure of many Martial Arts, this 
produces a prime candidate for cult like organizations to spring up.  All of 
the required markers or precepts are easily applied.  For instance, the 
required attitude to "trust without question" a leader or central authority 
is readily accepted behavior in many Martial Arts.  Simply put, the instructor
knows what he's talking about, you should listen to what he says even if you
do not understand why.  Most often this is a safety or training issue.  The
experienced instructor knows that a certain way is safest or most likely to 
produce results.  That alone is no more proof that a certain Martial Art is a
cult than the requirement to follow orders instantly and without question is
evidence that the Army is a cult.  However, it does place an instructor in a 
position of power to abuse emotionally vulnerable people.  Though fortunately 
rare, cult like indicators have been seen including: 1) Complete emotional 
dependence upon a central authority figure  2) Accepting without question 
directives from a central authority figure  3) Isolation of group members and
restriction of their association to other group members exclusively, including 
communal living and breaking ties with family and close friends  4) Single
minded recruitment into the group  5) Relinquishing control of personal assets
to the central authority figure.  Of course, this is a short and perforce 
slightly vague list.  If you suspect someone may be becoming involved in a cult
of any sort, whether Martial Arts or otherwise, research the organization
thoroughly and consult a licensed mental health care professional.

Two examples of Martial Arts organizations that closely match cult profiles 
are: Chung Moo Do, and Kanzen Kenpo

Sexual Predators - Pedophiles and Power Abusers

Another area of concern for many people is that of sexual abusers.  This is 
generally of greatest concern to parents.  How can you know that the Instructor
is not a Pedophile?  The Martial Arts world frequently generate exactly the
recipe needed for a Pedophile to successfully engage in his preferred 
perversion: unsupervised access to children.  In fact, it's gone one better.
The instructor is, by default, placed in a position of authority and trust for
the child.  This danger can be doublely compounded by some standard activities
associated with Martial Arts such as weekend seminars in remote or isolated
areas and out of town, over-night, competitions.  Fortunately the safe-guards
for children in the Martial Arts are the same as for any other activity.  
Check the background of a potential instructor.  You can check with the local
Police Department for complaints or criminal history (a wise idea whatever the
case) as well as consulting databases (many of them "on-line") listing Sexual
Predators.  Ensure that the child is never alone and unsupervised.  Go with
your child to his classes (be sure to sit quietly to the side; take reading
material or a quiet hobby).  Many schools even have a special area where
parents can sit and watch the class.  Whenever your child has an out of town or
over-night function, accompany them or have a trusted adult accompany them.
Go with your child to watch his competitions.  It's an enjoyable spectator
event and will show your child that you support his interests.  Finally, pay
attention to your child.  Observe changes in behavior that might indicate
emotional trauma such as withdrawing from friends and family, hostility, or
depression.  Listen to your child and talk with them about the dangers of the
world and what is and is not acceptable conduct from others.  For further
tips and advice consult your local Police Department.

Sexual Power Abusers are not generally thought of in the context of a Martial
Arts instructor.  While the idea of a Boss at a work place or a Professor at 
a University being a sexual power abuser is fairly well accepted, often the 
idea of applying the same context to other authority figures is overlooked.  
Unfortunately some Martial Arts instructors have used their positions as an 
authority figure to prey sexually on their students.  This is a difficult 
subject.  On the one hand, most would agree that it is unethical for an 
instructor to use his position to influence or compel a student into a 
relationship with him.  On the other hand, if a student is an adult and is 
consenting, what harm?  The Martial Arts world is replete with stories of 
couples who met as Martial Arts instructor and student and then pursued a 
romantic relationship successfully outside of the school.  Further, some
students are actually attracted to the power and authority of a Martial Arts
instructor, much as some are attracted to athletes or politicians.  The best 
advice for adults is to be very careful and use common sense.  Naturally, if
an instructor (or even a fellow student) is making unwanted advances, tell 
them that you are not interested.  Be polite but clear and firm.  You're not
interested in pursuing a relationship beyond mutual adherents of a Martial
Art.  If the unwanted advances continue, your road narrows somewhat.  If the
advances are from a fellow student or Assistant Instructor, go to the Primary
Instructor and explain the situation.  Ask him to help you and to talk to the 
offending person.  Chances are this has happened before and the instructor may
not have known about it.  Regardless, most instructors are wary of law suits.
If, on the other hand, the unwelcome advances are from the Chief Instructor or
Owner then your only recourse may be to simply leave that school and seek
instruction elsewhere.  You may be able to file a complaint if the school is a
member of a larger national or international organization but do not count on
this curing anything.  Some organizations may take steps to chastise or even 
revoke the instructor's membership, other organizations may do nothing.  Unless
a crime, such as rape has occurred, the legal system will probably be little 
help.  Over all, your best option may simply be to seek instruction elsewhere.

