INK'd Up Sensei's
I have been training martial arts, basically, since I was a fetus (lol) and throughout my journeys and experiences in life I have acquired a beautiful work of art, depicting an Ancient Japanese/Budo theme and my skin as the canvas. I love my collection, each piece represents a strong moral connection to myself that will never be broken. Dignity, Respect, Loyalty, Love, Discipline, Spirituality, Focus, and Life to name a...a lot actually but these are all lessons taught to me growing up, developed and molded through martial arts.
The other day I over heard a discussion regarding Martial Arts Instructors and tattoos. I myself have never had a negative run in with anyone regarding my ink, although I don't know what's being said behind my back. I have had people, of all ages, compliment me on them though...even going as far as saying that they don't normally like tattoos but I have successfully compelled them with mine.
Are you for it? Against it? Are you indifferent. I'm curious to hear what our community has to say about this.
Tags: Budo, Dignity, Discipline, Focus, Japanese, Life, Love, Loyalty, Respect, Spirituality, More…
Views: 16
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sean Naderi on -
Great read Sensei!
The whole cliché that tattoo's are a negative image to martial arts or for many lifestyles in this case is getting old. True tattoo bearers know that tattoo'ing is a form of art.
Sharing your views, experiences, beliefs and personal interests etc. through body tattoo's is completely misunderstood.
Now I understand criminals, "badasses", and "tough guys" are seen as the typical stereotype of someone who would have a tattoo. But common! I myself understand the true meaning for getting art and that is to show who you really are deep down inside and what is meaningful to you.
Now, you are right in the sense that people are quick to judge, but once someone gets to know who you really are, that judgement fades like a tattoo does over time!
... or I guess you could say once they see the light in you, that judgment fades like a tattoo in the sun light :P (<-- corny, I know)
Tattoo's are awesome if your not trying to look tough!
All the best!
Sean N.
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Permalink Reply by Sensei Brooklyn on -
Thank you for your insight Sensei! I think you are totally right when you say that people are Superficial. The unfortunate thing is that there are people, organizations etc that have tattoos and are bad influences but when you have the freedom of self expression you get all walks of life and have to take the cool, with the interesting, with the straight up outlandish! lol
I think the point that's most important is to find something that has meaning to you. Something that is eternal, in my case - characteristics and core values of how I live my life, for your friend - his beautiful baby daughters footprints and then do something to remind yourself DAILY what is important to you. I chose imagery through tattoos.
Looking forward to hearing more opinions.
Sensei Brooklyn
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Permalink Reply by Sensei Nick on -
Im inked up myself Sensei, but none are visible while I teach. I personally feel it has become more acceptable than it was 10 years ago.
Great post-would love to hear from others.
Sensei Brooklyn said:Thank you for your insight Sensei! I think you are totally right when you say that people are Superficial. The unfortunate thing is that there are people, organizations etc that have tattoos and are bad influences but when you have the freedom of self expression you get all walks of life and have to take the cool, with the interesting, with the straight up outlandish! lol
I think the point that's most important is to find something that has meaning to you. Something that is eternal, in my case - characteristics and core values of how I live my life, for your friend - his beautiful baby daughters footprints and then do something to remind yourself DAILY what is important to you. I chose imagery through tattoos.
Looking forward to hearing more opinions.
Sensei Brooklyn
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Permalink Reply by ralph l parris on -
to sensei brooklyn,i have a tattoo of dragon and tiger intertwine in battle ,i have been complimented on the tats many times ,its part of the kenpo spirit,i had only one person ,a supervisor in my security detective ser. we provide security for defense co.they thought i should hide it ,i told them they hired me knowing i had it ,and i was not hiding it.so far thats the end of it so far.sifu ralph parris
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Permalink Reply by Datis Mohsenipour on -
An instructor is required to be tidy, well groomed and presentable. Who is one to say that a tattoo does not meet these standards. If one chooses to have a tattoo it is something of personal preference and often holds a very symbolic meaning. To look-down on someone because of the tattoo they have on their skin is similar to judging someone based on their hair-cut. It is absurd... Offensive, hateful, profane, tattoo's however, should not be visible on a martial arts instructors body. IMHO, everyone should dress the way they would like to dress, look the way they want to look as long as they are not offending anyone or exposing people (especially children) to things they should not/do not want to be exposed to.
All and all - I find that judging someone based on their appearance is terrible in the practice of life and martial arts.
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Permalink Reply by Adam Bockler on -
I don't have any problem with it.
I got one myself on my shoulder, only visible in a cutoff at the least. Most of my karate-ka and students like it - haven't gotten a bad opinion on it yet.
You got any pictures?
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Permalink Reply by Adam Bockler on
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Actually, here's my tattoo. This picture was taken the night I got it almost 3 years ago in early 2008. It's the Okinawan Shuri-ryu karate symbol, but I've also heard the blades are pointed incorrectly and that the traditional style is the other way. But this is how my instructor passed it on, and it's how I'm using it.
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Permalink Reply by David Skelton on -
Great looking tat! All my tatts are celtic. But I would like to say that the symbol you have is not blades but rather tear drops which symbolize 'Death before Dishonor'.
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Permalink Reply by David Skelton on
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The 'design' is actually inside of what you have tattooed. It is within the circles.
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Permalink Reply by ralph l parris on
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nice tatoo my friend,ralph
Adam Bockler said:
Actually, here's my tattoo. This picture was taken the night I got it almost 3 years ago in early 2008. It's the Okinawan Shuri-ryu karate symbol, but I've also heard the blades are pointed incorrectly and that the traditional style is the other way. But this is how my instructor passed it on, and it's how I'm using it.
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