What is a Mcdojo?

Now if there was EVER a topic that enthralls/delights/entices/disgusts and exasperates me, it is the idea of a Mcdojo. Now some of you martial arts newbies or layfolks may not know what that is. A Mcdojo is a school or chain of schools where the original principles of the martial arts are disregarded for the sake of profit.

Now this term has been alive in well in Southern California for a long time. And since a large part of this blog involves what is WRONG with the martial arts world, I have always felt strongly about this. The crazy thing is that subconsciously I think that most people have equated financially successful schools as automatically being Mcdojos. I dont think that it is fair.

The problem is that most of the highly successful schools ARE Mcdojos. You know what I mean. "Karate" classes for 3 year olds. 7 year old Black Belts. THOSE are Mcdojos. But there are also some very good examples of schools that are successful and put out an amazing product. Now, before I give an example of those exceptional schools, let me just give some examples of what Mcdojos do.

First of all, they have a formula that is business proven to be successful.  They dont really care as much about the martial artists that they produce as much as the profits they produce. Dont get me wrong, any person who does their job well deserves the financial rewards that they can garner. But Mcdojos have gimmicks and misleading marketing methods that pull in the uninitiated and part them from their hard earned money. Think about a weight loss programs and fad diets. They claim that they can help you lose weight and get fit in record time. You do get lighter........in the wallet. They teach nothing about long lasting health, nor do they care to do so.

Second is that Mcdojos lead parents to believe that the Martial Arts are NOT about self-defense. You can fertilize the grass with that. The Martial Arts have ALWAYS been about self-defense, with the character building being a by product of the training.

The third and last thing that Mcdojos do is provide a lot of sizzle and no steak. They do demonstration of brick breaking, knowing that the bricks are prepared before-hand. They do demonstrations that have been well orchestrated so that self defense looks easy to master. And they are providing a disservice to those who NEED to learn how to defend themselves. I am still to peeved to continue. I am going to go have some graham crackers, Peace folks!!

My latest inspiration

Folks,

After a long time in the martial arts, I am always thankful when something gives me a push in the right direction. I just recently read about the first women who completed the hyaku kumite. For those who dont know, it is a kyokushin test where a person fights 100 matches in a row for 3 minutes apiece. It is widely considered the ultimate martial arts test.  Less than 20 people have completed it at this point, and that a woman completed it is note worthy. All of her matches were against skilled male practitioners. Now this may be done again at some point in the future, but she will always be the first. Madam you have inspired me. Osu!