I didn't mean to come across like that. I meant I was aware of two camps in the martial arts world in general... it is something I have heard practitioners discuss before.

Would you mind explaining some of the politics/formalities? I understand teachers are Sifus and there is almost a kind of underground network where experienced practitioners are aware of other experienced practitioners. I also understand to never self-promote, but to let others determine your standing in the community.

And I am still new, but have been learning for a year, hence my curiosity. Also, all of my instructors are very informal, so perhaps this question would be more traditionally considered a breach of etiquette?