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Give us the Feral Youths and we'll Give You the Respectful Adult

Posted by Phil Doherty on February 14, 2008 12:39 PM | 

ANOTHER day another person dying or fighting for their life at the hands of feral youths on the rampage.

Some blame the binge drinking culture, others drugs, some poverty and yet others the break down in traditional families.

Of course there is some truth in all of the above.

Yet in Japan and other Asian countries there is poverty and heavy drinking and yet these cultures do not have the same levels of youth disorder that seems to plague our small island.

In Japan, of example, violent crime is virtually non-existent compared to our New Jerusalem of Britain.

Why? Is it because they are taught to show respect for their elders and, just as importantly, themselves and others?

Yes – but they are taught this not only through their families but also in schools and importantly, through martial arts training in the schools themselves.

What? I hear those not familiar with martial arts say? Teach the youngsters to hit each other more efficiently? You must by joking!

I have a confession to make – when I was younger I was a bit of a bad lad. I used to fight a lot on the streets.

What made me stop? Martial Arts, stupid! I joined a local karate class. I was full of myself, thinking that no one wearing silly white pyjamas would be able to beat me, a street-fighting veteran of many encounters.

But after getting the proverbial kicked out of me in very quick order I realised I knew nothing.
And so what did I learn? How to hurt people? Yes. But what did I really learn! I was taught over the gruelling months of training (and it was very hard in those days) that it wasn’t about fighting it was about respect.

Respect for yourself, respect for your teacher, respect for martial arts, but most of all respect for others.

That was down to discipline.

“Get down give me ten press ups, now!� my Sensei would say when I made a mistake.

And down I went. Did I resent this? No, because my Sensei and rest of the class would join me in solidarity to show that we were together in this. It was team building with constant encouragement that I could achieve.

Since that first day I joined that class more than 20-odd years ago I have never instigated a violent act again (I’ve had a few try it on me however!).

Why? Respect.

“Martial artists don’t hurt people,� enthused my Sensei. “They help those less fortunate than themselves. That is the Budo way - to Serve.�

A friend of mine, a North East martial arts instructor, posed the question recently “Why not teach kids martial arts in schools so they learn respect.�

I’m living proof that it works.

And so are many other martial artists across the UK – we are the least likely group of people in society that are likely to use violence as a means to an end.

Let us teach the kids in schools and help to turn this lost generation around.

Martial arts gives so many benefits to young people: discipline; respect for self and others; fitness; confidence; structure and authority.

Give the martial arts instructors the feral youths and we’ll turn them in to adults with the attitude of RESPECT.

What do you think? Send me your comments.

Comments (12)

Anonymous wrote...

Last wednesday my son who is a student at northumbria uni was attacked (for no reason)whilst walking home from a rugby match. About 11 to 12 pm near the pedestrian bridge from the uni campus over the underpass. He was attacked by two 18/19 year olds about 6 foot tall skinny (you know the type - cream of society). He must have looked an easy target - slightly drunk, alone etc. Unfortunately (for them) he is about 6ft1 15+ stone, plays rugby for uni, has a little martial background. He said whithout thinking he avoided the first punch, shirt collared the assailant and ran him into a hot dog van. Avoided the second assailant helping him to the ground as he went. To be again attacked by the first one which he accidently 'clotheslined'.
He then walked casually and calmly away.
The thing which upset him was the hot dog man shouting at him for attacking his van with a thug. He said 'I couldnt help it'.
On a serious note these thugs had mayhem in mind (if 'mind' is an operative word in their case). Any innocent would do and how far would they have gone with my son if he were a less able lad - or some other persons child? Would they have kicked or stabbed him to death??
Whats happening folks!!
When are the government going to get their fingers out - root causes are a thing to look at first - then proper sanctions.
Hear the latest - residents should patrol and sort out their neighborhoods - all when a leaked report arises about the home office wanting to reduce police numbers!!

Posted by: Anonymous  | February 14, 2008 1:12 PM

A very upset citizen wrote...

Are you winding me up or what?. Respect from feral youths are you kidding. How are we as a nation supposed to teach respect to kids when the damage has already been done. Take a look around my friend, we live in a nanny state with a goverment of losers, most of which have more convictions than the kids. Children of today know the law and know what they can get away with.

I mean take a look at the state of the countries police force, under paid and over worked and some of them just out of school. Their kids in uniforms with G.C.S.E'S etc. The UK laws are soft and out of touch, the judges are even worse, handing out stupid sentences for serious crimes because the prisons are full or it abuses their human rights. Its madness, this country is going to the dogs and fast.

I don't care what the law says, if a gang of hoodies or some young punk gives me trouble they'll get a couple of day's holiday in hospital. I mean take a good look around the estates, beer bottles, rubbish, graffiti, damage to public and private property, gang's of youth hanging around streets hurling abuse at people. I have seen kids around the age of seven or eight drinking stella, i mean how do they get away with it. Where are the policemen on foot patrol like we had when i was a youth, I'll tell you were, stuck at a desk pushing pens because of goverment red tape. Instead we have community support officers that walk round trying to act as policemen, most of the time the kids take the mick out of them anyway.

