You can definitely not get the training through DVD you can get through a master. Its not only in the moves, techniques and tactics that transmission of mastery happens. when a true master looks into your eyes, shows you a move, tells you whats possible whats not, the presence of the master will generate changes no DVD/book can. and of course a master will really know what works and not. however, unfortunately, today we are facing “fast food” martial arts schools. Kids at the age of 7 hold black belts. There are so many “experts” on the market who have only 2 years of training. The martial arts market is teaming with people making money from students receiving their black belts too quickly. There seems to be more business-oriented people than true martial arts teachers and students. It also seems that students don't want to (or don't know HOW to) act as students anymore. A large part of the problem is there are not many real teachers out there who know how to mold students into being students first. Many in teaching roles today simply view “students” as customers with the “teachers” “rubber stamping” certificates in exchange for cash. So many of them are willing to sell you the new “package”, or “kit from A to Z - buy today and be a Black Belt tomorrow”. We see “experts” in virtually any field you can name, and some are made up. The “grand master” says take this class today and run your own program tomorrow . . .
It's shocking how many people we've met in the last 5 years, who have taken a "course" yesterday, their first time training with firearms or self-defense, and we see them popping up with DVDs and marketing full systems self defense, ground fighting, and whatever else they can think of.
They are marketing guys who want to make money off of unsuspecting students who don't have the knowledge or background to ask about the legitimacy of what is being taught. It's DANGEROUS. These “students” who then become “teachers” don't seem to want to think for themselves, to search for and find the answers themselves, but are ready to buy the packaged kit with the cool t-shirts, coffee cups, expert DVDs, certificates, and car stickers so everyone can see how “amazing” they are so they can get more unsuspecting “customers/students”.
Maybe your intention is to tell your friends that you're a BLACK BELT Jkd Ninja (thres no belt in jkd tho) or something similar with your grades. But dont try to teach stuff even if sum1 provide grading over the net. For you cannot know real combat through the 'internet warrior training' program.
However, you can definitely learn great deal from the Books and DVDs.
Ya know, the more posts I read from you, Exit Dragon, the more certain I am that you are one of the people you're bad mouthing in this rant.
I nearly pissed myself when you talked about looking into your "Master's" eyes.
If you go into a boxing gym I doubt you'll find anybody calling themselves a "Master". How many professional fighters do you know who brandish that title? Oh, NONE?!? That's because if someone is walking around calling themselves a "Master" it usually means they've learned everything they know about combat in a safe, pseudo-competitive environment.
It's easy to be a "master" when your students let you beat them up.
