 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Understand your means of attaining that goal.
Understanding martial arts in general
MARTIAL ARTS, STYLES, SCHOOLS
A martial art is a number of techniques and principles of fighting which has been put together in a somewhat logical fashion for the purpose of instruction. Many arts have a philosophical element which has taken them from a self-defense or combat system to a self-development system.
A martial style is a specific method of instructing one type of art that has identifiable variations of techniques or practices unique to it, although often it will share certain similarities with other styles.
Different schools of the same style of the same art may practice in a dissimilar manner. For example, each basketball team practices different plays and uses different strategies. Each team is a reflection of its coach and its players. Similarly, each school of the martial arts is a reflection of its sensei (instructor) and its students. Each school may practice differently, emphasizing various techniques but, nevertheless, one can identify a specific style from observing the practices which each instructor requires. That is why it is so important to know the Head Instructor of a school and his/her credentials.
Styles can further be divided into traditional and non-traditional groupings. Traditional arts show respect for their roots and are careful in tracing their lineage. They tend to have a family atmosphere and explore new concepts from a strong, proven foundation. Non-traditional styles are modern compilations of techniques which do not emphasize historical sources. These can be called eclectic or combined styles.
BUSHIDO-KAI teaches traditional martial arts and displays detailed and well-organized charts depicting the lineage of its arts over several centuries of development.