Why are so many people obsessed with the un-realistic martial arts past?

Question

I see alot of questions asked in this category about how to become a ninja, how to train to become a samurai and any other 10th-19th century (primarily) eastern Asian warrior that men could think up of 500 years ago for the sake of defending their land. I mean, that's what they were, they were soldiers who weren't in it to show off sword fighting skills to their friends or their 40 inch vertical jump. They did it for the pride and honor of their land. They didn't do it as a hobby or a one time thing, it was a way of life. They ate, slept and trained for that one thing their ENTIRE lives, not for 2-5 months as the people who are asking these questions plan on doing.

You can't become a samuri, a ninja, or any of those other cultural symbols, in the 21st century when the trade is outdated and you're in your mid-30s. So please get it out of your heads.

With that being said, my point is: STOP ASKING THESE DUMB QUESTIONS! Samurais and ninjas are out, they're done. Like the knights of the English empire 800-something years ago, they're done and no more, so stop wasting space with these questions and ask something that relates to the modern, realistic, martial arts present.

I know that the MA of today came from the past but some people are taking too far.

Back to the question:

Why are so many people obsessed with the unrealistic martial arts past?

Am I the only one who sees things this way?

Also, if anyone of you really like what the ninjas did (fought for the glory of land and pride of family) become a modern ninja and join SOCOM or the Navy Seals or even the Marines. You're not gonna get it done with swords.

Also, I'm for martial arts and all of that but I think that wayyyyy too many people take it too far and actually think that they're real, legit samuris when they are not. Ya know? There's a difference.

Answer 1

Ill try this one too.

Ok yes some have unrealistic ideas in mind wanting to become a ninja or some ninja turltle, sure thats unrealistic. It is not unrealistic for someone to dedicate their life to MA, that is why their are Buddhist Monks and such.

All of China practices Tai Chi, its a way of their life. So in this aspect it is not unrealistic to dedicate oneself to becomeing Monk, or even a Modern Samuraii not an ancient one. Japan has many modern Samurai and it is a way of life and if a person wants to commit themselves to it then it can be there way of life, but no they cant go online and get a book and just do it a few months or years and expect to be truly a MA or a monk or samuraii.

Yes some questions seem crazy but other do not and have had substance such as a question asked recently about the importance of Kata to a student if it was or was not necessary.

SO its not fair to say all the questions being asked in this category are crazy or unrealistic, and many of those asking to become a ninja are probably just kids with huge imaginations and curiousity I would bet.

Answer 2

The thing is dude, is that you can still learn some of the training and disciplines of Ninjitsu and Budo or Bushido, but it's more for character development because the world has evolved beyond what it was back in the 15th century.

So while most of the techniques and traditions that these disciplines were known for in their time aren't exactly needed in the 20th or the 21st centuries, it doesn't hurt to study things from the past, like the basis and ideals that these disciplines have evolved from.

the roots of what these discipline's were based on are just as important as the discipline themselves.

the problem is, too many people have read these "mystical" stories that're nothing more than campfire or folk stories to keep the kids entertained or scared into doing the right thing instead of doing wrong.

most of what these people read or hear may have some realism or fact to it's basis, but they're the surrounded in mystery which is why it sounds so cool.

and another problem is they're far too quick to believe what they read in a book or see in a movie (or even in Animation or Anime) to think about whether or not things like that could actually happen in reality or whether it's reality or just something made up by the author of the book, or writers and director of the movies, or the creators of the tv show to make it look or sound good.

Answer 3

I think anybody who really wanted to know (how to be samurai/ninja) wouldn't be asking in this forum. They would already be in a martial art; or even more than one. If I have a serious question about martial arts; I would ask my Sensei- not total strangers. I think some of the ones asking those questions just want to see if they get a reaction, and they do. I've also seen 12-14 year olds ask how to gain muscle or beat someone up, and they get long, detailed answers from people who should know better .

Answer 4

What? I mean if these people want to be ninjas they can be ninjas. Just b/c it's outdated doesn't mean you cvant b 1. Why do you assume that these ppl r only training 4 2-5 months. and not all these ppl r in their mid 30's you need to relax and enjoy the fun

Answer 5

You're right when you say all these fighting techniques are all ancient and it's a way of life, but you failed to point out that these same fighting techniques evolved into sport and recreations in this modern age.

It's no longer a way of life but it's now a way of having fun and getting fit. Tuning up your reflexes and co-ordinations. It also help shed undesired weights for some which is a big bonus with our modern lifestyle.

You might not believe me but it gives us confidence. It gives bully proofing on our kids too from school bullies.

Last but not the least It gives us a fighting chance when needed against violence. My advice, go and try it, there's a lot of choices to choose from. You might like it.

Answer 6

It's fun to think about I guess. I mean I know that there are no ninjas and samurai's left, but that doesn't mean their skills are useless either. And some of the people asking these questions didn't know what the ninjas or samurais were, which is why there here asking the question - Give em' a break.

Answer 7

Its funny because everyone think Ninjitsu is a real Martial Art. A Ninja was a Person and they didn't dress anything like you see in the movies. I hate it when people claim to be a Ninja or when people aske how they canb take ninjitsu so they can become a Ninja. I don't see people asking how they can take Samuria so they can become a Samuria. A Ninja nowadays has a new name. It is called a Terrorist. LOL

Like your question.

Answer 8

eehh ur kinda right
people should stop asking all that stuff cause it is very hard but it is very realistic
u may not be able to be samurai and kill people and stuff but you can learn iaido, kenjistu, juijitsu, and follow bushido
to be ninja u can just learn ninjitsu
some people are born into the samurai and ninja line

Answer 9

Tae Kwon Do delusionists make up a large part of that fantasy league too. it isnt the past that hurts, its the inability to notice TKD 's delusion of grandeur. but how do you know you are lost, when you have never read a map? if TKD is all you have done, you really need to explore alternatives outside of your comfort zone people.

Answer 10

Maybe some of us simply wish to keep these 'old martial arts' alive, so that they are not forgotten/preserved for our children to experience/enjoy. Not all martial artists learn just to cause harm to fellow human beings, there are those of us that enjoy them for the beauty/art/inner peace that they give us.
They are also great for releasing stress that we all experience.
I only started my martial arts a few years ago, at the ripe old age of 33yrs, and I really with that I'd started 20 years ago!