Tommy from Singapore’s Reply to Howard (from Canada)
In the most recent episode I said I would publish this note from Tommy to Howard. So, here it is:
Hi Howard!
This is “Tommy from Singapore” as named by Scott. (lol)
Thanks for sharing! i know its July already but i just saw your reply on this site (i download the podcasts through iTunes feed).
for me, i had gone to do Shaolin kungfu [new class in town] for a year when i was 7 but all the instructor did with a bunch of kids was katas, katas, katas: mass kata drills for children without explainations for weeks and months.
of course now that im older i know the usefullness and purpose of drilling in katas for those already having some foundation, but for a kid who’s just starting out i thought it was pointless to go to a class and join other newbies as a mindless zombie waving hands and legs in the air, having no idea what im doing.
Even at that young age i was looking for more self defense and practical instructions. that horrible experience made me quit and my mum thought i wasnt interested anymore but it was in fact bad coaching. i never had another chance until about 2 years back when a friend introduced me to the boxing gym he goes to (another story for another day).
however boxing is still more of a sport and less self defense (i.e. krav maga). up till know i still havent found what i wanted, maybe im not actively looking for it real hard.
another point though, correct me if im wrong, but i guess its hard to find an ideal instructor or school in a small place where i live (equivalent to the size of Calgary but 4 times its population).
as for the debate of “which martial arts for kids”, i was thinking along the lines of self defense for kids in a critical situation, but nothing fatal as kids might not exercise self control nor understand the legal/ethic consequences behind beating the shit outta someone who-all-that-dude-did-was-pissing-you-off. that statement is a paradox, i know.
regarding the “if you found one discipline you kinda like, become an expert on it” from your own personal experience, i agree totally.
once again, thanks for sharing your own personal experience!