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I was reading an earlier post concerning the adoption of belt ranking in an Mixed Martial Arts program, where the students didn't seem to really respect the traditional manners of a belt.

While I consider myself a Mixed Martial Artist, that doesn't make me a Fighter. I have a base in jujitsu, but only slightly. However, I like to meditate. I prefer the traditional methods of training, but I use what I'd consider "fighter" styles.

Just curious if anyone would want to chime in on this. I know in my Black Belt magazine that alot of the old school guys hate this new MMA boom, I'd love to read some of that lol.

I see what you mean. "Contest" is probably a better term, or "event" but you know, "fight" is much more marketable.

Might seem as if you aren't a fan of the MMA?

Valid points. In one of my favorite films (even though its hated on the internet) Red Belt, the main character comments that he does not train people in jujitsu to fight, but to prevail. In a fight like an MMA contest, it isn't like an actual fight, like you mentioned because there are rules, 1 on 1 opponents, in a cage. Set variables.

However, I think MMA can be a good basis for self defense even though its more sport orientated since its taken the primary areas where a fight will probably go: Stand up, clinch, ground.

Like you said though, I'm pretty sure Karate involves alot of kicks to the knee, groin, and etc that would be illegal in a MMA fight so yeah, it would mostly prove ineffective.

I think when karate gets called into question by its effectiveness through MMA is on the grounds that only one or two individuals have made it to a high level using it as their main striking discipline, which could say that if you take out the "mma illegal" strikes, karate's stand-up is lacking compared to other things like Muay Thai which you mentioned. Note, I didn't say karate was lacking, just said thats what alot of people say.

I'm always of the argument that it comes down to the practitioner. I think you could do TaeBo and be a badass if you have the genetics and mental fortitude.

However, this is only my opinion, I think your average American Karateka would get reamed by your average American Muay Thai striker, based on how each art is taught in the US.

Haha, exactly. I was afraid you were gonna rage on me lol sweatdrop

I watched like, uh, Fight Quest or one of those shows where they went to Japan and trained with some kyokushin karate fighters who like...did crazy s**t like punch and kick trees and stuff.

Alot of people don't realize that back in Thailand, Muay Thai is alot like Karate. Its spiritual in alot of ways when they do their dances, and it even has kata.

Exactly. Unfortunately its a business, and its because people by nature don't like to work.

So, its easier to nab kids and be a day care more or less.

Yeah, I've seen a few things like that. Usually working out of a Recreation Center, or something similar.

In today's market, that might be the best way to go because big business is slowly making its way into the martial arts genre. Things like LA Boxing, or even the Gracie jujitsu schools are becoming more corporate because of their name.

Hey guys, how is everything? I'm sorry I've been gone for months, but things have kept me down a lot. But, I'm back and I'm ready to rock. I've been training in both Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and Okinawan Goju ryu karate-do, and my training is getting A LOT better. Anyways, back to the subject on hand, I'd say what makes a fighter is one who just thinks entirely about practicality and fighting. He/she doesn't care about what they do in the outside world or how they treat others, they just care about fighting. Unfortunately, a majority of MMA gyms focus on this instead of both practicality AND discipline.

Honestly, the tendency of people of that nature being drawn to the local MMA Gyms is exactly the reason I don't myself attend an MMA Gym. I study on my own, in the 'traditional' Manner, while sparring freely on my own time with friends and opponents of different styles to further my experiences and adapting/assimilating what works, leaving out what doesn't.

A 'Fighter', in my opinion, is distinctly different from a 'Martial Artist'. One can be one and not the other, and vice versa, as posters before me have stated. The ability to practically, and ruthlessly, apply the techniques you learn to put a man on the ground in a mixture of his own fluids is typically -not- something you learn in a dojo. The talent to work without hesitation is something one cultivates, or one doesn't.