Martial Arts - What Do/Did You Study

Originally Posted by 12stones

Drat, the thing is that TKD involves most of the technical principles that any other standing martial arts has too. As Kreth says below, it's the mcdojo that's made it seem like a worthless martial art. If, however, you know and understand the principles within your art, then you can apply it whether it's karate, TKD, judo or what. These mcdojos have everyone thinking that TKD is only about the high-flying kicks and so many people write it off as a viable martial art. But, guess what, there's other kicks and punches in there too. It's not the art that invalidates its viability, it's how it's being sold to the masses that's diluted it. TKD practitioners can have muscle memory just like anyone else. Again, it's how they train, know and understand the principles within their art that makes the difference.

Yep, totally.

Very valid point. I guess my experience has only been with the McDojos. I have come across too many TKD blackbelts who have proven absolutely NO actual ability to defend themselves in a practical fighting situation. I guess the real point of it is that anybody with enough knowledge of what real fighting is like will never get into one. That's an ego boost for me considering I've been in 3 "real" fights in the 20 years that I've been training...