Coach Jones
12-19-2004, 07:20 PM
Integration vs. Thievery
“Thou shall not steal”
I don’t remember who said that, but even though it was said a long time ago, I think it still holds true today. Unfortunately, there seems to be a misconception about what exactly the difference is between thievery and integration.
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard or read, “I integrate RMAX into my system.”, well I’d have a lot of nickels. With that in mind, I’d like to help out by making a couple of clarifications just to make it easier to see the distinction.
First off, RMAX is a complete system of service. It stands alone both literally and figuratively. It needs nothing added to it. Whatever martial art you’re involved in, thanks for the offer, but RMAX has the combatives angle covered. If you’re just in it for the fitness, though you may love your Tae Bo, or Thighmaster – that’s okay RMAX doesn’t need it. There are no gaps and nothing need be added.
Second, the only place where RMAX can be truly integrated is within the area of combat sport. It is impossible to integrate RMAX into a pre-existing system of martial art.
Okay, okay. Why, you ask. The reason is a fairly simple one. In combat sport an athlete’s talent is defined by what he/she as an individual brings to the table. Every boxer throws a hook, but there are as many different hooks as there are fighters. Like a snowflake, no two are exactly the same.
Contrast that with martial art. In the field of martial art an athlete’s ability is defined by his ability to parrot a movement. While there are dozens of hook variants in boxing there is only one Lop Sau, for example. If you change a “technique” of a particular martial art, it ceases to be that art and becomes something different.
Thirdly, If you haven’t been given permission to teach an aspect of RMAX, then don’t. Just because you have a couple of black belts doesn’t qualify you to teach RMAX (I have a few I’ll sell you really cheap). While this may seem like a relatively simple concept, if it’s still a little hazy, I’ve prepared a little test.
If you feel in any way uncomfortable repeating the following phrase to the class your teaching RMAX material to then maybe it’s not a good idea…
I am in no way certified nor have I been given permission to teach this. I have simply seen someone do it on a video and have tried to duplicate it. Even though there are many people who ARE qualified to teach this material, I myself have never attended a seminar or sought out qualified instruction in any way. Regardless, I will still be charging you.
Finally, please understand that I’m not talking about informal training groups, which are a great way to train and encouraged. I’m only addressing those who are actively trying to profit from their limited knowledge of RMAX by passing it off as either their own or as a part of their system.
“Thou shall not steal”
I don’t remember who said that, but even though it was said a long time ago, I think it still holds true today. Unfortunately, there seems to be a misconception about what exactly the difference is between thievery and integration.
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard or read, “I integrate RMAX into my system.”, well I’d have a lot of nickels. With that in mind, I’d like to help out by making a couple of clarifications just to make it easier to see the distinction.
First off, RMAX is a complete system of service. It stands alone both literally and figuratively. It needs nothing added to it. Whatever martial art you’re involved in, thanks for the offer, but RMAX has the combatives angle covered. If you’re just in it for the fitness, though you may love your Tae Bo, or Thighmaster – that’s okay RMAX doesn’t need it. There are no gaps and nothing need be added.
Second, the only place where RMAX can be truly integrated is within the area of combat sport. It is impossible to integrate RMAX into a pre-existing system of martial art.
Okay, okay. Why, you ask. The reason is a fairly simple one. In combat sport an athlete’s talent is defined by what he/she as an individual brings to the table. Every boxer throws a hook, but there are as many different hooks as there are fighters. Like a snowflake, no two are exactly the same.
Contrast that with martial art. In the field of martial art an athlete’s ability is defined by his ability to parrot a movement. While there are dozens of hook variants in boxing there is only one Lop Sau, for example. If you change a “technique” of a particular martial art, it ceases to be that art and becomes something different.
Thirdly, If you haven’t been given permission to teach an aspect of RMAX, then don’t. Just because you have a couple of black belts doesn’t qualify you to teach RMAX (I have a few I’ll sell you really cheap). While this may seem like a relatively simple concept, if it’s still a little hazy, I’ve prepared a little test.
If you feel in any way uncomfortable repeating the following phrase to the class your teaching RMAX material to then maybe it’s not a good idea…
I am in no way certified nor have I been given permission to teach this. I have simply seen someone do it on a video and have tried to duplicate it. Even though there are many people who ARE qualified to teach this material, I myself have never attended a seminar or sought out qualified instruction in any way. Regardless, I will still be charging you.
Finally, please understand that I’m not talking about informal training groups, which are a great way to train and encouraged. I’m only addressing those who are actively trying to profit from their limited knowledge of RMAX by passing it off as either their own or as a part of their system.