TKD's popularity...

Is Taekwondo's Popularity challenged by the resurgence of JJ and MMA?

Can it still thrive as the fastest growing and most widely known in the world?

And shall apart from popularity, will it ever gain maintain respect and acceptance by most?

My answer: (almost forgot)

BJJ is total sport, not a real SD, not a real art (but some instructors have made it into an art, and that I can respect) but the purpose of BJJ is to win in a ring. Now, some facets of TKD is total sport as well. But that begs the question is TKD a sport or MA, I'd say both. Original JJ is an art, BJJ made it a sport. So, let's say JJ is both as well. Is one better than the other...can't tell you that I'm only involved with TKD - and traditional TKD at that, not the Olympic style.

I think BJJ and the MMA craze is a bit of a fad, it will die down a bit. But won't go away any time soon. Do I think it will take away from TKD, nope. Not everyone can do it. TKD is a very accepting art, I allow just about anyone to join my school, and I tend to let students learn at their own pace. The local BJJ club is much more ridged on who is in. Not many females, kids or those who are a bit on the heavy side....for good reason, but that's the truth. Because of it's limitations on who can really participate, those who can not will turn to other MA's like TKD, so the entire MMA scene is good for just about everyone. And TKD in the US will benefit......I already have.

Thoughts?

TKD will never completely die out... it can move in too many directions- self defense, art, sport, life skills, ect.

Aspects of TKD also work very well in MMA training imo.... very powerful kicks, but no guard, and the traditional footwork is to bouncy to be effective against even a half-assed grappler. Keep your hands up, keep at least one foot planted, and learn some ground defense and TKD can hold its own fairly well.

TKD will never completely die out... it can move in too many directions- self defense, art, sport, life skills, ect.

Aspects of TKD also work very well in MMA training imo.... very powerful kicks, but no guard, and the traditional footwork is to bouncy to be effective against even a half-assed grappler. Keep your hands up, keep at least one foot planted, and learn some ground defense and TKD can hold its own fairly well.