[Lonewolf]

Osu! blazindave, Here in USA generally alot of the public just has the wrong concept of what the martial arts really are about. It is a sad and frustrating situation. It seems that people here like being lied to, to be lead to believe that they will become invincible it they join martial arts. They train in a "so called" style and get a bogus Black Belt and feel they are bullet proof. I used to think that was funny, but now I feel it's so sad. Bad part is, good people do martial arts training and develop a false sense of security that will eventually get them killed or hurt in the street. It's not their fault, it's the fault of the teacher at the place they trained at.
They say Kyokushin is violent and extreme. I have had alot of people tell me over the years that Kyokushin Karate training was not necessary. They told me that a person could "kill" someone with that much power. They also informed me that Karate and martial arts were for enjoyment or sport, and not to hurt people. So, then I asked them "What would happen if your family members or you were attacked in a real life street encounter?" I was told, "Oh my, that would never happen to me. That's only in the movies". Amazing! It seems that here in USA, people have a "comic book", fantasy idea of what the martial arts are about. I will say that it is changing somewhat now, since the popularity of UFC and other MMA events here now.

I have always refused to do any of that. I have only a handful of dedicated students who only like to train for the sake of training (and it's many positive benefits). I had an 80% drop out rate when I ran a Dojo over the years. I just love the art too much to allow myself to become commercialized. I stick to my principles and not lower the standards. There is an old saying, "If you don't stand for something, you'll lie down for anything". Osu!