Martial Arts or Self Defense?

Art or Defence?

I have a great respect for all the styles of fighting, whether they be considered as Martial Arts or Self Defense.

However, I do recommend that if you are looking to get started in Martial arts or Self Defense yourself then you should take a close look into the various styles that are available to you and ensure the one that you choose satisfies your particular needs.

Everyone is different and has different reasons for wanting to train, so do a little research and first decide whether you are looking for Martial arts or Self Defense.

Self Defense, Competition or Tradition?

Are you hoping to train in a traditional style? Are you looking for a competitive sport, just wanting to keep in shape, looking for a recreational activity for the family or want a style that is designed specifically for personal protection?

Not only does each style have a different focus but each instructor, even within the same style has his own ideas and variations too, so it is well worth having a good chat with the instructor before you commit yourself. Most organizations will let you try a few classes before you commit to joining.

If it is personal protection skills that you hope to develop, then be sure to choose a Martial arts or Self Defense that at least dedicates some time specifically to that.

A teacher of a specific system may be an expert in his own Dojo (training hall), in a particular style; it does not necessarily mean that they are an expert in modern personal protection. In some cases they may well be but Martial arts or Self Defense do not necessarily go hand in hand.

Traditional styles

Often dedicate a great deal of time to Patterns of movements called Kata which are sequences of techniques, simulating a person taking-on one or more opponents. Often they involve speed, power, great poise and flexibility. These can be a good training aid but offer little assistance to most people when it comes to practical modern personal protection.

The very fact that some styles are traditional, this immediately indicates they have not evolved to suit many modern day situations. They are taught in their own original ways that may be hundreds of years old.

Some styles are still taught using the language of their originating country, but modern styles of Martial arts or Self Defense are normally taught in English or whatever your local language may be.

There are many styles specializing in different aspects. Some styles specialize in kicking (Tae kwon do), others in punching (Boxing) or throwing (Judo)or even joint manipulations (Aikido). Some can be learned very quickly but others take many months or years to perfect.

Many styles do not prepare you for when an attacker comes in close contact or takes you to the ground as these may not be techniques that are allowed under the rules of a particular style. In a street attack, anything goes, an attacker does not follow any rules.

Fully Functional

To be fully functional Martial arts or Self Defense must be very simple and practical, this makes it useable by anyone, regardless of size and age. They need to be simple techniques and strategies that can be learned quickly.

We must be able to teach techniques and strategies to a complete range of people ranging from our Brothers, to Sisters, Mothers and Grandmothers. Many Martial Arts or Self Defense curriculums will certainly not allow for this. In fact, oftentimes they are not suited to the very people who need to learn it most.

Competition

For a moment, picture two competitive fighters in a tournament, facing each other. They have prepared for weeks or even months, physically they are in great shape.

Let's take away the referee together with the rules that he was there to enforce, now anything goes, they're not restricted to the same variety of moves that their art or style is restricted to.

Take away the protective gear such as gloves, the foot pads, padded head gear, groin protector and mouth guard. Take away the matting and replace it with concrete, let's add some brick walls and remove the lighting. Take away the crowd and anyone else who may have been ready to jump in and break them apart.

Change the sporting arena to a back alley, a back lane, maybe a kitchen, a bedroom or even a lounge and let's make available all the weapons in each of these environments: glass, steel bars, screw drivers, knives and other items that you may not even recognize as a weapon.

Mindset

There is a different type of mindset required for a street encounter that is not necessarily covered by the average class.

In many cases it may not even be such an organized stand off but more likely it will be initiated with a blind sided attack, a mugging or even an attempted rape. Change the odds and replace one of the fighters with another who is fifty pounds lighter so it's no longer a match fight, change the attacker to two men or more. In reality, there is no luxury of a match fight where you have paired two fighters of similar size and experience.

No two scenarios are exactly the same!

Many traditional students may well be in great physical shape but are they prepared mentally for such a street encounter? In most cases, the answer is no. Many experienced competition fighters have gone to pieces in a street fight mainly because of the mind set required and also, what works in the training hall may not be practical on the street, especially if space is restricted.

Experience

We should all take note and learn from those who encounter and survive real violent attacks. There is also something to learn from those who did not survive!

Competition fighters know when they are going to be competing, therefore they can physically and mentally prepare. An attack on the street can happen in an instant. It is this surprise that causes people to panic if they are not always prepared.

There is no preparation time given for a street attack. It may happen when you least expect it, when you least need it or when you least want it.

For this reason we have to train under difficult conditions such as having one arm tied behind your back to simulate an injured arm, put marbles in your shoe to simulate an injured foot, in confined spaces, pinned to the ground, multiple attackers and so on. If you have been exposed regularly to high stress situations in training, it will certainly help you to handle the stress of an attack outside.

If you encounter a nervous anticipation prior to attending a regular class, then they are doing something well to help create that feeling.

Violent situations are often glamorized by Hollywood with a hero using an array of fancy techniques against numerous attackers with an assortment of weapons but the reality is anything but, it's bloody, gruesome, dirty and often ends in death. Those lucky enough to survive, may end up with broken bones, smashed in faces, or any number of serious injuries, in many cases causing physical and mental scars that may never heal.

In conclusion

I would say, if you are looking to learn Martial arts or Self Defense, then take a Course or find a combative style that trains specifically for modern protection. Learn some physical skills, research the theoretical aspects and join or form your own organization with other like-minded individuals who see value in practical skills in a controlled environment.

There is a difference between teaching people to do whatever is required to survive as opposed to teaching people how to fight!

Develop belief in yourself, control fear, avoid panic, avoidance through an increase in awareness, verbal skills to diffuse or deescalate a situation and also simple and effective techniques that you can make effective under high stress, are all skills that are not necessarily taught in Martial Arts or Self Defense classes.

Attitude

Whether you are training in Martial arts or Self Defense, much of it is down to the individual and his attitude towards training. Gain the maximum effect from your sessions, regardless of which direction you choose to go.

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