When Rank Doesn’t Matter By Scott Shaw

By Scott Shaw

 

To the average person in the world, when they hear that an individual is a black belt, they believe that is the ultimate step in one’s martial art journey. The black belt is the pinnacle. And yes, in some ways it is.

To the person who is training in the martial arts, however, they know that earning the black belt is just a step in the process. There is degrees of black belt and the first level of black belt, the first dan, is understood to be just the beginning.

By tradition, one is not even considered to be an instructor until they have reach the 4^th dan black belt, which takes about ten years from the point of earning on the 1^st dan black belt. In this, and because of this, there has arisen a big problem in the realms of the martial arts; especially within the modern martial arts base in the Western world. What has been born is the desire for more. More, before the individual has accrued the time to actually be at the level of understanding that it takes to be a true teacher of the martial arts. From this, all kinds of problems have arisen.

Throughout my years of involvement in the martial arts, which is now almost sixty, I have watched as so many organizations have come and gone; all based in the purpose of making the Westerner climb up the rank ladder faster than was traditionally deemed appropriate.

The simply formal, laid down by the founders of the Japanese martial arts, that gave rise to the Korean martial arts, and their rank system, was after the 1^st dan black belt it was two more years of training to reach the 2^nd dan, three more years of training to reach the 3^rd dan, four more years after that to reach the 4^th dan, five more years of training to reach the 5^th dan, and so on.  But, this formal structure was washed out the window long ago, leaving us with so many high ranking martial artists, that are far too young to be the rank they currently hold, that it is not even fathomable. This has given rise to so many accusation among practicing martial artists that it is not even funny.

When discussing this situation, I frequent recount the time I was speaking with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace regarding an article I was writing about him for a magazine. He so eloquently stated, “Back in the day if a person was a 1^st degree black belt, they were impossible to touch. If they were a 2^nd degree black belt, forget about it, they would tear you apart. Now, everyone is an 8^th, 9^th or 10^th degree black belt and they are terrible.” Sadly, that became one of the definitions of the modern Western martial arts.

This is nothing new, however. From the time when I was first branching out from my original instructor, which was a very sheltered study situation, I began to hear about this teacher making bad comments about the inabilities of that instructor, and so on. These negative comments seemly became the cornerstone of the modern martial arts. And, it has continued forward onto today.

For anyone involved in the martial arts, all they have to do is to listen to how this student speaks about the lacking’s of that student, this instructor or school dismisses that other teacher or school. How one instructor at a school criticizes another martial artist, no matter what level of accomplishments that person has achieved. Or maybe particularly if that other marital artist has achieved something more than the individual casting the negative words has accomplished. How a certain style is proclaimed to be superior to another system, by its practitioners, no matter how ancient that other system may. On and on and on…

But, is this how the martial arts should be? Is this how martial artists should behave? Is this what the martial arts were designed for? Is this their true spiritual essence? Is this what the black belt truly means?  Or, is this simply ego?

I was looking through some papers I wrote on the subject of the martial arts back in 1981. Though I was only twenty-three at the time, I had been involved with the martial arts for almost twenty years. Even then, I was discussing how the formal belt system should be revamped and that the back belt ranks should be removed, leaving only, the singular black belt, the instructor, and the advanced instructor for those teaching the more high-level students of the art. Wouldn’t that just be better Wouldn’t that remove a lot of the nonsense?

I believe that this is an important thing to think about for you martial artists out there, and for you non-martial artists, as well. If someone is casting disparaging remarks about anyone or anything, doesn’t that make them a lower-level individual? Should you really train under and/or follow a person who possess that temperament? And, if rank is nothing more than a number placed on a piece of paper, so a person can somehow feel better about themselves, somehow feel like they are something more than someone else, gain an ego boost when somebody calls them, “Sensei,” “Sabumnin,” “Master,” “Grand Master,” or “Whatever,” doesn’t that tell you that they are simply an insecure individual who is trying to impart their knowledge solely for their need to be anointed with praise or accolades?

The problem that is born by operating from within this perspective, either in the martial arts or in life, is that, yes, you may hold the advanced rank, but you have not developed the acquire wisdom through the knowledge provided by time and experience that goes hand-in-hand with the years of training originally designated to achieve said rank. Thus, true knowledge and the ability to impart true knowledge has been diminished if not lost altogether. 

Life is really an easy process, if you make it easy. Some people, who are not whole and are lacking within themselves, seek that outward something to make them feel like they are something more. They want to be a superhero. If someone needs titles and outside adulation to help to define who and what they are, then, who and what are they?

In Zen, in Tao, at the essence of the true martial arts, the true teachers rebuked the need for titles. They simply taught what they knew in order to help their students become a better and more pure proponent of life. Isn’t that the type of person you should study from no matter what the subject is?

