Tae Kwon Do?

Question

I've seen many many many comments about TKD and McDojos. I KNOW that they exist, I'm not that dumb. I'm also sure that other martial arts have the same thing happening. But, how do you know when you meet some one from an ACTUAL dojang? Do they get taken serious when they explain their school isn't that way? Or will they still get the tongue in cheek response? I'm curious, give me some opinions. Thanks everyone.

The area I was talking about was how some students are rushed through the ranks so the school will make money - MccDojang. We practice Olympic style TKD. This way the art is evolving from what works into what works better. We get more practice in short stances for quicker attacks and defending, etc. But, we also practice Hapkido, Judo and Jujitsu for a well rounded defense. If our black belt candidates don't have good self defense skills, they don't pass. Period.

The area I was talking about was how some students are rushed through the ranks so the school will make money - McDojang. We practice Olympic style TKD. This way the art is evolving from what works into what works better. We get more practice in short stances for quicker attacks and defending, etc. But, we also practice Hapkido, Judo and Jujitsu for a well rounded defense. If our black belt candidates don't have good self defense skills, they don't pass. Period.

*****some days I really hate computers. Sorry for the duplicate entry.LOL*****

David N-- That's not the point I'm trying to make. I am associated with an extremely good and well known school. And before you think it, that's in our area. We send a group of kids to junior olympics regularly and do very well. My instructor is in the hall of fame. My point is, are the GOOD TKD practitioners overshadowed by the bad?

As far as finding a Korean instructor, we have a parent that goes to Korea on occasion. He watched their black belt test and said our own test was harder and produces better students than theirs.

jo_be- you need help. go back and play with the other "junior masters". Whatever that may be.

saint g- I can see yourthe point.Fortunately, we practice with more than just feet and fists. Having the chance to come from three different dojangs helps in seeing what good ones and bad ones can do to students. Both in their abilities and their false confidence.

Answer 1

I find it easy to tell a true, traditional martial artist from a McDojo blackbelt.

A true martial artist is not going to brag about his or her fighting skills because a true martial artist knows that fighting is NOT what the martial arts are about.

A true martial artist is more likely to discuss the philosophy behind the martial arts than how "bad" their art is.

A true martial artist is rather humble with their skills. They are not nearly as likely to jump up and throw a flurry of techniques in order to impress someone. A true martial artist does not NEED to impress people. They know who and what they are and they do not need other people's approval.

I have encountered McDojo "martial artists" who consider me not a "real" martial artist because I will not get into bragging competitions and I will not say how "badass" I am or tell "**** kicking" stories. I tell stories of the philosophy I was taught, the lessons my Grandmaster taught me, lessons I have learned about Life from my training, talk about meditation, talk about the hours and hours of basics I have practiced.

I have a pretty pat answer to those who say I am not a "real" martial artist because I will not give them what they want: "ok, you are a badass, so much badder than I am. Good for you!" and I walk off.

To the one who said he achieved Mastery at such a young age. Sorry, charlie. That is not possible. Also, the attitude you displayed in your comment and the way you displayed it was more like a petulant child, NOT a Master.

As for people who say that Tae Kwon Do Dojangs are McDojangs... some are, some are not. I remember in the early 80's when I was checking out instructors for where I wanted to study that the Tae Kwon Do McDojangs were popping up like fungus.

It is sad that these places give Tae Kwon Do such a bad name. Tae Kwon Do is as good an art as all the rest IF you find a REAL Dojang.

