Isn't an Asian Teacher More Authentic?

When karate was first being introduced to North America after World War II the best teachers of karate were Asian. But in the modern age of karate we really cannot judge the quality of instruction based on the instructor's nationality. Most certainly, some of the great Asian pioneers of karate are still around and karate as a whole benefits tremendously from their continued guidance and tutelage. But these same pioneering efforts have had quite a bit of success and great karate instructors can be found all over world. Many of these same outside instructors have the same passion and drive to preserve and strengthen karate well into the next century. Karate is truly an international art and sport. Although it has its roots in Asia, karate has been successfully transplanted in other countries, able to grow and flourish. The future of karate may in fact have its best hope in other countries and away from organizations.

Try not to be swayed by teachers who trace their heritage of their own karate through past karate legends and then imply that the same instruction would be accessible to you because it is more "authentic". Even Einstein had bad students and just because someone studies under a great teacher, it does not necessarily make that student a "genius". Martial arts has went through many changes over the last century, there are many new and competent styles out there.

Do not be convinced that just because your teacher has a Asian last name that you are getting the real goods. In Eastern countries too, there are many imposters and karate wannabes who, when sparring against truly qualified karate people, get blown out of the water. Use these guidelines to evaluate with your own eyes what is, and what is not good martial arts.

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