McDojos, Bullshido, and Us!

Classic Forums Old School: Bullshido Classics and Mega Threads
61

It is up there with the Bible!! Gee, thanks for cluing me in, I’ll get right on it.

62

Maybe we should just get someone to write a 2 page summery or something.

63

:iamwithst

64

Of this or the 54 page monster?

Here are the answers to the first question from just the first page:

Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to expose fradulent artists and schools
Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to debunk fraudulant claims in the martial arts community including artists, teachers, and style
The purpose of this site is to help the martial arts as an industry and a product self police - in an ideal world, BS would be populated by “good” martial artists who put a spotlight on less legitmate or effective ones. It is also a place where psuedo-mystic martial arts urban legends and misconceptions are put to the test and often debunked.
Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to provide accurate information concerning all types of martial arts and the veracity of claims made by individuals in the martial arts arena
Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to identify and combat fraudulence in Martial Arts
Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to expose frauds in the martial arts and provide cheery and upbeat comraderie with like-minded individuals.
Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to be a beacon through the fog of frauds, McDojos, and bad MA of all types.
Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to debunk, out, or otherwise expose fraudelent claims and practices in the martial arts community. To protect the consumer, and to educate the public in these areas.
Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to expose, seek and possibly defeat frauds in Martial Arts. They also understand that the site’s purpose is provide accurate information concerning all types of martial arts and the veracity of claims made by individuals in the martial arts arena.

65

I can sum it up in one sentence - Taebo Master is a wanker. :laughing9

66

It’s from all that “Full-contact Aerobics” training he does!

`~/

67

McAnswers

  1. Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to RIDICULE.

  2. A McDojo is an establishment where martial arts is BOUGHT AND PAID FOR.

  3. Bullshido is when the circumstances are found to be CIRCUMSTANCIAL.

  4. Just because I post here, I am GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION to represent Bullshido.

68

so this is my first visit to this site, and well I’m not all that surprised. I was intrigued by the wit of the sites title bullshido heh made me chuckle. I must admit I’m not entirely clear on the sites purpose though I am interested in what I interperated the purpose to be so for that reason I’ll answer the questions.

1 sites purpose…given the title and the intent I assume it is to debunk freudulent claims, abilities, backgrounds, histories, etc. It seems since there is no real governing body licensing the martial arts industry in the united states it is necessary for them to govern themselves and I certainly support that.

2 McDojo another witty reference I might add but I am a bit taken by some of the responses here. I do wonder by these responses how many of you actually own dojos or actually apreciate what you have learned from your instructors if anything. We’d all like to be independantly wealthy and be able to choose our students and their progress rather than treat them as customers but the fact remains the more money my dojo makes the more I can financially put into it. Ask yourselves, of those that own schools, how many of you DON’T have second jobs, spouses DON’T work? I think you’d find far too few self supportive, good martial arts schools around…anywhere. If you don’t own a dojo and are answering this question then ask yourself if your sensei has another job? The fact is a dojo is a business and you are subject to the pains of having to pay expenses, leases, electricity, taxes, etc. and yes you need to market and make money. There is a fine fine line between being true to your art and “taking care of the customer” granted many fall on the wrong side of that line in an effort to support themselves but I also think you’d be hard pressed to find too many average joe dojo owners driving ferraris to work either. Don’t get me wrong there are freuds out there.

  1. bullshido would reference anyone that would pretend not only to be someone they are not but know something they do not…I’ve found much bullshido in this thread alone.

  2. I represent myself and myself alone. I speak for no one else. ever I wonder how many others can say the same

This forum has potential yet can very quickly fall from what I believed its original intent.

69

You know, every so often someone comes here, and posts soemthing like this, then we rarely, if ever, hear from them again. I’m going to take the chance that you might actually stick around long enough to read my response, and address some of the issues you’ve raised.

1.) This site was established by Phrost in order to expose some of the bad practices rampant in MA. A new student to MA can and has been ripped off to the tune of several thousand dollars for training that is subpar at best. This, unfortunately, is not as rare as we would like to believe. By creating a forum where people can ask questions, and discuss their experiences, Phrost has created a FREE resource for people looking to do their homework. I believe the idea has merit, and I know I’ve directed a couple of people here, and they were able to make better decisions based on what they’ve learned.