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Subject: 12 - What Kind of Martial Art Suits Me

So you still don't know quite what martial art might suit your desires
best. Won't take 'no' for an answer huh?  OK.  Well here are some ideas
that may help you narrow your search.

What are you looking for in a Martial Art?  If you know what you want out
of it, you'll have a better idea of what "kind" of art to look for. 
Typical answers include:
	Better Physical Fitness
  	Street Useful Self Defense
  	Sport Competition 
	Striking Techniques (Punching/Kicking) 
	Joint Lock Techniques 
	Grappling Techniques (some similarities to wrestling) 
	Pressure Point Techniques 
	Traditional/Oriental Weapons 
	Street/Common Weapons 
	Mental & Emotional/Spiritual Development 
	Attractiveness/Fluidity of Movements (this is very subjective) 
	Traditional "Feel" 
	Speed of Advancement/Ease of Learning Techniques 
 
Brief Descriptions of these: 
 
Better Physical Fitness: 
Some people's primary motivation in a Martial Art (MA) is improving their
Physical Fitness. To them, if they can learn a MA while getting fit, so
much the better.

Street Useful Self Defense: 
A primary motivation for many is the ability to truly be able to defend
themselves in a street confrontation against typical street techniques and
weapons.

Sport Competition: 
Many arts contain a greater or lesser degree of competition and some will
encourage their students to compete in local and national MA sporting
events in competition restricted to that particular MA and in various open
competitions.  Awards and medals are sometimes given.  Arts that emphasize
competition too much are thought by some to sacrifice some of the self
defense value to ingrained competition safeties.  Arts that are well known
for their sport value include Tae Kwon Do (TKD), Judo and Kendo.

Striking Techniques:
This is more a facet of a MA and typically describes punching and kicking
techniques.  Some arts emphasize this to a greater or lesser degree with
some focusing on it almost to the exclusion of all other techniques and
with some teaching nearly none of it.  Arts that are well known for their
striking techniques include most Korean arts like Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon
Do, and Okinawan/Japanese Karate.

Joint Lock Techniques:  
This is more a facet of a MA and typically describes techniques that lock,
restrict, manipulate, or sometimes break and dislocate the joints of the
aggressor.  Some arts emphasize this, to a greater or lesser degree, with
some focusing on it almost to the exclusion of all other techniques and
with some teaching nearly none of it.  In arts that teach a variety of
other techniques, joint lock techniques are typically thought of as an
"advanced" teaching and are typically reserved for higher ranks.  Arts that
are well known for their joint lock techniques include Aikido, Pencak
Silat, and Japanese Jui Jitsu (such as Aikijitsu and others).

Grappling Techniques: 
This is more a facet of a MA and typically describes techniques that are
similar to wresting in many ways and include throws and groundfighting
techniques (what to do when one or more combatants are at least partially
on the ground and not standing).  Some arts emphasize this to a greater or
lesser degree with some focusing on it almost to the exclusion of all other
techniques and with some teaching nearly none of it.  Arts that are well
known for their Grappling/Groundfighting are Judo, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, and
some other types of Jui Jitsu.

Pressure Point Techniques:  
This is more a facet of a MA and typically describes techniques that
manipulate pressure points on the human body.  These "points" can in some
cases cause a great deal of pain and some practitioner say that Pressure
Point manipulation can slow down the aggressor, cause limbs to go numb,
stun or even kill an aggressor outright (though this is an extremely
advanced technique not taught to everyone and is still open to controversy
in the MA and Medical world).  Some arts emphasize this to a greater or
lesser degree with some focusing on it almost to the exclusion of all other
techniques and with some teaching nearly none of it.  Arts that are well
known for their Pressure Point techniques include some types of Kung Fu
(there are over 50 well know Kung Fu forms), and some types of Jui Jitsu.