 

Copyright © 2024—All Rights Reserved

Scott Shaw.com

Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International 

 

Hapkido and The Dynamics of Distance By Scott Shaw

 

By Scott Shaw

 

     At the heart of the Hapkido is your ability to successfully defend yourself against the onslaught of an oncoming attacker in the most expedient manner possible. With this as source point, an untold number of self-defense systems have been developed over the centuries by virtually every culture on earth. For some, these methods of self-defense involve elaborate techniques which involve numerous exaggerated movements. The proponents of these styles believe that this will ultimately lead to the defeat of an attacker. Anyone who has ever been involved in a street fight or watched a no-holds-barred competition on television, however, can attest to the fact that elaborate techniques do not work!

 

     When you find yourself in the midst of a physical encounter, to emerge unscathed, you must defend yourself in the most expedient manner possible. To this end, elaborate techniques must be discarded and replaced with those that are not only fast but effective, as well. 

 

     To come to a better understanding of the elements which lead to rapid and safe self-defense, some of the factors of physical encounters must first be defined. From this, you can rethink your self-defense arsenal and hopefully become a more fluid and competent martial artist.

 

Self Defense and Distance

     Physical confrontations commonly begin at one of two distances. The first is when you and your opponent are in very close proximity to one another. The second is arguably the most common start point for a confrontation -- one which begins when the two of you are at a distance from one another.

 

     Ideally depictive of this is the altercation which begins when an agitated opponent signals his intentions by calling you names, telling you that he is going to kick your butt, and so on. This style of initial confrontation is actually to your advantage, because at a distance there are many more viable ways of defending yourself than when your opponent has already accosted you and the two of you are face-to-face.

 

Keep Your Distance

     The first rule of distance fighting is to, Keep Your Distance. As long as your assailant is not close enough to hit or grab you, you will remain free from injury and not have to forcefully defend yourself by punching, kicking, or throwing your attacker.

 

     The question always arises, “How do I keep my opponent at bay?” In actuality, this is one of the most readily achievable forms of self-defense. The answer is, Keep Moving.

 

     As long as you keep moving, your opponent will not only have difficulty in closing the distance between the two of you. But, in certain circumstance, he may never be able to make offensive contact with you at all.

 

     How you move is essentially important, however, if you wish to keep your opponent at a distance. Your defensive movements should never be made randomly.

 

Circular Movement

     The first method of consciously keeping your distance from your attacker is to define your environment. Ideally, you will have several feet of space, or more, around you. In these cases, begin to pivot in a circular fashion around your opponent. Using him as your central axis, you should continue to circularly alter your location. From this, he will not have a direct path of attack.

 

     The reason you move in a circular fashion is this allows you to keep him off balance. As he is central to your circumference, he will be forced to pivot around in a very small pattern. This will often times cause him to not only remain off balance, but it may also cause him to trip over his own feet as he may become somewhat disorientated. Additionally, by moving in a circular pattern, you can slowly and consciously continue to move back and away from him, thereby, increasing your distance. As you do this, he will have to travel farther to actually attack you. Thus, you will have additional time to prepare your counter defense. 

 

     In is essential at this level of self-defense that you do not turn and take your eyes off of your attacking opponent at any time. If you do, this will provide him with an opportunity to charge in at you. As you may not see his approach, this could be devastating. Therefore, keep your eyes on your attacker at all times, as you continue to move.

 

Move and Deflect

     Though circular movement is a viable first line of defense, many times an enraged attacker will become agitated at his inability to simply come up and punch you. This is when he may simply run in at you to make contact. At this point, your first line of self-defense is to simply alter your circular pattern and rapidly step back or step to the side of his attack. Due to his momentum driven run, if you are quick, you will again have foiled his attempted attack.

 

     Of course, this style of defense will not necessarily cause you to emerge victorious from all confrontations. If your opponent persists, your next line of self-defense is to deflect your opponent’s attack when he rushes in at you.

 

     It must be understood, however, that your best method of self-defense is to never make contact with an opponent unless it is absolutely necessary. With no contact, there is no possibility of physical injury. The moment contact is made, the chances of injury are enormous -- both by being hit and by delivering your defense applications. Thus, actual physical contact should be your last level of self-defense when all other methods have failed.

 

     Your first line of deflective self-defense is to rapidly sidestep any rushing attack. The basis for this style of movement can be seen in football when a pass rusher charges in at the quarterback. The quarterback will wait until the last second before impact is made and then rapidly sidestep the onslaught, applying a little deflective push to his opponent. Possession of the ball is maintained and the individual who attempted the tackle is sent to the ground where he must get up from if he hopes to instigate another offense.

