Beware Ultimate Knowledge (for $$$)

This is one of those things that I find both puzzling and frustrating. Anyone who has been in the martial arts world for awhile has heard about people with super-effective ancient knowledge (hopefully that alone has got you thinking) that they will share with your for a price. This isn't just related to martial arts, though. People will try to sell you anything, and without some background information it is hard to know what you are really buying. I find it puzzling that, world-wide, these scam artists are thriving. As to the morals of these individuals, well, that's the infuriating part. Often times, if you are not careful, all you end up with is a lighter wallet. Most people have heard of "psychics" that will cheerfully tell you the future for a lot of cash. However, all they are really doing is using a technique called cold reading. This consists of a spewing a bunch of indefinite generalities, which are usually true for most people. Enough of these guesses and they are likely to come up with something relevant. The victim (I refuse to call the customer anything else) is quite likely to be satisfied by this. Needless to say, some of these psychics are quite wealthy.

A quick search of the Internet with your favorite search engine for the words "Qi energy" will give you an idea what this fringe is all about. Although "psychics" are more widely known to the general public, the equivalent in martial arts is Qi. Qi is many things to many people, and that is part of the problem. It is supposed to heal, calm, energize, and strengthen us. However, what is not visible behind their vast sea of relaxation and Oriental music is the scientific proof that any of it actually works. What is lacking is evidence.

This is the dividing line. Whenever you are faced with a seminar or other such contrivance designed to separate you from your money, do your research. This is one of those uncommon common sense things. Gather as much information about the event as possible. If the only information you can get is from the advertisement itself, look for keywords. Are they talking about hook-kicks or beams of Qi? Search for additional information and unbiased reviews from previous attendees. Customer testimonials are not a good indicator if they come from the company (or individual).

To illustrate this, I will use an example. You are aware of two martial arts seminars, and both of them are expensive, so you can only go to one. The first one is printed on slick advertising pamphlets. It informs you that the immaculate-looking master (smiling broadly and wearing a suit) has been practicing for a few million years (OK, maybe 10 or 20), and that he will share with you knowledge that the martial arts have been hiding for millennia. The secrets include being able to channel your Qi using Tai Chi, focus your inner strength using ancient Kung Fu exercises, and improve your martial arts using time-honored techniques used for the last two thousand years. The seminar is being held at a large conference hall, and attendance is limited to 1000 people over a two-day event. Included in your package is a shirt and a gift bag containing the notes from the seminar.

The second one is printed on normal paper, but still looks professional. The brochure informs you that the martial artist (a scruffy looking fellow with a scar, a steely gaze, and a name you recognize) has won over thirty professional mixed martial arts fights, and is the reigning champion in Jiu Jitsu in his home country. The seminar is only for a few hours, and is limited to at most thirty people. The goal of the seminar is to teach you some of the best grappling techniques used by the martial artist.

Now, which one would you choose? When you make your decision, base it on substance. Although not detrimental, the professional, slick advertising of the first seminar hints the producers of the event are business savvy, but this doesn't mean they're good at anything else. Don't be fooled by a slick package, which is all that is. It is not really the over-marketing that would turn me away, though. Ask yourself what you would take away from the seminar. They're going to show you martial arts secrets that have been virtually undiscovered for millennia. At 1000 people a pop, this secret isn't staying very secret. Channel your Qi? Focus your inner strength? Time honored techniques? Apply your Critical Thinking Translator™ to these phrases, and it sounds more like: Relax. Focus. Learn a few basic tricks. If it's not obvious what they're trying to show you from the brochure, then it probably won't be once you get there either. Don't be fooled by fancy sounding prose. What will I learn? Given the size of the seminar, how much would you actually be able to practice? Would you be able to speak to the master? Briefly, if at all, given the size.

The second seminar is being presented by a seasoned fighter. Experience is one of the best teachers. Given the small size of the seminar, it is likely that you will have frequent contact with the martial artist. You can expect to learn Jui Jitsu moves that worked for the martial artist in actual fights. There are also no keywords that muddy your understanding of the itinerary.

There is every reason to expect you will be more satisfied with the second seminar. That doesn't mean that large, professional events are not worthwhile, but you should never take a load of cash as a sign of martial arts competence. That just means they are business-savvy. If they bring up the ancient knowledge card, then you should be instantly suspicious, and your suspicion should rise with phrases like channeling your Qi, healing, and especially ancient secrets. Just ask yourself if you would pay for an event that touts medieval medicine as the cure for all your problems...