What does the web add to Martial Arts?

[Bart Scovill]

Martial arts has exploded on the internet in recent years. What's the biggest benefit the web adds to your training or martial arts' experience?

[Jonathan Forrester]

I think the biggest benefit of the Internet is the ability to search for information, confirm information, dispel half-truths and myths, and learn. I've learned a lot from having people join the Warrior Pages. If I am unfamiliar with their particular style, I like to take the time to do a search and find out some background information about their style's history, and how it is woven into the fabric of the martial arts that we all are familiar with. It is amazing how practically all of the styles out there are connected somehow and without the Internet, it would virtually impossible to gather up the information necessary to do this.

It is also great for doing some background research on things that we discuss here such as the recent discussion on Dim-Mak. I'm pretty sure that this was a great discussion, but after doing some research, it did alter my perception of the art (to a lesser degree I might add.....). So the availability of information is the biggest benefit that I find for the martial arts.

[southpaw0727]

Honestly to me Warrior Pages, and You Tube have been the biggest benefits. We get to exchange ideas in warrior pages and are sometimes shown how to think outside our boxes. You tube has given me that ability to see other martial artist in action with kata, training exercises, as well as how other systems perform the same kata. I feel the like I am a way better martial artist because of it.

[Berserk]

The internet is a vast source of information. Without it, I wouldn't know more than half the things I already know. Youtube, Martial Arts forums, information sites etc. help the average Joe gain knowledge faster than reading books. I mean, you can't embed a video in a book, lol.

The internet has helped me a lot with my training. Not being biased but when I first started learning, I wanted to perfect my roundhouse kick. I knew I wasn't doing it properly and was losing power. So, I searched Google and one of the top links, was WarriorPages.com, which I clicked. I read the article thoroughly and within a week, my roundhouse kick was almost perfect. Really.

I know, I could have asked my instructor to help me out but he doesn't really like breaking down every single thing into baby steps. He's a great teacher, by the way; I'm not saying he isn't.

[April]

For me, the web has provided a great place to post stuff for my students: articles, tips, photos, videos, upcoming events important to our school... A lot of them visit my site regularly, a couple have joined the site, and one actually posted a video link there. I'd like to see them participate more on the site, but I'm glad they're reading it. My dad joined our school (Vancouver branch) a while back, and he's one of those people who want a lot of answers, so he emailed me a list of questions he had, and I posted articles trying to answer them. I also like having a place to stick stuff I want to remember, like the words to the Korean national anthem! I've been trying to learn the whole thing, but there's one line I just can't get the rhythm of.

The web is also a great place to retreat to when I feel burned out. I can go watch Bruce Lee clips or read articles about the physics of martial arts and get excited again.

So far as this site, I've looked at a lot of discussion forums, and I was disappointed by how many "wanna-be's" were on there spouting off a lot of nonsense. I like this site because it seems to have actual practioners, people who take martial arts seriously. I want to learn by listening, watching videos, reading discussions, noticing what's important to other styles, and this looks like a great place to do that.

[Bart Scovill]

That's funny. I created this site because I felt the same way. Everyone was just bashing everone else's styles instead of learning from each other. I've been incredibly lucky in the quality of people that have joined this site. Whether a lifetime master or a one week newbie, everyone here is top quality.

[James M. Gray]

Jonathan and Bart

Thanks for the site and this is the way I was introduced to Troy Price. Jonathan it was fun talking about Dim-Mak. For everything that is real there are many fakes. Don't believe in electricity, can't see it but it still shocks me.