We’ve had parts one and two of what dojo brutality can look like but this post here takes a slightly different angle. The brutality is just as horrific but it’s hidden behind the submissiveness of the student.
Now you’ probably won’t get all that upset over this one because there’s only a small cut right? There isn’t too much blood. Nor do you see anybody get brutally stomped on the head like in the previous videos. So this isn’t a big deal right?
Take another look at the clip and notice one little detail: the student steps back when the guy does his sword cut. What if that student hadn’t done so? My bet is the sword would have done some major damage. Given that he already drew blood as is, what are the odds he could have adjusted the angle on the fly to avoid cutting straight through the skull? Again, my money is not on him managing to avoid killing his student.
The brutality part is this: what on earth could convince that student to go along with this? Does it go like:
“Hey, we’re gonna attach an apple to your forehead and then cut it off with a katana. Don’t move too much and you’ll be fine, OK?”
“Oh, cool. I always wanted to do something like that. Let’s do it!”
I kind of doubt it… Somehow that student decided to switch off common sense and go ahead with this. There could be other explanations but they all have one thing in common: the teacher is making this happen.
Now I’ve done some similarly stupid stuff in my training in the past, so I do get why people are into these kind of demos. But they’re bullshit. If you want to make a point about weapon control or skill, it’s lost once you kill or maim your student.You want to show some skill? Do what this guy does:
He’s a lot more precise than the guy in the first clip and nobody gets hurt if he messes up.
The ironic part is this: we go “Oooh!” and “Aaah!” over martial arts “masters” testing their weapon skills on a student like that but you rarely hear them talk about safety guidelines and protocol. In that regard, even half-way decent firearms instructors own their butts, big time. I’ve yet to see anybody try to shoot an apple from a guy’s head at the range… Somehow, these instructors understand that there’s really no upside to this kind of idiocy.
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Bert Bruijnen says
Good gracious god!
A total f@cking psycho.
First of all if you will even think about attempting such a feat the student should have at least worn a Kendo mask and proper eye protection under the mask.
Second, I cannot see for sure, but it looks like the blade is sharp (at first sight).
Doing this with a sharp blade creates an unacceptable risk.
Further, the teacher actually intimidates other students who see this (sneaky teacher, isn’t it?)who would ever dare to say anything to that teacher after such an act of intimidation, he simply instills fear into his students. Sheer intimidation it is.
This students is really filled with fear, look at his eyes.
Conclusion:
demonstrating skill at high speed with sharp blades creates an unacceptable risk (except maybe in military situations…maybe).
If you’re doing anything that resembles this, you want to make sure that the student wears proper protection for head, throat, eyes, body and limbs.
Wim says
I agree Bert. It’s pretty messed up if you start thinking these demos are a good thing or if they even prove anything worthwile.
Bert Bruijnen says
Good gracious god!
A total f@cking psycho.
First of all if you will even think about attempting such a feat the student should have at least worn a Kendo mask and proper eye protection under the mask.
Second, I cannot see for sure, but it looks like the blade is sharp (at first sight).
Doing this with a sharp blade creates an unacceptable risk.
Further, the teacher actually intimidates other students who see this (sneaky teacher, isn’t it?)who would ever dare to say anything to that teacher after such an act of intimidation, he simply instills fear into his students. Sheer intimidation it is.
This students is really filled with fear, look at his eyes.
Conclusion:
demonstrating skill at high speed with sharp blades creates an unacceptable risk (except maybe in military situations…maybe).
If you’re doing anything that resembles this, you want to make sure that the student wears proper protection for head, throat, eyes, body and limbs.
Wim says
I agree Bert. It’s pretty messed up if you start thinking these demos are a good thing or if they even prove anything worthwile.
markstraining.com says
Obviously, the gur performing the demo is stupid, and the student even more stupid. Luckily the student moved back other wise as you say, it could have been a lot worse.
What I dont get is that becuase the target was at the front of the head, the guy performing, would have to slice using the tip of the blade. (unless he actually intednded to chop the studnets head off). Now weather this is to display his so called “control” I dont know, but a good blade strike surly is done with the middle of the blade.
Hopefully people learn to realise that these types of demos are stupid and dont really do anything for the arts they represent.
markstraining.com says
Obviously, the gur performing the demo is stupid, and the student even more stupid. Luckily the student moved back other wise as you say, it could have been a lot worse.
What I dont get is that becuase the target was at the front of the head, the guy performing, would have to slice using the tip of the blade. (unless he actually intednded to chop the studnets head off). Now weather this is to display his so called “control” I dont know, but a good blade strike surly is done with the middle of the blade.
Hopefully people learn to realise that these types of demos are stupid and dont really do anything for the arts they represent.