 

     The key element to remember in this style of deflective self-defense is to not move until the last possible moment.  If you move too soon, your opponent will see this action and have time to recalculate his attack -- perhaps making contact with you.

 

     Keep in mind, that your attacker is highly adrenalized. Thus, his energy is quickly expended. As long as you can keep him away from you, he will be burning excessive amounts of energy and you, remaining relatively calm, will maintain your energy surplus.  Thus, like the competent boxer who allows his opponent to chase him around the ring, you too can conserve your energy and counter attack only when you opponent is worn out.

 

The Room is Closing in On You

     You will not always be in a wide-open space when an assailant accosts you. When a large amount of space is not available, many instructors of self-defense teach that you should back yourself up against a wall.  This is especially the case if you find yourself in a room. The belief is that by backing yourself up to a wall, your attacker cannot come around behind you. Though there is a logic to this form of self-defense, the biggest downside to it is that once you back yourself up against a wall, your movement is highly limited and your attacker can close in on you and strike with multiple attacks. Additionally, your defensive blocking techniques are highly restricted, with your back against a wall, as you can only move effectively from side to side. If you attempt to push out from the wall, you must then meet the punches of your attacker head on. 

 

     For these reasons, moving against a wall should only be employed when it is absolutely to your advantage. This situation would occur when your attacker is rapidly rushing in at you. Then, simply by side stepping his attack, redirecting his aggressive energy, and guiding his face or body into the wall, you will have saved yourself the necessity of striking out at him, as you have used his own momentum driven force to cause him to powerfully impact the nearby wall.

 

     In virtually all other cases, it is to your advantage to keep moving if you find yourself accosted in a walled outdoor or indoor location. Even if your movements must be linear, due to the confined configuration of the space, your attackers will still need to chase after you to grab or to strike at you.

 

When Movement Fails

     Movement should always be your first line of defense. Deflection should be your second. But, movement and deflection can not always be your last line of defense. For this reason, you must be prepared to effectively defense yourself when you come face-to-face with an attacker.

 

     There are a few very basic yet very effective preliminary techniques you can employ when an opponent has closed the distance on you. The first, and perhaps most effective, is to deliver a powerful front kick to his groin, mid-section, or under his jaw just before he is close enough to make punching or grabbing contact with you. By kicking him in this rapid and penetrating fashion, not only will you have gained first strike advantage, but your surprise attack may debilitate him to the degree that he will not be desirous of or possess the ability to regroup with a secondary attack.

 

     In some cases, this front kick self-defense cannot be used.  Your next line of defense will then be you deflecting the onslaught of his shoving, punching, or grabbing assault. To do this you must first employ the basic rule of deflection -- get out of the way.  The most effective way to do this is simply sidestep the assault.  Then, once his initial attack has missed, you can take control over the altercation by delivering a powerful counter strike, such as a low side kick to his knee.  In other cases, you will want to dominate his movements and send him to the ground where he cannot effectively launch another attack.

 

     As you now understand, self-defense does not have to be two individuals going at it blow-by-blow, leaving only the one who delivers the most powerful punch standing. In fact, this style of self-defense is your least advantageous alternative. Therefore, whenever you are forced into a physical confrontation, use movement as your first line of self-defense, deflection as your second, and finally a well delivered counterattack as your third. From this, you will emerge unscathed from any altercation without ever allowing it to degenerate into a no-holds-barred grappling match fought upon the ground.

 

Copyright © 1992 –- All Rights Reserved

Scott Shaw.com

Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International 

 

Constantly Evolving

By Scott Shaw

 

I was recently having a discussion with another long-time Hapkido practitioner about how the art has evolved over the years.

Some would say that a specific system of martial arts should not evolve. In fact, many a practitioner holds fast to what they were taught as a novice student and never move their art forward in any manner. Others, the more open-minded, commonly proclaim that any system of martial arts must constantly evolve or it becomes stagnate and lost to the hands of time. Wherever you fall in this thought process, it cannot be denied that the understanding and development of Hapkido has remained in a constant state of evolution since its inception just over seventy years ago. This is in stark contrast to many of the other traditional system of self-defense.

From my own perspective, I began training in Hapkido in 1964. At that time, Hapkido only utilized the most basic of kicks: the front kick, the side kick, the roundhouse kick, and the circle or crescent kick, with just a few variations on those kicks. The hand-techniques, as we call them, (the formalized self-defense movements), were all very standardized.

I was a child when I begin my study, so I never thought too much about the process of evolution within Hapkido. I simply trained in what I was taught.

As Hapkido is a very hands-on system of self-defense, it is quite common that the students will go hand-to-hand with each other. In each class, there is a time period where the fundamental basics of the hand techniques are to be practiced. Whereas in other martial art systems, like Taekwondo, much of a class may be devoted to the practice of forms. But, as traditional Hapkido has no forms, much more of an emphasis is placed on the practicalities of hand-to-hand combat and how to defend against specific forms of attack.

