We've all seen the videos of Kung Fu practitioners get beat up by an MMA or Muay Thai fighter. Some say traditional martial arts are useless, but others say they are the roots of many current styles. In this episode of Reroll, we discuss how traditional forms fit into, or don't fit into, contemporary approaches to martial arts. There are many well-known MMA fighters with a foundation in a traditional martial art. We talk about the appeal of traditional martial arts, what makes them in/effective, and the value we find in the practices. 

As the martial arts continue to gain international popularity, the  practices become more organized and regulated. A point-based system and  other rulesets can completely change a martial arts style. Therefore,  some traditional aspects can and do become forgotten. For example, a  move may  no longer be taught because it violates the rules of the ring.     

In this episode we discuss different martial arts and how they've  evolved. What are the challenges when a martial art becomes an organized  sport? What's lost, what's gained? It's amazing that top tier martial  arts practitioners can be found in every corner of the world.

We continue to balance martial arts training with family in times of COVID. How do we organize our busy time, even though so much of the world is paused? Martial arts can be a very singular, personal journey and practice. As a partners and parental figures, it's time away from our family. How do we include our family and kids into our lifestyle? What do we look for in a well-rounded gym?

In this COVID year, we train with our kids at home. With younger children we may approach it much like play time, while with older children we can focus more on technique. How do we spar, or roll with kids? How structured are these sessions? In this episode we discuss what we've learned, and what we aim to teach our kids during these at-home martial arts sessions. 

Our conversation continues discussing if black belts matter. Should we invest our time in "traditional" martial arts, or "reality based" fighting? Is mixed martial arts "reality based," when there's a framework of rules? We discuss our experiences and how martial arts discourses intersect.

Do black belts matter? What does it mean when a street brawler can outmatch a martial arts practitioner? We discuss the concept of "traditional" martial arts practices, as well as modern approaches such as MMA.  

We further discuss Dani's martial arts journey, from Kenjutsu Ryu and Karate, to BJJ and Muay Thai. After training in the Japanese and Okinawa martial arts discourses for 30 years, Dani shifts his focus to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and most recently, Muay Thai. We talk about traditionalism, sparring a hot-headed street fighter, and other stuff. 

How do cops and martial mix? Why are many martial arts gyms cop friendly? Remember when the LAPD carried around nunchucks in the 80s? Let's talk about all of this.  

Our co-host Dani has trained in Kenjusturyu Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido, traditional weapons, Shotokan Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai. Even though he has a black belt in Shotokan, Dani continues to explore different styles and gives us a glimpse into his martial arts journey.

In our first episode, we talk about why we're doing this podcast, and why we're recording conversations on martial arts. What is the goal in training? What is the difference between martial arts and fighting? 

We are two guys with academic backgrounds who are currently training in different gyms, and who embrace martial arts cultures.