Why is there snobbery in karate?

Question

after taking my son to the leisure center in south shields tyne & wear

uk, we were ignored as if we didnt exist by the the dans and nearly dans so i took my son to a different place after being presented by

bob roads 5th dan who, by the way wasnt a snob. i was watching my son doing his "catta" and later, was spoken to by his 3rd dan teacher

and i have to say, i was flabbergasted because i was used to being

treated with contempt by the by the south shields lot

Answer 1

A lot of schools simply aren't interested in youth programs / young karatekas...I've noticed in the US that there is a real segregation by age, and by gender for that matter, in some schools.  

Honestly, you can't expect a young person to perform at the same level of power, form, etc. that an adult will.  So many schools (especially competitive ones) simply ignore the "kid" program.  It's not necessarily snobbery, just a lack of encouragement toward developing youth.

I think you did the right thing switching schools to a more friendly environment.  Part of Martial Arts is teaching respect and personal responsibility - you've done well for your son!

Answer 2

Trouble is you'll find snobbery and arrogance in a lot of things these days. I went into EBGB music in Durham a couple of months ago and the prat that time forgot just ignored us and when i asked him about something for my daughter he didn't even look at me and gave blunt answers. Another occasion i went into the cycle shop on Claypath in Durham and got a similar attitude. Not very good for business in my opinion. As far as karate is concerned i've never experienced that myself, however after attending a kickboxing class in Houghton le Spring recently i never went back. The teacher was a total d1ck. Pulled me to one side during a spar and said he wanted to see kickboxing, not karate. HELLO!! NEW STARTER. You're supposed to be teaching me.

Answer 3

It is because of the different belt

Answer 4

Because there is snobbery in human nature and society.

What exists in society exists everywhere.

James

Answer 5

Why is there snoberry in coffee shops? Why is there snoberry in resteraunts? Why is there snobbery in a school? It's all in who runs it.

The fact is that your question is really not valid. Why not ask why is this karate school so snobbish, rather then generalizing karate as a whole?

Quite honestly this is the type of thing that flows from the top on down, so i would imagine that it starts with the Sensei and gets passed on to his students. I have not seen this in any school I have visited. Normally the upper ranks are at least required to help with the lower ranks, however many do it because they want to, not because it's required. My outlook is that if it hadn't been done for me I would not be where I am.

Good move changing schools.

Answer 6

I am sorry that you have encountered this ignorant attitude. You have been unfortunate and chosen a rogue club - speak to other karateka and find a dojo on recommendation. Sadly, there are good and bad folk all over the UK - we're not all 's****.' or unfriendly down south!!

Hope you find a good club soon!

Answer 7

I am sometimes suspicious of these questions.We dont know the "south shields lot" or you for that matter.And you could be the problem not them you could also have a grudge with them or someone there and this is just an opportunity to poison the well .

Your use of the spelling catta instead of kata is also suspicious as even the worst no nothing wannabe does some research at least reading previous postings and the proper spelling has been used here at least 10000 times .

You may just have a "I need to be catered to ego" and feeling anything less is contempt.That is a very strong word and entails things I feel your aren't even aware of.