What's the criteria for forming a new martial art?

Question

There seem to be so many different styles i was wondering how you officially start a new martial art. For example when you start a new religion you have to have over 10,000 followers for it to be officially recognised on forms for employment etc.

Answer 1

My opnion is to take in as much as you can with the best styles today. Freestyle, ju-jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Greco-Roman, Judo, Submission Fighting, SHOOTO, Jeet Kune Do, etc.

Many of the styles listed above are more the same.... but contain different meanings and rules. Training and Conditioning can also vary and some include kata style training... etcetc!!!

If you mix your styles up... you then can find the best tactics and implement them into your own. You may not be 'creating' a new style... but its a style designed for YOU!!!

I am setting up my own class... and many of my techniques are variations of old school ways. These are 'forgotten' arts which are extremely effective... whether its for self defence on the street or in a Cage match. It is a true style of fighting. It involves skill, grappling and striking!!!

Remember.... find out what the overall 'purpose' is on your art. What would your students get from it? Would it involve grading (belts) and a Uniform? Would it be linked to a Sombo Competition, Judo Competitions, or even a Karate competition? If so... what makes your style different, yet effective?

My advice is to do some research... especially if your new to the world of Martial Arts.... and make sure you can BACK UP what the main principles are!!

There is no point doing Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu for 3 years then creating your own class called "Atomz-Ju-Jitsu" if the principles are exactly the same!!! Mix them up... and mix up the fitness tactics!! Look into it... and good luck!!

Example! --- Bruce Lee studied many styles... even Fencing. He took in the best part of these styles... to make his art more effective. People think he was a striker... like in his films, but his style include many forms of grappling also. If Bruce was still alive today... Jeet Kune Do may have been a powerful art!!!

Example! --- Karl Gotch was a very good submission Wrestler. He trained under a style called Catch Wrestling. He trained a few people in Japan like Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Satoru Sayama. Sayoma then created a style called SHOOTO. Ken Shamrock was heavily trained under SHOOTO.... and now Ken has his on style.... Submission Fighting. New styles always gets invented... but these examples were for good intentions. They were not made for the sake of it.

All the best!!

Answer 2

1. Prove that it works. How? By having the balls to prove it works! Go to your local bar and sign up as a bouncer, doorman, cooler, whatever. Then apply your "new" techniques on the people who cause trouble in the bar. Then, after a few years of real world testing, do some marketing. Submit articles to martial arts magazines, blogs and websites. Invite the local media into your school to get some publicity. Write a book, create a dvd series etc;

2. Be sincere and start small. Open a school and tell your prospective students that you don't have all of the answers but your system has gotten you out of many dangerous situations (if this is true). Invite the local media into your school to get some publicity.

3. As far as being recognized as an "official" martial art, well...I guess you'd have to leave that up to future generations of students who consistantly prove on a day to day basis that your new system has merit.. I mean you'd have to be pretty charismatic to pull that off in your lifetime.

Bruce Lee did it because he had a number of factors in his favor. It seems fate conspired to make him famous. I mean he had raw talent, charisma, the backing of hollywood and it's favorite stars of the time, luck and good timing.

Answer 3

I am afraid I agree with some of the others when someone asks what style is best. The best style is the one that works for you. People have asked me what they should take and every time I will tell them go personally to the different schools you are interested in and watch a class. Do you like what they are doing? Does the instructor seem knowledgeable? Does the basic art suit what you are looking for? People worry too much about which is best that they give up on it and never start because they want the "right " one. You can always leave and go to another school if it doesn't work for you. Look to the instructor of a school for guidence because his / her viewpoint and philosophys will be driving the school and your teaching. I have been in Kuk Sool Won for 13 years and like it very much. It suits me and my philosophy of self defense. If you have any questions about this style, I would be happy to answer them. Good luck!

Answer 4

I can't think of any specifications for determining that a style is "new" other than someone saying it is and having enough people see the benefit of learning it and making it grow. The ultimate test would be recognition by an international body that fosters the arts your style would be related to, like the Japan Karate Association, or the Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei.

Most styles are adaptations of earlier ones with emphasis on different techniques or adaptations of techniques that were perfected and then taught by specific individuals. These individuals are usually noted as the founder of their style. It is easy to see this as you trace traditional martial arts styles and see where different branch styles broke off from their parent style like many kendo/iaido/iaijitsu schools, or where someone travels to another country and learns techniques that they bring back and adapt to their own needs and using their own tools as weapons, etc. like Okinawan Karate.

Answer 5

anybody can create a new style of martial art, the trick is making it work. any new style has to include core principles that work ,not just looking good[ do they]. what experience do you have, are you a long time martial artist , if so start with insurance from the A.M.A.. Get a criminal records check otherwise you cant teach in public buildings [sports centres etc]get your grades ratified by a recognised org eg T.C.U.G.B for chinese arts, or A.M.A for japanese,korean arts. finally good luck . If i can personally help contact kungfumental@btinternet if in U.K

Answer 6

A "way" has to be the theme of a new martial art, what the founder believe in?
what is his point to form this new art?
It's effeciencies, effectiveness.
Shall it be combinations of pure strength(Karate) for instance?
Or shall it contain soft techniques(taichi)?
Defensive?(Aikido)
Offensive?(Taekwondo)
Should it be totally-newly devised techniques or alterations of different arts?

Answer 7

I've met a number of self-proclaimed "masters". Apparently it just takes a big ego, and the ability to lie about your background and the ability to lie about your knowledge. It also helps to be a Sociopath and a fake or real foreign accent. Its unbelievable how gullible people are and how so many potential students prefer the conartist to someone with real knowledge.

Answer 8

thats a good question. ive been studying & practising many different forms over the years & it made me think! cross training would be a good idea. u have to have a core structure & principles u believe in (& that work!) when bruce lee started his own style it was because no other style was remotely like it, so i,d think it would have to be some form of combat that has evolved but under a different title. hope this helps a little

Answer 9

1. Develop a Curriculum for it.
2. Develop Training Standards for it.
3. Establish Philosophy behind its basis.
4. Test it
5. Proof it.
6. Film it.
7. Demonstrate it.
8. Advertise it.
9. Find sponsors for it.

Answer 10

Just kick as many peoples' as*es as possible and then look enigmatic