Dogma vs Pragmatism
In some traditional martial arts, such as Karate and Taekwondo, there is a strong emphasis on dogma or tradition over pragmatism or practical application. This means that the techniques and principles of the art are often taught and practiced in a way that is focused on adhering to traditional methods and values, rather than adapting them to modern contexts or practical self-defense situations. In these martial arts, form and foundation are both important aspects of training, but they serve different purposes. Form refers to the precise execution of techniques, while foundation refers to the underlying principles and skills that support those techniques.
In some cases, practitioners may prioritize form over foundation, focusing on perfecting their technique without paying enough attention to the underlying principles and skills that support it. This can lead to a superficial understanding of the art, and may hinder the development of true skill and expertise. For example, in some Karate schools, students may spend a significant amount of time practicing kata without receiving much instruction on how to apply those techniques in a real-life self-defense situations. This can result in a gap between the techniques and principles taught in the dojo and their practical application in real-world scenarios.
While there are certainly benefits to studying the traditional aspects of Karate and Taekwndo, such as the cultures, discipline, focus, and respect that are instilled in students, it is also important for practitioners to understand how to apply those techniques in practical self-defense situations. In contrast, a focus on foundation can help practitioners to develop a deeper understanding of the arts, and to build a strong base of skills and knowledge that can support their techniques. This might involve adapting techniques to suit different situations, understanding the principles behind the techniques, repping and practicing them in realistic scenarios, as well as physical fitness and conditioning in order to develop the strength, speed, and flexibility needed to execute more advanced techniques with precision and power.
Ultimately, both form and foundation are important aspects of martial arts training, and practitioners should strive to develop both in order to become skilled and well-rounded martial artists. While perfecting form can help to create a polished and aesthetically pleasing performance, a strong foundation is essential for developing true self defense skills and expertise in the martial arts.
By focusing on pragmatism over dogma, practitioners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the art and its practical applications, while still preserving the traditional values and principles that are inherent in martial arts. This approach allows practitioners to become well-rounded martial artists who are able to adapt to different situations and contexts, while still maintaining the discipline, respect, and focus that are central to the art.