Danny Young says
This is just unacceptable. Putting someone at risk for your own Ego is reprehensible. I once saw a Demo where a student let his Judo Master choke him out. I watched in disbelief, what if the student went into Cardiac arrest? After that, I have steadfastly refused to have anything to do if this nonsense.
Wim says
It always amazes me to see how far people are willing to go off into Lala land with their demos.This one reminded me of the guy doing a nunchuck demo with razor blades attached to it. He couldn’t allow himself to be off even a couple of cm. with his grip. And then he put on a blindfold. It went well for a little bit, right up to the point where he missed and blood started spouting out of his hand. Oh well…
Danny Young says
This is just unacceptable. Putting someone at risk for your own Ego is reprehensible. I once saw a Demo where a student let his Judo Master choke him out. I watched in disbelief, what if the student went into Cardiac arrest? After that, I have steadfastly refused to have anything to do if this nonsense.
Wim says
It always amazes me to see how far people are willing to go off into Lala land with their demos.This one reminded me of the guy doing a nunchuck demo with razor blades attached to it. He couldn’t allow himself to be off even a couple of cm. with his grip. And then he put on a blindfold. It went well for a little bit, right up to the point where he missed and blood started spouting out of his hand. Oh well…
Dr Sick says
Wow. This is amazing stuff. I can’t believe that you found all these clips. I can’t believe that someone would put someone in these incredibly dangerous situations. I can’t believe that someone would go along with it. I can’t believe someone would video tape it and then put it up on youtube for the world to see.
Unbelievable!
Wim says
Unbelievable indeed, but sadly it’s all too common. I must be getting old because I never seem to get their point. :-)
Dr Sick says
Wow. This is amazing stuff. I can’t believe that you found all these clips. I can’t believe that someone would put someone in these incredibly dangerous situations. I can’t believe that someone would go along with it. I can’t believe someone would video tape it and then put it up on youtube for the world to see.
Unbelievable!
Wim says
Unbelievable indeed, but sadly it’s all too common. I must be getting old because I never seem to get their point. :-)
Scott says
Is there an argument for using blades with sharpened edges at all?
Not really.
The argument goes like this: It’s exciting and exciting is more real and more real is more good.
But come on, you’re just pretending you don’t understand this. People drive race cars around a track at 200 mph. What’s dangerous about that?
Wim says
Scott, I think doing my tai chi form is pretty exciting. And nobody gets hurt when I get hurt except me. :-)
Scott says
Is there an argument for using blades with sharpened edges at all?
Not really.
The argument goes like this: It’s exciting and exciting is more real and more real is more good.
But come on, you’re just pretending you don’t understand this. People drive race cars around a track at 200 mph. What’s dangerous about that?
Wim says
Scott, I think doing my tai chi form is pretty exciting. And nobody gets hurt when I get hurt except me. :-)
Garry Hodgins says
I think that its all a matter of psychology and how humans are capable of the most bizarre and unnatural behaviour. I think when you step into the world of martial arts your sense of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is definitely challenged. However, I think there is a difference between training hard and being brutal. The toughest guys I’ve had the good fortune to train with are not brutalists but have incredible mental determination and focus and, most importantly, a strong work ethic. Surely, being a brute is anathema to the purpose of martial arts training. I understand the kill or be killed military style stuff thats taught out there but how many of us live in a war zone or are likely to go war? I am also aware that you need some realism in order to develop the toughness required to survive in a real fight. Its a difficult question, to know what type of force is appropriate in different situations. Beginners going to self defence classes dont have the same luxury of experience that long term martial arts students have in responding appropriately in a given situation. Thats what makes Mr. Blythe’s behaviour all the more reprehensible. Now, please stop posting such interesting material. My wife and kids have left me for a few hours and I need to get to my garage and work on my basics.
Wim says
Lol, good one Garry. I’ll stop writing now. ;-)
Garry Hodgins says
I think that its all a matter of psychology and how humans are capable of the most bizarre and unnatural behaviour. I think when you step into the world of martial arts your sense of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is definitely challenged. However, I think there is a difference between training hard and being brutal. The toughest guys I’ve had the good fortune to train with are not brutalists but have incredible mental determination and focus and, most importantly, a strong work ethic. Surely, being a brute is anathema to the purpose of martial arts training. I understand the kill or be killed military style stuff thats taught out there but how many of us live in a war zone or are likely to go war? I am also aware that you need some realism in order to develop the toughness required to survive in a real fight. Its a difficult question, to know what type of force is appropriate in different situations. Beginners going to self defence classes dont have the same luxury of experience that long term martial arts students have in responding appropriately in a given situation. Thats what makes Mr. Blythe’s behaviour all the more reprehensible. Now, please stop posting such interesting material. My wife and kids have left me for a few hours and I need to get to my garage and work on my basics.
Wim says
Lol, good one Garry. I’ll stop writing now. ;-)
nunh says
Video pulled -damn