Answer 2

There are so many answers to this question. I started in Tae Kwon Do and it is my base art and I love it even though I no longer practice it. But even I have some qualms with how it is taught for the most part now. I think one of the hugest problems people see with it is the hands are always down. I was taught from a young age and even in TKD to always keep my hands up. They wear a lot of pads. Look at the Kyokoshin fighting. They have practically the same rule set yet the Kyokoshin use no pad, at all. This can lead people to think it is a "weaker" art.It is littered with McDojo's. I live in a small town with very little martial arts being taught. There are five TKD dojangs and three of them are bad. This is not a good way to show the public what a great art TKD is. I think the over all practicality of what is seen in the Olympics is quite poor for actual self defense and has lead people to believe that that is what TKD is all about. Which is not the case. There is not two reasons TKD has gotten its bad rap but rather a plethora of them that could take pages up on pages to write. It is still a great art and I believe will find favor in the eyes of the public again one day

Answer 3

it's because there are a lot more bad dojangs than good dojangs.the biggest problem though is the way students in the bad dojangs defend their style.they use misinformation and just say ridiculous things,and then the good dojangs students have to defend the style even more vehemently.the more they do this the worse it makes the style seem.human nature,the more you defend something the more ppl believe it's no good.and the other thing you have to remember is a lot of tkd schools are just money orientated and when you relate money and martial arts and turn it into a business ppl are always going to look down on it.instead of arguing and defending the style the good students and teachers would be far better to explain properley so ppl have an understanding of the situation-yes your right but..etc?.
i know i don't think much of the style overall but i do know there are good and bad tkd schools out there.Another flaw in human nature- how many ppl remember the bad comments i make about tkd? how many remember the times iv'e defended it?and anyway my opinion is based on experience i have also done tkd(shodan)otherwise i wouldn't knock it.tkd ppl are never going to win the argument by arguing,they may win though by explaining the facts so ppl understand?anyway when you get in a real situation you'll know whether you go to a bad school or a good one and so will others.and like ive said a hundred times here if you only do 1 style you'll always have a vulnerability.
EDIT yeah grow up you 40 year old experienced martial artist this 20 yearold who hasn't even got hair on his balls knows everything.

Answer 4

I'm in a traditional TKD association & I always hear about how TKD isn't really a martial art. Part of this is due to the prevalence of "Olympic" style schools where all the emphasis is competition sparring. The problem of McDojos (I gues for TKD they are McDojangs) is a problem for all styles.

Answer 5

while parents continue to pay for substandard training because they dont know any better, the McDojo downward spiral will continue.
its all about marketing. McDojo's have a great marketing machine.

really though, I cannot see the point of spending 10 years learning something that doesnt teach you to use other parts of your body. feet and fists are not enough. if you want ot win trophies, sure. but that is just my opinion.

If you have trained at more than one place, then you must know if you are in a McDojo or not.

if you have only been with one training facility, then how can you know? you walked in not knowing anything, so how can you know what you have been shown has value? sparring your own kind has no value to decide its true worth, as they share the same degree of brainwash (good and/or bad)

so to anyone here that hasnt trained away from their beloved dojo, you have no experience to realistically know the difference. you only see what one dojo wants you to see.

regardless if it is good or not, unless you travel and see other styles, or other factions within your style, you are blind to comparison, and therefor cant make a vote for its true worth.

all this is true for McDojo's at least.

then we come to actual proven self defense reality and we open another can of worms...

Answer 6

It does seem prevalent in TKD, but I think Wushu has an even worse reputation. So many schools focus on the acrobatic demonstration type forms and not on practical applications. I think I was lucky to find an instructor who had experience with both. It means that many people underestimate me and my abilities when I tell them I studied Wushu. That's just the way I like it.

Answer 7

I would suggest that you look for a school associated with: ITF - The International Tae Kwon Do Federation

If you are REALLY serious, look for a school run by a Korean national who was certified in Korea!

Answer 8

From my experience, it seems that people from serious-minded schools are serious-minded people. You can tell by the way they talk about their art/school, the words they use, and their body language.

Answer 9

YOU OAKS DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT TAEKWONDO OR MARTIAL ARTS, GO DO YOUR HOME WORK BEFORE YOU PUT DISILLUSIONTE ANSWERS ON THE NET THAT INFURIATE HIGHER GRADE DANS AND JUNIOR MASTERS OF THE STYLE LIKE MYSELF. GRO UP PLEASE

Answer 10

i pratique taekwondo and isn't dangerous!!!! i like it!! taekwondo rules!!!