On the island of Okinawa which is three and a half miles wide at its widest point and 65 miles from tip to tip, it is said that there are over 54 different hand styles of Okinawan Karate. There are various styles of Gung-Fu, Karate, Ju-Jitsu, Taekwon-Do, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, etc.
The reasons for these different branches or fragments as you may call them, vary, but the main contributing factor has to do with High Ranking Masters and their obligation and dedication to their lifelong studies. Like anything else, there must be room for growth and expansion for all things in life, including martial arts. A master may choose to change something for the better as it concerns this particular martial art, but most will maintain the art as it has been studied for centuries. When a Master reaches the rank of Ninth Degree Black Belt, there really is no room at the top for two heads so one of them will venture out to start a new organization using the same artform and instructional content with minor changes.
Great Quotes . . .
"Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."
George Washington
Many Japanese arts contain the family name or crest of the original master and are practiced traditionally using ancient training methods. Most martial arts have been changed to reflect today’s challenges and to fit within the concept of today’s lifestyles. A person walking down the street with a sharpened sword today would have to deal with the armament of a special weapons and tactics team, and the judicial system and its laws.
Korean arts such as Taekwon-do, Hap-Ki-Do, Tang Soo Do, etc., maintain the original concept with the exception of organized alignment. Namely the Korean Taekwon-Do Association (KTA), World Taekwon-Do Federation (WTF), International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), International Taekwon-Do Council (ITC),etc., are all under the auspices of different high ranking Korean Masters, but still maintain the militaristic style of protocol, training and discipline. The Black Belt in Korean arts is likened to the rank structure of the military officer corps. A First Degree Black Belt would be equivalent to a first lieutenant, up through Ninth Degree Black Belt which holds the rank of Five Start General, so each of the Ninth Degree Black belts would have their own organization.
The ultimate goal of any martial art and its parent organization should be the creation of a complete martial artist both mentally and physically which will reflect on that person in a positive manner which will in turn reflect positively on the community at large.
Martial Arts is more than punches and kicks. Get those you love involved in a quality martial arts program.
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