Photo Ops I often wonder the purpose behind those who lean heavily toward getting a photo opportunity with the leaders of a system, i.e. Mitchum Sensei with someone, Advincula Sensei with someone or Nagle with someone? Is there some connection used to indicate training, i.e. see, I trained with so-n-so on such-n-such a date! Is this about the atta-boy wall stuff, i.e. where someone decorates a wall to some instance or group of instances in their lives? I had an atta-boy wall once with certificates earned during my military career but soon grew tired of it and down and into storage they all went. Matter of fact, no idea where they are now since I have moved several times since. I never truly wanted or had a desire for some memento picture with some one who I trained with but that brings up another question, Why do they take pictures ONLY with someone who is considered special some how as Master this or Master that or .... I just dont get it. I once attended a seminar or a visit by one such leader in my system of practice but before, during and after the seminar I never once considered I needed to take a picture with this person. So, someone explain it to me because my mind goes straight to ego and pride driven reasons, i.e. see, I am special because I trained with so-n-so who is this-or-that with special connections to the creator of our system of practice super grand master so-n-so, etc. I do realize that most westerners need to develop some sort of resume for those uninitiated in martial arts might want to see before committing to a long term contract for training, etc. in martial arts but .... like the front window of dojo filled with a variety of trophies, etc. Maybe this is why, for commercialized public relations add type promotions that this person trained with these special folks and because of this you will lose that expertise if you dont sign up now and get some. Then again, how do the uninitiated determine what is good from what is bad? Is this the only way and is this actually valid? I am not sure because the world is filled with McDojos who use these types of tactics to gain revenue through larger attendances but are they getting what they are paying for? Needless to say this is not the first time this subject has been bantered about the Internet but I just want to know, why? Why do you go to so much trouble to get your picture taken with some famous or infamous character in the martial arts? (then there is photoshop ;-) Oh, oh oh, is it an identity thing? Orrrr, do you think something special will rub off on you by attending such things and getting in that special photo opportunity?
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:55:56 +0000
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