As Hapkido arrived in the United States in the 1960s, via Korean-born instructors, this was also a time when the various martial art systems, formulated within South Korea, were taking notice of one another. Certainly, the martial art system that became known as Taekwondo took the biggest hold on the country. From this, the development of Hapkido was also impact. Many of the advanced kicking techniques associated with Taekwondo eventually came to be utilized by Hapkido practitioners. This may be considered the first evolution of the art, but it certainly was not the last.

From the end of World War II forward, and particularly by the 1960s, there were U.S. military men returning home from military service in Asia. Some of these men had studied the indigenous martial arts while they were stationed in Asia and, upon returning home, began to train others in what they had learned. Some taught and continued to teach a very formalized system, mirroring what they had been taught. But, times were changing in the world and a more wide-spanning system of belief was emerging. Insightful Korean martial art practitioners like Chuck Norris began to understand that if they would incorporate the martial art techniques used by other systems, they could enhance their own self-defense and competitive capabilities. From this, a new understanding of ever-evolving integration was given birth to in the world of the martial arts. This mindset also took hold in some schools of Hapkido.

If you look at the various schools of Hapkido, particularly those who trace their lineage back to different first-generation instructors, one will quickly witness that though there may be a similarity in the techniques practiced, the focus on specific types of techniques and the applications of those techniques varies greatly. This shows us that even from its source there was no singular formalized concept being propagated in Hapkido as say in the case of Taekwondo. The techniques of Hapkido were always allowed to be dictated by the teacher. Thus, evolution in Hapkido was and is inevitable.

For any of you Hapkido practitioners out there, simply compare the art the way you learned it, to the way another advanced practitioner was taught and practices it from another school. You will instantly see that there is a vast level of understanding housed within the art. Yet, each advanced practitioner focuses on varying levels of techniques ideally emulated via their own understanding of the art.

So, what does this tell us? Like I discussed with my friend, from its inception, Hapkido has allowed each individual practitioner to embrace the art through their own unique level of understanding and to teach Hapkido via their own distinctive comprehension of the art. There has never been a blockade about what one could or could not practice or teach. Thus, the art has been allowed to evolve naturally throughout the entire time of its existence.

Is this the right way that a system of self-defense should be embraced? I believe that it is. For by allowing the advanced practitioners to convey the art via their best understanding of the art, nothing ever remains stagnant, and it is allowed to naturally evolve meeting the needs of each individual and each specific period of time.

This is the same with all aspects of life, at least I believe that it should be. We are each formed by our basis in life. From there, it is what we do with those fundamentals that causes us to either remain stagnant or allows us to evolve and become the best version of ourselves that is possible. We can choose to stay in one place and never become more and better, locking ourselves into one pattern of thought and action, or we can keep our minds open, allowing the new to guide us to becoming all that we can be.

What you do with your life is your choice. Do you choose to remain the same throughout your existence? Or, do you choose to constantly evolve; embracing the new, and possibly better, whenever it is presented to you: constantly learning, constantly changing, constantly evolving, becoming the best example of you that you can possible be?  

Personal evolution is your choice. What choice do you make?

 

Copyright © 2023—All Rights Reserved

 

Originally from the Scott Shaw Blog. 

Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International

How The God of High School Revealed the True, Weird History of Taekwondo

 Here's an Interesting article about Taekwondo that references some of Scott Shaw's historical research on the subject:

IN-DEPTH: How The God of High School Revealed the True, Weird History of Taekwondo

 

Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International

The Hidden Assailant By Scott Shaw

 

By Scott Shaw

 

As a martial arts author, I have written so much about defending yourself against the hidden assailant and/or what to do when you are unexpectedly attacked. It seems that in the physical realms of reality it is much more easily discussed what to do, when. When it comes to the other levels of life, when you are attacked, from an unexpected opponent, defense seems oftentimes more complicated. Why? Because like all unseen attacks, the coward is attacking you from a position of surprise where defense is never easy.

Think about a time when your life was shaken by someone coming at you and attacking from some unseen location. Maybe this was in some form of an insult, a lie, a harsh criticism, a false discourse, cheating, breaking your heart, you name it—the list of this style of attack is sadly very long. Why did they do it? In most cases, it was because they wanted to hurt you. In other cases, it is not so devious, it is simply because they did not really care about your feelings. They put their own feelings over yours and, thus, though the hurt they unleash may not be as calculated as someone who is intentionally attempting to damage you or your life, what they did painfully hurt, nonetheless.

Take a moment and isolate one of those attacks that came at you out of nowhere. How did it feel? Undoubtedly it damaged you.

