Sacrifice and dedication are at the epicenter of greatness
Even the best of us never reach the top 0.2% of great martial arts athletes in the world. Becoming just above average sets you above 99% of the world’s population, combatively. Fortunes are rare, and passion is high. Never is a large enough monetary amount reciprocated, in comparison to the time and financial investment required to be a good martial artist and coach. That said, carving out a comfortable life while doing what you love is much desired. For myself, it is my dream now to raise my children in the positive and healthy environment that is the dojo.
For the coaches who have quality experience, having felt the hard rigors of training, we wish to uphold the quality of the art. I, for one, have continually battled between monetary gain and maintaining quality martial arts. As we focus on broadening and appealing to a wider audience, we are forced to package something that we ourselves don’t believe in. The reality… low expectations and standards are required for client retention. Often, I hear coaches bash what they see in students or hobbyists in their realm of martial arts, as “it’s not as real as what they went through”. Where, simultaneously, they are holding pads for soccer moms, and putting middle-aged men in the ring for “life experience”. We are all guilty of selling the values and benefits of martial arts, but not being able to deliver on the training that truly builds these qualities. All because we offer an image to people who can’t take the heat.
After several generations of producing black belts or instructors to this standard, you have watered-down students, teaching watered-down martial arts. The sports that coincide with them become softer and safer, and the style’s reputation is tarnished forever.
Rhino Ryu is the world’s most contemporary form of full-contact karate.
Rhino Ryu upholds the core values of Okinawa Karate origins. It is not a sport, and is trained as a complete fighting system. However, karate, in general terms, peaked decades ago. Once known for hard training and practical fighting, it has been converted into sport systems that don’t at all resemble the original art form. While it is certainly easy to find high-level and hard forms of full-contact karate around the world. There is a certain connotation assumed when the laymen hear the term “karate”. Something to be observed in martial arts is that they were developed by, and for, an elite fighting class of people. Now we are in a time where the greater population of men has the privilege to partake by paying monthly dues. We can only be as strong as our weakest link. To share the title of black belt with the bottom rung would only set the bar so low.
As a coach, fighter, and lifelong practitioner of martial arts, I often carry a great deal of pride and ego. Though the philosophical elements of martial arts training would suggest otherwise. Fighters, in particular, are not always the same as a martial artist. Though we all have eaten our doses of humble pie, many times over. We must carry on the desire to be the best. For myself, it has taken many years to break my mind of being a competitor, and evolve into a martial artist. Where I have wanted to break the stigma of age, and continue to physiologically compete with young, hungry athletic talent, Father Time wins. In fact, it gave me a new perspective about who should train, why they should train, and how they should train. Further carving out my niche as a coach. As mentioned, it’s a fine line between McDojo and exclusive martial arts training. I’ve concluded that the options are;
- keep the fighting skills elite for the elite athletes, who are far and between.
- Or to adapt the martial arts to fit the modern man on a case-by-case basis.
Neither of these options is lucrative. Case in point, martial arts should not be lucrative, as the art is not a product to sell. Rather, produce good training, positive outcomes, and the ideal image. Then our merchandise can represent what is real.
Bringing love to the world is my calling
It has become apparent that my place in this world is to share my love. We are in a time where men must remain hard and exude a powerful presence. The only war I intend to fight is for my Christian faith and my family, as true for most of us. While modern times have us living modern lives, we must learn to have skills that counter them. Collecting life-changing injuries and damage is not conducive to raising a family or providing for one. Though most of us would like to believe our martial arts style is flawless, and the truth about what real fighting is, we should be sorely disappointed. Adjustments and modifications will come regardless. Modern scientific and medical technology is widely accessible and understood. To disregard would be foolish. A proper training culture in place is the first step to adhering to safety. Understanding the value of your training partners and respecting them is key. We are here to practice and make mistakes to learn from. Not to beat one another bloody. Proper safety equipment will have you training for many years to come. Giving yourself time to grow and knowing the time and place to test your grit is enlightenment.
The beauty is that Rhino Ryu is not for everyone, but for any man serving God. Rhino Ryu is in its infancy, being an advantage to come in a time where so much has already been documented throughout history. Karate’s reputation, having a bar set so low, only allows us to shine light on how great it can be. While we will maintain an exclusive community of Christian Warriors, we hope to inspire the young men of martial arts with our values. As society intends to weaken men’s formidability, we are here to maintain the strength and integrity, and force of man who fights for God and upholds Western civilization from the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Osu!