2.) The business pressures of a dojo are not the responsibility of the student. That is what the sensei signs up for when he hangs out a shingle. The issue isn’t whether or not the sensei makes money. It’s how much value for the dollar is he creating? Has he compromised the standards of his art in order to pay the rent? Too many times, the answer is yes. Not all schools do this, but some do.

3.) One of the issues with an online forum is that people can appear to be something they are not. Phrost and the mods do their best to sort out a lot of this, but unfortunately, it IS one of the problems with a resource of this nature. Having said that, there are people on this forum who are qualified, DO have experience in a variety of styles at a high level, and believe in the philosophy of this site. A little time here will help you get to know who is who rather quickly.

4.) I had to think about why you would write this. Are you claiming ‘hidden agendas’ on the part of some of the forum members? Or are you just trying to isolate yourself from your MA org, so they don’t get pissed if they find out you are posting here? All I can say to this is that when I post, it is my own perspectives. If you could explain this more fully, I could understand it better.

More than anything, this forum believes in giving people a place for a no holds barred discussion of various MA issues. That means you will get the good, the bad, and the ugly, all in one place. If that bothers you, then you should give it a pass.

70

Very little if anything bothers me let alone posts in an online forum. I’m not entirely sure if this was an attempt to discredit my opinion or not but the discussion is intriguing. In any industry there are freuds this is why there are laws, regulations, and licensing boards. These things protect the consumers from getting something that is not what it claims. The martial arts industry needs the same really. As much as we would all hate to admit that. Fundimentally, what will remove the “McDojos” from the world is consumer education. Only by educating the consumer will the circus acts dwindle. But then who reliable enough to do the education in the first place? As a “whitebelt” to this forum I will decide myself on its validity and my future course of action as to whether it is worth my time to come here. I do not intend to insult anyone by this statement. It is a simple fact, either this forum will be a place to gain perspective and insights from other blackbelts across the country or it won’t.

71

My ‘point’ was that I didn’t understand your point. I was asking for clarification.

No. I have no reason to attempt to discredit you.

Welcome to Bullshido.

72

Way late, but I’ll throw my answers up here too.

  1. Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to debunk fraudulent martial artists and schools. Or so I’d like to hope that’s what most here think, it’s what I think.

  2. A McDojo is an establishment where martial arts is taught and purely for profit.

  3. Bullshido is when the circumstances are found to be less than worth the price of the class and/or partially or wholely ineffective for what they’re supposed to do. (IE I don’t call Kendo or Fencing Schools bullshido because they can’t fight for real, but I would call a Boxing School crap if it can’t produce a real fighter).

  4. Just because I post here, I am Depressed that there’s more weapons talk here than on Arma… Kidding. I don’t represent Bullshido. Maybe when I’m a supporting member and have contributed something more of worth here as well as shown up and gotten thrashed at a few throwdowns I might have a different take. But I’m very careful to phrase things so as to not automatically link myself to this or any other place.

73

I realize that i’m posting this about a month late…but i feel i should answer the questions so there isn’t any future confusion.

  1. Most here at Bullshido understand that the site’s purpose is to?
    I believe that most of the people here are unhappy with the misuse of martial arts today and wish to find and expose fraudualant martial arts schools and personel.

  2. A McDojo is an establishment where martial arts is taught and?
    A McDojo is an establishment that uses martial arts for its own personal gain and reputation, with little regard to whether the students are capable to defend themselves.

  3. Bullshido is when the circumstances are found to be?
    My understanding of Bullshido is that it is(but not limited to) fraudulant martial arts, personel, schools or information.

  4. Just because I post here, I am __________________to represent Bullshido?
    My posts are based on my opinions and knowledge of martial arts, all of which i take full responsiblity for, and do not in any way represent Bushido, or any other members on this site.

74

Where the hell is that Basai guy??

75

Where the hell is that Basai guy??

He can’t be emailed or pm’d, it’s a shame… This site could use him, now that all the cool guys except me and, uh what 's his name, are gone.