I used to be proud to be British, even served my counrty to, but this is not Britain anymore, There is a feeling in most folk that we are becoming second class citizens, to afraid to speak out incase it upsets refugees etc. I am not a racist, never have been and never will be, but if you want to live on British soil you should follow British laws end of story, the problem is the bunch of weaklings that call themselves the goverment are to afraid to take the problems by the testimonials and sort it out in case it upsets europe etc.
If you really want to sort out the youth bring back national service, that will sort them out. We spend to much time wrapping them in cotton wool because of all the do gooders in this country. It's about time we made a stand and get this county sorted, i mean when i was a nipper these sort of things were unheard of and the fear of one's parents kept us in line or a back hander from the local bobby. Now don't get me wrong i was no angel as a youth, but i would never of gone has far as some of the things the youth do today.

You lot can blog as much as you like but just how much talking do you think will change the problems this country is challenged with. the goverments have been going to take tougher action for years on these matters but nothing happens, so what do you lot think you can achieve on a blog page.

Posted by: A very upset citizen  | February 15, 2008 3:18 PM

phil doherty wrote...

hello Very upset citizen,
I obviously touched a nerve with this blog.
I agree with you that we are too often too soft on those youths who go around causing trouble.
But I've been involved in covering anti-social behaviour through a column that used to be in the main paper - so I'm not as 'Green' as you seem to think I am.
I'd also like to point out that its only a small percentage of kids that cause trouble (around five pc) and the majority of youngsters are respectful and law-abiding.
Secondly - you'll NEVER get the British
military to accept National Service again. They have stated this position over and over. (Although, I agree it would do the tearaways a world of good!)
So what is the answer? We have to start bringing discipline and respect back into kids lives some how and martial arts would be a good way to start on this. However, it certainly is not the full answer and it would have to be part of a wider agenda. (Tougher sentencing; better school discipline etc)
Just giving in is not an option


Posted by: phil doherty  | February 15, 2008 3:42 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Controversial indeed...
Just a few issues with MR Upset Citizen:
A few inconsitencies here:
"I don't care what the law says, if a gang of hoodies or some young punk gives me trouble they'll get a couple of day's holiday in hospital."
Later he writes:
".. but if you want to live on British soil you should follow British laws end of story"
So which laws are these then? And just what constitutes a "nanny state" then - one in which free healthcare and education are available for all? It is a myth to think Britain is some special case - this is a worldwide problem. Was the past really so free of violence, visions of semi-mythical and benevolent "bobbies" aside. Remember the razor gangs of Glasgow, the seafront battles between mods and rockers. We tolerate violence as a whole a lot less...if you do hospitalise a "hoody" then you will almost certainly face jail time.
This immigration thing is a red herring too...most people who come here want to get there heads down and work. It is our own communities that breed these problems..grim inner cities, negative role models, feelings of powerlessness and alienation, envy of the flaunted wealth of the rich...the reason are too colmplex to be reduced to a few soundbites as is the wont of the tabloid press.
Certainly I agree..martial arts can teach us a lot about respect and co-operation, and make us think twice before acting violently in the world outside by giving us more options, and less fear.

Posted by: Anonymous  | February 15, 2008 4:36 PM

John B wrote...

Some interesting points you make MR UPSET CITIZEN, but if you're so upset then use those so called testimonials you have and use your real name. I admit there are some issues that get my boiling when it comes to the kids of today. However as Phil points out there are a number of factors that make up the problem. I also admit that at times i would like to thump some of your so called hoodies, but would that sort the problem of today's youth, me think's not.

I to served my country and i am damn proud of it, and i get sick of people like you whom can only moan under a different name. If you are so upset by these issues then do something about it. How about you give some of your free time to work with kids and teach them repect. I can see your point over the respect you may have had as a child through fear of your parents and the local copper, however this is 2008 not 1908. Before you mouth off at community support officers just remember they do it for the sake of their communities, and at least they're on the streets trying to make a difference mate. What have you done to make things better.

I work with the youths of today teaching martial arts and have seen the benefits it can bring to people's lives and make them good people, but just remember even good people have limits.

Since your an expert in all things, how about you give your thoughts on the other blogs on this website. Who knows you could be the miracle we have all been waiting for. Tell you what mate, if you can solve all these problem overnight i'll vote for you as prime minister.

PS. the B stands For Barrass, see i know my real name.

Posted by: John B  | February 15, 2008 5:14 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Mr anonymous (the second blogger on this thread) is not the original anonymous. Please call yourself anon2 so we dont get mixed up as our views may differ at times. IThaankyoo
Anon1

Posted by: Anonymous  | February 17, 2008 3:06 PM

second class citizen wrote...

its stated that it is only 5% of the nations youth that are causing all the trouble. Thats gotta be one very large 5%. Because on practically every street corner, every off licence, waste ground, bus station, metro station, they are there. Harrassing the public, scaring and intimidating and generally being a nuisence. It is having a knock on effect and is setting a trend that kids seem to think is fashionable. Now i know that it isnt all of our youth but it is a large portion. Maybe not everyone sees this especially the people in their bought house estates. where their children can play and congregate under the watchful eyes of their parents, on play areas that the local authorities have built because they think that it is worth the money in these nice areas. but not on rundown estates earmarked for demolition. so i could be saying that it is the local and national governments who are to blame. the government does not care about ourselves and our children.
Why cant the government make training compulsory straight from school, or send disruptive and unruly youths to a bootcamp instead of just slapping their wrists. Bring back national service make cadet forces compulsory or start martial arts in schools where the dicipline and mind training is needed the most. This government is pathetic, they are only interested in taking our hard earned cash and spending it on something stupid like, oh i dont know, a war. they need to focus on the most important issue that Great Britain has.

