subject: THE MARTIAL ARTS THEN AND NOW [print this page] I myself have been a student of the martial arts since the late 1960s. Many practitioners and historians refer to this time as the golden age of the martial arts. It was a different world back then. There were very few schools, at that time. The future student was limited as to the variety of martial art styles, he or she could study. These many times involved loyalty and secrecy issues, also there was a limited amount of schools. Many instructors were ex military men, who learned the arts in the orient. You were fortunate if accepted as a student. The training was strict. Competitors did not wear protective hand and foot pads at tournaments. At a later date hand and foot pads were required. It was a great time to train, and I look back on that time with fond memories. The notable practitioners of the day became famous, and influenced the martial arts for future generations. Their contributions to the martial arts was and is incredible.
Skipping ahead to the present time, as in the past it is a perfect time to learn the martial arts. The world changes, as does the martial arts. Each era has its strong points. There are more tournaments available for todays instructors and students.The present day student/practitioner has a wealth of knowledge available to them. The martial artist of today is much more informed about nutrition and fitness. The INTERNET has provided a great service for the martial artist. The present day information network cannot be denied. Instructional seminars, videos, Dvds , Internet, on line training, newsletters, and books are available. I realize nothing takes the place of going to a school and training with a qualified instructor, however these are options. Depending on how serious a student is, he/she can also contact the instructor and possibly become a on-line student, if this art is not being taught in their vicinity. It is a great time to learn and practice a martial art, both for the serious student or someone wanting to obtain information about the martial arts. I am confident that the martial arts will continue for future generations, due to the great martial artist of the past and present.
