Best regards.

I still remember the time some drunk bum started just cursing me out, in the worst possible language. That would have thrown me a while ago. But with less fear, I could just put the experience in its place and move on with my life.

Well, since everybody else is name dropping their respective disciplines, I am a Shodan(1st Degree Black Belt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and previously done some other systems also. Not an expert by any means, but IMHO a better person for making martial arts be such a huge part of my existence. Thank you for permitting me my two cents on the matter.

I was content just to sit back and read all the posts, but I do feel that a reply on some points is required.

John, I beg to differ. No where in the article that I wrote did I mention my programme or it’s name or even a specific style so to speak- outside of my signature and about the author (Which is perfectly acceptable in the context of the article written). Is it how I coach? Absolutely! Am I the only one who coaches martial arts in this manner, with the intended outcomes I described, absolutely not. There are many great martial arts coaches out there doing a fantastic job and using the martial arts to create champions on and off the mat.

The fact that people I know and some of my clients responded to this article is natural as the Editors of this site request that when writing an article for this website it appears no where else. I am honored that they feel the way they do. Unlike most men who simply nit-pick about irrelevant subject matter, they are in the fray discovering their manhood and positive male spirit.

Stephen M. this article was specifically written for an adult male audience. This sites name is specifically ‘The Art of Manliness’, not ‘The Art of Childhood’. This article was therefore written within the spirit of this site. I agree martial arts should be taught to children. I coach my sons, but it should be done in the spirit of developing inner wisdom and truth. Unfortunently most martial art schools for kids place too much emphasis on competition than real personal growth.

Jim S. Sparring is essential for discovering all the things I discussed in this article. The reason so many men steer clear from sparring is due to the way it is expressed. Too often in many martial art schools it is about physical dominance over other men. Your measure then of success is defined by whom you can beat. This is a very limited view of sparring and it can be so much more. Sparring gives reality. In sparring as a man, you cannot deny to yourself what you are afraid off or where your insecurities lie. This is a perfect vehicle to embrace ones shadow and an opportunity to do the work in discovering positive male spirit.

Keep safe everyone:) And feel free to stop by my blog and drop a note!

Rodney

You are offering dangerous advice-

Don’t spar? That is why many “martial artists” get destroyed in street fights. They are overly confident and have never been punched in the face. If you don’t get used to getting hit, in a real situation, you will reacted badly (cover up, freeze, etc.). You need to learn to counterpuch or counteract which is not instinctive and has to be practiced with real pressure.