How Times Have Changed.........

I want to post a video clip here that I came across on YouTube recently. While the demonstration is showing something of Okinawan karate, I suppose, I'm struggling to find anything much in it that I can relate to. This may well have to do with my age, and even my expectations. Nevertheless, I'm posting the clip for a couple of reasons.

First of all, there is no doubt about the level of physical skill the three karate-ka demonstrating the Ryuei-ryu kata and bunkai (?) have, its wonderful. But I'm not sure how much is down to mimicry (acting), and how much is related to having any real ability to defend themselves..... Certainly this is not how I would choose to apply any of the kata I work with.

And second, all the "Oose and Ah's" and clapping coming from the audience made me feel the demonstration was less about karate, and more about entertainment. I was left wondering why? What is it about people these days that they insist on being entertained by karate? Even many of those who practice karate today seem to be looking for something external; something they can use for a while to make them feel better about themselves, only to throw it away once the 'next' distraction comes along.

As physically skilled as these three young men are, what is on display here is NOT karate!