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I have been thinking a lot lately about the level of dedication that it takes to really get somewhere in the art of Jeet Kune Do. I have watched a steady decline in the amount of dedication that my students have from 1980 to today. It is sad but true! Back then, I had a group that was hungry for the knowledge, and willing to do whatever it took to learn and improve. As the nineties came, I still had a very dedicated group, but the number of truly dedicated had already started to decline. Some students are still like that, but the number who are truly dedicated has dropped tremendously since the early eighties.
I have been thinking about what could have caused this. I think the main problem is that most people tend to base everything on CONVENIENCE these days. In this day and age everything seems to revolve around "how close" and "how fast" everything is! This has lead to people becoming overweight because it is so quick and easy to stop by the fast food places, as they are everywhere. It has also lead to people doing something that they would really rather not do just because it is "closer" to them! I have known people that really wanted to learn Jeet Kune Do but instead started tae kwon do just because the tae kwon do school was fifteeen to twenty minutes "closer" to them. I know people who would join a poorly equipped, run-down, nasty little hole-in-the-wall place called "Billy Bob's Body Boutique" rather than drive fifteen more minutes and pay $10.00 more a month to belong to a state of the art Gold's Gym! I have people who complain now because I am in Oneonta rather than Birmingham, when, based on what part of the Birmingham area they live in, Oneonta may not be that much further away. I used to get to Oneonta in forty-five minutes when I lived in Irondale! A forty-five minute drive, or even a one hour drive, should be NOTHING to someone who is serious about learning this art ... especially the REAL THING, no watered down in any way!
I have people all the time asking me why I am where I am. They say things like, "Why aren't you in California or New York or in a larger city like Atlanta where more would come to train with you ... where what you have to offer would be more appreciated?" Well, I am starting to think, "Yes, why am I not somewhere like that!" I said something to Nancy about it the other day and she just smiled and said, "Well, are you ready to move?" I am trying to stay here, where hotel rooms and meals are cheaper for those who come from far away to train, and where it isn't so cramped and crowded. I mean, am I going about things in the wrong way? Should I think of relocating to somewhere that would appreciate what I have to offer more? If not, then come on out and train with me! Show me that you are interested in what I am trying to give you! I may not be here forever, at your convenience whenever you want to train! Give me a reason to stay here, or the time to say goodbye may be closer than you realize!
I am writing this to help you feel better. I believe it is a stagnant economy. This is the worst gas prices in history. Everyone is suffering. My father and mother just recieved a cut in pay. I am still waiting for career replies. Alot of Americans are losing jobs do to corporate merging and outsourcing of labor.
#2. It's marketing. I was talking to my JKD friend and we discussing how funny it is that very few if any in our generation even know about Bruce Lee and his art. But they sure know about MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Moreover, I can even admit this, it is very confusing to discern who is telling the truth and who is skewing the truth, and who is telling a lie. I used to think (well about 6 months ago) that JKD is literally your own path. Thats what I read in several Black Belt articles, and my jkd dvd I got when I was 16 starring none other than Danny Inosanto. I hope and pray that everything works out. I made it promise to come train with you as soon as I'm able.
I am looking forward to having you come and train with me! I know that we will get along just fine! I do not doubt your interest or your dedication! I can already tell you are going to be an excellent student!
I went to a martial tournement,the MC mentioned something about bruce lee to the 14 year old division (fighting) and no one heard of bruce lee.I guess only old people have heard of bruce lee.
We definitely appreciate you, your teaching
and all you offer in JKD. I know gas prices,
travel and time affect your situation. I know
I stay pretty swamped about 7 days a week. But,
I want to come up and train as often as I can.
Now, if you do move, how about moving to the
Smokies? That will help me with my decision, too.
I have the chance for a home up there, but feel
that God is having me wait awhile.
I would hate for you to move to a big city. I
hate traffic and Mobile is way too big to me!
Atlanta would be a nightmare!
Please don't take it personally when some, who
are far away, cannot come as often as we would
all like to. Your prices are definitely fair!
Don't give up the ship. We are with you.
Thanks again and God bless you! Hope to see
you soon!
I know up in my area (North Dakota) people don't have a clue what JKD is. If I bring it up I have to say Bruce Lee or something for them to figure out what I'm saying, and at times they still have no clue. Even Krav Maga is known up in these parts and we have no instructors for that either. The closest JKD for me to actully attend every other month or so is in Colorado and that is Concepts. I refuse to spend my money on that when I can save and possibly come to one of your seminars. I have been speaking with my fiance and we are actually considering moving down your way so I can train there. Just need to find a job that pays close to what I'm making now. I think you are doing a great job promoting JKD and not falling into the McDojo way of life.
