Could this be the final nail on the coffin for Sport Karate
The following piece of writing came across my desk last week, after reading the content I feel that the greater UK Karate community ought to be made privē to the sort of incidences that if left unchallenged would corrupt our art.
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“Could this be the final nail in the coffin for karate as a sport
Today I went with all the enthusiasm in the world to watch a sport that helped me grow as a person - competition karate.
I remember the days not so long ago when I would teach my class, go get something to eat en route, then go afterwards to watch or fight in the senior grade categories.
Today I did exactly the same, but by 3pm the whole tournament was over!!
As a young fighter I remember missing my last train back to London from Sheffield because I had to fight in the finals after 10pm.
What has happened to our sport?
- Are kids not interested in karate anymore?
- I don't think so as my classes and many other instructors classes are packed.
- Are instructors not supporting 'grass roots' karate?
- Possibly, I know for a fact that due to the much political indifference within the art, the sport is suffering as a result.
- You may disagree but tournament numbers are drastically down.
- Is politics affecting participation?
- Possibly; Some have gone on record, stating that our own internal discord has stopped us getting recognition from the IOC and as a result kept us out of the Olympic games where other martial sports have been able to put their differences aside to become recognised - raising the profile of their sport in the process.
- Currently if you want to test your skills and compete, you need to ensure that you don't fall foul of federation competitor conflicts. Hopefully we go back to the days when any fighter can fight any fighter irrespective of his background. That way the best can always fight the best.
- Is karate just too hard?
- Maybe; The current young people's 'fast food approach' to expecting everything quickly has extended itself into karate.
- Students are now expecting to jump through the grades with the minimum amount of work.
- As we look to maintain the standard expected, dropout rates rise in favour of sports that allow the 'fast track' approach. Maybe we need to further separate the sport and the art - Not that I am suggesting we do.
- Are our tournaments just badly organised?
- I don't think so; but we need to look at how other martial sports get people to attend their tournaments. I know other use websites, social media and paypal to 'automate' attendees.
- My own experiences have shown me that most young people use social media to communicate to each other.
- Tournament organisers are mostly instructors and retired fighters of a certain age who typically are not in touch with the whole social media revolution. This needs to change.
- Can the governing bodies not help us?
- Difficult to say, they all work independently of each other so it is really hard for the sport to get the recognition from the government and the media to make the fighters at the very top of karate known outside of our sport.
- This would benefit any competition they fight in and would inspire people at 'grass roots' level.
- If the governing bodies could work together as a team then a rising tide would raise all ships.
- Are there just not enough officials to deal with demand?
- No, This has been a problem for many years. None wants to be the 'bad guy' and make those really 'tough' refereeing calls.
- I was talking to an official recently who suggested that officiating be included in all coach qualification programmes - Maybe he is right.
- Is it time for the sport to turn professional?
- Not sure. Superfights or legends of the sport matches would bring out more people to watch and the more spectators we have the more attractive the spectacle.
- I feel the art is safe, but could this really be the final nail in the coffin for karate as a sport?
- Well, it is up to us, the lovers of this fantastic sport, to make sure it isn't.”
I’d like to get your feedback; you can email me at francis@trodai.co.uk
Peace Peace
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