I agree in some cases, for instance I think tae-kwon-do is a bit of a joke in the Olympics but traditional style is another story.
Wouldn't say Taekwondo is a bit of a joke, you are welcome to attend out Academy any time you wish
and have a go with our training, let me know..!
http://martinace.com...ut-the-academy/
I did not say any martial art is a joke. (people need to be careful when lumping quotes together)
From reading this thread most seem to think that martial arts are about aggression, hurting people, inflicting pain and winning.
I do not.
Will, your inference "appears" to suggest I would get hurt whilst training/taking part. If I or any student did it would suggest the master or instructor where not doing there job properly. Training is not about inflicting pain on fellow students.
And on a side note I'm old with a knackered body from abusing it for too long. So out to sea for some wave jumping.