Important Lessons from "Traditional" Martial Arts

A few days ago, I was discussing the difference between "traditional" martial arts, such as Karate and Kung Fu, and "non-traditional" martial arts, such as MMA, with one of my trainees ... I mentioned that many people these days go straight into "non-traditional" martial arts and miss out on the lessons of "respect" and "character" that are taught in "traditional" martial arts ... I recalled how in the movie "Return of the Dragon" ... after Bruce Lee's character killed Chuck Norris' character, Bruce spotted the top of Chuck's karate uniform and, as a gesture of respect, covered his face and body with it ... that is what you learn from "traditional" martial arts ... I admire Conor McGregor's fighting skills ... however McGregor's recent actions illustrate what can happen if you miss out on those important lessons of "respect" and "character" that are taught in "traditional" martial arts.

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