Is the UFC, and such, a net benefit or detriment to the martial arts?

Question

Is the UFC, and such, a net benefit or detriment to the martial arts?

Answer 1

Both. UFC is bringing interest to fans in turn they are joining martial arts gyms and continuing traditions.

On the other hand there are those who just want to beat people up and are bad for the sport and give martial arts a bad name.

Answer 2

the UFC has brought martial arts back into the spotlight!!! It's a benefit.

Love the UFC, been watching since the first vid came out!

Answer 3

I would say overall a net benefit.

It's opening people to martial arts, as well as teaching old and new artists about the virtues lol of cross training. The competition itself is suppose to be a showing of skill.

I don't think it's the fighters fault, but moreso the fans, opponents and people that go into the world without knowing much that cause trouble. They don't know a juji gatame from a mma glove, yet think they can judge other styles they can't even pronounce, or judge the competition as ZOMG barbaric. lol But this is surely not a standard by any stretch of the word. They're good and bad, and to counter that point a bit: This has also added to BS killing that is prominent in certain schools. You know, like ansatsuken lol.

Answer 4

I would have to go with Net Benefit, even though not everything is good.  

True, it is calling more attention to Martial Arts, but in a way that many traditional MA practitioners (such as myself) don't really care for.

Answer 5

Another vote for net benefit, even for the traditional schools.

James