| Do you ever wonder why there are so many | | | | This is the life cycle of competition. It's what |
| rules in competitions? | | | | makes the given martial-arts sport interesting to |
| From UFC to Fencing, Kickboxing to Judo, there | | | | watch. |
| are just so many rules. | | | | Not only is it necessary, but it's fascinating to |
| Did you know that not all rules were created for | | | | historically track the martial progression of the |
| the sake of safety? | | | | limitations. It's what keeps the competitions alive. |
| Some regulations were instituted to limit or | | | | Practical Application For Real Self Defense |
| eliminate certain actions which would "make it too | | | | On the other hand, this is not conducive to the |
| easy to win." | | | | "anything goes" philosophy required for truly |
| Anytime you get a situation where a specific | | | | practical defense: |
| movement seems to trump all others, the | | | | All of the limitations of a sport, while forcing |
| powers that be change it, so that the sport | | | | precision, are still limitations. |
| doesn't become boring. | | | | To be a truly efficient self-defense practitioner, |
| Note: Yes, sometimes that 'trump move' could | | | | you need all of those moves that are illegal in the |
| hurt, too. So, it's eliminated for safety reasons, as | | | | ring. You have to be able to perform them |
| well. After all, a poked out eye would make for | | | | without thought. |
| an easy win, which for obvious reasons, can't be | | | | You need to be able to move without restriction. |
| allowed. | | | | And you don't want to take the time to have to |
| If you like competition and/or want to test your | | | | think, to even take the millisecond to say to |
| skills against others, then rule modification is bound | | | | yourself, "This isn't the ring; this is real; turn off all |
| to happen. Rather than getting depressed, | | | | of the rules, now!" |
| celebrate these limitations. | | | | You have the competition camp and you have |
| They are forcing you to improve and find other | | | | the practical-application camp (real self defense). |
| ways. As the sport refines, your skill will progress; | | | | They are two distinctly different philosophies. |
| you'll get better and better. | | | | One is not better than the other. They serve two |
| More rules will be imposed, which will force you to | | | | purposes. |
| improve yet again. | | | | |