| It is very important that you
do some investigating prior to enrolling yourself or your child in a martial
arts program. When I started martial arts training in Austin, Texas, back in
1983, I visited every school in the city starting from the closest, to the
furthest. Unfortunately, the best school was completely across town, and I lived
35 miles away from the opposite side of town. This resulted in a 42 mile drive
one way to train. I will say gladly that Sifu Brian Duffy had the best martial
arts program (Kenpo Karate of South Austin) at the time and was well worth
driving to train. There are many different schools
out there and although they ALL
claim to teach self defense, very few really do. For example, some martial arts
were developed centuries ago, others not quite as long, but the fact is that
things have changed and we don't walk around with swords, or other exotic
weapons, therefore we probably won't ever need to defend against them. What you
probably will be up against, is someone attacking you on the street. (and he
probably won't want to point spar).
 Then
there are the "commercial" schools who strive to make a profit. These schools
can easily be recognized by the 8 year old kids running around wearing black belts.
(You'll also see them at Pizza Hut). These instructors
mainly target kids and parents looking for a school that will teach their kids
to take care of themselves. Parents believe their kids are learning because of
the belts and stripes that are constantly being sold to them. They also are
impressed by the tournaments and trophies, but you need to know, these
tournaments are made up of people that train just like them. You will not find
the guy that jumps you on the street point fighting in a tournament.
Street fighters will not point spar with you, and the
minute you raise your leg to throw an "exhibition kick", he will take you down
and beat you senseless. Instructors who teach this way probably have never been
in a real street fight, therefore, they believe this stuff works.
Do not pay attention to rank. These instructors
have either promoted themselves, each other, politicked, or changed the name of their
art and claim to be "Grand Masters". These "Grand Masters" can be identified by
their age. They are usually in their 30's and will sell themselves by throwing
names of well known, credible martial artist at you. Fact is, rank means nothing! I have seen
colored belts that can hold themselves better. TRUE Grand Masters usually have
over 40 years of training, and are over 60.
A good instructor will be honest
with you even if it costs him a potential student. I let potential
students know up front that Kajukembo is hard work and they will only get out of
it what they put into it. I make no belt promises, and I only teach true and
pure self defense. If it's trophies or belts they want, Kajukembo is the wrong
class. If they want to learn martial arts, then they have come to the right
place.
This is not the best business approach, but I would rather
fill my students with class than my class with students. Plus, I teach because I
love martial arts, not because I have to.
Sifu Israel
Gonzales
Kajukembo
Self-Defense Systems
ksds2sifu@aol.com
817-637-3654
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