There are some people, in fact many, who unleash this style of attack; who will claim that you deserved it. You had it coming. They do not like you or what you do or what you say so they attack from some hidden position. But, does their not liking you or being mad at you, (or whatever), give them the right to hurt you from afar? Of course, when you are on the receiving end, you will say, “No.” But, turn this around for a moment, what about when you did something like that to someone else? What was your motivation? Of course, you felt the same set of emotions of wanting to unleash hurt to that person. But, did you ever question the truth of your why?

Most people who behave in this manner easily find a justification for doing what they do, in the capacity of clandestine hurt. But, as in the case with all justification, the unleashing of hurt is only a very self-centered ideology, based upon a specific set of beliefs harbored and emulated from a single individual. Yes, what they do may spread to the minds of others, but does that make it true or right? Or, is it simply a selfish manifestations, instigated by someone who cannot see beyond their malignant self-doubt and/or self-hatred.

Hurt, especially the cowardly act of hurting from afar, is always unleash by someone who does not possess a sense of universal awareness. They do not hold empathy. Because, if they did, they would not stoop to the level of this style of attack. Think about that statement…

In life, there are really two levels of mindfulness: there is the selfish and the Self-Based, from which hurt and hatred is unleashed, then, there is that of caring. Here, empathy is born. This is where helping, not hurting emulates from. This is the home of the God-Mind. Where do you dwell?

You know, some people hurt, and they want to attach their name to that hurt. They want to get credit, fame, money, ego-stroking, or whatever else from unleashing the pain. Many/most do it from some hidden realm, however, where they can hurt but no retribution will find them. Those are the true cowards.

This being said, an attack, no matter from where it is launched, is still an attack. What do attacks lead to? We all know the answer to that: hurt, pain, counterstrikes, and war.

There’s this great line delivered by Mickey Rourke to William Hurt in the movie, Body Heat, “Hey now, I want to ask you something. Are you listening to me, asshole? Because, I like you. I got a serious question for you: What the fuck are you doing? This is not shit for you to be messin’ with. Are you ready to hear something? I want you to see if this sounds familiar: any time you try a decent crime, you got fifty ways you’re gonna fuck up. If you think of twenty-five of them, then you’re a genius - and you ain’t no genius. You remember who told me that?”

Many attackers, especially those who attack from afar, believe they can get away with it. They do it because they believe they can get aways with it. They do it just because they can get it done and hid their face and their name in the process. But, even on realms like the internet, finding out who did what, if you have the skillset, is pretty easy. Then what?

Now, I can say, attacking anyone, for some self-motivate reason, is wrong. We all know that. We all know that especially when we are on the receiving end. Then it’s all, “Boo Hoo. Why me?” But, what about when you’re doing it? Who are you thinking of? Who are you caring about? Who are you feeling for?

I can talk about deflection. I can speak about the proper techniques for the counterattack, as I have done in so many articles on the martial art. But, what life ultimately comes down to is you being the better person. You being the one who does no unleashing of pain. Can you be that person? Can you be that strong? Can you be the beacon of light in the sea of darkness? Or, can you only be the person who allows their Lower Mind to control them?

We all know what hurt feels like. But remember, the hurtful are always the ones who are ultimately looked down upon, no matter how much they hide their unleashing of their attack. The helpful are always the ones who become universally loved. Who do you want to be? The person who hurts or the person who helps?

Hurt never equals help. Remember that.

 

Copyright © 2023—All Rights Reserved

 

Scott Shaw.com

Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International 

The Martial Arts By Scott Shaw

 

By Scott Shaw

 

As someone who has been involved with the martial arts for virtually my entire life, I can say with authority that if someone desires to learn the techniques, anyone can make the martial arts a part of their life. But, as in all other elements of life, you must do what you do consciously. You must think about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Or, you may muddy-up the waters for others.

            My father was a black belt who earned his rank during his service in the military during World War II. My uncle was a professional boxer prior to World War II. Me, I began formally studying when I was six years old. That was almost sixty years ago. So, the refined fighting arts have been a part my entire life.

            I am not saying that myself or anyone else who studies the martial arts, for however long, will be the perfect technician of all techniques. But, that is what I consider mastery; that is the ultimate statement—knowing what you can do and then focusing on that, and doing it well.

            Something that I find amusing is that since the dawning of the age of the internet, there has been a certain group of nameless/faceless people who feel that they have the ability and the right to cast judgment on martial art styles and other martial artists; attempting to either give them props and/or discredit them, and then spread their thoughts to the masses. The problem is, who are these people who are casting judgment? And, what gives them the right and the privilege to judge anyone?

            In life, we are all drawn to who and what we are drawn to. We like what we like, and we dislike what we dislike. But, most of these ideologies are based upon social programming, not upon fact. This is a subject that I have addressed in so many of my articles and books.