Posted by: second class citizen  | February 17, 2008 4:59 PM

phil doherty wrote...

I should maybe clarify the five per cent of youths - these are the persistent trouble-makers.
There is a larger proportion who cause trouble sometimes - but as has already been stated by another commentor kids have always got themselves into mischief.
I think the problem now is the nature of the mischief - its seems to have escalated.
There is only so much the Government can do, ditto the police and other authorities.
What is really needed is a renaissance in justice and sentences that mean business, rights earned through responsibility, much tougher discipline in school and parents taking responsibility for their off-spring (fine them if necessary).
But communities have to play a part and so does the individual.
A couple of weeks ago both Ray "Robocop" Mallon and Mike Craig, Chief Constable of Northumbria Police stated in the Sunday Sun that the citizen has to start challenging these youths. I agree with this (with the caveat - only if its safe to do so!).
In Sunderland there was a serious sexual assault where car and taxi drivers ignored a woman being dragged off. Shocking!
Mind I'd like to get some of these top politicians to come up and live for a month on some estates - they might not be so yuff-rights orientated then!
To get back to the original topic - martial arts would never be a cure all but it could play a part - maybe just a small part - in giving some youths some direction. Peer-pressure is a strange thing. When you belong to a martial arts club certain things are expected of you. You are expected to be law-biding, respect yourself and others, respect the art and club and it ethos, respect other martial arts, respect all cultures and treat people equally, to Serve others and not to put self first, to do good and not harm...I could go on.
Aren't these worthwhile things to teach young people?
It might be true that this generation is lost. But if martial arts were taught in schools to young children before they turn feral it could make a difference as part of a much bigger effort.

Posted by: phil doherty  | February 17, 2008 10:19 PM

John B wrote...

Anonymous 1, anonymous 2, upset citizen and second class citizen. You guys going to use your real name or have you forgotten them.

Nice come back phil to Mr second class citizen. I find it amusing that local police are asking us to police our own areas where we live and take responsibility for certain actions with youths whom cause trouble. Well I have actually done this and all I got for my trouble was a warning from the police I could be charged for breach of the peace, just because i stopped a neighbours car from been stolen. Besides, why do we pay taxes for law and order if we have to do it our selves.

John barrass.

Posted by: John B  | February 20, 2008 2:35 PM

JonnyComeLately wrote...

Okay John B, we get it. This is the Internet, you can call yourself what you like and post any opinion you care to.

Back to the topic - personally, I think The Kids should be made to perform national and international civil service along the lines of America's Peace Corps.

Broaden their minds, given them something positive to do and teach them about discipline.

Either that or bring back the stocks.

Posted by: JonnyComeLately  | February 24, 2008 4:14 PM

anon1 wrote...

U know me well.
Yup untill the law is clarified and common sense and moral justice is considered it is a very dodgy thing to intervene - the police are only too happy to 'apply' the 'law' AGAINST the good citizen. its a very easy point or two on the target board and a lot easier than dealing with a pack of yobs. Especially if the good citizen has a smattering of martial arts experience, after all we are all experts eh?? There is no incentive to be a good citizen if you risk arrest for doing so. A great shame that in this once proud country the nice guys are on the run. theres lots of talk from the yoof lobby but how about some positive action - lets try address the problems. Its a fact that teenagers are or can be in the right conditions the most dangerous sector of society (they have not developed empathy - poor moral limits) and have poor perception of boundaries. You are much more likely to be killed by young 'yobs' than by older age groups. What are the limits a good citizen can go to defend themselves legally????

Posted by: anon1  | February 25, 2008 1:07 PM

Anon1 wrote...

Hi all.
Bit quiet? Just reading over the weekend that some schools in scotland have hired a 'company' to provide self defence/awareness seminars/days for students and also some parents (out of school hours). I believe the parents are financing the courses.
Good idea. I have (a couple of years ago)actually ran a session at the school where I work - the kids loved it. Unfortunately subsequent sessions were sidelined for tennis, archery, ping pong, etc. Wonder why? Could it be perception again - or maybe we should set up a company and charge a small fortune to be taken seriously. You would think that with the current 'situation' in the streets there would be a rush for such classes to be started.
As the readers who frequent this blog will know, most of us have a lifetimes experience in martial arts, are highly qualified, know about conflict management etc - maybe if we were ping pong champions as well it may help - 'break out the bats'!

Posted by: Anon1  | July 7, 2008 1:06 PM

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