So many people sincerely interested in MA on Yahoo Answers-Martial Arts ask which style is best?

And this is pretty natural, as popular Kung Fu movies often pit one style (or School of Thought) against another to prove which is better. (Like Crane against Tiger Claw)


Perhaps a better question might be, how do you tell if the sensei at a dojo is any good.


Or perhaps you too believe style is more important than the individual dojo.





* Is School more important than Teacher, or Sensei more important than Style?


If "Teacher" is more important, what qualities do you look for? If "School" is more important, what style is best?

So many people sincerely interested in MA on Yahoo Answers-Martial Arts ask which style is best?
When I first got on here, all I read was that Muay Thai was everything and TKD was crap... so honestly, being a TKD guy, I went looking for a Muay Thai school..... What I found was something different that what I was used to (no better or worse, but added together very strong), and a very well spoken, knowlegable instructor that I look forward to learning from for the next few years at least... The reason I respect him most, is he will not say what I did was wrong or bad, but this is how it is done in Muay Thai and this is why.... Whether I agree with everything he says or not is irrelevant, and I do my best to do as he says.... On sparring days, when I am trying to do what I have been taught by him, (Im not quite there yet to really make it work) when I get in trouble and go back to what is natural for me (to save my face some pain haha) he never talks down or corrects me, but the next few classes it seems he works drills that will help me "convert" so to speak.... What I am really learning about the 2 different arts is when and where each one will work best and it will ultimately be a blend for me.... So I'd say to anyone (who gets on yahoo answers and asks which art is better at fighting) find a good instructor, learn as much as you can about any style and stop living in fantasy land about being Bruce Lee
Reply:I believe that it is the teacher that is the most important element.





Unfortunately when you are an absolute beginner it is impossible to tell if the teacher is any good and so most people base their assessment on the nicest looking school with the best ad in the Yellow Pages and the most students especially at a blackbelt level, or even more likely in most cases just on the first school that they go into.
Reply:Learning from someone you respect is most important for me. Someone who prioritizes safety and the values I want to hone from studying the art. I study Ninpo because of its focus on spirituality and tradition. Check out http://www.ninjaseishin.com for more info about this special art. I have an interest in and a respect for all forms of MA.
Reply:I would prefer to say that each individual has their own focus as to which would be more suitable for them. Personally, I think both are just as important. If you don't like a particular school, then it would be pointless for you to join it because you would not put your heart into learning it. Although you might be intrigued by a particlar school but the teacher is not able to live up to your expectation, you would not truly learn the proper stuffs in the martial arts.
Reply:Teacher, he or she will affect the school (environment).





Style? It does not matter. I've seen horrible teaching at a popular style and I have seen splendid teaching from a "often-laughed-at" style.
Reply:In my opinion, the teacher/instructor is the most important factor. You will spend a lot of time, money, and energy on this journey, and the instructor will make all the difference.





Some things to consider would be, who will be providing the bulk of the instruction? If you do not feel comfortable, supported, welcomed, safe, and encouraged - no matter what the art, how fantastic the training facility, how inexpensive the program, or the fame of the instructor - you will not enjoy your time and you will most likely quit. Your first quest therefore should be to find an environment that actually appeals to you and one in which you feel comfortable.


Everyone will approach this differently, and you must make up your own mind as to what is comfortable and what is not. I'drecommend attending a few different classes to observe the student, instructor, and visitor interactions. If they are positive, respectful, light when appropriate and more serious or studious when called for it's probably a good environment to consider for your martial arts training.





This is probably the single most important decision you will make, as the primary instructor will be your leader, mentor, guide, and confidant. You must be able to trust and respect this individual, and equally feel that they trust and respect you as an individual.








Style is less important than substance


Unless you already know which art you wish to study and are determined to seek only that style out, the style of the instructor you like is far less important than the substance of the instruction. While there are nuances to the method, use, execution, and physical requirements of all the different styles - all will ultimately teach you much about yourself, about your abilities, and about how to defend yourself if the worst should happen.





The substantive advantage therefore is in the knowledge of the instructors who will provide your guidance on a regular basis, and their ability to impart that knowledge is a safe, fun, enjoyable, and accessible manner. Instructors should be able to converse intelligently on the techniques and requirements of the instruction and class elements, and should be able to answer student questions competently, thoroughly, and honestly.





If you find such a school, with an instructor you respect, and environment you like and feel comfortable in, students you think you could be friends with, and an instructor group that seems professional, approachable, and knowledgeable - then you have overcome the greatest hurdles.





Ken C


9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do


8th Dan TaeKwon-Do


7th Dan YongChul-Do
Reply:I think it is a mix of both - as both lead to preferences. The best teacher in the world won't be able to teach everyone their style equally. Likewise, not even the most capable martial artist will be able to learn all styles equally, regardless of the teacher. However, I would lean towards teacher being more important.





For teacher - the biggest quality is "can you learn from them?" If not, it won't matter what style they teach.





For school - the biggest question is "can I learn this art form?" If not, the teacher's ability to teach is irrelevant.
Reply:I hear ya! I don't think the style is important and I've repeated many times on YA that if you just learn something, and learn it well, you will achieve whatever goals you had when you started MA.





I think the teacher is much more important, but even more important than that is your dedication to learn. You can breeze through the training and get ranked, but unless you give it total effort, it won't become "part" of you. This is what it means to be good at what you do in anything...when it's part of you, it flows from you without thinking...its natural and its instinctive. This is where you want to be and this only comes with repetition and commitment to what you are doing. Not just in MA, but in life.
Reply:For me the teacher without a doubt is was makes the school and the system (style work).





You may have great lineage but that does not always mean you can teach well. We are unforunately not all gifted with the proper teaching ettiquette that some of us know naturally or have learned by example. Others are just out for money.





So if you have a serious teacher who is truly dedicated to their art then you will have a great school, but if you have a great looking school with a teacher who does not care then you look good in the place but learn nothing.





For me with out a thought it is the teacher or person that makes it.
Reply:The teacher is definitely the most important. There are principles of combat that every style has to recognize but not all do. (Such as how to handle multiple attackers, how important a good balance base and structure is, or that one needs to adapt in a fight or they will lose.)





However, through study and practice which grants understanding, the teacher can learn these and gain a full understanding of them. Hopefully, that teacher can then pass that principle (or truth) on to their students.





What would I look for in a teacher? Patience, wisdom, and kindness are the few that come to mind. Without any of those things, the students will either end up frustrated and/or demoralized and likely never finish their training.





That's not to discount lineage as the student often takes on attributes of their teacher. By seeing where the teacher gained their understanding, one can catch a small glimpse into the future to see how not only their new teacher will treat them and how skilled their new teacher is but also what they can expect for themselves if they are serious about their training.