A HEALTHY WAY TO VIEW MARTIAL LEADERS AND SYSTEMS. THINK FOOTBALL! To my surprise a recent post I made about Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) has made the rounds in the thousands, even though it was kind of an “inside baseball, ” “palace intrigue” post. It was supported, even “heart-loved” by about a thousand, many of whom are long-time martial artists who witnessed what I was writing about.
A few ding-dongs didn’t like it, which is ALWAYS to be expected. Called me liar. Called me “half a liar” (never telling me which half was a lie?) Said I was disrespectful to ________. Etc. Seems I wasn’t “worshipping of” enough. Worshipping properly. Respecting no matter what.
Gun courses-instructors never have this over-worship problem. Nor do drill sergeants. Nor do police academy instructors. I was a consistent guest instructor in Texas academies in the 80s and 90s. Since I have taught police in South Africa, England, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Mexico and of course the USA. And it helped me define-shaped my role as a teacher of all folks – I am a “friendly police academy instructor-type.” Not a guro, sifu etc. etc. I seek zero worship. “Here’s what I know folks, now move along…”
Since most of you never taught at a police academy, let’s get back on the football connection. Here’s a way to “get a grip” on this martial arts worship problem. Martial system leaders are like quarterbacks in American football. Yes, QUARTERBACKS. Not my uncles, not my fathers, not gods from Olympus – just athletic, team-leading quarterbacks. This is perhaps the best, healthiest-connection way to view martial arts leaders and systems. (Most people are not followers of the UFC were criticism abounds).
Drop the worship shit. We are just “fans.” We have tribes, we debate games, gossip about wins and losses, dissect trades, whose-who. Rate. Review. Ever watch a sports show? For that matter, a political panel show? Wonder what the best toothpaste is? Criticism leads the way.
If I complain about Tua as a failed quarterback for the Miamai Dolphins this year, am I being…ohh my, “disrespectful” to Tua? No. He sucked this year. We are just debating-rating sports. Such stuff develops better teams. Better “football I.Q.” How about martial I.Q.?
You know…life. We all “love” (quotations) our sports stars…teams… but in a controlled way. Just…in a way. Of course, we can and should be somewhat gentlemanly about it all, I’m all for “the calm,” not a screaming, loony fan.
I sincerely hope you define the word “worship” in your head. Save that for Jesus.
-Hock
