When it pertains to cars, people have their preferences. Some like cars from certain counties, such as Germany, Sweden, Japan, or the United States. Some like certain manufacturers, such as Ford, VW, BMW, or Mazda. Some cars have extras, such as GPS, leather seats, wood trim, etc., all of which add noting to the performance of the vehicle. Some cars are made for specialized purposes, such as the SUV, van, or wagon. However, all cars are basically the same, four wheels, a steering wheel, brakes, windshield, headlights, taillights, etc. The ‘in” cars, the one everyone want to have, changes periodically. The current “in” vehicle is the Cadillac Escalade. However, like it or not, the number one selling car is the Toyota Camry. It got to be the number one best selling car by providing a quality vehicle that the public wants, and by making a car that is reliable and does what the public wants it to do, and do well.
When it pertains to the martial arts, people have their preferences. Some like martial arts from certain counties, such as Japan, Okinawa, or the United States. Some like certain systems, such as Karate, Judo, or Wrestling. Some martial arts have extras, such as weapons, fancy uniforms, elaborate techniques, etc. Some martial arts are indented for specialized purposes, such as only punching, only kicking, or ground fighting. However, all martial arts are basically the same, armed or unarmed combat against another human. The current “in” martial art system is “ground fighting.” However, like it or not, the number one best selling martial art is Taekwondo. It got to be the number one best selling martial art by providing a product that the public wants, and by providing a quality martial art that is reliable and does what the public wants it to do, and do well.
If you want to study another martial art that has limited scope and limited availability, that is your prerogative. If you want to pursue the latest “in” martial art, then go for it. However, if you want to study an all around, effective martial art that may be used for defense and sport, and is available in every city in the world, then study Taekwondo. Like it or not, Taekwondo offers what the public wants.