By Sean Wong

I remember an interview with comedian Bill Cosby as he commented on the vulgar humour styles and content of Richard Pryor. Cosby commented that the use of vulgarity was an easy way to get laughs and that perhaps Pryor’s potential genius for getting laughs might be far above simple gutter talk. Regardless of opposing styles, decades later, both of these men have paved the way for many comedians and contributed to the growth and creativity in comedy. Even though their contribution has been great, Cosby does make a good point. Flatulence, smut, slapstick, etc… are an easier way to strike an emotion to get laughs than a well written and delivered joke.

Soooooo what?

Well, after decades of learning and teaching Karate, I find more and more people comparing themselves to Karate. MMA is more brutal, Ju-jitsu is more practical, TKD hit harder, Kickboxing is tougher, and so on. I consider this as simply gutter talk for somebody with a simple mind who believes that the only purpose of a martial arts is to beat someone into the ground. Sure, I think Karate should be taught the spirit of real practical self-defence and combat in mind. I just don’t think that it has to be taught exclusively with that in mind. In this same spirit, many top teachers I know in MMA, Ju-Jitsu, TKD, and KB also believe that when they teach a martial art, it is done with a clarity of purpose without the dirt of anger and distain.

History has proven that Karate is the chameleon of martial arts and can adapt to any situation. Kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do have been heavily influenced by Karate. In fact TKD used to be called Korean Karate and Kickboxing was called Full Contact Karate. So most people who talk smut about Karate are really doing us a favor because most Karate teachers don’t want to be associated with the trash talking individuals. We understand there is a place for dirty talk but it is not in our dojos nor in the way we teach. We are happy to teach your toddlers how to become healthy and happy individuals and also help your teenagers engage in a safe and competitive sports. We can help your daughter protect themselves against angry men and we can help your father stay healthy and in shape and still go to work the next day……and yes, if you have the right patience and attitude, some of us can help you earn the respect you deserve.

With over 50 million athletes worldwide, Karate has proven to be resilient. Our history has proven that its quality is no laughing matter and our contribution to society is positive. It is practiced all over the world as a sport, art, and exercise. It is safe and enjoyable for the entire family.