Dojo dilemma?

Question

Ok here's the problem

I started martial arts just about a year and a half ago, and I love my Sensei and all the people in my Dojo, they are like family.

But I have realized that the training in my Dojo is all point scoring:

Use THIS technique to score points; Do your Kata THIS way to get a winning score.

And the point is, I'm tired of it!

Yes I love competitions and have collected many accolades, but I want to learn traditional martial arts.

I want intense training without out the use of techniques merely to either fool the judge or score a point.

When I do katas, I want to learn the traditional katas...

I live in Chillicothe, Ohio. Does anyone know of a traditional dojo within 2 hours of me??

I also have heard of intensive dojos that are like colleges ( you stay in dorms and do intense training with full contact fighting) Does anyone know where one of those are??

Thanks

Answer 1

There's a bit of a problem in the understanding of martial arts. The martial arts you're talking about being involved in now are sports -- there are points, judges, competition... Traditional martial arts have a higher purpose than this: the kata or waza are ways to convey a lesson of the ways your body can and should move. You're speaking of use of techniques, when the goal of a martial art is the loss of technique. How you train is not the responsibility of your dojo or sensei, but rather it is your responsibility. Take your kata and go perform them slowly -- look at the movements, understand the positioning of the enemy, and understand where the movement teaches you to go. This is what makes a martial art budo.

Frankly, when I was doing American Kenpo through the USSD, I was in a similar situation, but I was much younger, and thought, "Sweet. This is what martial arts is. If I'm scoring points, it must be effective." I was naive. Anyhow, it wasn't until getting batted around for my edification by military guys, and one other fighting method later that I was exposed to martial arts as real budo. When I realized the difference, it was like everything I had learned before was worthless and meant nothing. Like moving out of an old house made out of pressboard onto an empty lot -- All the old stuff is still there, I just didn't want or need it anymore, though I now better understand the lessons I was given then. I'm building a new house now, reinforcing the structures I have by reexamining what tools I'm being given. If you want something better, find better. The stuff you have now, you just haven't been taught to understand it.

Stephen K. Hayes is teaching a modified and simplified version of a traditional martial arts system in Dayton, Ohio. If you don't mind the whole Shugendo priest mentality. Tell him I sent you and you'll get a free, "Who?" I'm sure there are others. Walk into a dojo, ask if they do competitions, and if they either laugh or say, "No, we're more traditional..." then you're in the right place.

The dojo that you go and train all day and do full contact fighting can be found in the back of Black Belt Magazine if you really feel the need.

Answer 2

It's sad your Dojo is based off the foolishness of point and games. It's cool to go to tournaments and stuff but that isn't reality. If you in the NYC/NJ area I got a ?School for you.

Answer 3

i think its great that your dojo is strict...obvioudly they want you to do well in tournaments and yes, a very strict program is tiring, but it works. my old dojo was very flexable on thier style, when i switched dojos, i felt like i had the sloppiest technique there. it also depends on your rank. the higher your rank, the more you will appreciate the strict katas etc.

it is hard to find a traditional dojo. there are very few of them. and the karate colleges sound like torture (probabally because i hate sparing and grapling!) anyways...hope i helped!

Answer 4

Congratulations!!!  You just made the next step in becoming a great Martial Artist.   Training for tournaments only prepares you for tournaments.

The fact that you are looking for another place to train, and willing to drive 2 hours, then you should have no problem finding what you are looking for.

Answer 5

Too bad we are in Delaware. I would love to have a student like you. Thanks for your question. It helps to know there are some out there who want the real deal.

Answer 6

You go girl, you ROCK!  At my dojo we must train with the point system however, we are allowed to have our fun with freestyle after.

I hope you find what you are looking for within a reasonable travel distance.

Good luck!

Answer 7

How pleasing to see someone who wants to raise the bar.

We're in Australia, so can't help, but I wish you the best.

Never ever settle until you find what you are looking for.

Dojo loyalty is admirable and understandable, but not when it comes between you and your goals.