Highly opinionated people don’t usually ask for anyones opinion. They think they have the answers for everything and are easily offended by any opposing view. Highly opinionated people tend to lack a bit of empathy or understanding toward anyone who doesn’t think their way. Their minds are closed off because they already know the right answers and they are busy telling you what they are.
.
Everything is black and white with only a few gray areas. Rules and roles comfort them because they know what to expect. It’s even better if they are in charge of creating those rules and roles. They know what you should be doing, and if you don’t do what they expect you to do they can get very upset.
.
Regardless of the person, it is the opinion that counts, its source, and the evidence from which is was formed. The best way to deal with an highly opinionated person (other than ignoring them) is to find out WHY they believe it to be true. That way you can learn if their opinion is valid, if its source and evidence is reliable, and whether you should take it into account when forming your own opinions.
.
As an example, in recent months some karateka have questioned the role of ‘hikite’, and also ‘wrist grabs’ have come into question. With some dogmatic minority being quite vocal during the debates on-line, adding profanity to their cause to try and justify their overrated, sometimes uneducated opinions.
.
Karate can only express itself though the karateka that practice it. There are some who are thoughtful, open-minded, pragmatic and enthusiastic. This in turn manifests a karate that has a deep and true tradition, is open to new ideas, appreciates the value of self-examination, is functional.
.
Unfortunately there are still a few of the ‘know-it-alls’ left who like being the only expert on any topic, even if they’ve never ‘been there’ or ‘done that.’ They will find cracks in any idea you offer, even if it’s correct.
.
So if their opinions are right, learn from them. And try to learn their methods. If their opinions are wrong, try to discern how they got off track, so you don’t make the same mistakes.
.
Of course, this is mostly based on my own opinions… ??
.
.
? Original Photo Credit: Jesse Enkamp.. karatebyjesse .com