Traditional/Oriental Weapons:  
This is more a facet of a MA and typically describes techniques with
weapons not considered to be militarily effective, or street convenient by
today's standards.  These weapons would include sword, spear, bow, and
staff.  Some arts emphasize this to a greater or lesser degree with some
focusing on it almost to the exclusion of all other techniques and with
some teaching nearly none of it.  Arts that are well known for their
Traditional/Oriental Weapons techniques include many forms of Kung Fu, many
Okinawan Karate forms, and some Japanese forms such as Kendo, Kenjutsu, and
Iaido.

Street/Common Weapons: 
This is more a facet of a MA and typically describes techniques with
weapons considered to still be militarily effective, or street convenient
by today's standards.  These weapons would include knife, club,
cane/half-staff.  Some arts emphasize this to a greater or lesser degree
with some focusing on it almost to the exclusion of all other techniques
and with some teaching nearly none of it.  Arts that are well known for
their Street/Common Weapons techniques include many forms of Kung Fu, many
Okinawan Karate forms, and some Japanese forms, and especially Indonesian
forms such as Pencak Silat, and Philippines forms such as Kali, Arnis, and
Escrima.

Mental & Emotional/Spiritual Development:  
This is often considered a strong benefit of taking MA's.  Many instructors
advertise their MA directly to parents as a way of increasing children's
Self Confidence, Socialization Skills, and Personal Well Being.  Spiritual
development is a strong component of many but not all MA's.  The Japanese
word "Do" (when applied to a MA) is considered to mean "way" or "path" to
Spiritual Enlightenment or personal understanding (Koreans arts ending in
"Do" have a similar meaning).  In general, any Japanese art ending in Do
will have to a greater or lesser degree a Spiritual or Self Improvement
aspect, while Japanese arts ending in Jitsu are primarily concerned with
martial abilities and will have little or no concept of Spiritual
Enlightenment or Self Development, except as is important and added by the
instructor.  This is largely dependent upon the instructor in any system. 
Arts known for their emphasis on Spiritual Development include many forms
of Kung Fu, especially Shaolin Kung Fu, taiji and certain Japanese "Zen"
martial arts such as the Aikikai form of Aikido.  (note: lots of
generalizations here)

Attractiveness/Fluidity of Movements:  
This is one that's as hard to pin down as the Spiritual aspect.  Suffice it
to say that some arts just look prettier than others.  A master in most any
MA is going to have a fluidity and grace of movement, however that is not
always true of the students.  As a gross generalization, typically,
"circular" arts will appear more fluid and graceful than "linear" arts.  A
simplistic definition of circular vs. linear is that each variation tends
to have a greater emphasis on movements and techniques in its "category."
Thus circular arts will tend to have a lot of sweeping circular and rounded
movements, while linear arts will tend to move in more direct lines.  Also
as a gross oversimplification, linear arts tend to be "hard" (direct and
force/impact oriented) while circular arts tend to be much more "soft"
(redirect and control oriented).  One more gross oversimplification,
circular techniques tend to be more difficult to master than linear. 
Striking arts tend to be more linear and Joint Lock & Grappling arts tend
to be more circular.  Examples of largely circular arts are Aikido and
certain Kung Fu forms (Baguazhang / Pa Kua Chang).  Examples of largely 
linear arts include Tae Kwon Do and Karate.  An example of a very exciting
and fluid art is Chinese Wu Shu.

Traditional "Feel":  
This describes the feel of the "weight of tradition" that is attractive to
some Martial Artists.  Some MA players like to feel like they are
participating in a tradition thousands of years old and readily accept
ancillary aspects of MA study such as bowing and foreign terminology.  Most
MA's have an aspect of "tradition" to them, especially the Asian arts
(i.e., Chinese, Korean, Okinawan, Japanese) and almost all MA's have a code
of etiquette to follow while in the training hall.  Frequently there are
rituals involved, some with religious significance, some merely as a show of
respect for the founder or the instructor.  Some MA's require a uniform and
some (such as Capoeira or Pencak Silat) may not, at the instructor's
discretion.  In general, how "traditional" an art feels is almost entirely
dependent upon the local instructor.  Any given art has instructors who
prefer an informal environment or a more formal one.  Generally, the
further back the roots of the art stretch, the more instructors there are
that will prefer a formal or semi-formal environment though this is
anything but a hard rule.  Further, societal origins will tend to have an
effect on the formality of the training environment.  Japanese arts for
instance tend to be more formal in nature as the Japanese society has a
long standing history of formality in the minutia whereas arts that are
American in inception (there are a few) will tend to be very informal since
the American society is a largely informal society.

