It my experiences with over 30 years of training I have not witnessed any issues due to ethnicity, gender or age. We do see politic in competition, but that is about it.
As martial artist we do not commonly go around saying to others we are martial artist. It does get out occasionally. When it does people don't generally make fun. They might have some questions. Many have unrealistic views or expectations. Some asks questions about the urban myths like registering your hands or that you can't use it on the streets. Some think we kick beat everyone up. There are times that they know someone that trains and expect you to know them. Sometimes we do know the other persons.
Unfortunately people judge and make false assumptions all the time. Looks are deceiving.
I've been made fun of for being a martial artist, for being only 5ft 6 136 lbs and therefore I "must be weak, or I can't fight", I've had female students get teased for simply being girls. As for ethnicity? I haven't come across that yet.
Is there equality? Yes. For it exists. Problem is, some people are less than equal and do not treat others with equality.
I've been called a wannabe, a weakling, and have been judged by my size for a-long time. In fact it's one of the reasons why I'm not too big into sports. When I was a kid others would say "you're too small, or "you look weak, therefore you must be". So I proved them wrong. I worked hard to earn their respect and show them otherwise, to show that their assumptions are wrong. Time and time again and continue to do so. Looks are deceiving. One of the best fighters I've ever known was 120 lb girl. She beat up men weighing 180lbs of solid muscle.
So there will always be people who judge based on gender, size, age, ethnicity, etc, etc, etc. All you can do is prove them wrong.
No, not where I come from.
In itself no martial artist is equal to another. Everybody progresses differently and struggles with different things and has different abilities. In a good school your status is according to your true ability, not what you think you are or should be. Even if the students all came in at the exact same time some will progress faster while it takes others a little longer. Learning martial arts is not a race but things can get really unfair when people think it is and that they should get more or are better than what they really are.
In life things are not fair and noone is equal. A mature person accepts that and takes his place and plays his role in the game of life. It is what it is. Looking for equality is selfish and foolish, rather than to better yourself and contribute in a positive manner and to encourage others around you.
Sometimes I get some kidding or joking about it and that is usually directed in a way that is not offensive. However most of the time because I am in better shape than many 20-25 years younger than me and look it and also don't look my age I usually instead get questions like do I still do martial arts today?
Racial equality yes.
Proper equality no.
The Bible has been feeding you rubbish, all men were not created equal and you only have to step up to a committed talent to realise the truth of that, I train hard, I train often and I trained the same outside the dojo or the gym and I've come out on top against lazy talents but when you know people who train the same as you and get much better results it's not hard to see that they sure as hell are not your equals.
Martial arts there is never equality... the spirit of competitiveness and growth, discipline and a definite hierarchal form of organization prevents any form of equality and fairness. You pay your dues and you move up... if you plan on taking it easy you don't progress.
From my experience it works like a family... the Teacher being the leader, assistants instructors, senior students, you, and junior students... in that order. You play proper respect to those higher than you and you encourage those lower than you. Between sexes... the same as being a sister and brother... as fair as that appears to be... some families more so than others. Ethnicity.. most of my fellow students were asian, we had a couple who were Mexican, half a dozen who where white, a couple of blacks and one who was Filipino. One assistant instructor was white... race doesn't really apply to where you fall, it's all about ability... if you prove yourself capable in not only applying the system, but being able to clearly explain it's concepts to people learning it... you will move up in the organization.
Hello,
According to me there is no equality exist in martial arts. If you have a question in your mind that - Do you wish to see your youngster partaking effectively into games and creating self protection strategies also? "Mountain Taekwondo" will help them accomplish both and in this manner keep up a harmony between all such master exercises.
Equality now...that's loaded. Nobody knows what the hell that it is anymore cause everyone is soooooooo sensitive. A woman can wear some MMA gloves and throw down, but unless she grabs her crotch and spits, it's not equal.
Equality doesn't exist in MA. But don't try wrestling. Its a racist sport and developed by fascist in Greece. And also, don't try it cuz wrestling is for gay people
