Comments on: Hey, Show Me Something Karate

By: m.a.l.s.

m.a.l.s. — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:26:45 +0000

Good post! If I have reasons for not wanting to show someone something I’ll usually just start talking about technique and style and use lots of foreign words, you know- go all martial arts nerd on them. They quickly become bored listening to me and leave.

By: Branden

Branden — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:20:10 +0000

On a short second note (hit submit way too fast). As you’re likely to get the ever wondering question “WHAT BELT ARE YOU!??!!?!?” (Followed by expressions closely related to those when you’re one number away from hitting the power-ball lottery). Simply lift your shirt (if it’s tucked in omit this step) and cite whatever color belt you happen to have on that day.

That works great for me, seeing as I’m no black belt and it would just be a disappointment to them anyway!

By: Branden

Branden — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:16:21 +0000

Option #4) Shoot a Ki Ball and knock a lamp off of a coffee table. Works every time…

In all seriousness, Well said as always. I quite like Zyaga’s option as well. “oh I’m the bottom of the barrel.” Takes mucho self denial and guts, but in the long run, who wants everyone knowing your true skill level anyway, right? He/she might be the one to have a few too many drinks, or want to impress someone (or both) and pick you as the perfect example.

Then again, maybe that scenario is a completely different post in itself

Thanks you Matt-san.

By: Martial Arts Mom

Martial Arts Mom — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:10:54 +0000

I really enjoyed this post (as I do most of your posts). I especially liked the response that EVERYTHING you do is karate. So very true…which makes that answer good enough.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:22:41 +0000

Marguerite - I’m sure you get it even worse, what with a few puffy chested guys walking around your office. I have the luxury of making it a dude-to-dude talk.

Savage - Haha, I fully endorse your unusual self defense method of boringness.

Zyaga - Excellent addition. It’s good advice for disarming the situation and keeping with the humble spirit of the arts.

By: Zyaga

Zyaga — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:14:37 +0000

Method Number 2 is probably the best out of the choices you put up, it’s often the one used. This allows you to actually get them hands on and interested which has a lot more “wow” factor then just doing it yourself.

There seems to be one method you left out, which I tend to use myself. It’s something along the lines of this: “Oh, I’m not too great, I’ve got a long way to go. ^_^;;”. Putting yourself at a very low and humble level a lot of times puts people off simply because they don’t usually care unless you’re actually really good. They want to see the “tricks”.

If they say that’s fine, they’d just like to see some moves and are curious, then that usually proves they aren’t going to be childish about the situation. This becomes a good chance to then move to Method Number 2 as they’ll most likely respond with good intent to your directions.

At least, that’s just my opinion.

By: Savage Baptist

Savage Baptist — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:53:23 +0000

I have found that my reputation as the most boring person imaginable keeps me from being asked any question that might actually result in me giving an explanation.

By: Marguerite

Marguerite — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:21:45 +0000

I like number two very much. I may have to use that the next time I get questioned by a guy from the distribution department at my company as to “why are you taking karate if you can’t defend yourself?” I rather like the idea of making HIM actually try it out himself!!

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:45:27 +0000

I used to get this a lot when I worked with teenagers at my church. They always wanted me to show them something. I almost always used option 2. They liked learning that kind of stuff. And since most of the stuff I worked on (Bujinkan Ninjitsu) was self defense, it was appropriate

By: Foxy Citrus

Foxy Citrus — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:25:46 +0000

Hey, nice post! I really enjoyed how you provided three options and broke each one down in such a clear and concise manner.

Great article, as always! Keep up the great work!