Speed of Advancement/Ease of Learning Techniques:  
There are really two separate issues here, though many people equate them. 
A common question is "how long must I study before I know the art?" or
alternately "how long must I study before I get a Black Belt?" Whereas,
another common question is "how long must I study before I can defend
myself?" The nature of these two questions is different.  Most people
equate Black Belt with having achieved Martial Arts godhood.  This couldn't
be further from the truth.  The actuality is, typically, Black Belt (or
First Dan) is where a student is finally gaining a base level of competency
and understanding in his art.  One description that I recently read was to
think of a Black Belt as if it were a Bachelors degree from college.  It is
an expert level, but not a Doctorate level, or even a Master's Degree. 
Those are more typically associated with higher Dan ranks.  This is an apt
description since in most reputable MA's, it should take between 3 and 5
years practice to be awarded a Black Belt.  It is not unheard of for a
reputable school to produce an occasional black belt in 2 to 3 years,
however, this person is either unusually dedicated and practices on a
nearly daily basis or is a Martial Arts Prodigy.  Any school that promises
you a Black Belt in under 3 years or routinely produces Black Belts in 2
years is what's sometimes referred to as a "Black Belt Factory" or a school
that "Sells Black Belts" (McDojo) and should be avoided.  That being said,
the question still remains "how long must I study before I can defend
myself?" If home defense is your only goal, buy a gun and learn to safely
use it.  You can become proficient in the safe use of firearms in a far shorter
time than a MA, and firearms are typically much more effective.  Why do
you think the Military uses them?  Or perhaps you should buy a dog. 
Statistics show that less than 5% of homes that own _any_ sort of dog will
_ever_ be burglarized (this includes those hairless rat-dogs the
Chihuahua).  If this is not an alternative for you or if you are also
concerned about protecting yourself where you can not, for various reasons,
take your gun or your dog, then perhaps a MA is for you.  How much study it
takes for you to become effective at defending yourself is a component of
many different things, including the art its self, your aptitude at
learning it, and the abilities of the person attacking you.  The stories of
Black Belts being beat up by untrained drunks are true.  And also, the
stories of new students using the MA to successfully defend themselves
against rapists and murderers are also true.  Whatever the case for your
aptitude, the more effort and practice you put into learning your chosen
MA, the better you will be at defending yourself and your family.

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Subject: 13 - Disclaimer and Copyright Notice

Some answers given may reflect personal biases of the author and
contributors.  The answers contained herein pertain to discussions on the
rec.martial-arts group, and are by no means exhaustive.

The martial arts Newbie Guide was created from an outline of an earlier
document, also titled "The Newbie Guide" by Jeff D. Pipkins as well as
information from the creator of this document, Kirk Lawson (additional
contributors listed at end).  It is the intention that this document be a
companion document to the current rec.martial-arts FAQ.  The author, Kirk
Lawson, grants rights to update, maintain, modify, and distribute this
document provided that you abide by the "no profit" restrictions detailed
hereafter.

You are specifically granted the right to distribute this document in any
storage or display format including, but not limited to, HTML, RTF, .DOC,
PDF, or direct telepathic transfer.

You are granted the right to copy, store, modify, and distribute this
document provided that a) This Disclaimer, Copyright, and any version
history or creator/contributor attributions are included.  b) That you
charge no monies for the distribution of this document, excepting a nominal
charge for the cost of media upon which it may be distributed.  If you wish
to include this document in any for-profit publication or to include it in
any pay-per or price metered medium or delivery, you may only do so with
the express permission of the original document author, Kirk Lawson. 
Basically, if you want to modify or distribute this document for free,
fine, go ahead and do it, but if you want to make money off of it, I want
my cut.

Kirk Lawson: lklawson@heapy.com or lawson@dayton.net

Additional Contributors:
Lauren Radner - lradner@us.ibm.com
Steve Gombosi - sog@amaterasu.scd.ucar.edu
Kevin Hill - Kevin.Hill@jdsu.com
Matthew Weigel - mcweigel+@cs.cmu.edu
Ted Bennett - weirdwolf@ntlworld.com
Neil Gendzwill - gendzwil@sedsystems.ca

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