How important is belonging to a martial arts organization to you?

Question

I currently don't belong to any martial arts organization, and my sensei remained fairly seperate from them, though he did join the United Isshinryu Council for a short period in the 90s. I know our lineage, which is good enough for me. (legitimacy of style) I know people though who are proud of their organization and the apparant legitimacy it can give it's blackbelts. What are the benefits to these organizations. I already know many of the downfalls. (political bickering, the thought your version of a style is better than students who belong to another body)

Answer 1

When I first started.. many many years ago... I was part of what was then the "WTA" World TKD Assoc.".... We traveled all over the country to tournaments..... With a group that all had the same curriculum, and only had one absolute leader.... He was the "Grandmaster" (Duk Sung Son) Black belt testing was grueling 3 hours in front of a panel of 8 Korean Masters... and any flaw in stance, technique, power, or speed, spotted by any of them... you failed.... That's what it meant to be a Black Belt... when it was over, you waited you hear "you passed" or hear why each Master failed you... Was one great organization to be a part of.... Ultimately the 8 Masters (IMO) couldn't disperse the money appropriately and it fell apart... what a shame.... I still stand by my Instructors, Instructor (although I no longer practice) in his decision to start his own organization the TTCA (Traditional TKD Chung Do Kwon Assoc.) Grandmaster Young Sik Choi (I mean the guy did serve as a presidential bodyguard .. Korean President in the 70's)... And they kept Honor in TKD when everyone else cashed in.. (Obviously i have been subjected to propaganda, but I miss it... was like family)

Answer 2

Hi there

Nice question by the way and I'm sure you will get mixed views on this one but here's my two cents. ;-)

I think for a beginner its very important. I would compare it to being at university and learning a subject. At least you know what you are learning is governed and legit. You also have ties back to the founder and are safe guarded from any scrupulous individuals. Most governing body's have good standards.

But there's a dark side. As an instructor governing bodies restrict what a teacher can teach and ties their hands. They also over charge students for membership and insurance. This is one of my pet hates and one of the reasons why money and martial arts don't mix.

Another gripe of mine is that whilst its OK to be graded by a western governing body its not the same as being graded by the founders of the art. So for me the closer your ties are to the source the better.

It all depends on how much emphasis you put on where the knowledge for your training comes from. For a MMA practitioner for example I’m sure they would rather receive their training from someone who has competed and actually won rather than some guy down at the local YMC who has mixed some karate with a little bit of Judo.

It’s all good and well being a skilled fighter but if you want to teach it without the correct credentials I’m afraid you’re screwed.

Best wishes

idai

Answer 3

Years ago I was a member first of the IIKA, then the OKU and finally the UIKA. The only reason I stay with the UIKA is so I can hang a sign on the dojo door saying the dojo is sanctioned because that seems to matter to some students. Otherwise they haven't done much to aid my training; my Sensei did that. I don't miss the negatives and haven't seen much positive in belonging to an organization.

Answer 4

As far as I'm concerned, the lineage of my art is much more important than the organization that it's affiliated with. It certainly doesn't hurt...but many of the great martial artists of history "did their own thing".

However, in this day and age, it certainly seems like the two go hand in hand anymore. I can only think of one sensei in my area that actually doesn't belong to a chain, organization, council, or any other group.

Answer 5

I would say as a person who is on the outside of the organizational movement. That its purely the legitimacy issue for the black belts you promote as an instructor. It mainly in my opinion has to do with our society, we have to have credentials for everything so being a part of an organization fits this need. I am only looking to join a association for my future black belts. I myself don't feel the need and that's why I dropped from the kukkiwon. But for promotion purposes it also helps to have the association. I know that without an association it'll be harder for me to get promoted to 5th dan no matter how much knowledge I acquire. Some have said well just promote yourself! I think that such actions are dishonorable. What example would we set to do such things.

Answer 6

I love these! These are very appropriate for a McDojo and many US "martial arts" schools. However, take these to Asia and they'll forcefully shove them where the Japanese Rising Sun don't shine.

Answer 7

This is only my interpretation/opinion, I for one like those small independent schools, I am not a big fan of , "federations, Unions, etc". I have over the years of my training in the Arts have belonged to a few and they have there pros and cons.

Answer 8

well for me it is particualy important, you know what your doing is legit... when you get that black belt tied around you for the first time AND YOU GET A DAN NUMBER thats an amazing feeling knowingn you ahve your own number lol. anyway at alot of places they will not let you compete unless your part of the international orgonization, this is especialy impportant if your competeing as a black belt,

i have seen many pissed of people who got their balck belt and were not allowed to compete becuase their school was not part of the internation orgonization ^_^ i guess it depends on your style

Answer 9

In my younger days, I would've considered it very important. Nowadays, I'm focused on whether I can perform the technique or not. If not joining an organization meant that I would not receive the rank of shodan, so be it.

Answer 10

If you are happy with your sensei and want to learn what he can teach you without being recognized by other organizations its OK, but if you have your future put in it,may have some problems to get in tournaments,teaching and certifying.
good luck