grzegorz wrote:marvin8 wrote:grzegorz wrote:As one who has trained MMA, BJJ and boxing for years I suppose I shouldn't be surprised but I have to admit that I am disappointed to see traditional schools switch to MMA.
In real fighting I never think in terms of MMA but traditional CMA with or without a knife.
You may be misinterpreting them. They did not "switch to MMA." They are doing "Xing yi sparring," as Tim Cartmell explains it. As part of their aliveness training, they spar or may enter MMA competitions. In training for real fighting, they think in terms of aliveness (e.g., energy, movement, timing, etc.). Who's to say "traditional CMA" did not spar or compete (lei tai)?grzegorz wrote:FWIW, MMA also attracts lots of athletes whose interest in arts is only about competition. Point being that I think MMA builds fighters in part because it attracts highly competitive athletic people and those who don't fit into that mold will probably discontinue at some point.
MMA attracts lots of people whose interests are learning to defend themselves against non-compliant opponents which the martial arts were designed for. Most of the time MMA is spent training, not sparring or competing. MMA gyms are often referred to as teams, as they work together to become better martial artists.
Yes Marvin, I know about those and these things and Tim. I first started training with Ralph Gracie during the first few UFCs in the nineties. I have seen the MMA scene change and evolve. Personally I think that original form of BJJ in nineties was mich more street based but whatever.
In order to continue to compete successfully in MMA, BJJ fighters had to improve and expand their entering skills (e.g., punches, kicks, wrestling, etc.). However, I don't see how the evolution of MMA effects how TCMA trains if sparring has always been a part of it's curriculum.
grzegorz wrote:My point is people can train however they like as I do but being that where I live there are 5 MMA gyms within walking distance of my house I hope someone keeps some traditions alive. With my job and work unfortunately I cannot.
When I left Shanghai MMA/BJJ gyms started popping up and I am sure they are thriving.
Just as Bruce Lee brought awareness to wing chun and martial arts, the UFC increased awareness to MMA and created an industry where people could earn a living fighting, teaching, reporting, promoting, etc.
The popularity of MMA may bring more eyes to TMA schools. But to stay alive, it is up to TMAs to provide the benefits of training MAs people are seeking.