            The problem with the martial arts, and the fighting arts in general, is that they are based upon the concept of conquest—of who can beat whom. But, this beating, (or winning), is no longer solely based upon physical prowess, as it may have been in centuries gone past. Instead, in this modern age, it is based upon who said what; based upon what lies, preconceived impressions, and misrepresentation they use to present their case.

            For this reason, martial art websites and discussion groups have popped up, spewing all kind of falsities and non-facts about martial artist and martial art styles in general. Instead of relying upon facts and the truth, all they disseminate are preconceived opinions.

            I guess I should write, OPINIONS in capital letter. Why? Because if you are judging the techniques and the ideologies of others, that means that you no longer have anything to learn. If you have nothing more to learn, that means that you are an absolute master. Are you?

            Think about this for a moment before you finalize any judgment on a martial art style or a martial artist. Think about who you are, what you have learned, how long you have been doing it, and if you possess the right, through time and through trail, to judge anyone.

            Remember, the martial arts are an art. You need to think about them like an art form. You may like a certain style of art; you may dislike another style of art, but, in either case, that does not mean that it is not art. You may like a certain style of music, you may dislike another, but that does not mean that it is not music.

            Your judgment is nothing more than your opinion. Is your opinion ever a fact?

            If you are judging anyone, that means that you believe you are better and more accomplished than they are. Are you? If you are thinking, speaking, or writing about them, doesn’t that mean that you have elevated them into a superior position than you?

            The true artist, the true marital artist, never judges anyone. They allow each person to be the best expression of their understanding of their own reality.

 

Copyright © 2011—All Rights Reserved

 

Scott Shaw.com

Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International 

Understanding the Foundational Basis of the Martial Arts By Scott Shaw

 

By Scott Shaw

            Many people identify the martial arts with as solely a method of hand-to-hand combat. They are, however, much more than that. The martial arts are, in fact, a means for the practitioner to raise their physical and mental consciousness to a new level of refined universal understanding. Though based in physical techniques and understandings of combat

            Just as when one begins to study the martial arts, they are taught the basic techniques, so too must the individual who wishes to take the next step in the martial artist learn that there are more to the martial than simply physical techniques.

            When the non-practitioner hears of the martial arts, commonly one of two images is brought to mind: either that of the martial arts master effortlessly throwing his or her opponent across the room and delivering high flying kicks through the air, or the refined monk who sits deeply in meditation high atop a mountain—using his martial arts only when confronted by the most severe form of evil.  Though these images have come to define the martial arts, they are, in fact, quite far from reality.

            To begin to comprehend the essence of the martial arts we must first understand that these ancient systems of self-defense were borne in a period of history when the need for an individual to possess refined methods of hand-to-hand combat were essential to battle off the continued onslaught of invaders who were willing to take the wanted by whatever means necessary. From these ancient societies came a long period of ongoing confrontation and battles which attempted to define which army, which system of self-defense, and even which student was the best.

            Some may argue that it is no different today. One must be able to protect themselves in the violent world we live in. As such, studying the martial arts is, “A must.”

            Commonly, if a martial artist makes this statement, it will soon be followed up by, “You really need to study my style of martial arts.  It is better than all the others.” Or. “What! You go to that school. That teacher knows nothing.”

            Certainly, the Hong Kong Kung Fu movies have come to optimize this style of competitive mindset which flourishes within the martial arts. To watch one of these movies the story commonly unfolds with the student initially defending his master. He then is commonly put the test, loses his first fight, only to retrain, battle through an untold number of combatants, finally and rise to the level of the ultimate winner.

            Though these movies are oftentimes fun to watch, and they do give us a unique insight into the politics which dominate the martial arts of yesterday and today, they are also ideally descriptive of the way not to live your life as a martial artist.  For if you live your life at a level of conflict—criticizing and challenging others—you will forever be dominated by a life defined by battle, be it verbal or physical.  This only leads to a life completely void of any peace or tranquility.

            Many a martial artists will at this point state, “But, violence and confrontation is what the martial arts are based upon.”

            It may be true that the martial arts rose from the realms of conflict. This does not need to be their final criteria, however.

            From the martial arts one has the potential to master physical and mental techniques which will raise their body and mind to a level never experienced by the average individual.  Though this potential exists, in the modern era we still find many a martial artist holding onto the confrontational mindset which defined the early development of these ancient forms of warfare. This is optimized by the practitioner who believes their system is the best system of self-defense, their instructor is the only true instructor, and their organization the only association worthy of governing anything.

            If you live your life at this singular level of one-pointed, non-explorative existence, you will never be allowed to experience the understanding which another teacher or system may possess.  You simply close yourself within self-imposed walls, thinking that you are already in an environment where you possess everything you need to know.

