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I keep seeing discussions around the web about McDojo’s and if they exist or not so I wanted to ask:
Loading ...In fact, some people get downright pissed off by this topic.
What, in your mind, makes a martial arts school a McDojo? Do you think All Professional Martial Arts Schools are McDojos?
Share your opinion in the comments section below!
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Absolutely yes. I’ve seen them, I’ve trained in them, and I think they give all of us hard working, honest, integrity-filled martial artists who are trying to do the right thing a bad name. I’ve seen SO many martial artists over the years just “given” rank. It’s sad, but they are out there.
In My days it took 5-8 years to get a black Belt today less then one year and you are a black belt, more importance is given to belts then the training itself.
Sensei Sriram
Budo Martial Arts Academy.
This is a very tough subject for all who are dedicated to “real” practice and teachins. I have no problem with a “school” that wants to do after school programs. Just call it that “after school program” don’t call it any Martial Art whatsoever! They are in essence keeping children for the parents until they get off work. That means they are a babysitter. They skirt local and state laws by calling it that. They don’t have to abide by local and state laws for daycare’s, that required CPR trained staff, 1-person for ever 8 kids, background checks, etc.
I have watched these schools with a “Grandmaster” who was a 21 degree black belt (yes he actually said that and promoted that) and seen first hand how they are operated. Closed tournaments, lots of chest thumping and yes we can….Really, no they can’t. I have no problem helping a student develop confidence, but I will not lie to that student for the sake of money and blow smoke up their bottoms telling them they are great, Awesome, or, Spectacular!! I do encourage my students when they do a good job and will tell them the truth if it stinks. I make sure they are what they say they are. I look at Black Belts from these Mcschools and shake my head. My name is on the back of their uniforms, bags, sparring gear, and T-shirts, etc. I will not ever be ashamed that my students represent me and our school. So, if they work hard, sweat, get sore, and sometimes get hit they “EARNED” it. I have heard a local school tells prospective students they can make them a black belt in 1-year…..When a prospective student tells me that I laugh and simply answer: “I can make you one right now….Does that mean you are one?” Do you think you could spar with a real black belt right now? I have seen some of these 1-year black belts that have wandered out away from their “Protected Closed Tournaments” into real ones. I have had to stop matches because of serious injuries caused by lack of experience.
Trying to spar with their hands down like they are the king of the world and a bad man is the biggest mistake. How can you teach like that knowing someone could be seriously harmed, or killed? Where is the integrity, or honor associated with being an Grandmaster/Master? Have they no shame? All for money?
A quick 1-year black belt is like a tree with no roots…
They will fall over at the first strong wind….