Question 081: Changing Schools

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Changing martial art schools is similar to changing jobs or churches. It is a tough thing to do, especially when you are not changing because you are displeased with the school or the instructor, but out of necessity. Since you like your present instructor, he or she must be doing things in a way that pleases you; so now you know what to look for in a new school and instructor.

I am a traditionalist, so I favor traditional martial arts. I believe that, for a martial art to be a martial art, it must first be “martial” fighting system and then that it must maintain its “art” aspects. The term “martial arts” has become a generic term for any type of physical endeavor that involves punching, kicking, or grappling. Modern Taekwondo has evolved until it is now merely a sport. Sport Taekwondo is to traditional Taekwondo as flag football is to football; it claims to be similar to the real thing, but when a player faces the real thing, it is very painful.