Hey Mich!

Yes - we are all known for our extreme forms/weapons but almost all of us still compete in traditional forms or weapons. Some people think martial arts it's all about the extreme aspect, but you cannot get to such an extreme/competitive level without having a strong, traditional base.

For myself, I have a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Chinese Kenpo & Japanese Goju Ryu. I went through all 3 styles from the beginning & that included all the traditional aspects of martial arts. I also learned traditional sword before I started doing extreme. I think it is very important to have strong basics or else you just flip around with no background in karate.

I know it is hard for some students to stay motivated because they see all the cool flips/kicks & that's all they want to do, but encourage them to get to that next belt rank & keep training hard to be as good as their idol. By encouraging them, they will want to continue their training to become better & better. Also, encourage them to take harder classes & challenge themselves so they do not get bored with the same ol' classes.

Hope this helps!!

Caitlin Dechelle.

Hey Mich-
I use Traditional forms to teach strength, control and extreme speed. I use a concept of doing a form "Machine Style" which is where a student does each move 1 at a time with extreme speed meaning they go fast and stop fast holding each move perfectly. This teaches them a different style of doing a form. Next I explain the tradition of the form and how cool it is to know a traditional form that comes from hundreds of years past. Make it cool, the presentation and challenges count here. You can always add a flip at the end haha

Hello Mich,
As a martial artist who is known for Extreme and Creative forms/weapons, I understand how the underbelts can find traditional martial arts to be not as interesting. However, as well as I am known for being an extreme martial artist who does high flips and twists, I am also known for my technique. Many people will comment on my trick combos or my flash kick, but I also gain a lot of respect for my attention to detail in hand technique and of course kicks of all kind. I feel training in traditional martial arts teaches something that extreme martial arts doesn't and thats consistency. Just as Roland said, teaching even a traditional form one move at a time, paying attention to the smallest detail is what can set any beginner student apart from another and even a black belt. The way I see it is, almost anyone can eventually learn to flip and twist BUT not everyone can learn the same flips or tricks with amazing technique and understand the mechanics behind each movement. This is the training that has molded any elite athlete in any sport. As long as you help your students understand the importance of a strong base in martial arts, they will excel! That is after all, our job as instructors!


Hope This Helped!
-Marc Canonizado

I feel I have a unique perspective in regards to traditional martial arts. At my karate school we didn't learn any real traditional forms so I never really had that basis when I started competing. Sure, I had all the flips and tricks but my karate was not as strong as it needed to be. I knew focusing on traditional basics would make me an overall better competitor and martial artist. So in late 2007 I sought the help of a top traditionalist and worked hard on my basics. I did a lot of stance and punch drills and learned some competitive traditional forms which I still compete today. I can say I enjoy performing my Traditional Forms just as much as my Extreme Forms yet they are very different. In fact, one of my goals for this year is to earn a World Championship in Traditional Forms. I know one thing for sure, I would not be as strong and as fundamental of martial artist if I did not really put a lot of effort into the traditional martial arts. All the flash in the world won't help you if it isn't rooted in strong basics.

I have to agree with Mackensi. Doing tradtional builds you up for extreme. Sure some students would perfer not to do tradtional or they do, just not the best that they can. And why because they would rather do extreme. I tell the students that I help teach that you have to know the basics before you do extreme. They will make you stronger and faster. And I always focus on my traditional before my extreme/creative. It makes me focus and concentrait on what is important. And Mackensi is right. The flash won't help you if you don't have a good and strong basic techniques.

Thank you so much!

Your information has been very helpful!

Wether you/we are a pros or not, we can all learn from eachother!

Thank you for making it possible for us all to have a place to and learn, teach, share, and so much more!!!

You guys are great!