I have only known you for a short while, but have sensed this with you almost from the inception. I wondered when I first visited why the class was small. Nice facility, great and respected instructor, what was I missing? I live in Metro Atlanta (no one teaching Original JKD here) and I would love to have you here selfishly. Heck you drive one hour anywhere in Atlanta, so a hour drive should not be a big deal. JKD, like Wing Chun is an eclectic art. Most numbskulls are not going to know anything about these art anyway, so that lessens your pool of potential students.
There are so many Brazillian Jiu Jitsu and MMA schools in Atl, that is ridiculous. I think you would do better in a more cosmopolitan, professional area for that reason. Those schools appeal to young kids and passers by, you need lifers. That is my opinion, but I am basing it on the Wing Chun and Jun Fan/JKD Concepts people I have met. Both arts require a lot of reflections and extra study via books, dvds, etc.
Having said that, coming from Gwinnett County to Alabama is no longer a cheap drive and that too is reality. BTW, I still want to do the week long thing if we can work out the dates. It would be worth driving and spending a week of vacation for your training. I hope you get your fire back soon, if not come here because there are 5 million potential students.
have the fire to train with sifu. At one time I was in class/training with him 4 times a week. When he was in the Birmingham area I did not like the drive nor the traffic but did so because I wanted to train. I think it all comes down to if YOU really want it You will do what it takes to train. If it is sharing a ride, spending the night with a friend to avoid a long drive, or working something out with sifu if it is money issues. He offers some great deals and training opportunities such as the week long camp he has posted about. He knows this is killing me because I can not make it due to starting a new job. Otherwise I would be there. I have shown up hurt/injured and/or sick just to watch. You can learn just by watching. Also he isn't going anywhere because I have paid in advance for training and will not allow it.
Hello Sifu! You know where I teach and in the over three years I have been there not one person that is a member of the fitness club has joined. They may have tried one class, but it appears that it is too HARDCORE! Most people are lazy. That's why the Mcdojos do well. Even the owner of the fitness club tells me that people complain if it's too hot in there cause they're not COMFORTABLE! In this art there are no Black Belts to show off,no Glory for everyone to see, It's Personal. I get as frustrated as you do. It may not matter if you move to a big city. You know where I am and still people want the easy way out. I loose hundreds of dollars a month to do this. The only thing that keeps me going is the Love for this art. Hardcore JKD RULES! Lance
I intuitively can guess you and sifu are having alot of financial troubles. Now I am not trying to pressure either of you to go against your beliefs by "Selling Out". However, have you thought about going to any local University (I know UAB is a BIG SCHOOL,) and try to set up a program their to teach self defense as a freshman level class. I mean it could be some exposure. I know this MMA guy in Nashville has like a contract with MTSU and he teaches self defense and basic Martial Arts ( I have no idea what it is probably Muay Thai and BJJ). The same with ETSU in Johnson city. I took Karate as a PE requirement (so its not like your doing it to take advantage).
I mean most schools require you to have 3 credit hours of PE.
If working a contract out with the university isn't your cup of tea, You can check their website and inquire about their Martial Arts club. I know the MMA guy got TONS of students by just attending the club and, well SHOWING OFF. I mean it WORKS. But it's just up to you guys. I admire what you guys are doing.
Oh yeah one last thing. Sifu, if you and Mr. Jefferies move up here, I am more than game to go UT talk to some of my frat brothers,visit their martial arts club, and pass out flyers. I mean it gets the word out.
People these days want to know self defence but they don't want to get out to classes and get the usual bruises and cuts that you can only expect from martial arts training. It is all about convenience. People want to get a black belt but they don't want to get hurt, people want to get fit but they don't want to train hard.
It has really come down to a lot of people wanting things being given to them and they don't want to put the effort into it. These people who think like this need to find something else to do.
With all the McDojos around, people don't need to put in blood, sweat and tears into their training to get a black belt, they just need a thick wallet.
I enjoyed the class and hoping you do change your mind. I understand where you are coming from about membership. Facts are there are bills to pay and the school doesnt get paid for if students dont attend. Like any business though its location,location,location. But on the other hand you offer something you cant get just anywhere. Anyone truly interested in the art will seek you out and attend. I have been out of any martial arts since 1992. Thats 16 years. I have lost eveything that I have learned. I still though can recognize a great instuctor over a imposter. I was very impressed with you and I apologize ahead of time because I am bad with names but your Apprentice Instructor was very good and patient with us. The school I was attending for wing chun in florida the classes were small but the Tae Kwon do classes were larger. Mostly kids etc. The only advise I can give is to the students to spread the word about the classes. I will do my part on helping whatever way I can. I talked to my wife and I am probably will not be attending the wedding in Gulfshores so I can attend your class. I loved it and will be back. Im there for the long term. I feel its an honor to have someone of your talent being here in Alabama.
Please dont move!! If so make it Trussville Birmingham etc. Not out of state.
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