CLP39 - Can Karate be Salvaged? w/ Dan Marino

Today I'm joined again by Daniel Marino, a 4th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and founder of the Naihanchi Project and popular Facebook group, Practical Tang Soo Do.
In this episode, Dan and I discuss the controversial question, "is karate salvageable?"
Right now, it doesn't look good, but maybe in a generation or two, we can turn the ship around.
The subject matter of this conversation is based on some private conversations and a very controversial post I made in the Practical Tang Soo Do group.
Here's what I wrote in that post:
"The fact of the matter is that karate (and taekwondo) exists in the modern world of martial arts only through double standards, complex coping mechanisms, chronic misunderstandings, and plain ignorance.
The problems in karate are not due to the reasons you most often hear...
It's not because karate "isn't like it was in the 70s and 80s"
It's not the uniform or belts
It's not because "bunkai isn't taught"
It's not because "applications aren't practical"
It's not because technique standards dropped
It's not because sport karate is popular
It's not because you don't have enough curriculum for black belts
It's not because "kids are different now"
It's not because of our instant gratification society
Karate Instructors say these things because they have no honest and accurate understanding of the martial arts landscape. And they are 10, 15, 20 years behind the curb on the science of training.
Everything from how movement in the human body emerges, to the best ways to learn certain skills, to the differences between different skills (like sparring, one steps, and kata), they don't understand. Most karate instructors aren't just behind, they're not even at the table. They can't even have an intelligent discussion about it.
The culture around karate is stale and regressive. The curriculum predetermines it as a linear track for little kids. The political heads of local and national organizations ostracize and exclude people with different ideas and enforce the rigid curriculum structure with an iron fist.
And yet, the same boomers who largely create this culture, do nothing but complain and bemoan the downfall of karate."
What can be done when the institutions that control karate are hellbent on ensuring it continues to die?
If you're excited to jump in, hit the subscribe button on your podcatcher and enjoy the show!
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Find Dan:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naihanchiproject
Practical Tang Soo Do Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5579952282075574
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PracticalTangSooDo/
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Produced by Micah Peacock
Intro Theme by Micah Peacock
Outro Music is Synergy by Juche