Originally Posted by Tachion

Martials arts is in essence the military - thats is what is was intended for. It is about learning to conform and following rules based on their particular dogma.

My biggest problem with it, is that it teaches that the world is a threat to protect yourself against. Most promotional stuff is a form of fear mongering.

ie Crime statistics therfor you are unsave unless you can protect yourself.

I beleive the world would be better if we saw others as a gift and not as a threat because that is what they are. Therefore martial arts is not going to take us into a better world. We may have more people who have a discipline and more that have made themselves a weapon, but we will not have more compassion.

Your son will be far better off learning art, music, team play, creativity and the wonders of the world. Dance is a great way to learn martial art like skills without the negatives. He needs to see the beauty and the creativity not the fear. The fear is the true threat.

Martial arts can show the beauty of human movement and mental discipline but it exists because of a belief that people need to think of, and protect themselves or others like them. That a weapon helps us.

The world is full of great opportunities for love and understanding.

Compassion iis a far greater skill with far greater benefits for the world and the individual.

We have enough weapons.