<div> From: John Grigg <possiblepaths2050@gmail.com></div>
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<div>I hope in time the Boy Scout leadership will change their mind regarding having a martial arts merit badge.</div>
<div>John</div>
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<div> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm not sure if I agree with the idea of a martial arts merit badge. In principle it sound like a good idea, but the virtues gained from martial arts are attained slowly<br>
at a controlled pace. Or certainly should be if the practitioner manages to avoid the rainbow belt Mc'Dojo's which are far too numerous. I don't think much can be taught in the time scale of gaining a merit badge other than basic self defence. Which doesn't begin to cover the self respect and self control issues. Still if it is coupled with the grade system so a Scout could only start his badge when they have attained a certain grade, then this would be very good.<br>
Personally I would rather see kids attending both Scouts and a decent dojo.<br>
<br>
Alex<br>
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