            One of the main reasons this commonly occurs in the modern martial arts is that, unfortunately, at the root of many people being drawn to the martial arts is insecurity. Insecurity, due to the fact of living in an aggressive, often times, violent society and needing a method to protect one’s self. Insecurity based in undefined feelings that one’s unworthiness. Thus, they are sent down the path of desiring to defeat others and prove their worthiness by any means possible. Insecurity based in low self-esteem developed by any number of physical, psychological, or emotional occurrences.

            Though virtually every person who is drawn to the martial arts based in insecurity will never admit it, this insecurity comes to be the defining element of their time spent in the martial arts—be a month, a year, or a lifetime. With this as a basis, they are lost to the world of attempting to make themselves more by criticizing, berating, and attempting to defeat others.

            Though insecurity is commonly a bases for an individual’s initially involvement in the martial arts. It does not have to be an end point.

            The martial arts where initially formulate and refined in Asia. Hand-in-hand with these systems of self-defense was associated a deep sense of spirituality—based predominately in the philosophic schools of Taoism and Buddhism. With this as a formulating bases, the refined understanding possessed by these schools of thought gave way for the martial artists to develop a new interpretation of the self, the world, nature, the universe, and one’s interaction with all of these elements.

            This is not to say that one must embrace Taoism or Buddhism if they wish to elevate their understanding of the martial arts to a more refined level.  It is simply meant that one does not need to be bound by the very animalistic levels of insecurity and competition which many practitioners of the martial arts commonly embrace.

            To begin to raise your understanding of the martial arts you must initially understand, that, yes, physical training and even physical competition are a part of the martial arts. But, it is how you, the individual, interprets this training which causes you to view the martial arts either simply as a pathway to physical domination over others or a means to lead your body and mind to a new more refined understanding of self, life, and the universe.

            This being stated, a teacher can demonstrate to you how to kick, how to punch, or how to throw an opponent. It is you, however, who must ultimately practice, come to develop, and hopefully someday master these physical techniques. This is also the case with how you choose to interact with individuals and the world around you.

            You can see the world as confrontational. Or, you can see each situation, each obstacle you encounter as a means for you to become a more whole and refined martial artists and individual.

            Simply because an individual comes up to you and instigate a physical or verbal confrontation does not mean that you are obligated to take part in it.  You have the choice; you can walk away.  If they say something negative about you, so what.  Simply realize the motivating factor for their statement and then you will not be dominated by their insecure need for domination.

            It is you who must choose to step beyond the controlling hands of small mindedness and move onto whole mindedness—making not only yourself but the entire world a better place through your practice of the martial arts.

 

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 Scott Shaw.com

 Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International

What is a Black Belt? By Scott Shaw

 

By Scott Shaw

I always feel like I need to apologize to you readers out there when I write a piece about the martial arts, because I understand that most of you who read this blog are not martial artists. So, “Sorry.”  But, I also hope that what I discuss in these martial art related pieces is wide-spanning enough that maybe you can gain a bit of new life-understanding from reading them. So, here we go…

If you ask the average person, “What is a black belt,” they will most certainly come up with a definition about a person who is very good at the techniques of self-defense. As the typical individual possesses very little knowledge about the ranking system of the martial arts, they probably know that there are a few different color belts in the learning stages, but the black belt is the end-goal of training. “They are a black belt,” and that’s that. Maybe the term, “Wow,” is even thrown in as a symbol of respect for that person’s accomplishment.

As you martial artists out there understand, there are many levels to the black belt. In fact, in Asia, when an individual has earned their first-degree black belt, they are simply understood to be an advanced student and nowhere near the level of a teacher, which traditionally comes at the fourth-degree black belt level. Of course, here in the West, there is a completely different level of definition. Many a first-degree black belt immediately moves to the position of instructor and maybe even school owner. 

Somewhere along the way, however, especially here in the Western World, the level of black belt rank or, “dan,” a person holds has become this highly sought-after goal; more so than a student becoming a better practitioner or anything like that. It seems many practitioners don’t even care about that. The minute they are a black belt, how good they are is good enough and forget about the formalities of the years associated with further training. All they care about is getting up there to that higher level of black belt degree ranking. From this, there arose all of these organizations selling rank. From about the late 1960s forward, black belt rank has become so convoluted that, to the true practitioner, it means very little. Yet, everyone wants to claim it. Look at the martial art magazines of that era, (and forward), you will see numerous organizations presenting advertisements that offer rank certification and advancement based solely upon the paying of a price.  

Whenever I speak or write about martial art rank, I often quote the statement that Bill, “Superfoot,” Wallace, made to me when I was asked to write an article about him for a magazine. He profoundly stated, “Back in the day if a person was a 1st degree black belt, they were impossible to touch. If they were a 2nd degree black belt, forget about it, they would tear you apart. Now, everyone is an 8th, 9th, or 10th degree black belt and they are terrible.” That is so true. So few modern practitioners, no matter what rank they hold, embrace a deep and true understanding of the subtle elements of the martial art style they claim. Why is that? Because they stopped learning the moment they received their black belt and transitioned to the mindset of self-believed mastery.

Then there was this whole wave where instructors, particularly in the Korean martial arts, began to refer to themselves as, “Master.” Then came Grand Master. What does that even mean? It sounds like something out of a mid-evil sorcerer’s tale, a video game, or a Satanic cult. Do you know how many Grand Masters I’ve seen get their asses kicked by a seasoned street fighter? Those who teach in the Japanese traditions do not refer to themselves as a “Master.” They just use the term “Sensei,” meaning, “Teacher.” By calling yourself a, “Master,” isn’t that just someone rock’n their ego? Like I have long stated, “If you are referring to yourself as a Master that probably means that you are not.” I cringe whenever anyone refers to me as Master or Grand Master. Just call me, Scott.

Certainly, not everyone is like that—not every black belt is like that. There are some very caring, tried and true instructors out there. But, for you martial artists out there, look around you, even look at yourself, how much new knowledge do you seek to gain on a daily basis, compared to how many people you wish to teach what you already know? How many compliments do you put out there towards other martial artists, compared to how much criticism you have unleashed?

I’ve said this in the past, but due to the fact I was a practitioner at the early stages of this modern evolution of the Korean martial arts, here in the West, and hailing from a city that was one of the primary central hubs of the dissemination of the modern Korean martial arts, Los Angeles, I have witnessed a lot of, “Hard to believe,” situations being unleashed, even via the hands of some very established instructors and organizations. Some would not believe what I have witnessed. Others would wish to deny that it happened. But, I was there. I saw it. It did happen. Yet, throughout all these years, people look to these organizations as some sort of a point of validation. Which I guess they are. But, all one has to do is look to the truth of their foundational essence and one will see that there are flaws. Even look to the fact of how many of these associations have dissolved. View how much scandal and controversy has been attached to some of the leaders and the members of these organizations. Some have even ended up in jail. This is why I have long believed that any validation, in the martial arts, can only truly be done between a student and their teacher, for in that relationship is the only true place of valid understanding and endorsement.

I am not saying that every instructor is a true proponent of their art. Nor am I saying that they are all a truly good person, just because they operate a school. In my own life, I have been cheated by instructors I worked with for years. Plus, there are all those stories out there of others who have had similar or even worse experiences. 

Moreover, I am not denying my own blame in this situation. I too advanced through the ranks in the martial arts. I will say, however, that when I was offered the ninth-degree black belt a number of years ago, I did turn it down. And, the only reason I put my credentials in the martial arts out there is because every time I take them down there is some person throwing accusations my directions. Which, again, takes us to one of the primary sources of the problem in this entire system of so-called advancement: false accusations and needless attacks. 

So, what does this leave us with? What does the black belt truly mean if people base their entire life upon what high rank they hold, what rank another person doesn’t hold, and whom they received that rank from and how many people they can teach because of that rank? What does it mean when people are out there claiming rock star status simply defined by a number on a piece of paper?  What does it proclaim when many do this without possessing a true understanding about the essence of what they are teaching?

First of all, let’s just think about this… What if there was no black belt?  What if you simply studied a system of self-defense and got good at it? How life freeing would that be?

What if your instructor or your organization did not charge you money for your rank advancement? Because, FYI, that is what they do. Rank advancement is a money-making, business opportunity. …A student pays to be tested. What if they gave that rank away for free? Then there would not be the incentive to, “Sell,” rank. 

I get it… This is all just hopeful speculation of my part. …My wish that the martial arts would be, (would become), what they are idealized to be. 

I believe it is very sad that in the mind of the non-practitioner they have this idealized image of what a black belt is. But, once one become involved at the high levels of these arts, many lose their way and base their entire existence off of how many stripes they have on their belt and how much money they can make by teaching these ancient forms of self-defense and then charging others to advance them towards their own black belt and beyond.

What if all that rank stuff just didn’t matter? What if rank was no longer the sought-after goal? Wouldn’t the martial arts then be allowed to exist in the place where they were truly designed to inhabit? A place where the individual would learn the intricacies of physical movement, the refined use of internal energy, and meditation. What if the martial arts were not burdened by the desire of rank advancement? Would they then not exist at the place where they truly emulated what they were designed to actually communicate?

Think about it…

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Originally from the Scott Shaw Blog

Scott Shaw Hapkido Taekwondo International